To the Stars and Back (A Graphic Novel): Volume 1

Touching grumpy x sunshine romantic drama, where two boys brought together by chance (and affordable lodging) navigate friendship, university challenges, growing feelings, and opening up from past trauma. Brooding Kang Dae is a writer and happily isolated until talkative Bo Seon crashes into his life with cookies, artistic dreams, a pair of dramatic friends, and some past hurts that every once in a while dim his smile. Slowly yet surely, Kang Dae is drawn out of his shell and learns to put down his prickly walls - and, gasp, even offer apologies! - and look forward to the warmth of friends and companionship.

There's prickly introductions, funny misunderstandings, classic introvert problems like googling how to make friends, healing from past trauma, and hilarious side characters in the pushy, but well-meaning Kyo and Cindee. Although the tone overall is very touching and sincere, it's also light and uplifting, with plenty of comedic beats (haunted classroom anyone?), a sassy school announcement board, and the landlord who just always catches Kang Dae and Bo Seon at the worst time.

Note, the printed text is pretty small. Be prepared with good lighting.

This first volume is a fun introduction that brings one arc to a close and leaves one excited for the possibilities ahead.

Kang Dae has spent most of his time alone and prefers this, so it isn’t a surprise that he isn’t too thrilled when Bo Seon moves next door and tries befriending him. Kang Dae warms up to Bo Seon and allows their friendship to blossom, which also includes Bo Seon’s friends becoming part of his inner circle. As these two spend more time together, they both realize that they have romantic feelings for one another, but unfortunately for them, past trauma and the fact that neither has been in a relationship are getting in their way. Are they going to be able to overcome these obstacles?

What I Liked: This book jumps right into the story with a hilarious scene that gets Kang Dae his fun nickname from Bo Seon. It's interesting to see the way in which Bo Seon’s introduction into Kang Dae’s life changes his demeanor for the better, and the impact that they both end up having on each other.

There are many humorous moments as Kang Dae tries to navigate his growing romantic feelings for Bo Seon. In addition to humorous moments, this book does a great job sprinkling in serious moments, such as the quest to hunt a ghost, Kang Dae investigating his past, and Bo Seon admitting to the struggles he is having balancing life and university.

The illustrations throughout this book do a great job in moving the story along, and there are moments in which the illustrations speak louder than the text. The sound effects that are included throughout are a nice touch, as they let you hear what is happening in those moments.

Final Verdict: To The Stars and Back is a fun slice-of-life graphic novel that follows the daily lives of Kang Dae and Bo Seon. This book is perfect for those of you who enjoy slice-of-life manga, LGBTQ+ romance, and/or grumpy and sunshine dynamics. Young adults ages 13 and up, as well as adults, will enjoy the silly antics that the friend group gets up to, as well as the unintended romantic moments that happen between Kang Dae and Bo Seon before either has come upfront about their feelings.