FLOAT

Waverly Lyons, a teenager from Fairbanks, Alaska, is spending the summer with her Aunt Rachel, an artist, in Holden, Florida, and it’s a time of growth and self-discovery.

The second collection of this graphic novel, which was originally published on WEBTOON, opens with Chapter 6, picking up immediately where the first volume ended. In Volume 1, Waverly learned how to swim. Here, that metaphor is expanded. She learns to surf, forcing herself to confront fears both in and out of the water. The romantic tension between Waverly and Blake Hamilton, the two white-appearing leads, develops naturally. Blake’s aloofness gains much-needed emotional context as readers learn more about the trauma in his past. Joaquin occasionally inserts panels with chibi-style figures that express the characters’ inner thoughts and anxieties, which add humor, charm, and emotional honesty. These illustrations, combined with Waverly’s running internal monologue, give the characters more depth and authenticity. Warm summer palettes of ocean blues and sandy yellows enhance the mood. Whether the teens are surfing, spending time on a friend’s family yacht, or navigating emotional misunderstandings, the artwork conveys a nostalgic atmosphere. As Waverly’s return to Fairbanks looms, tensions arise in her relationships in Holden. With college applications and her 18th birthday approaching, the story leans heavily into themes of family, belonging, and finding your people. The conclusion is satisfying while still leaving room for future adventures.

A light summer romance that addresses overcoming fears, connecting with others, and emotional healing.