Review of Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks

Title: Comics Will Break Your Heart
Author:  Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Release Date: February 12, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: ★★★

Synopsis:

Miriam’s family should be rich. After all, her grandfather was the co-creator of smash-hit comics series The TomorrowMen. But he sold his rights to the series to his co-creator in the 1960s for practically nothing, and now that’s what Miriam has: practically nothing. And practically nothing to look forward to either-how can she afford college when her family can barely keep a roof above their heads? As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, Miriam’s life gets much more complicated when a cute boy shows up in town . . . and turns out to be the grandson of the man who defrauded Miriam’s grandfather, and heir to the TomorrowMen fortune.

In her endearing debut novel, cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks pens a sensitive and funny Romeo and Juliet tale about modern romance, geek royalty, and what it takes to heal the long-festering scars of the past (Spoiler Alert: love). 

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Filled with laughs, swoons, and comic book culture, book nerdigans are going to love Comics Will Break Your Heart. Set up as a mild enemies-to-lovers story, this book builds a story around multiple generations caught in an emotional and legal battle involving a comic book franchise. As the newer generation, in this case Miriam and Weldon, get the brunt gossip of the past, both teenagers try to build a friendship without being pelted with bitter feelings from various familial perspectives.

Comics Will Break Your Heart takes a realistic approach in describing the vulnerability and anger that often encompasses situations that teenagers experience, such as friendships growing apart, college worries, first love, and financial problems. All of these situations are not sugar-coated, but fully unravel as the story progresses. There are tears, heartache, and throwing coffee cups at windows, but there is also comfort, much-needed hugs, and wide-open communication. Additionally, I really enjoyed the family dynamics in this book. Miriam’s parents are so heartwarming and funny. And her father has the best sense of humor…he’s the typical father that has so many “dad jokes” that had me laughing out loud throughout the book.

If you are fan of comic books and comic conventions, the nerdy side of this book is so welcoming. These characters have a passion for creativity and respect for one another. As a quirky and quick read, Comics Will Break Your Heart provides a realistic understanding of life’s woes and unpredictability. Add in a dash of romance and “POW,” the story unfolds with compassion and forgiveness in the mix. Comics Will Break Your Heart is not a full-on rom-com but it is very sweet and funny at times.

 

Note: Thank you to Fierce Reads for providing me an early copy of this book to read and review. I was not compensated for this review. All statements and opinions in this review are mine.