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To the Stars and Back #1
To the Stars and Back, Volume One
Opposites attract in this sweet neighbors-to-lovers romance based on a WEBTOON favorite—now with an exclusive new bonus story! Perfect for fans of Heartstopper looking for their next sweet slow-burn queer romance.
Introverted university student Kang Dae spends most of his time alone, and he prefers it this way. So he’s initially unhappy when bubbly new student Bo Seon moves into his apartment complex and sets out to befriend him. But before Kang Dae realizes it, his life has changed irrevocably.
As the two become closer, they slowly realize they have romantic feelings for each other; but neither has been in a real relationship before and both have trauma in their pasts. Will they be able to embrace the possibilities of what could be, or will they find that a new romance is a bridge too far?
A top ten slice-of-life WEBTOON with over one million subscribers, this beloved webcomic is now available in a beautiful new format, where you can see episodes 1-101 of Kang Dae and Bo Seon's relationship unfold— in all its beautiful, awkward, and heartwarming glory—with this can't-miss collectible edition.
Introverted university student Kang Dae spends most of his time alone, and he prefers it this way. So he’s initially unhappy when bubbly new student Bo Seon moves into his apartment complex and sets out to befriend him. But before Kang Dae realizes it, his life has changed irrevocably.
As the two become closer, they slowly realize they have romantic feelings for each other; but neither has been in a real relationship before and both have trauma in their pasts. Will they be able to embrace the possibilities of what could be, or will they find that a new romance is a bridge too far?
A top ten slice-of-life WEBTOON with over one million subscribers, this beloved webcomic is now available in a beautiful new format, where you can see episodes 1-101 of Kang Dae and Bo Seon's relationship unfold— in all its beautiful, awkward, and heartwarming glory—with this can't-miss collectible edition.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
May 18, 2026
ALL THE ⭐ AND BACK
PEGLO WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING
WHY ARE ALL YOUR CHARACTERS AMAZING
and most importantly,
WHY ISN'T VOLUME TWO AT THE LIBRARY YET
as someone with relationship trauma (no official diagnosis), i really didn't think kang dae was going to be able to redeem himself with his shitty attitude, and yet he did. by the end of the book, i was as smitten with him as i was with my darling bo seon. his backstory is very sad, and i truly wish him the best.
bo seon complements kang dae so well. i never cared for the grumpy x sunshine because the grumpy character almost always stays the same and takes the sunshine for granted. but kang dae's gradual character change (soo well-done, by the way) and eventual self-love was because of bo seon. this man is a miracle worker with a miracle temperament.
MY HEART HAS MELTED BO SEON I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCHIF YOU WERE COOKIES I WOULD EAT YOU AND NOT THROW THEM OUT LIKE KANG DAE DID AT FIRST (and yes, i still haven't forgiven kang dae for throwing out perfectly good cookies).
the characters were extremely great, but they did lack a certain depth. i suppose more could've been said as to how kang dae came to be that angry (bullying and body dysmorphia is a lot, it just could've had more elaboration, in my opinion?) or what makes bo seon so upbeat.
i noticed that despite the series originally being on webtoon, it adapted very well to the graphic novel format. at times the graphics were a bit low-quality, but that quickly stopped being a problem. but also i stopped noticing it because the characters were just so freaking cute!!
oh, and the superfish cameos. the best part about being late to the party is not having to wait weekly for ttsab updates, or the superfish launch. yes, i'm suffering from waiting weekly for superfish updates, but i get to experience the ttsab cuteness all at once!
--
currently reading (oldest at top):
-PEGLO AND RENYAS RELATIONSHIP IS SO ADORABLE IM IN TEARS (the bookstore in the story is called "renya's bookstore") (renya is the creator of change your story check it out!) (yes i am a free advertiser i have no shame, only love)
-I DID NOT MISS THE SUPERFISH WALLPAPER AND BO SEON HAVING THE SAME STUNNED FACE AS SUPERFISH PEGLO I LOVE YOU I LOVE yoU SO MUCH WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING *starts crying as everyone seeing this looks at each other in utter bewilderment*
-WHY IS THIS SO ADORABLEEEEUHH
-HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THE "TWINE UNIVERSITY" SIGNS HAVING THE NOTES UNDER IT
-BO SEON IS SUCH A LITTLE DARLING HE EVEN HAS THE BUCKET HAT WHAT A SWEETIEPOO
--
about to start:
FUCKIN FUCK THIS WAS AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY I WAS INTERNALLY DROOLING AND WAGGING MY TAIL LIKE A CORGIS AND/OR GOLDEN RETRIEVER (not a furry but idk how else to convey my excitement)
if peglo's works were cookies i'd NEVER throw them in the trash like kang dae did!!! (yes he threw fresh-baked, delicious, homemade, welcoming gifts of COOKIES into the trash. like a BUM. he has a lot of redeeming work to do.)
-SUPERFISHHH WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE HOTTIE
--
want to read:
i love superfish so naturally i have to read everything else peglo has made
PEGLO WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING
WHY ARE ALL YOUR CHARACTERS AMAZING
and most importantly,
WHY ISN'T VOLUME TWO AT THE LIBRARY YET
as someone with relationship trauma (no official diagnosis), i really didn't think kang dae was going to be able to redeem himself with his shitty attitude, and yet he did. by the end of the book, i was as smitten with him as i was with my darling bo seon. his backstory is very sad, and i truly wish him the best.
bo seon complements kang dae so well. i never cared for the grumpy x sunshine because the grumpy character almost always stays the same and takes the sunshine for granted. but kang dae's gradual character change (soo well-done, by the way) and eventual self-love was because of bo seon. this man is a miracle worker with a miracle temperament.
MY HEART HAS MELTED BO SEON I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH
the characters were extremely great, but they did lack a certain depth. i suppose more could've been said as to how kang dae came to be that angry (bullying and body dysmorphia is a lot, it just could've had more elaboration, in my opinion?) or what makes bo seon so upbeat.
i noticed that despite the series originally being on webtoon, it adapted very well to the graphic novel format. at times the graphics were a bit low-quality, but that quickly stopped being a problem. but also i stopped noticing it because the characters were just so freaking cute!!
oh, and the superfish cameos. the best part about being late to the party is not having to wait weekly for ttsab updates, or the superfish launch. yes, i'm suffering from waiting weekly for superfish updates, but i get to experience the ttsab cuteness all at once!
--
currently reading (oldest at top):
-PEGLO AND RENYAS RELATIONSHIP IS SO ADORABLE IM IN TEARS (the bookstore in the story is called "renya's bookstore") (renya is the creator of change your story check it out!) (yes i am a free advertiser i have no shame, only love)
-I DID NOT MISS THE SUPERFISH WALLPAPER AND BO SEON HAVING THE SAME STUNNED FACE AS SUPERFISH PEGLO I LOVE YOU I LOVE yoU SO MUCH WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING *starts crying as everyone seeing this looks at each other in utter bewilderment*
-WHY IS THIS SO ADORABLEEEEUHH
-HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THE "TWINE UNIVERSITY" SIGNS HAVING THE NOTES UNDER IT
-BO SEON IS SUCH A LITTLE DARLING HE EVEN HAS THE BUCKET HAT WHAT A SWEETIEPOO
--
about to start:
FUCKIN FUCK THIS WAS AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY I WAS INTERNALLY DROOLING AND WAGGING MY TAIL LIKE A CORGIS AND/OR GOLDEN RETRIEVER (not a furry but idk how else to convey my excitement)
if peglo's works were cookies i'd NEVER throw them in the trash like kang dae did!!! (yes he threw fresh-baked, delicious, homemade, welcoming gifts of COOKIES into the trash. like a BUM. he has a lot of redeeming work to do.)
-SUPERFISHHH WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE HOTTIE
--
want to read:
i love superfish so naturally i have to read everything else peglo has made
February 24, 2025
AHAJSJAJAJHAHA ITS COMING IN PHYSICAL RAHAHAHAH
October 5, 2025
I need book 2 immediately! (due May '26). Very cute slow build on the relationship.
Kang Dae is highly introverted and thinks he wants to be alone. His new apartment neighbor Bo Seon is chatty and always positive. 'Shortie' (Bo) is the kind of up-beat friend we all need. He naturally chisels away at Kang Dae's tough shell. They both attend the nearby Uni together, where they meet a couple other friends to add to this story.
Finally, at 95% through this volume 1, we hear Kang Dae thinking to himself:
Do you even have any idea, just how loved you made me feel?
And this is purely out of friendship expressed with a hug at this point.
Did I mention I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!
Great color illustrations. Easy to read this in one Sunday afternoon sitting.
Solid 4.75*
Kang Dae is highly introverted and thinks he wants to be alone. His new apartment neighbor Bo Seon is chatty and always positive. 'Shortie' (Bo) is the kind of up-beat friend we all need. He naturally chisels away at Kang Dae's tough shell. They both attend the nearby Uni together, where they meet a couple other friends to add to this story.
Finally, at 95% through this volume 1, we hear Kang Dae thinking to himself:
Do you even have any idea, just how loved you made me feel?
And this is purely out of friendship expressed with a hug at this point.
Did I mention I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!
Great color illustrations. Easy to read this in one Sunday afternoon sitting.
Solid 4.75*
January 13, 2026
So cute!!!! I loved this. Looking forward to volume 2 that will be out in May. Meanwhile, you can read it on Webtoon.
February 28, 2025
I have the honor of reading to the stars and back when before it was an original, the before and the after. And I've re read it 10 times, it was honestly my favorite webtoon, always looked forward to it updating, now that it's over it's sad. The ending was beautiful.
If your thinking about reading this webcomic and your looking in the reviews I'm telling you to read it, it's so good and it handles issues of trauma so well and communication when it comes up. Thank you Peglo for creating something so beautiful. If I ever lose my memories I'd love to read this for the first time again.
If your thinking about reading this webcomic and your looking in the reviews I'm telling you to read it, it's so good and it handles issues of trauma so well and communication when it comes up. Thank you Peglo for creating something so beautiful. If I ever lose my memories I'd love to read this for the first time again.
May 9, 2025
adorable
January 25, 2026
WHY AM I CRYING STOPPPP 😭😭
June 13, 2026
a very very cute read. loved the characters and their relationships, and i love how relatable the author made everything. hopefully there’s a volume 2 because this was so good
March 28, 2025
An amiable story with cute art and characters.
Not liking this is hard, but it doesn’t leave a great impact to be a 5 star.
Not liking this is hard, but it doesn’t leave a great impact to be a 5 star.
March 12, 2026
SO CUTE😭😭 i loved all the characters sm!!!
April 27, 2025
THIS WAS SO CUTEEEE
January 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
🥹
🥹
February 3, 2026
this was honestly so good! had me smiling, kicking my feet grinning like a complete idiot. It was cute, heartfelt and touching.
slow burn, but so nice. I have one complain though, what's with that ending?? I can't even, lol!!
looking forward to volume 2.
slow burn, but so nice. I have one complain though, what's with that ending?? I can't even, lol!!
looking forward to volume 2.
August 6, 2025
This was….fine. It was cute and all but nothing really stuck out to me.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this e-book ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this e-book ARC.
September 22, 2025
SO CUTE!!
January 10, 2026
HOW FREAKING ADORABLE.
January 11, 2026
I'm crying, this is so beautiful. This is everything I want and more in a slow-burn romance!!!
June 15, 2026
5.25 stars. I can’t even they are sooo fucking cute!!
February 11, 2026
Incredible. This story is just pure, cozy perfection, and I’m already dying to get my hands on the next volume.
The first thing that hits you is the art. The use of color is absolutely stunning—I actually had to stop and just stare at the skies in some of these panels. I love when an artist has a distinct, non-hyperrealistic style for their characters but then backs it up with backgrounds that are so detailed and gorgeous they set the entire mood of the book. The color schemes alone gave the whole story such a warm, inviting vibe.
As for the characters, I was a little hesitant about the "sunshine vs. grump" dynamic at first, but it’s handled with so much more depth than the usual tropes. Kang Dae isn't just a "grump"; he’s clearly a kid dealing with a lot of trauma who has used isolation as a shield. Watching him realize that he isn't just being a loner, but actually being mean to people, was such a great moment of self-awareness. He realizes that's not who he is, it’s just who he became to protect himself. When he’s faced with a literal ray of sunshine like Bo Seon, you see that armor start to melt because he doesn't need it anymore.
Bo Seon is equally well-constructed. Even though he’s so open and endearing, you can tell he’s holding onto his own secrets, and I’m so curious to see those addressed later on. Even the side characters feel like real people with their own lives, not just one-dimensional plot devices.
There are so many sweet, genuine moments of friendship and romance that never felt cliché or forced. The ending actually made me tear up—it was just perfect. If you want a story with incredible art that actually has the emotional weight to back it up, this is it.
The first thing that hits you is the art. The use of color is absolutely stunning—I actually had to stop and just stare at the skies in some of these panels. I love when an artist has a distinct, non-hyperrealistic style for their characters but then backs it up with backgrounds that are so detailed and gorgeous they set the entire mood of the book. The color schemes alone gave the whole story such a warm, inviting vibe.
As for the characters, I was a little hesitant about the "sunshine vs. grump" dynamic at first, but it’s handled with so much more depth than the usual tropes. Kang Dae isn't just a "grump"; he’s clearly a kid dealing with a lot of trauma who has used isolation as a shield. Watching him realize that he isn't just being a loner, but actually being mean to people, was such a great moment of self-awareness. He realizes that's not who he is, it’s just who he became to protect himself. When he’s faced with a literal ray of sunshine like Bo Seon, you see that armor start to melt because he doesn't need it anymore.
Bo Seon is equally well-constructed. Even though he’s so open and endearing, you can tell he’s holding onto his own secrets, and I’m so curious to see those addressed later on. Even the side characters feel like real people with their own lives, not just one-dimensional plot devices.
There are so many sweet, genuine moments of friendship and romance that never felt cliché or forced. The ending actually made me tear up—it was just perfect. If you want a story with incredible art that actually has the emotional weight to back it up, this is it.
June 1, 2026
Thank you Freefall for lending me this!
I've not read many Webtoons- and so Freefall had me read this one to get started. And this was awesome.
It's whimsical and wonderful. I loved the little Twine University notes scattered every few pages- they were hilarious.
I also really empathized with Kang Dae at the beginning. I'm a bit of an introvert as well, and while I have not experienced the bullying and shame we later find out he did at the end of the novel, I understood the want to be alone and the self-imposed isolation.
Bo Seon took some getting used to for me, just like Kang Dae. He is the happiest character I have ever met in a book. It made me think "why are you so happy, stop being this optimistic THE WORLD IS SHIT", which is the entire point. He is the epitome of the ray of sunshine you know you need in your life.
Kyo was a Richard at first, but he got better. The character development hit hard here.
I have nothing but positive things to say about Cindee. She had great humor and was supportive and caring through the whole thing.
The plot twist at the end was wonderful. The foreshadowing was excellently executed.
Kang smacking his head at the pool was hilarious to me, because only swimmers feel that pain and distraction that easily. I feel you, brother.
Anyway, excellent yaoi recommendation, Freefall. I will get the next volume when I can.
I've not read many Webtoons- and so Freefall had me read this one to get started. And this was awesome.
It's whimsical and wonderful. I loved the little Twine University notes scattered every few pages- they were hilarious.
I also really empathized with Kang Dae at the beginning. I'm a bit of an introvert as well, and while I have not experienced the bullying and shame we later find out he did at the end of the novel, I understood the want to be alone and the self-imposed isolation.
Bo Seon took some getting used to for me, just like Kang Dae. He is the happiest character I have ever met in a book. It made me think "why are you so happy, stop being this optimistic THE WORLD IS SHIT", which is the entire point. He is the epitome of the ray of sunshine you know you need in your life.
Kyo was a Richard at first, but he got better. The character development hit hard here.
I have nothing but positive things to say about Cindee. She had great humor and was supportive and caring through the whole thing.
The plot twist at the end was wonderful. The foreshadowing was excellently executed.
Kang smacking his head at the pool was hilarious to me, because only swimmers feel that pain and distraction that easily. I feel you, brother.
Anyway, excellent yaoi recommendation, Freefall. I will get the next volume when I can.
September 10, 2025
*An ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I have a confession to make. Forgive me, Father, for I am an utter mushball for all things fluff and this- this was the tooth-rotting fluff I yearn for. Blissfully cute. All starry eyed doofuses with no braincells or common sense. God. This is the stuff.
Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pdf I received from the publisher so I ended up just reading the series on Webtoon. I have the feeling that the serialized format is better suited for Webtoon than the graphic novel, but I can see why someone would want to own a physical copy that they can naw on when the sugar cravings hit.
10/10. Cutesy, pure, wholesome- all those adjectives. The same dope hit of a 2am fanfic binge.
I have a confession to make. Forgive me, Father, for I am an utter mushball for all things fluff and this- this was the tooth-rotting fluff I yearn for. Blissfully cute. All starry eyed doofuses with no braincells or common sense. God. This is the stuff.
Unfortunately, I had some issues with the pdf I received from the publisher so I ended up just reading the series on Webtoon. I have the feeling that the serialized format is better suited for Webtoon than the graphic novel, but I can see why someone would want to own a physical copy that they can naw on when the sugar cravings hit.
10/10. Cutesy, pure, wholesome- all those adjectives. The same dope hit of a 2am fanfic binge.
April 19, 2026
4.2
This was really cute! Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to buy into the relationship or if the characters (especially Kang Dae) would grow on me enough, but by the end I really loved them! Since this was a webtoon, I think Peglo had the time & space to really let the story settle, which makes all the difference- it doesn't feel rushed or cramped, you have time to see the characters grow at their pace and interact with the world they're in. I didn't realize this is only volume 1 of 2, so I was a little surprised it ended without the romance getting like a real conclusion, but now I'm just excited to read the second half!
This was really cute! Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to buy into the relationship or if the characters (especially Kang Dae) would grow on me enough, but by the end I really loved them! Since this was a webtoon, I think Peglo had the time & space to really let the story settle, which makes all the difference- it doesn't feel rushed or cramped, you have time to see the characters grow at their pace and interact with the world they're in. I didn't realize this is only volume 1 of 2, so I was a little surprised it ended without the romance getting like a real conclusion, but now I'm just excited to read the second half!
May 15, 2026
To the Stars and Back is about two college students, introverted and surly Kang Dae and cheery and outgoing Bo Seon, who moves in next door. Initially irked by Bo Seon's sunny personality, Kang Dae comes to find it cute and endearing. Their relationship naturally progresses from acquaintances to friends to romantic interests. I loved this romance because it is gentle, warm, and an uplifting queer story. The art is beautiful and matches the warmth of feeling. The panels are colorful with vibrant standout shades of bright red, yellow, orange, and pink. The quality of the pages and binding are also super great.
I just keep thinking about how wonderful would it be if people could be so freely themselves like this in real life. This series is sure to appeal to tweens, teens, and adults (especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community) alike because it is affirming, positive, and joyful. I currently have this book on my AAPI Heritage display and would definitely recommend it to patrons. I am looking forward to reading Volume 2!
I just keep thinking about how wonderful would it be if people could be so freely themselves like this in real life. This series is sure to appeal to tweens, teens, and adults (especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community) alike because it is affirming, positive, and joyful. I currently have this book on my AAPI Heritage display and would definitely recommend it to patrons. I am looking forward to reading Volume 2!
June 29, 2025
To the Stars and Back by Peglo follows Kang Dae the quiet guy next door, and Bo Seon is the bubbly neighbor who’s determined to be his friend and maybe more.
Peglo’s art is super cute and perfectly captures all those shy smiles, awkward moments, and tender glances. It’s like watching a rom-com unfold in cozy comic form! It’s all about healing, friendship, and that slow, delicious build-up to love plus a sprinkle of side characters that make you smile.
⚡️Thank you Webtoon, Little, Brown Ink, Peglo, Miyuli, SH00, Violet Matter, Rouusuu and Drawniels for sharing these books with me!
Peglo’s art is super cute and perfectly captures all those shy smiles, awkward moments, and tender glances. It’s like watching a rom-com unfold in cozy comic form! It’s all about healing, friendship, and that slow, delicious build-up to love plus a sprinkle of side characters that make you smile.
⚡️Thank you Webtoon, Little, Brown Ink, Peglo, Miyuli, SH00, Violet Matter, Rouusuu and Drawniels for sharing these books with me!
June 5, 2025
This was a super cute slow burn romance graphic novel! Kang Dae and Bo Seon were super adorable and I loved watching them fall for each other. The ghost subplot kind of came out of nowhere but I really enjoyed this graphic novel.
I received an advanced copy of this graphic novel which has not affected my review.
I received an advanced copy of this graphic novel which has not affected my review.
November 5, 2025
This was a cute read, but I wanted a little more character development and backstory evenly distributed throughout the first volume of the book. The reveal of the mystery person should have hit harder. I’m curious enough to pick up volume 2 at some point.
November 16, 2025
This was such a cute story and the illustrations were stunning! Bo Seon and Kang Dae have built a beautiful friendship that's turning into a blossoming relationship. I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses in the next volume!
Thank you, Goodreads, for this giveaway!
Thank you, Goodreads, for this giveaway!
July 15, 2025
SCRUMPTIOUS
December 30, 2025
Cute. I liked the backstory but I didn't fully connect with the characters. I also am not a big fan of the college/school setting right now.
tw/cw: bullying, loneliness, implied/referenced cheating
tw/cw: bullying, loneliness, implied/referenced cheating
January 7, 2026
Omg 😭😭😭 they’re so cute I need them together NOW
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews