Review by Ian Keogh

Liam and Milo are best buds, but with a teasing undercurrent of mutual attraction. Liam has an inner confidence despite seeing a therapist, but comes across as shy and sometimes awkward, while Milo is more outwardly social. They’re both from privileged backgrounds as they attend a boarding school.

If you’re finding the gap between volumes of Heartstopper too long these days, this lighter-hearted romance between boys may fill that void. Suzana Harcum and Owena White’s comedy also began as a webcomic, and if you’d like to sample it’s archived online, but that’s presented in shades of grey, while the physical book is full colour.

White’s illustrations charm from the start, full of personality and detail, but it takes Harcum a little longer to work out the wrinkles. Even allowing for the sitcom style, over the earliest chapters the dialogue is too mannered, lacking the naturalistic flow to conversations that later develops. Both main characters are easily understood, though, and Milo’s mischievous nature carries those early chapters.

Beyond them the cast is broadened by promoting the supporting players to greater roles. Liam’s room-mate Archie is bumbling and insecure when it comes to straight dates, but confident couple Penny and Kat are show stealers, never at a loss and with a killer scene toward the end. Parents are introduced, all very different, and surprises await about other characters.

Tripping Over You is a story that progresses, covering a final school year for some, and while completed online, another two volumes will be required for the entire story. It’s funny, heartwarming and character driven, so dive on in then prepare for Book Two.