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Breaks #1
Breaks: Volume One
Cortland Hunt has made some dangerous mistakes. Now he's waiting quietly for those mistakes to catch up with him. Ian Tanner coasts through life denying the spark of anger beneath his laid back exterior. When school politics and personal lives become a battleground, the pair find that what they share may just be their only safe haven. Bringing the world of LGBT young adult fiction into the realm of comic books, and collecting the first arc of the acclaimed weekly web series (2014-2016), Breaks is the story of two young men discovering who they were, who they are, and who they will become. It's a love story...but a little broken.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2017
19 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Emma Vieceli
171 books317 followersEmma Vieceli (born June 13, 1979, in Essex) is a professional British comics artist of Italian-English heritage. She is currently a resident of a small village in Cambridgeshire, England.
From self-publishing to some of the biggest book publishers in the world, Emma loves telling stories with pictures and believes that comics should be 'For everyone, About anything, By anyone' (<--FAB!).
The writer for Life is Strange (Titan comics), she is happy to cross the streams and works as both writer and artist depending on the project. Her recent work as an artist includes: The Modern Frankenstein (Magma Comix), Olivia Twist (Dark Horse), Alex Rider (Walker books), The Adventures of Supergirl (DC comics), Doctor Who (Titan comics), Jem & the holograms (IDW) the New York Times-bestselling Vampire Academy graphic novel series (PenguinRandomHouse), Back to the Future (IDW) and Avalon Chronicles (Oni Press)
She co-creates the critically acclaimed independent web series, BREAKS with Malin Ryden (collected editions published through SoaringPenguin), with Vieceli co-writing and 'comicking' (art/tone/letters).
Alongside comics, she worked on the A&E television series, Bates Motel, providing the sketchbook found by Norman Bates, as an artist with tinyrebel on their Doctor Who Infinity games, and recently joined the writing team for Vile Monarch's life sim video game, Growing Up.
From self-publishing to some of the biggest book publishers in the world, Emma loves telling stories with pictures and believes that comics should be 'For everyone, About anything, By anyone' (<--FAB!).
The writer for Life is Strange (Titan comics), she is happy to cross the streams and works as both writer and artist depending on the project. Her recent work as an artist includes: The Modern Frankenstein (Magma Comix), Olivia Twist (Dark Horse), Alex Rider (Walker books), The Adventures of Supergirl (DC comics), Doctor Who (Titan comics), Jem & the holograms (IDW) the New York Times-bestselling Vampire Academy graphic novel series (PenguinRandomHouse), Back to the Future (IDW) and Avalon Chronicles (Oni Press)
She co-creates the critically acclaimed independent web series, BREAKS with Malin Ryden (collected editions published through SoaringPenguin), with Vieceli co-writing and 'comicking' (art/tone/letters).
Alongside comics, she worked on the A&E television series, Bates Motel, providing the sketchbook found by Norman Bates, as an artist with tinyrebel on their Doctor Who Infinity games, and recently joined the writing team for Vile Monarch's life sim video game, Growing Up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 24, 2022
Breaks has been on my radar for just over a year. I was really interested in reading it when I saw someone describe it as a darker alternative to Heartstopper. I adore stories with dark themes if they are done well. This is a Young Adult story but deals with some very adult themes.
The story was immediately engaging. I love when the narrator tells us about that bad thing that is going to happen, and then we get to watch everything unravel and see how the story will reach that conclusion. This is set in Britain, and as someone who lives here, I can think of so many people that are just as toxically masculine as the characters in this story. I think the characterisation was well done, and the tone and atmosphere of the story was intense, brutal, and thrilling. Cortland and Ian had delightful chemistry. I really enjoyed watching their relationship change from rivals to tentative friends. By the end of the first volume, Ian begins to communicate with Cortland, and now they’re headed towards becoming lovers. I cannot wait to pick up the next volume and see how their relationship continues to develop.
I really enjoyed watching Ian process his sexuality and feelings and begin to work through the feelings of shame he is experiencing, and the pressure to be masculine. Ian’s feelings of shame are amplified by those around him, particularly his family, who are violently homophobic. I’m excited to see how Ian navigates the opinions of those around him and hope to see Ian put himself first as that aspect of the storyline develops. Cortland and Ian share a lot of struggles but felt like distinct and individual characters. I find this graphic novel exciting because I honestly have no idea where their relationship is going. This one keeps you on your toes!
The art is brilliantly drawn, but I did struggle slightly with the colouring. Thankfully this is available online, as I found it difficult to read physically. I would like more clarity on Cortland’s feelings. I think a lot of the characters emotions are left to interpretation at times, and it made the relationships difficult to navigate. The characters are dealing with some very traumatic situations, so their inability to fully express their feelings is completely understandable. I’m hoping to see those things develop as the characters grow and relationships evolve!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
The story was immediately engaging. I love when the narrator tells us about that bad thing that is going to happen, and then we get to watch everything unravel and see how the story will reach that conclusion. This is set in Britain, and as someone who lives here, I can think of so many people that are just as toxically masculine as the characters in this story. I think the characterisation was well done, and the tone and atmosphere of the story was intense, brutal, and thrilling. Cortland and Ian had delightful chemistry. I really enjoyed watching their relationship change from rivals to tentative friends. By the end of the first volume, Ian begins to communicate with Cortland, and now they’re headed towards becoming lovers. I cannot wait to pick up the next volume and see how their relationship continues to develop.
I really enjoyed watching Ian process his sexuality and feelings and begin to work through the feelings of shame he is experiencing, and the pressure to be masculine. Ian’s feelings of shame are amplified by those around him, particularly his family, who are violently homophobic. I’m excited to see how Ian navigates the opinions of those around him and hope to see Ian put himself first as that aspect of the storyline develops. Cortland and Ian share a lot of struggles but felt like distinct and individual characters. I find this graphic novel exciting because I honestly have no idea where their relationship is going. This one keeps you on your toes!
The art is brilliantly drawn, but I did struggle slightly with the colouring. Thankfully this is available online, as I found it difficult to read physically. I would like more clarity on Cortland’s feelings. I think a lot of the characters emotions are left to interpretation at times, and it made the relationships difficult to navigate. The characters are dealing with some very traumatic situations, so their inability to fully express their feelings is completely understandable. I’m hoping to see those things develop as the characters grow and relationships evolve!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
March 15, 2019
2.5⭐️
Well, this was... nothing like I’d expected.
The characters weren’t fleshed out - couldn’t connect to a single one.
The story was more about Spencer and Cortland’s animosity than Ian and Cortland’s... love.
And I hated the drawing style and colour schemes. Way, way too unclear and dark.
Well, this was... nothing like I’d expected.
The characters weren’t fleshed out - couldn’t connect to a single one.
The story was more about Spencer and Cortland’s animosity than Ian and Cortland’s... love.
And I hated the drawing style and colour schemes. Way, way too unclear and dark.
October 16, 2024
I liked the story and the two MCs but a few things I found difficult. The art wasn't that appealing to me and the text was difficult to read throughout. Those two elements are so crucial in liking a graphic novel and while it could just be me, I suspect it isn't.
Not sure if I'll continue.
Not sure if I'll continue.
August 1, 2021
2.5 tähteä
Breaks on sateenkaareva sarjakuva, joka on hyvin erilainen, kuin mitä normaalisti luen, eikä suoranaisesti hyvällä tavalla.
Kirjaa kuvaillaan rakkaustarinaksi, ja sitä se kai sitten on, mutta todella fucked up. Kahden nuoren miehen välinen ”suhde” on melkoinen sotku, joka tuntuu rakentuvan lähinnä väkivallan, juonittelun, valtasuhteiden ja valehtelun varassa melkoiseksi sekamelskaksi. Enkä nyt tiedä onko tässä mitään suhdetta oikeastaan. Lähinnä tuntuu yksipuoliselta kiinnostukselta, jossa toinen suutelee toista, kun tämä on tiedottomassa tilassa.
Sarjakuva on todella väkivaltainen ja brutaali. Vakavia asioita ei silti juuri käsitellä, ne vain tapahtuvat. Taustalla vihjataan olevan kurjia kotioloja, mutta ainakaan tässä ei mennä kovin syvälle.
Sarjakuva on yksivärisen likaisen harmaa ja piirrustustyyli muistuttaa perinteisiä supersankarisarjiksia, minkä selittää kuvittajan tausta. Piirrustustyyli ei ollut makuuni, mutta totuin siihen kyllä.
En oikein tiedä voinko suositella tätä toksista maskuliinisuutta tihkuvaa tarinaa kenellekään, mutta nyt kun luin ekan osan, niin haluaisin kyllä tietää, mitä jatkossa tapahtuu. Että on tässä joku koukku, joka vetää puoleensa.
Breaks on sateenkaareva sarjakuva, joka on hyvin erilainen, kuin mitä normaalisti luen, eikä suoranaisesti hyvällä tavalla.
Kirjaa kuvaillaan rakkaustarinaksi, ja sitä se kai sitten on, mutta todella fucked up. Kahden nuoren miehen välinen ”suhde” on melkoinen sotku, joka tuntuu rakentuvan lähinnä väkivallan, juonittelun, valtasuhteiden ja valehtelun varassa melkoiseksi sekamelskaksi. Enkä nyt tiedä onko tässä mitään suhdetta oikeastaan. Lähinnä tuntuu yksipuoliselta kiinnostukselta, jossa toinen suutelee toista, kun tämä on tiedottomassa tilassa.
Sarjakuva on todella väkivaltainen ja brutaali. Vakavia asioita ei silti juuri käsitellä, ne vain tapahtuvat. Taustalla vihjataan olevan kurjia kotioloja, mutta ainakaan tässä ei mennä kovin syvälle.
Sarjakuva on yksivärisen likaisen harmaa ja piirrustustyyli muistuttaa perinteisiä supersankarisarjiksia, minkä selittää kuvittajan tausta. Piirrustustyyli ei ollut makuuni, mutta totuin siihen kyllä.
En oikein tiedä voinko suositella tätä toksista maskuliinisuutta tihkuvaa tarinaa kenellekään, mutta nyt kun luin ekan osan, niin haluaisin kyllä tietää, mitä jatkossa tapahtuu. Että on tässä joku koukku, joka vetää puoleensa.
February 14, 2020
Drawing style was impactful but I had trouble telling what was happening in some of the scenes. Rather slow and hard to get to know the characters what with all the anger, bullying, and fights breaking out. Maybe if we had had more time with our main cast beforehand, it could’ve made it more relatable.
But everyone else seems to have enjoyed it, so it might just be me!
But everyone else seems to have enjoyed it, so it might just be me!
April 19, 2024
Vibes only. As it was a bit hard to follow the storyline in the beginning but it became easier in the other half. Felt full of Potential & I truly liked the art.
July 30, 2019
this is my rating for the entire web comic - meaning the 200 episodes we’ve got, for the series is still ongoing at the moment. so far, it’s been pretty good, which is to be expected from the author of Life is Strange (man, that game was The shit back in the day). I like the artwork, the cast of characters and the dialogue. although it feels like we’re still nowhere near the climax of the story, the ride up to this point has been pretty enjoyable. subscribed!
December 6, 2024
I'm not sure exactly what I think about this. It was a bit confusing about who was who and what was going on, but I would like to read more about them.
April 21, 2024
on tapas, part #1-70
April 19, 2019
Okay, this one was...a bit darker than I expected. I mean, I expected an enemies-to-lovers trope but what I got was a bit more tame than that. These two really aren't enemies. They play at it, with words, but it isn't really serious.
While the illustrations were really nice and the story had potential, I just didn't feel it.
For a start, EVERYONE was just so angry! I mean, not one page passed without a physical or verbal fight between the characters. They were all itching for a fight, with short trigger tempers, and anger issues. It got a bit exhausting to read.
The characters themselves were a bit one dimensional and flat. The girls were vapid, vacuous and insipid, which really rubbed me up the wrong way. And the boys had some sort of secret club they kept talking about, but which was never explained. I have no meaning what it refers to, but it almost sounds like a fight club or a pseudo-gang. And most of the characters were selfish and reactive idiots, not thinking about consequences or being smart about what they were up to.
The ending was abrupt, I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, and it doesn't appear that Volume 2 will be released anytime soon.
In all honesty, I liked it. It was, overall, pretty decent. BUT, if the comic is only being made one week at a time, with weekly updates, then by the time Volume 2 comes around I'm going to have forgotten everything about this comic, why I liked it, and just remember the lacklustre feeling of rating it a 3* because of all of its issues.
While it had potential, sadly, I'm left feeling more frustrated by it than eager to read more.
While the illustrations were really nice and the story had potential, I just didn't feel it.
For a start, EVERYONE was just so angry! I mean, not one page passed without a physical or verbal fight between the characters. They were all itching for a fight, with short trigger tempers, and anger issues. It got a bit exhausting to read.
The characters themselves were a bit one dimensional and flat. The girls were vapid, vacuous and insipid, which really rubbed me up the wrong way. And the boys had some sort of secret club they kept talking about, but which was never explained. I have no meaning what it refers to, but it almost sounds like a fight club or a pseudo-gang. And most of the characters were selfish and reactive idiots, not thinking about consequences or being smart about what they were up to.
The ending was abrupt, I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, and it doesn't appear that Volume 2 will be released anytime soon.
In all honesty, I liked it. It was, overall, pretty decent. BUT, if the comic is only being made one week at a time, with weekly updates, then by the time Volume 2 comes around I'm going to have forgotten everything about this comic, why I liked it, and just remember the lacklustre feeling of rating it a 3* because of all of its issues.
While it had potential, sadly, I'm left feeling more frustrated by it than eager to read more.
February 9, 2024
I liked it, but I felt a little lost at times during the story. It felt like I was missing pages or backstory, though the rest was nice and cute. I liked Ian’s casual jokester-vibes matching with Courtland’s more gritty dark.
June 19, 2024
Verrassend meer diepgang dan verwacht en ook een veel strakkere tekenstijl dan pakweg Heartstopper.
April 3, 2018
This graphic novel was a wonderful read. I guess you can read it online, but I enjoyed holding this book so much. A few weekends ago I picked this up when I was in Portland at Powell’s City of Books. It’s not a cheap book but I’m happy to support artists especially those with a unique and interesting perspective. The trajectory of the story is told in the first few panels, but the plot and characters are so much richer. Cartland and Ian are rivals at their British high school. This novel deals with friendship, love, LGBT issues, and bullying. I love this and I hope a new book comes out soon since this one ended abruptly. • Paperback • Graphic Novel • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • Purchased at Powell’s City of Books.▪️
August 15, 2023
This was really good, felt like a very accurate depiction of all those confused angry teen boy feelings and I just want them to be ok. 🥺
September 29, 2017
I recently discovered and then completely devoured this webcomic, now beginning to be available in trades but also online here: http://www.breakscomic.com/
It's a queer coming of age story between two characters who have spent a lot of time keeping secrets about themselves from those around them. Cort and Ian are both complicated and deeply flawed characters, who at times are rather difficult to like, which is probably why I love them so much. The gradual arc of their relationship is intense and believable, and I'm incredibly intrigued to discover what precisely the secrets they're keeping from each other turn out to be.
Warnings: graphic violence, homophobia, cheating.
It's a queer coming of age story between two characters who have spent a lot of time keeping secrets about themselves from those around them. Cort and Ian are both complicated and deeply flawed characters, who at times are rather difficult to like, which is probably why I love them so much. The gradual arc of their relationship is intense and believable, and I'm incredibly intrigued to discover what precisely the secrets they're keeping from each other turn out to be.
Warnings: graphic violence, homophobia, cheating.
February 26, 2018
Alright so, first off, you can read this absolutely stunning webcomic online. For free. But you probably won't want to just read it online, I certainly couldn't do just that. I had to get a physical copy for myself because I love this webcomic so much.
The story of Cortland and Ian is deep, there are multiple levels behind every page of the book. Emma Vieceli and Malin Ryden have a professional level story, and not just a good professional level story/production, but an amazing one! All of the characters are wonderful, and I felt they are all very well fleshed out. Everyone is an individual, which is incredibly important.
I don't really want to say much more because anything I say will spoil the amazing-ness of this story, especially because we are getting so close to the next issue. But either way, I highly recommend trying this story, I certainly haven't been disappointed in any of the content.
The story of Cortland and Ian is deep, there are multiple levels behind every page of the book. Emma Vieceli and Malin Ryden have a professional level story, and not just a good professional level story/production, but an amazing one! All of the characters are wonderful, and I felt they are all very well fleshed out. Everyone is an individual, which is incredibly important.
I don't really want to say much more because anything I say will spoil the amazing-ness of this story, especially because we are getting so close to the next issue. But either way, I highly recommend trying this story, I certainly haven't been disappointed in any of the content.
October 7, 2024
I was a little disappointed by this one.
The reviews had it pegged as a darker version of Hearstopper. The OG grittier Heartstopper, however that was not the vibe I was getting at all.
I was left feeling confused, like I was dropped halfway into a story without the much needed context to understand who everyone is and how they fit into the world together. Usually if clues are strewn throughout and the puzzle fits together perfectly it feels rewarding, however at the end I was still left feeling just as confused as when I first started.
I really don’t know the purpose of this story, nor where it’s headed. I purchased the second volume ahead of time so will give that a go to see if it improves.
The reviews had it pegged as a darker version of Hearstopper. The OG grittier Heartstopper, however that was not the vibe I was getting at all.
I was left feeling confused, like I was dropped halfway into a story without the much needed context to understand who everyone is and how they fit into the world together. Usually if clues are strewn throughout and the puzzle fits together perfectly it feels rewarding, however at the end I was still left feeling just as confused as when I first started.
I really don’t know the purpose of this story, nor where it’s headed. I purchased the second volume ahead of time so will give that a go to see if it improves.
April 27, 2018
I really love the art on this one, but I'm a little uncomfortable with one of the central events of the storyline being non-consensual. It is addressed as such later, but not to the degree I would have liked and I think the same storyline could have been achieved with a modified version of that. Otherwise it's fairly standard webcomic YA romance. I'm not going to keep going with the comic but a lot of people would enjoy this.
April 21, 2024
Marketing is comparing this series to Heartstopper which is true, to a point. This is a graphic novel series about two boys falling in love and exploring their sexuality. But Heartstopper is wholesome af.
Breaks is the grungey Tumblr flip-side in a manga style. Which - don't get me wrong - I enjoyed. But be prepared for trauma-driven angst while having your heartstrings pulled.
Breaks is the grungey Tumblr flip-side in a manga style. Which - don't get me wrong - I enjoyed. But be prepared for trauma-driven angst while having your heartstrings pulled.
August 4, 2018
Since the moment I discovered this and put it on my to-read list I've been making heart eyes at it and wishing I could find it somewhere. I got the bright idea this morning to look on Comixology (Amazon only has used copies) and there it was! It was everything I was hoping for, and now I badly want more. Thankfully, there's a blog where the series is still going, so off to that I go! :D
February 27, 2018
Breaks by Emma Vieceli and Malin Rydén is a graphic novel that follows characters Ian and Cortland on a journey of not only finding themselves, but each other. Both these characters and all of the other supporting cast seem to be deeper than the surface, making this comic a page-turner, wanting to know more. With the amazing characters, steady movement, intruging plot, and beautiful art, breaks is a graphic novel that you will want to read
December 2, 2018
Great start to a series! Kind of wish I’d researched it beforehand, though. Didn’t realize it was a Patreon comic and V2 isn’t likely to be out as a digital book for a while (apparently they’re only halfway through creating it and it’s been a year and a half since this one came out?).
Really liked the characters, and the tension. The art is also really stunning. Hoping that they finish V2 soon so that I can download it!
Really liked the characters, and the tension. The art is also really stunning. Hoping that they finish V2 soon so that I can download it!
January 1, 2025
Breaks, first and foremost for me, is a really well illustrated graphic novel that draws teenagers of all shapes, styles and aesthetics in a realistic enough way for it to feel truly representative of the diversity of life rather than overly cartoony (which is cool too, but this is what Breaks is going for). The gritty and hard-hitting topics dealt with make this story very grounded and real, I'd pitch it as Heartstopper meets Shameless.
May 4, 2021
***EUROVISIONATHON 2021 - SWEDEN***
This was a really lovely LGBTQIA+ graphic novel which I picked up in the sale. It tells the story of 2 high school boys; 1 who is a fairly new transfer who has some anger issues, and another who is a really well liked, popular boy who has a girlfriend and who is part of the posse of the most popular boy in school (who is also an arse and a bully). I will admit that it felt like we came into the story in volume 2 as it felt like there was a lot of context around the relationship between the boys, and also the history of how they started to know each other. However I still thought that the story was well told.
With regards to the art style, it was a really simple drawing style, but each of the panels was almost washed with a brown colour, which I found really effective. Also some of the larger pieces were really beautifully illustrated and I loved the facial expressions. I have immediately picked up volume 2 and am looking forward to continuing in the series.
This was a really lovely LGBTQIA+ graphic novel which I picked up in the sale. It tells the story of 2 high school boys; 1 who is a fairly new transfer who has some anger issues, and another who is a really well liked, popular boy who has a girlfriend and who is part of the posse of the most popular boy in school (who is also an arse and a bully). I will admit that it felt like we came into the story in volume 2 as it felt like there was a lot of context around the relationship between the boys, and also the history of how they started to know each other. However I still thought that the story was well told.
With regards to the art style, it was a really simple drawing style, but each of the panels was almost washed with a brown colour, which I found really effective. Also some of the larger pieces were really beautifully illustrated and I loved the facial expressions. I have immediately picked up volume 2 and am looking forward to continuing in the series.
September 30, 2025
3,75*
Overall it was good, but personally i would like for the story to start when MC transferred and i would also appreciate more info about his living situation. Without it there were confusing moments when mc ended in hospital and people around him started to talk about child protective service, i also have no clue if his legal guardian is his older brother or some other relative, cuz again it wasn't really said. I'm guessing it is his brother but i would prefer for it to be included.
Overall it was good, but personally i would like for the story to start when MC transferred and i would also appreciate more info about his living situation. Without it there were confusing moments when mc ended in hospital and people around him started to talk about child protective service, i also have no clue if his legal guardian is his older brother or some other relative, cuz again it wasn't really said. I'm guessing it is his brother but i would prefer for it to be included.
February 27, 2018
A lot of these characters are a bit messed up. Realistically angsty, trying to figure themselves out, hurt... basic teenage stuff. The way their story is told is excellent and gripping, making you hope with each page that somehow they'll find their way through.
September 17, 2019
At first it took me some time to get used to the comic style but it got better towards the end and now I really need volume 2!!
Also my favorite trope enemies to lovers is in it, no worries that’s not a spoiler it’s literally foreshadowed on the first page 😅
Also my favorite trope enemies to lovers is in it, no worries that’s not a spoiler it’s literally foreshadowed on the first page 😅
February 19, 2022
This is a beautifully drawn and written graphic novel about a damaged teen trying to get by in high school. While ostensibly an LGBTQ story, I found it was actually much more about bullying — and the regret of bullying.
August 19, 2025
I felt mixed on what star rating to give it, I enjoy a gritty story and I enjoyed the art style and characters, but some things they did annoyed or disgusted me. I guess you can’t fault a comic about imperfect people depicting imperfect people
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews