The heart-pounding conclusion to the sunshine-grumpy romance that is a WEBTOON sensation—now with 18 pages of swoony new comics.
Bo Seon and Kang Dae have been neighbors for months and best friends for nearly as long. Their bond has only deepened, but Bo Seon can no longer ignore the butterflies in his stomach. He likes Kang Dae, as more than a friend, but fears confessing could ruin what they already share.
On one starry night, the truth finally comes out, and everything changes. Their feelings align, and they begin a new chapter together as a couple. Yet love, they discover, is more than a confession … It requires trust. Bo Seon carries secrets from his past that he has never spoken aloud, retreating further into himself with each passing day. Kang Dae, determined and patient, vows to earn his trust before it is too late.
Tender, heartfelt, and honest, this is a story about first love, the courage it takes to be completely vulnerable, and the healing that comes when two people choose each other completely.
So cute, so precious. I bought this series for my library and picked them up on a whim today just to see if they'd be a good recommendation for some of my regulars and yes. I'm going to be recommending this to everyone.
I might be buying this one. Even for just the artwork. It is so gorgeous. But the story! Their continued story had me binge reading this one so fast and almost crying a few times. Amazing! Loved this so so much!
I liked this volume a lot more than the first. Peglo has hit his stride. The story unfolded at a nice pace, balancing sweet moments with serious ones, and I felt that Bo and Kang grew organically together as a couple.
As lovely as the first volume. I loved the Kang Dae and "shortie" relationship. They're too cute together. I was surprised by the ending, I wasn't expecting , but I loved it. I also liked that as cute as this slice of life webtoon was, the author broaches hard themes too. I liked this story a lot, it's one of those that warms your heart. If you aren't sure if it would be for you, you can give it a try on Webtoon taking advantage of their free points program.
Part two really had the romance ramp up. They were able to admit their feelings. There was finally some backstory that hit the heartstrings.
My issue was, it still felt like it wasn't enough. I wanted to see more interactions between them. I wanted to see them at graduation, a proposal. There is a jump from only kissing to married with a kid. It felt like so much was missed for a couple I really enjoyed.
I wish I had stopped at Volume 1. A lot of the things that made the first book special were abandoned in Volume 2. It felt like the narrative was following a to-do list of things that had to be addressed before concluding Bo Sean’s and Kang Dae’s story which stands in stark contrast to the slow build-up of the first part that truly made these characters come to life.
Energetic bundle-of-joy Bo Sean was now a total wreck and Kang Dae felt stuck in constant smirking mode without showing any character development. Primarily to me, however, the biggest turn-off right away were the stylistic choices. The major characters were given new looks that made them feel unrecognizable and just so… out of character. I instantly felt disconnected from them and their story.
It was like Bo Sean was given a new personality and style that matched his background. His black nail polish was a visual foreshadowing for the dark undertone of both his story and the entire Vol. 2. His character development and illustrated look felt regressive. If you quickly flip through both volumes you’ll see in Vol.1 Bo Sean is such a ray of sunshine; mostly illustrated smiling and in love but then in Vol.2 he seems like a nervous wreck and a shadow of his former self.
All of it makes it difficult to experience their love story in the same carefree way we did in Vol.1. At the end, when Bo Sean said “I love you… to the stars and back”, it was said but not felt (or at least it invoked no reaction from me as the reader). It is because the characters feel strange and their story progresses at a very different pace while there’s a thematic/vibe shift that the book constantly dives in and out of.
Serious topics like childhood abuse that made me feel sick to my stomach found their way into the novel without being properly addressed. The scene where Bo Sean shows his back covered in cigarette burns was like dropping a huge graphic bomb and then running away from it. The book was trauma dumping without trauma dealing.
I’m still giving it 3 stars only because Peglo’s writing/illustration style (especially the chibified reactions) is great and very enjoyable. I definitely look forward to reading more from them!
Overall I would say the narrative pacing, character traits, and stylistic choices that had the recipe for success down to a T from Volume 1 were discarded in Volume 2 and that was disappointing. To the Stars and Back, Volume 2 had Bo Sean and Kang Dae set a in a slightly alternate universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Where volume 1 is more about Kang Dae and his character development, this volume focuses on Bo Seon and his struggles with his past and how that trauma affects him even now. The relationship between Kang Dae and Bo Seon is very sweet and healthy and I love it, but although it was a slow burn and they're both inexperienced when it comes to being in a relationship, it sometimes felt a bit juvenile;
I love Kyo and Cindee and their relationship. They keep wearing matching outfits, a phenomenon that in the Netherlands we call "ANWB couple", and I thought that was pretty funny. There's a lot of cute jokes and Easter eggs throughout; the saga of the sign vandaliser (my headcanon will always be that it was Kyo even if it was never confirmed), the fact that Bo Seon lived in apartment 12 and Kang Dae in 13 and , references to other Webtoons (I see you, Castle Swimmer poster). There are a lot of times when scenes reference back to things that happened previously and that made the whole story seem very real and interconnected.
The way this showcases trauma and abuse without being too heavy-handed was also really well done. And I absolutely loved the epilogue, that was simply too cute.
Overall, To the Stars and Back is a very quick read because the chapters are so short, but it still manages to tell a story that pulls on your heartstrings and depicts characters that are very charming.
This was such a wonderful, heartfelt conclusion to the story. Volume 2 picks up a few months later—the characters have grown (literally, their hair is longer!) and their friendship feels much more established. Seeing Kang Dae and Bo Seon’s relationship evolve was incredibly sweet, but what I loved most was seeing the genuine maturity in their dynamic.
You can really tell how much the author likes and respects these characters. Since the first volume ended with Kang Dae taking the step to start therapy, he feels so much more settled and grounded here. Because he’s doing the work on himself, he’s finally able to be the rock that Bo Seon needs when things get heavy.
And things do get heavy. We finally learn more about the secrets Bo Seon was holding back, and the way it was revealed was a masterclass in visual storytelling. I’m a huge fan of "show, don’t tell," and this is where the graphic novel medium really shines. There are subtle details in Bo Seon’s behavior and character design throughout both volumes that you might not even clock unless you’re paying close attention. When the truth finally comes out, those small pieces click into place in a way that is absolutely devastating but incredibly well-handled. It’s that kind of intentionality that makes a story feel cohesive and real.
Kyo and Cindee continue to be the absolute best supporting characters, too. Their designs are great, their coordinated outfits are a vibe, and their unwavering support for the main pair adds so much warmth to the story.
The 30-years-later epilogue was the absolute cherry on top. It was the perfect, sweet ending this story deserved. It’s rare to find a conclusion that feels this complete and satisfying. I’m so glad I followed this journey to the end.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with the arc of this book . Make sure to pick it up when it releases May, 26,2026.
To the Stars and Back V2, picks up a couple months after, the events of the first book. This time following Bo Seon’s perspective instead of Kang Dae’s. Personally I love when authors do this because it gives you insight to both main charcters minds. In this volume I really appreciated how we got to see Bo open up to Kang over his struggles and past.zit makes the charcters feel fleshed out and real, like this a real confilt people would have. Showing how much trust and vulnerability it takes for him to fully open up. The way the story handles his mental health and fear felt validating. I appreciated seeing him slowly learn that he deserves support and care.
My only drawbacks were that the other charcters in the story felt very flat. They would show up a couple times and it was like you were supposed to remember what the conflict was from 100 pages prior, it just felt a bit disjointed, That being said I still feel like there was the found family ascpect I love so much. I also didn’t love that we don’t see them collaborating on their comic project or talking about it as much; since it’s such a big part of their connection, and story. I would have liked more scenes of them working on it together.
Overall, though, this was still a sweet, emotionally honest follow‑up, and I’d recommend Volume 2 to anyone who enjoyed the first book and loves slow burn romance that touches on mental health and healing.
Like the blue/green/yellow color scheme compared to last time’s purple/pink color scheme.
Slice of life and no big reveals but had a satisfying ending. Kang Dae and Bo Seon decide to start dating, find a new apartment together, navigate talking about their pasts, and end up living happily together. The concluding panels show their lives - engagement, wedding, moving into a home, getting published together (the book is literally To the Stars and Back Vol 1, I see you Peglo), having a child, and then 30 years later showing their kid older and sending them off to school.
Appreciated the work showed typical new relationship anxieties about how to act. Also really appreciated how they worked through the scene of Bo Seon telling Kang Dae about his childhood abuse by his mother - the crying scenes of them on the couch really got me + the cigarette burn marks in the shower scene. Bo Seon wrestles through how to tell Kang Dae and the work shows him talking to others about it, writing a letter, and receiving support from Kang Dae. Kang Dae is shown working through questioning if Bo Seon trusts him and how to help Bo Seon. Talk about therapy and how healing is not linear. I enjoyed how everything in the story was believable and made sense. Pacing was good. also appreciated the clear conclusion to the story overall!
Bo Seon is more feminine presenting in this work (hair, outfits) and Kang Dae pierces his ears.
Kissing. Kissing and sleeping in a bed together. No sex and no sex implied throughout the work, which was nice. A bit of cursing. Bullying and negative self-talk/hatred of self depicted. Kang Dae’s grandparents raised him, absent parents. Bo Seon had an abusive mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Ink for an advanced copy of To the Stars and Back Volume 2 to review! I read the first volume last year, and I was excited to finally get to see how the story ends. And such a sweet story it is! I'd definitely recommend this to fans of anime and of Heartstopper.
This is such a wonderful conclusion to Kang Dae and Bo Seon's story. They are so sweet together! The beginning of their relationship is a little bumpy, trying to figure out how to trust one another. This volume is more from the point of view of Bo Seon, who is trying to figure out how to trust Kang Dae with his darker past. The progression of their relationship feels realistic, and really shows the chemistry between the two of them.
The art is also really well done, with some absolutely gorgeous panels throughout. I appreciated that the side characters also got their own moment, getting engaged. They're so supported of Bo Seon and Kang Dae, and it was nice to see that they had people in their corner.
Peglo includes a look into the future at the end, with some extra comics that show how they got there. I appreciatted getting that bit of closure at the end.
All in all, if you're looking for a sweet graphic novel to start off your summer reading at the end of May, definitely check this one out!
I highly enjoyed this continuation of Bo Seon and Kang Dae's story. This time mainly from Bo Seon's perspective. Peglo's illustrations are absolutely stunning and the story is wonderful! There were so many panels in this volume and the previous one that I could not stop staring at while reading. I adored watching these two fall in love.
There were so many scenes I adored and one of the best dealt with stars. I won't spoil it but I'm sure those who have read this will know. Also, love the continuation of notes on the university sign. So darn funny.
I want to gush about how much I adored the found family dynamics in both volumes. The bond that Bo Seon, Kang Dae, Kyo, and Cindee form is beautiful. The scenes with them all together or broke off into groups are some of my absolute favorites.
To the Stars and Back is definitely a series I will be returning to many times in the years to come. It is such a sweet romance that brought me so much joy to read, along with the wonderful characters. I highly recommend this one.
Such an amazing sequel! I died over getting to be in Bo Seon's perspective! I died over these two both wanting to confess their feelings and both not wanting to ruin their friendship. I loved how Kang Dae went for it and how they were on the same page and how adorable and sweet and perfect they were together. I loved everything about them. I died over the wall between their apartments completely coming down and them looking for a place to live together. I love Kyo and Cindee and how those two always support and love them. I love the whole friend group and how close these four are in all things.
I loved the fashion in this one and how Kang Dae felt a lot more comfortable in his own skin.
My heart went out to Bo Seon and everything his mother did to him and how he was afraid to tell Kang Dae because he didn't want to be a burden. I love how he wrote a letter and how Kang Dae will always be there for him. I love these two and how deeply they love one another.
I diiiiied over the bonus at the end with them older! OMG the four of them still being so close and having kids and ughhhh, I completely died over them and everything about their whole story. This was a beautiful duology and I loved every moment with these two cuties.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
Really glad I didn’t read this in public. I ugly cried so hard I couldn’t stop for a while. This is probably one of the sweetest most wholesome and adorable graphic novels I’ve ever read. I can barely remember the first volume but this one will stick with me for a while. Kai Dang and Bo Seon are everything to me. They are perfect soulmates and I love them so much. The fact this is the last volume hurts. Cindee and Kyo were also amazing. Where do I find friends like that? I also loved how they always matched their clothes. But that 30 years later epilogue. It got me. I wasn’t crying fully till then. There is child abuse and dealing with lasting trauma but there’s also trusting your partner and seeing you’re not a burden to the people you love and who love you. I’m aroace and I still hope that sometimes love like this will find me. Highly recommend this series.
Kang Dae and Bo Seon's relationship is so sweet. Bo Seon finally shares his past trauma with Kang Dae, so there are some darker moments in this volume, but life is just like that.
The university sign vandal in volume one was hard at work in this volume. Unfortunately, due the quality of the files given to me from NetGalley I was unable to read what they were up to, I did catch that the university was trying to find the vandal. (I'm looking forward to reading the signs in the print edition. I'll be back later with thoughts about that.)
I loved, loved, loved the thirty year time jump. Immediately after that sequence there is a wordless sequence of their years together leading up to that moment. What a beautiful way to end this love story.
I received a digital ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
thank you netgalley and little, brown for the digital arc!
this story is very cute. the characters are incredibly endearing. the art style is wonderful. wholly recommend overall
HOWEVER…i am just confused at the audience for this? technically published by little, brown books for young readers and marketed as young adult yet…some truly harrowing mentions of abuse here? nothing explicitly shown aside from cigarette burn scars but still seems a bit heavy for that demographic? idk!! but also the most tame romance ever with bo seon and kang dae literally saying i love you to each other before having their first kiss LOL
and just nitpicking the actual reading experience of this digital arc — was the watermark on every other page really necessary? especially considering these same chapters are available for free on webtoon? just a bit overkill imo!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A stunning and emotional continuation of Kang Dae and Bo Seon’s relationship.
In volume two we follow our couple from pining to confessions of feelings and then along to moving in together, building trust, and eventually to their happily ever after.
This was such an honest and relatable tale of first (and forever) love. Watching them have to put in the work to trust one another, be completely vulnerable, and ultimately carry each other’s loads was portrayed so beautifully.
With raw emotion and an effortless intimacy, this volume was utterly captivating and in the end was a heartwarming portrait of queer love.
What you’ll get: •YA BL Webtoon •Slice of Life •Writer/Artist •Black Cat/Golden Retriever •Friendship to First Love •Hurt/Comfort •Childhood Trauma •Building Trust •Love Confessions •Chosen Family
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
volume two starts with a time skip of a few months after the ending of volume one.
volume two switches povs to bo seon where the first volume was mainly kang dae. this is a fun change up because now we get to see bo seon thoughts and experiences. i’ve been so curious to see more of bo seon’s character outside of his sunshine character trope. we do get to see more of bo seon’s dark past and get a better understanding of him as a character. i love that the book is not just cutesy wholesome romance but also touches on mental health and trauma.
I love kang dae and bo seon!! and the found family they’ve made!!
The second half of this former webcomic switches perspective from Kang Dae, the grumpy one, to Bo Seon, the sunshiney one. To be honest, I preferred Kang Dae's POV, but I also feel like it was important to see Bo Seon's. There's a lot of hidden depths in his interior life, including his own past traumas that he's reluctant to open up about. I'm glad that those traumas didn't take over the book, and that the romance remains the main focus. It's a mix of fast and slow that I think actually works in this context. Sure, they move in together fast after they start dating, but there's a reason that's only minimally contrived and they keep separate bedrooms. Pacing aside, the romance remains very cute and very sincere, great for comfort reading.