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Last year...

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Merel

Elle once again speaking facts

EllieRLM

NICK THE SIMP FOREVER !

Adele0x

nick nuzzling the hobby horse 🤣

Troy Murphy

Highlight of my day getting an Alice notification ❤️

Nina

Haha Nicks face in the second panel is absolutely adorable!

Mae

why do i feel like them reminiscing is gonna break my heart

Ro

Oh wbk Elle was gonna call his ass out immediately 😭🤚

Merel

SIMP

Tracy

Awww so much love for Charlie x

Synz

I love them so much I'm gonna lose my mind

ACxo

I love Elle and Nick’s friendship it’s so wholesome 🥹💕

Allegra2346

Okay there’s no way that horse isn’t going to bed with him, his godfather moment is imminent 😂

Chloe ♡

thank you elle for calling nick out he is the biggest simp

Rachel 🍂

Omg is that Tao dressed as the hot dog? 🤣

Shin__

Elle queen of wisdom

Leland

We love this year MUCH better heh

Maja

not the horse nuzzle hahha poor nick is down bad 😂 i wonder if this will make him think though of all the growth charlie had and on the growth he wants to have for himself

Christie

Simp Nick 💜 Oh last year 😢

Chris

🥹🥹🥹

Tina

the shocked face be fr nick

Kristen

Definitely! A year ago…😬😭bless! They have come so far! 🥳🥰

Olivia

the growth over the last year has been unbelievable 🥹🥹

Merel

Nick's facial expressions on this page are GOLD

Rachel 🍂

Nick Nelson: Simp Extraordinaire 🥰

Nora Imlau

Whoa, this is one emotional roalercoaster in one panel right there. From adoration, pride and excitement to mamories of sadness and concern within the blink of an eye. It's perfect, Alice!

Nikki

Nuzzle. Nick is now NUZZLING the horse. I know we should be focussing on how proud we are of Charlie etc, but I’m too distracted but how cute and funny it is that Nick is nuzzling the horse 😂

Brittney

Oh absolutely! And damn, raise your hand if you weren't expecting Elle to say simp 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ but they are so in love

Dionne Lakey

Knew there was gonna be an October call back 🥺

Tina

alice i was re-reading vol5 today, and i noticed that on the uni travel plans the "day 1 stay at travel lodge" wasn't changed (since they stay at the uni) was this an oversight or is there a reason for that? i thought i'd remember you saying you would change that

jearle

That and he's dressed as a pirate

OSM

They’ve all come such a long way 🥹

Barb

and he'll look at him "like that" forever ... 🥹❣️

Merel

I'm glad you decided to use 'simp' after all, it describes Nick perfectly haha

gabs

oh nick just like me fr, and if we get a flashback i fear i will not survive

Adriane Tanjutco

I enjoy how candid Elle is with Nick from telling him he’s a people pleaser to a simp. read our boi.

a book dragon

Nick's degree of surprise 😄 and stick horse nuzzling, he's endearing, adorable, and most definitely impaired 🤭

Merel

Tao dressed as a hotdog 😭

Chloe ♡

nicks drunk companion is that horse he honestly could pass out asleep cuddling it lmao

Sarah Parker-Shemilt

Why do I suspect this is going to be a wider conversation of “who is Nick outside of being Charlie’s boyfriend?”

a book dragon

I hope Tao doesn't notice the horse nuzzling (esp later to learn he was being extra in simping!), because it will instantly become N&C lore in the friend group (omg, future best man speech material right there!). 🤭

Ann-Marie Still

My friend sent me this message yesterday and I really feel it fits Nick and Charlie completely: You have transformed and are still transforming into the being you truly should be, you inspire others to understand their true self and it has been honestly rewarding to be your friend. Always invest in yourself, and continue to support others. You are truly amazing xxx 🥹🥹🥹

aniatka

OMG Alice, please let some one explain (convincingly!) to Nick that it's he and his love being the origin of today Charlie's self confidence and glowing ❤️ Nick is so humble not seeing that! ❤️❤️❤️ Ps. Still waiting for "escaping party" moment 🤣👌

Cody

Ugh, I have a feeling she's going to mention uni and it's going to get sad. 😭

Loveislove

Is Aled Superman beside Charlie?

Anaïs

Last year in the comics is what we're gonna see in a few weeks in the show and I'm not ready for the heartbreak (but also completely ready, can it be october 3rd already?)

tara🌞

nick nuzzling the horse😭🤣

Faye

Uh oh flash back??

ichrisnorman

♻️ Nick for Charlie, Charlie grows, Nick falls deeper 💗

Noemiette

Nellie and Henry are gonna be jealous of that horse xD (Bracing myself for the drunk conversation incoming)

Beth

Tao/Will dressing up as a hot dog?! If we don’t get season 4 we riot

Robert

Ironically on the drive to/from the Uni visits, Nick admits that he doesn't know who he is without Charlie. I think we also have to realise the Nick still has a lot of learning to do about himself since he realised his bisexuality (he admits that much to Charlie in the comic book). There is no doubt in my mind that Elle can be quite a stirer. She did it more than once with Nick on the Uni visits and at times (all through the series and books) she can be quite harsh and hard.

Loveislove

There has been some talk about Nick needing to catch up to Charlie and find his way to develop like Charlie which almost suggests competition and inequality. For sure they are both on a journey as we all are...all our lives. But I feel they do it with support and love and natural kindness of each other. I don't think Nick internalizes Charlie's successes as moments to analyze how he himself could be better. Elle's comment about last year will hopefully lead to a conversation about Nick's part in Charlie's recovery and his emotional intelligence and sensitivity in noticing Charlie's struggles and love and commitment to getting him help and supporting him. Nick has a pure and, yes..simp...love of Charlie. He may be finding his way but I hope he has not lost sight of what a strong and special young man he is. The two of them together are Nick and Charlie after all! 💖🥰❤️

Ems

Oh no a flash back

zara ahmed !!

angel and devil cowboy and pirate ….hotdog and witch 😭 i am loving the choices LOL

Lilly Mae

I’m obsessed that Nick has a horse to go with his costume 💀 We all knew Nick was the biggest simp and we love him for it 🥰

Lex

Nuzzling a stuffie for comfort.. love.

Lex

Omg I’m picturing Nick being like say hello to your new sister!

Scott Whittall

What is a "simp"? Us Yanks are not familiar...LOL. And Nick hugging his emotional support horse.....Classic!!! I love everything about this page!

toneelspeler

oh Alice, I really love how funny your expressions are! that top right Nick panel is soo good lol

Audrina

According to urban dictionary it's "someone who does way too much for a person they like" ;) it's definitely some kind of internet/gen z slang

E

Nick nuzzling the horse!!!

Beam Bugge

yeah last year's halloween was not too festive :(

Maisie

Oh my god this is so sweet 😭😭

ruthie.von

Leave it to Elle to be the straightforward friend. It’s not her style to mince words. Love that about her. Love that Nick and Charlie have a friend like her. We all need an Elle.

Justin S.

“Whaaa?” The horse nuzzling 🥹

Hunter

After everything Charlie has gone through he deserves a simp

CC

Thank you Alice for sharing your work! It is interesting to hear folks talk about their definitions of simp. When I first heard it had associations with toxic masculinity- so I was surprised to see it here.

art

Alice, I love how you hold all of these humans in your head and heart. How the core personalities of each remain consistent but character growth happens. Elle knows that Nick has to grow into himself, that is what he wants and needs outside of the relationship and knows how to help him with that. This is a wonderful portrait of interpersonal initmacy. Well done.

Harri Watson

I think it depends on where you’re from? In the UK it’s always referred to someone who is super smitten with their partner x

Nils

Last Year? The year we shouldn't mention? Last Halloween Charlie was a complete mess, waiting for his appointment to treat his disorder, spiralling out of control. Of course you are super proud and happy Nick. Thats only natural

Ashley Robinson

He’s so proud. Now it seems to be time to ensure he can be proud of himself. He has the support now it’s time to do the work on himself.

RO

Charlie get over here, your man needs a snuggle 🤣🤣

Lily

💘💘💘 nick nuzzling the horse

EC

Not Nick AND the horse turning to stare at Elle when she called him a simp. 😂😂😂

Ava

How sweet😭

boombroadcast

So much happening here! 1. Nick’s hobby horse also turning to look at Elle all affronted as if she said anything that wasn’t true! 2. Nick nuzzling into the horse (it really does need a name now I think) 3. Tao being the ridiculous hot dog to Elle’s glam witch… checks out. (I was predicting black cat lol but this also works) 4. The dark background for that last panel… I hadn’t thought about how last October was when Charlie hit absolute rock bottom. And now he’s here. I’m also very proud of him. 🥺

E Valdés

this is a very lovely reminder about how time can heal. it never feels like a year can change anything but it really can 💜

boombroadcast

Also from the U.S. and I have never heard it used in any context other than this one! (Meaning embarrassingly down bad) Probably depends on both age and country/region?

Bob Scardino

Are we about to have a flashback?

Anne Tranquilli-Bausher

Hey Diana- no clue if you’re an old lady like me- but I think it might be a generational thing? My teen and tween use simp all the time, and in the casual, silly, way of most slang.

Anne Tranquilli-Bausher

Having no drawing talent whatsoever- I am in awe of your ability to make them all very slowly grow up. Nothing drastic, but clearly looking older and more adult.

David C Witkin

So many subtle changes..... Alice, you're about to put on a Master Class in How To Draw Nostalgia

aniatka

Thanks Anne for explaining that. The slang teen language is difficult for me to catch up too 🤣❤️

Tanya

😂 Always appreciate Elle coming through with her truth bombs. One of my favorite parts of Vol. 5 is when she indignantly says that she won't compromise her plans for a relationship and shouts at Nick that he's a people pleaser.

camelotcrusade

@FWIW, Diana N, I had the same reaction you did. This may not come off well to older readers, agreed. If she had said "sap," would that have been OK? It's not the same thing, though.

Anna Deligio

Here is where all of us with codependent/people-pleasing tendencies get our gentle, Heartstopper-style invitation to turn the mirror around and do some of our work on this. Sigh. Important. Not easy or fun, but important. Thanks, Alice.

boombroadcast

Yeah, “sap” doesn’t mean the same thing. I think it’s really wonderful that Heartstopper resonates with so many older readers too, but we should remember that this is still very much YA! imo the teenage audience should be priority here, they deserve YA lit that speaks their language. 💕

Loveislove

Please escape from the party together soon!!!

UpstandingGoose

For those who feel that this is a little unlike these two: I assume they are both a little buzzed so if you read it like that it makes sense.

boombroadcast

It’s great that the comic and show resonate across generations! But I remember fondly the YA lit I read as a tween and teen, and what I appreciated about my fave YA books was the specificity, and how close they felt to my own experiences. Some of the stuff I read and watched I shared with my parents, and they enjoyed it too, but naturally stuff about my generation’s teenage experience just didn’t always hit the same way for them. Sometimes I had to explain slang words and cultural references. And that was okay! They had a whole world of grown-up content that was designed for them, and when they were kids their generation had authors like Judy Blume to speak to *their* experiences. (Also, respectfully, I think it can sometimes be difficult to get the connotation of a slang word if you’re just going off a contextless Google definition!)

boombroadcast

I’m sorry, I think you read a lot more hostility into my response than was intended! I’m also an adult reader of Heartstopper, and I’m obviously not saying adults are not “allowed” to enjoy it. You’re of course entitled to your feelings, too. I just think it’s a bit unfair and misguided to expect YA lit to cater to us over teenagers. ✌️

Ada Suzany

Thanks for everything Alice, love ya

reece

Yessss you went with simp! Hahah so glad

Polythene Pam

Elle is so sassy with Nick lately. I love that they’re so comfortable together

Cathan

That question mark over the horse's head 😂

Polythene Pam

Alice, can I just say how much I LOVE how you’ve matured everyone’s features as the characters have aged? They all look properly grown up 🥰

Ana Alicia Aranda De Contreras

Over the past year, Charlie has changed a lot and thanks to the support of all his friends and Nick 🥰😍🥺

Ali Michelle

Normalize simping for your partner! 😍😍😍

Kat

Somehow Elle I get the feeling that the way Tao looks at you is not too far off

Lodge

Charlie and his parrot have matching facial expressions 😂😂

lexi

yeah he's just really proud of him....or.......it's the earring

Nellie Lovett

Nick’s love for Charlie just makes me so happy. Everyone deserves someone like him in their lives ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

dominique

the horse also looking at Elle when Nick says “Wha???” and the Nick nuzzling it is so adorable 🥹

Leonie

is nick a little tipsy by any chance 🤣🤣

Murgy

Proud Nick is a treasure, and I hope he knows it. And I hope we get to see Charlie be proud of Nick again soon.

PupFenrir

Get you someone who looks at you like Nick looks at Charlie 🥰😍🤩

Nyssa Rawther 🍉

Nick nuzzling his confused horsey is so cute omg. Let's be so fr, Nick's gonna be looking at Charlie like that even when they're 70 year old granddads. He's the founder of the Charlie Spring Simp for Life Foundation 🤣🥰🥰

Carly Louise

Omg is that tao in the hot dog suit??

James

It's maybe some tough love, but I'm sure Elle really loves Nick and wants to help him. And as we learned, having people he can talk to and open up to other than Charlie is exactly what he needs rn. ....aaaand Maybe Elle's learned some things from Tao about caring for their friends 'loudly'

James

I guess he went to hospital some time in October, he must have been in the ward for Halloween...

Nils

Hmm good question. Maybe. Halloween is end of October. Do we know how long he had been in hospital? I can only remember the phrase weeks and that he was back before Christmas. You could be right that he was admitted to the hospital around early / mid october.

boombroadcast

Tiny tiny thing, I think Charlie might be missing his eye patch on this page! 🏴‍☠️

Emma Glasgow

Elle is so real for calling him a simp lmaooo

RCM

The two panels of Nick and of Charlie next to each other really, really hit me hard today. Nick is slumped down on the sofa, with almost a dark aura around him...he's still blushing (god love him and his horny sparkles) but he's also staring out, like he is looking at both the past and the future, and feeling some really uncertain, prickly feelings (and the way this is drawn we only see a part of his horse, like you get the sense that Nick (and us) isn't seeing ALL of himself yet... because he doesn't allow the time or space to GO THERE and really think just about HIMSELF). Charlie, on the other hand, is all glowy, basking in his well deserved limelight. He emanates confidence, and joy, and light, and warmth, and with his fully portrayed parrot, quite a (currently) secure sense of self! This fleeting moment in the two panels captures them in two different headspaces...and a seeming shift of balance of who might need a little more support. But, then Elle mentions last October, and you can literally see Nick shift away from any thoughts of himself and right back into thinking about Charlie...where Charlie was last year, what he has overcome, and how strong Charlie is. And Nick is right! Charlie is all those things! (but I so wish I could whisper to Nick that you can be proud of Charlie and work on the uncertain prickly feelings inside you SIMULTANEOUSLY!).

artxsta

omg flashback to last year’s halloween??? i’ve always been so curious as to how that was for nick :(

Kat

Please don’t be sad Nick! I love how Elle is so straightforward with what she says what a gem!

Emma

A year and a half!! And still going strong 💕

Francis Larrigan

Maybe I’m reading it wrong, but was that a really mean spirited thing for Elle to say?

artxsta

honestly it just sounds like she’s speaking her thoughts out loud. she loves nick and charlie so i’m sure there wasn’t malintent

Francis Larrigan

I think there might be a bit of jealousy that maybe Tao doesn’t look at her like that anymore..

artxsta

it’s possible! i can def see how you interpreted some type of undertone on elle’s end, but hopefully not true 🥲 maybe the next couple pages will confirm or deny this theory !

4ledl4st

nick nuzzling that horse is hilarious. too cute ❤️

ucfnurse

This is sooooo sweet!!!☺️😊💞💘🌹🍃🍂🍁🦢🍬🎉😁✌️🕊️☮️

Seb Pillon

Now this hits HARD after the TV show depicted last year. A scene that makes me cry just thinking about it.

Juliette

Gotta love Elle ! And she's so right !

Neenie

The lil horse nuzzle

Reem

I’m just reading Volume 6 from the start again and I also think the supposed “simp” dig can be interpreted as mean. It is nice if a person still looks at their partner with adoration after a year. There are couples who still have butterflies for each for years to come and I think it’s beautiful. I don’t think Elle meant to be mean spirited though…