As the global queer community faces mounting oppression, scaled-back rights, and increasing violence, it is becoming more necessary than ever to provide stories of queer hope and love. I was lucky enough to get a copy of Peglo’s gorgeous To the Stars and Back Vol. 1 to review, and it truly was such a joy to read. First released as an online comic via Webtoon, “To the Stars and Back” quickly grew a loyal following, leading to the adorable comic being finally published in physical form by Little, Brown Ink. For fans of the original Webtoon, this physical graphic novel also includes a truly adorable new bonus story that has never been published online!
While To the Stars and Back certainly is a sweet, heartwarming story of queer love, it also does not shy away from the impacts of trauma or oppression, giving the comic a level of depth that not every “slice of life” series is able to balance. I was able to read the entire first volume in one long sitting, partly because it was so accessible, and partly because I was literally addicted and could not put it down. In fact, after I finished, my husband picked it up and also read it in one sitting (staying up way later than he usually does to read the whole comic).
Little, Brown Ink
“To the Stars and Back” follows the isolated and seemingly rude Kang Dae as he breaks out of his shell and finds himself after meeting the bubbly and gregarious Bo Seon. What follows is a beautiful, frustrating, and deeply hopeful story of connection, friendship, and personal growth. Featuring a fun cast of characters, To the Stars and Back is written and illustrated by Peglo in his debut graphic novel (thankfully, he is debuting a new supernatural romance Webtoon original “Superfish” this year). The art is illustrated in a very classic Webtoon manga style, but with a very special, almost “sketchy” look that adds a lot of personality. The small details in the art – especially Peglo’s facial expressions – make every page exciting, although I do wish some of the background had been filled in a bit more in the transition from Webtoon to physical graphic novel.
There are so many sweet moments throughout the first volume, as Kang Dae begins to recognize his growing romantic feelings for Bo Seon, and also uncovers the truth of the traumas from his past. From Bo Seon accidentally falling into Kang Dae’s lap, to Kang Dae becoming ultra-protective of the naive Bo Seon, To the Stars is a perfect slow-burn romance that will make any reader clamoring for more, more, more. Thankfully, the second volume of the series is releasing in May, so anyone who falls in love with Kang Dae and Bo Seon will get a chance to continue their love story in just a few short months.
I would highly recommend To the Stars and Back Vol. 1 to anyone who enjoyed reading or watching Heartstopper. Peglo’s thoughtful balance of complex emotions and adorable slice-of-life romance makes this comic not only fun and heartwarming but deep and thoughtful. You can’t help rooting for the brooding Kang Dae and innocent Bo Seon, both of whom are quickly revealed to be much more than what their surfaces reveal. With cute art, a great ghost-haunting subplot, and some sexy (but not smutty, in case you were wondering) moments, To the Stars and Back Vol. 1 will tug on your heartstrings, make you squeal with anticipation, and sigh in relief. I really cannot wait for Volume 2.
Little, Brown Ink
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