🏳️🌈 Comic Review: Love and War #1 by Andrew Wheeler (Comixology Originals, Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A vibrant, queer sports rom-com that turns tug-of-war into a battleground for love, ambition, and identity—Andrew Wheeler kicks off this series with heart, humor, and a refreshingly inclusive cast.
🧠 Overview
Published in April 2022, Love and War #1 introduces readers to Aster Academy, where tug-of-war is more than just a gym class activity—it’s a competitive sport with emotional stakes. The story centers on Domo, who shared a kiss with his team captain Gabriel after last year’s championship. But Gabriel has vanished, and now Domo must compete for the captaincy against Jocasta, whose drive to win is straining her relationship with her girlfriend Nessa.
As Domo navigates team politics, romantic confusion, and the arrival of the charming new student Emil, the story explores how passion—whether romantic or competitive—can pull people in different directions.
🎯 Key Highlights
- 💘 Queer romance: The series features LGBTQ+ characters at the center of the story, with authentic emotional arcs
- 🧗 Sports drama with heart: Tug-of-war becomes a metaphor for emotional tension and personal growth
- 🎨 Expressive art: Killian Ng’s illustrations and Aditya Bidikar’s lettering bring energy and clarity to every panel
- 🏫 Inclusive storytelling: Aster Academy is a space where gender and orientation are fluid, and competition is fierce but respectful
“Fans of comics like Check, Please! and Fence will absolutely eat this up… slice-of-life romance and whimsy with a sporty twist.” — ComicBook.com
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.64/5 from over 800 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the series’ diverse cast, lighthearted tone, and emotional authenticity
- 🧾 Some found the tug-of-war premise unusual but were won over by the character dynamics and charm
- 💬 “Super cute issue with lots of diverse characters… I hadn’t even read the description so finding out this was about tug-of-war was pretty funny.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 23 pages, it’s a quick read—best enjoyed as part of the full series arc
- 📚 Series setup: This issue lays the groundwork for future emotional and competitive conflicts
- 🧠 Teen drama tone: Ideal for readers who enjoy slice-of-life stories with romantic tension and school-based rivalries
🏁 Final Verdict
Love and War #1 is a fun, inclusive, and emotionally engaging debut that sets the stage for a unique blend of sports and romance. Andrew Wheeler’s writing is heartfelt and witty, and the art team brings the story to life with flair. If you’re looking for a queer graphic novel with competitive spirit and romantic chaos, this Comixology Original is worth pulling for.
