REVIEW: WEBTOON Unscrolled's Boyfriends. Volume One (2024)

In this recently printed Webtoon adaptation from WEBTOON Unscrolled, Boyfriends. Volume One follows a Jock, Goth, Nerd, and Prep as they develop their first polyamorous relationship together. Boyfriends. Volume One was written and drawn by Refrainbow, with editor Emma Hambly, with publication design by Rhys Eusebio and sequential design and lettering by Juliana Brigatti. The graphic novel covers episodes 1-55 of the original webcomic that debuted on the Webtoon platform in April 2021.

Boyfriends. Volume One is a colorful and lighthearted story centering around the polycule that forms between a Jock, Goth, Nerd, and Prep in their junior year of college. As all four of them decide they want to find a boyfriend, they soon realize they are all attracted to one another and having multiple boyfriends is their best solution. Their four dramatically different personality types clash in the most fun and warmhearted way in this prideful series. This graphic novel contains more mature content and language that may not be suitable for younger readers.

The tone throughout the novel remains lighthearted as readers are taken through a series of individual scenarios where the four boys are getting to know each other better. However, the novel notably lacks conflict, which creates an absence of suspense or tension to drive the narrative forward. The characters are too agreeable and perfect in their interactions, making them somewhat unbelievable. This lack of character depth is also attributed to the fact that none of the characters have names, creating unnecessary distance between the story's main characters and the reader. However, the author's creative choice to break the fourth wall several times throughout the novel draws the reader into the narrative and provides additional comedic relief that matches the playful tone of the overall story.

The artwork in Boyfriends. Volume One is charmingly simplistic, which makes the narrative fun and easier to follow. The four main characters are well-designed to distinguish themselves from one another and immediately give off the correct interpretations of the Jock, Goth, Nerd, and Prep. The art style is unique and refreshing because it breaks away from the typical art styles audiences are used to seeing in similar comics. Refrainbow also does an incredible job of creating a fun, colorful, and welcoming atmosphere that draws the reader in.

The coloring is one of the most awe-inspiring and captivating elements of Boyfriends. Volume One. The pastel color palette throughout the graphic novel is warm and inviting, creating a fun and comforting atmosphere. The four main characters also have color schemes and outfits that compliment their personalities well, making it clear who is the Jock, Goth, Nerd, and Prep from coloring alone. The colorful backgrounds are aesthetically pleasing and perfectly capture the prideful theme throughout the novel.

The lettering by Juliana Brigatti remains consistent and clear throughout Boyfriends. Volume One. The lettering supports the fun and happy dialogue between the four main characters. Action and sound lettering are designed in the same pleasant pastel color scheme that best suits the rest of the novel's coloring choices. Frequent use of hearts and flowers at the beginning and end of certain actions and sound words also emphasizes the cute and loving interactions between the characters, including kisses and hugs.

While the graphic novel finds a more consistent flow as the story progresses, the pacing of the novel is rushed at the beginning of the story. Despite most of the characters just meeting for the first time, they all instantly like each other and decide to form a polyamorous relationship without any build-up. This denies the reader the necessary conflict and uncertainty throughout the journey to feel satisfied and fulfilled when the characters end up together. This dynamic also makes the characters feel one-dimensional, as their relationship lacks depth and complexity because everything runs smoothly and perfectly from the outset. While it may have been more enjoyable to watch the characters grow and overcome conflict, the author's writing style offers readers a feel-good story that provides a safe and colorful escape.

The format of the graphic novel is well-organized and breaks the narrative into bite-sized and digestible pieces. Each chapter contains a new scenario or stereotypical date that the boyfriends go on with one another, including a fun beach chapter, an amusem*nt park chapter, and a concert chapter. The chapter break designs are adorable and allude to college notes using graph paper backgrounds and a music playlist image with cute stickers scattered across the page.

Refrainbow's Boyfriends. Volume One is a romantic and heartwarming story about four boys learning to make their polyamorous relationship work through their genuine love and affection for one another. This print adaptation stays true to Refrainbow's artwork and storyline, as the material within the graphic novel does not introduce new content that is not already covered in the original webcomic. Those who want to catch up on the boyfriends' polyamorous relationship can read the feel-good series now on the Webtoon platform.