Heated Rivalry Meets Olympic Figure Skating in Just Between Us

With the Olympics behind us and the Paralympics ending soon, I am already missing the exciting, joy, and intensity of competition that has been filling my screen. Is there a better time for a sapphic, YA graphic novel about Olympic figure skaters to come out?

Just Between Us by Adeline Kon is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel debut that captures the intense passion and rivalry of competitive ice-skating along with the beautiful, messy, and confusing realities of young queer love.

Since her debut at the Grand Prix three years ago, 18-year-old Chinese American skating phenomenon Lydia Chen has been unmatched in technical precision and execution. Her biggest competition, 20-year-old Malaysian skater Elaine Yee, brings an unparalleled emotion and artistry to her performance. Between constant training, the pressure to win, and need to appeal to sponsors, Lydia’s passion for skating has disappeared, and her performances are missing the spark that Elaine seems to effortlessly possess.

Under the media spotlight, their rivalry has intensified, highlighting the clash between Lydia’s cold, intense demeanor and Elaine cheerful, friendly personality. 267 days away from their projected Olympic debuts, Elaine comes to Boston and begins training at the same rink. As tensions soar, a shared understanding of the sacrifice and dedication required to be the best forms the foundation for an expected bond to develop. Lydia begins a journey towards reconnecting with her love of skating and realizing how a competitor can become a friend, or even something more.

Kon’s black-and-white illustrations—interjected with flashes of the gold both Lydia and Elaine are chasing—capture the athleticism, beauty, and emotion of the sport. It is a love letter to skating, young love, and figuring out what you want in life that brilliantly sticks the landing.