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He'll find his best friend eventually 🥲

Thank you for all the lovely comments, I'm so glad you've enjoyed this little insight into Nick's past! One of the things I've been excited about in Vol 6 is getting to really challenge the idea that Nick has everything totally together. I do see people putting Nick on a bit of a pedestal sometimes as a perfect, flawless person who exists solely to make life better for Charlie, who is free of any past baggage or experiences that make us human - when in fact he's not perfect or flawless (he's developed many coping mechanisms that can sometimes be unhealthy for him and the people around him!), and he has a whole history pre-Charlie that has informed his life, and Charlie makes Nick's life better just as much. And now in Vol 6 it's aaaaall coming to the surface, for worse and for better, and I'm very excited about that! ❤️

Files

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Comments

Faye

Omg the ending 😭

Jennifer Moore

This was absolutely wonderful, Alice! Thank you so much for sharing Nick and Charlie with us! 💕

Merel

The flasback/flashforward to volume 1, nooo my heart 😭

Caro

OH

tess

😭😭😭

ACxo

I’m so glad he has Charlie now 💕

Arpi P

I’m going to die 🥺🥺🥺

abbie

okay the ending? sobbing

Rachel 🍂

Alice that caption just made me sob 🥺 It was so worth the wait for them to find each other ❤️

Chloe ♡

i love this mini comic so much 🥺🤍

Merel

Sarah reading Nick's journal entry 🥹 She must've been so happy and relieved when Nick brought Charlie home that day. Her baby has finally found his person ❤️

Steve

Omg that last image 🥹🥹🥹

Mikeyyy

I'm crying. I lov this sm.

Sadie Rue

that last page shut up😭😭😭

Kassie K Wilson

Precious baby Nicky 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 you find him soon, buddy! 😭

soph

THE LAST PAGE. STOP IT. ALICE YOURE SO 😭😭😭😭😭😭I LOVE IT

Dustin Westfall

Alice, can you give us any updates to renewal? Has Netflix even come to the table yet?

Jack Rose

My favourite mini comic yet 🥰

Rod Carvalho

OMG THE LAST PAGE I DIED DEAD

Laura Rodgers

Oh my goodness. This was the sweetest thing. 💛💙

Loveislove

Full circle ❤️‍🩹!

John Barrow

Loved this ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Well done Alice. Would love to see more of these!!!

Ulises

The volume 1 drawing 😭😭😭

Daniel

NICKS VERSION OF THEM MEETING FINALLY!!! yayyy thank you alice, this mini was amazing

Elfi

Omg, Alice, I'm literally crying!

Kai

Loved this mini comic and the ending was beautiful 🩵

emily

oh i’m gonna cry this is so lovely 😭😭😭 i’m so excited to see more of nick’s past in volume 6 !!!

K

😭😭😭

Debbie

Aww this made me well up with tears 😢 bless wee Nick 🥰

ally

this is so real thank you for including this entry 🩷

Maisie

Excuse me while I go and sob 😭😭 the flash forward aw omg my heart 🥹

Stephanie

Oh Alice! Why did you have to make me cry? 😭 Beautiful mini comic!

Mikeyyy

I can't wait to see more stuff about Nick's past<3

Katie Swan

ALICE MIDDLE NAME OSEMAN I DID NOT NEED TO CRY TODAY

Jomaries Amezaga

I love it! As s lonely child (with some school friends but not real friends) I know how Nick felt! Thanks for make Nick so relatable, he’s my comfort character. 💗

NellieSayzBork

Beautiful!! Sarah reading the essay, Mr Lange... 😭❤️

Alyce Ann

Thank you for this lovely journey.

Sonny

Omg the end 😭❤️ He found his best friend, soulmate, love of his life all in one person 🥹🥰

Suse

🥹🥹🥹

fotosinteza

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 😍🥰

Caro

i lost all my words!!! Alice, thank u SO MUCH for it, we could see a side of nick that we knew that exist, but now we understand him more and know from where he is coming. i love the balance between past and present nick. i love how they found each other, and how nick already was waiting for someone like charlie, and got the luck to found his romantic soulmate on his best friend.

David C Witkin

Just reading hope and sadness in the last passage, and seeing the look on Mom's face as she reads it, made tears spontaneously spring out of my eyes. My heart breaks for little Nicky, knowing how desolate he feels, and how hard he works to cover it up and muddle through life.

Chris

It ends where it begins 🥰🥰 this is so perfect 🥹

Irem7

You found them Nicky, your forever one 🩷 wish you all that luck 🍀

tilly❤️🍂

awwww that’s such a wholesome ending!! xxx

Xalek

Makes it look like Nick fell before Charlie even saw him. Fell for him as a best friend and very quickly more. No I'm not tearing up!

Jacob Minger

Please include this mini comic as a bonus feature in volume 6 It’s lovely.

Robby C

This is what perfect story telling looks like! Thank you Alice 😊

Evan Wexler

I’m not crying, you’re crying

OSM

😭😭😭

Merel

Something about seeing Nick and Charlie's iconic first meeting in your current art style 🥹

Brittney Tarr

This mini-comic really hit hard. As someone whose always related most to Nick (put together on the outside, people pleaser, caretaker, utterly lost and confused on the inside), I too see people sometimes putting Nick on a pedestal and I think that’s why this mini comic and v6 are both cutting deep but also deeply healing. I’m excited for Nick to be fully seen, and then, still deeply loved

Kay Cherry

That made me so happy. And I love how they were friends first and Charlie helped him to find himself and I’m also looking forward to seeing Nick develop more in Vol 6. I think it’s important to show Nicks insecurities and worries too and yes, get him out of “perfect boyfriend” and into a teenage kid who has also faced a lot.

Prinsassy

Wonderful! I have literally tears in my eyes, the last picture... The end and so much the beginning ♥️♥️ Thanks Alice!

Philipp Rathgeber

I'm excited too, Alice. I can't wait for all the ways you'll break and heal my heart in the upcoming issues. Loveya

hayley_29

oh 😭😭 instant tears

vbarcenes29

Thank you smmmm Alice for this!

Charlie

We can all hope for the perfect future best friend. Our soulmate some could argue. I’m so happy Nick found his. 🥰🥰🥰 Alice that was beautiful. Thank you. x

ACxo

Sarah reading the pages as if she knows he will one day 🥺

Kaila K

I have no words for how beautiful this mini-comic is. Thank you so much for the glimpse into Nick's past struggles and how that informs the person he has grown into over the course of these 6 volumes ❤️

Julie NP

This was absolutely beautiful. The ending made me sad but so happy we know he will one day meet his best friend, soul mate and boyfriend ❤️

Chloe ♡

‘i hope i meet them one day’ oh nick you have no idea what the future has in store for you

Fran Cozy Vibes

Omg after this precious mini comic I can see vol. 1 (and season 1 as well) in a new amazing way 🥹❤️✨🍂

Rafa

Excuse me, I have something in my eye. Oh, it's tears. 😃

Jo Mary

Love this Alice getting to see a bit of nicks life before Charlie can’t wait for vol 6 so excited to see what happens x 🩷

Vadant18

😭👏🏽

Ellen🌈✨

do Nick and Sarah go and see Pirates of the Caribbean? 😅

Rita Gargano

Oh Aliceeee ❤️ this is soooo heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time!!

Ann-Marie Still

Not me letting out a high squeak at the last page. And now I'm sat here crying. Alice you are amazingly good at reducing me to a snivelling wreck in the best possible way 🥹🥹🥹

Jess

Awww the ending was perfect 🥰

ChristinaP

Thank you ♥️♥️♥️♥️ His dream and hope for the future came true. I'm SO looking forward to seeing what's next in vol 6. and see it more from Nick's point of view. I am a mother of younger school children, and you just want the best for them without pushing them. Everything makes sense here. and this mini comic is full of hints and future understanding. “you are more yourself with Charlie than your other friends” and so on. Love it all ♥️♥️

EC

Wow. This is truly special. Thank you again Alice for this Patreon. Reading it precisely at this moment in volume 6 was really just the perfect time to stop, pause, and reflect on Nick’s journey.

Katie H

This was absolutely beautiful, thank you so much Alice ❤️ The caption made me so emotional, because you're right, Nick does have whole life before Charlie and I'm really glad you've given us an insight into what that was like for him. Also, the ending made my heart melt, it's such a beautiful ending to see Nick meeting Charlie from his perspective 🥹 Thank you so much Alice ❤️

Benjamin Lob

Oh my, this is absolutely perfect in every way. I needed this so much ❤️❤️

gabs

and he did meet his best friend and soulmate all in one ))):

Nyssa Rawther 🍉

Awh, his future best friend for life!! His soulmate, his love, his future husband 🥰🥰🥰 I do feel so terribly for Younger Nick being so out of place even w his mates but I'm so so so happy that he's found his forever person, and that he's got a whole support system of friends and loved ones now (and more that he'll meet in the future like his uni besties) who love and understand and accept him as is. We love you, Nick Nelson!!

Caroline Schramm

I love this with my whole heart and soul ❤️ I’m so excited for more content to comeee!! 🥰😊🤩

Chris

This mini comics fits really well in the current story actually 🙂

Brittany Cournoyer

Ahhhh I love this so much!!! That last page!!!! I really hope we get one on Charlie too.

Vadant18

Running to rewatch this scene in the show now knowing that Nick was anxiously hoping to meet a best friend 😭😭😭

Christy Guilfoyle

Nick's journey is the part of Vol 6 that I'm most excited for! This was a lovely insight into his past.

Nyssa Rawther 🍉

Thank you so much, Alice, for sharing this with us. It's always a pleasure to see more of Heartstopper, and what a lovely insight into Nick's life pre-Charlie.

Laura Arbiter

This is so sweet and beautiful!!! He finally met his best friend 🥹🥹🥹

gabs

gosh knowing that we'll see this whole other side of nick makes me happy, he's not perfect and that's okay!!

Victoria Panaro

Wow 😲 page 9 made my jump on my seat!!! Alice this is so precious I'm about to cry 😭😭

Rita Zaumseil

😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️

olive !

🥺🥺🥺

tess ^_^

oh this is just so :(((( i’m in TEARS

Koko

Thank you Alice 🩷

Martine Scarabea

Ok, now I'm crying, thank you 🥹❤️ Alice, this comiks is so amazing, I have goosebumps literally. I'm probably not the first who is asking but would you consider publishing all komiks in a book? It would be awesome 🙏🥹

melly2oo

I agree, Nick is NOT perfect. It’s very easy to toss fictional characters into black and white categories when they (assuming the writer is as thoughtful and deliberate as you) are significantly more complex. I’ve never thought of any of the characters as all good or bad and it’s been frustrating to see fans label them as such. I LOVE seeing all of their layers, all of what makes them endearing and what makes them human and needing to work on themselves. It’s wonderful

Megan

Oh my gosh this absolutely melted my heart. ❤️✨🍂 🥹🥰 Nick's wish came true. Charlie became his best friend and favourite person in the whole world, who is kind to others and makes him feel so happy and safe and comfortable and someone he can really talk to. Just beautiful. ✨🍂 🥰 I would absolutely adore a mini-comic of 12-year-old Charlie. It would be so sweet. Alice thank you for this beautiful mini-comic. You're amazing!

Claire

This was so lovely. If it brings a tear to our eyes -- then Sarah must be sobbing over it. I love the ending -- the full circle for us. (And Charlie's hair looks great there). I do not really get those who do not see that Charlie is just as much a support to Nick as Nick is to him -- perhaps even more so. It was with the support of Charlie that Nick was able to find out who he was - you cannot ask more than that. I think Nick is so incredibly good at masking his feeling and hurt -- I still hope that at least through rugby he was able to find some joy in the long years until he and Charlie found each other. Alice -- thanks for this and please do draw/write the young Charlie one at some point when you have the time and space for it.

s💫

thank you alice for this mini comic! this was so beautiful 🥹

Jo S

Beautiful! 🫂🫶🏻🫶🏻❤️ ty Alice 🥹

Ai Bui

“he’s different from your other friends // you seem more like yourself around him” sarah nelson clocking charlie’s magic immediately hits even harder now 😭❤️

toneelspeler

oof, emotional sucker punch achieved with sarah nelson reading that nick wants to have a best friend he can talk to about the things that happened to him when he was younger. how happy she must be he found such a safe person just a couple years later!

Kit

Love this so much, especially now it means even more when Sarah says to him "he's not like your other friends, you seem more yourself around him" ahhhh the relief and happiness she must have felt when he/she met Charlie 😭

Ashley Robinson

He fell in love with his best friend. ❤️‍🩹

Nikki

I’m not sure how I expected this mini comic to end but it wasn’t like this, it’s so sweet and perfect. Really appreciate you Alice taking the time to explain and show in vol 6 that Nick isn’t perfect and nobody is. Even through the rose tinted specs of Heartstopper we can still see everyone has their flaws but that’s ok and even more importantly they’re still wonderful and loveable. Can’t wait to see how things go but also can it slow down please and don’t want it to end! 🫶

Katy

It's so lovely to see how Nick and Charlie compliment each other. They are each other's safe place, which gives them the opportunity to understand and explore themselves more deeply. What a beautiful mini-comic❤️

Dionne Lakey

Nick was so ready to befriend Charlie- all he needed was that first hi being well received and he was all in for the friendship of a lifetime.

NotSoYoung

I love the flash forward in the end when he finally met Charlie. Really seems that everything that Nick wished for a best friend turn into Charlie 🥹

Ashley Robinson

“He’s much different than your other friends. You’re much more yourself around him.”

ichrisnorman

Sarah: "he's not like your other friends" 💜😊 insightful because of course she'd been keeping a watchful eye 💜😊

Tyne Swedish

Awwww, people forget how isolated Nick was before Charlie

Ai Bui

also the way that the script’s giving blue fountain pen 🖌️🖌️🖌️🤌🤌🤌

Ashley Robinson

Showing that everyone has something going on under the surface is so important bc everyone does. It just depends on who sees it.

Ania W.

You broke the "Nick stereotype" brilliantly. Many did not understand that he was a human being made of flesh and blood. You're right, he was put on a pedestal and treated like a knight on a white horse. This mini-comic was absolutely necessary to understand that Nick is a multi-dimensional character! And now I'm going to cry over the last two pages

Rhonda Mitchum

Oh my heart is melting.You will have a boyfriend like that.Nick charlie is on your way

Chloe ♡

this mini comic makes some of the volume 1 pages feel different like when sarah and nick talk about charlie and sarah says ‘he’s very different from your other friends isn’t he? you seem much more yourself around him’ she knows her son finally found his real best friend 🤍

Zoe S.

Gahhhh crying 😭😭😭 Alice how do you do this?!!! Soo beautiful ♥️

Molly Goat

I literally just said "aww" out loud. TOO CUTE

Franzi De waard

The way both Nick and Charlie manifested their dream best/boyfriend 🥹

Sandra Day

Thanks Alice. Also loved this and the ending. I am also hoping for a little montage at the end of season 4, in the future, when Nick and Charlie get married and are Dads....💕💕😘

Justin S.

As someone who has always loved Nick (and identified with Charlie), I find this exploration and deepening of his inner life challenging bc no one likes to see characters or other humans suffering, but ultimately this will be healing for Nick....and Charlie. Trusting their bond is strong enough to let them both grow, separate and together.

witchspring

What a spectacular and sensitive work Alice, we really needed this insight into Nick and I am so touched and grateful for it. I can't wait for the next steps of VL 6. But thank you once again!!🥹🥹

PoppieBee

So very very relatable. Thank you Alice! ❤️

KathrynHarrop90

Nick is about to meet the love of his life 🥰

Desiree M.

That is so beautiful. They both found exactly what they needed in one another. Now it's time for Nick to grow and learn about himself as much as Charlie has.

Amy Shephard

Nick, that is not just your future best friend, that is your future husband!

Bonersniper

Who can say if they've been changed for the better? But they have been changed for good

Maisie

My heart is so full with this little insight into little Nick. He found freedom and acceptance in the Paris squad all because of that one little seating plan 🥺

Kayleigh Clarke

That is so beautiful 🥺 who would have thought that his future best friend would be the love of his life ❤️ I’m nervous for the hard times that may come in volume 6, but I have faith that Nick and Charlie will come though it together and stronger in the end 🥰

olli

trying not to start crying in a coffee shop :,) this is so sweet ❤️

ZooKeeperHere

I swear I have never felt as seen as I do through this 18 year old graphic novel character. I’m so excited to see Nick’s people pleasing and anxious coping skills explored ❤️ (also, why is it so hard just to find friends who are not mean to others)

BEL

LOVED THE MINI COMIC. Thank you so much Alice for sharing that with us. I am in awe of how you manage to convey so much in so few pages - shirt, but perfectly formed. What an insight we got into little Nick, and it really does come just at the right time in your telling of Vol 6. Just beautiful.

lexi

i love how he didn't JUST find his best friend but also a whole group of friends he can feel comfortable to be himself around

Steven

I see people do it as well, Alice. (Putting Nick on a pedestal). No one is perfect, but Nick is perfect for Charlie and vice versa. Flaws and all. Honestly, even though Charlie would prefer Nick to not suffer, a small part of him deep down probably would be thrilled to try and help him for a change. In a relationship, feeling one side is so much better/put together can be mentally challenging in itself and make you miserable from feeling so much inferior by comparison. It humanizes them.

Ana Alicia Aranda De Contreras

wow I love being able to get to know Nick a little more it was incredible and seeing that he has suffered like anyone else and seeing that part of him that does it as a person with problems and challenges like anyone else was incredible thank you Alice for giving us this little fragment of nick's past🥺❤️💗

Franziska

I cried immediately at the last page. Alice, you have a heart of pure gold! 🫶🏻

Barb

This was soooo lovely! Can't wait to see what volume 6 brings, although I'm a little bit nervous too🫶🏻...I love your work, Alice!

hollie

wait i’m sobbing

Gabriela Ayres

😭😭😭😭😭😭 that is soooo cute

Krystyn

I loved the mini comic so much! As you mentioned the possibility earlier, if you feel like doing the same for Charlie at some point that would be awesome. I loved that in volume 6 you created a balance between Nick and Charlie. Nick is not a knight in his shining armor there only to save Charlie. He is only human, he has issues, makes mistakes, he is still figuring things out. He is just a teenager. What’s beautiful is that they are traveling together through their own issues. Thank you Alice 💜

Elena

Today I watched the first four episodes again, because of this mini comic and it all makes so much sense now. It's so sad and wonderful and overwhelming at the same time to see the struggles from his life before Charlie and his happiness in meeting Charlie and getting a new best friend to becoming boyfriends. 😭❤️ Thank you Alice, for creating this wonderful mini comic and also for the series of course aka "Heartstopper Universe"! 🥹🥹❤️‍🩹❤️

Brittany Cournoyer

“I wish I would had met you when I was younger….” 🥹🥹🥹

Jenny Delcher

This mini coming makes a lot of sense when you see how insecure Nick feels (specially in book 5 and the future book 6). Loving the way you show his fragile side with the diary. You manage to create real relatable characters. I guess this is what makes everyone who read your books fall in love with some characters. There is a bit of everyone in each of them. ❤️

Rhonda Mitchum

Are you going to release the mini comics in print? I didn't get one last time

Tanya

This was such a lovely look into Nick's world, thank you Alice. ❤️

Dean Horn

Thanks for making this old man cry first thing in the morning. 🥺 In the books and series I got the impression that Nick was lonely. Charlie made his life so much better, and kinder. He really was much more himself around Charlie. Now Nick has to figure out how he can just be himself apart from Charlie. ❤️ Thank you so much for this!

Elspeth Fougere

Omg I LOVE THIS!!! Yes Ive always seen nick as complex, anyone would have to be with his history. Also, Ive dated people like him, who turn out to have very deep wounds, so I know its no easy ride no matter what it looks like on the surface. I also know very capable people with the charlie underbelly, and I know it makes them no less a strong person, capable, functional, lovely and fun. I love the way you tell honest stories Alice. It could get boring if it was just that much more holywood, but because youve kept it honest to life, it stays interesting and easy to empathise with and identify with and I really really thank you for that. I know some folks have complained its too idealised, or too difficult in parts, but to me in my life, youve aimed it about right, and it honestly matches a lot of my life experiences, that of my friends, and also other youth Ive worked with, so I think thats why its done so well.. its telling realistic stories observed from real life. Wishing you well alice! Hope the healing is going great, and your feeling positive about the last leg of the story ❤️👏🥰

Maddy

I'm so in love with this. Thank you Alice ❤️

Flavia Morlacci ☾𖤓

aww I love this so much🥺❤️ Nick eventually found a best friend, who is also his boyfriend. I think you're right Alice, everyone put Nick on pedestal claiming he's perfect in every aspect, when in reality he's just a boy who carries on his back a lot of unsolved problems. no one is perfect, we're just humans.

Wildallie Diaz

I love that Alice!… As people we have many layers , we are not just one thing so I like that we are going to see Nick be more vulnerable and have flaws. I also am excited to see the switch and growth of Charlie and how he uses those skills that he learned in therapy to help Nick or challenge him ( because we don’t know) . I can’t wait for more!

Sulagna Maitra

....and THIS (what Alice wrote in the comments) is my Roman empire!!!

Gregory Toner

I’m not crying 🥹 nope not crying at all 😭💖

ucfnurse

And here comes Charlie!!☺️😊👏💓❣️🌞🌻🏫📚📙✌️🕊️☮️

MoontanaRae

Loved getting to see a glimpse of who Nick is! He is by far my favorite character (not sure what that says about me).

Charlotte

I’m literally crying 😭

Clemence

And now we’re all sobbing! ❤️🥹 I love how this echoes the many layers of Nick that we start to see in volume 5, and his vulnerabilities.

Claudine

The part where Nick asks Charlie to come over and meet Nellie will never feel the same again. Oh Nick 🥺 Thank you Alice, this was so insightful.

Raeee✨

Alice. That last page made me cry. 😭🩵🩵🩵 Oh my. My heart!!!!!

Frances

Yeah… I’m crying… 🥺

Jenny

This is so beautiful 💛 thank you for making it

Vicky Wattam

I’m so obsessed with this ending

Jennifer Paddock

I'm not crying - you're crying!! 🥹💙🥹💙🥹💙🥹

Crimson

i love this sm what

Jazmine Terson

STOP IT RIGHT NOW. NICK AND CHARLIE REALLY ARE BEST FRIENDSSSSS!!!!!!

Steven G.K.

I love this mini comic! It shows how when you ask the universe, she responds! ♥️ love this Little Nick story, it feels like a glimpse into his soul. So beautiful and so touching and relatable! I love that Sarah is always supportive of him (reminds me of my mom) 🥰 I can’t wait to see v6 and how the story unfolds for Nick! Alice, do you think you can make a mini comic about Nick when he was obsessed with his rugby teacher in summer rugby camp, when he won that trophy? 🥸😋 it’d be cool to see Nick’s first crush on a guy. 🫣

Julie

I wonder if Sarah remembered this when Charlie came into Nick’s life? ❤️❤️

Audrina

ALICE IM IN PUBLIC AND THE LAST PAGE GOT ME CRYING 😭

Brittney

This is amazing! Like this mini comic even though it didn't go too much it still told a lot of story in a way. Like, the journey that is going to happen in Volume 6, as you said Alice for worse and better, Like ain't that the truth? Like we've saw more glimpse of that especially in Volume 5 how Nick ffelt like he could only open to Charlie, because in a way, when he met Charlie everything changed. But, understanding more now that he has came out, and feels proud of about it, seeing that journey of him figuring out his sexuality and then trying to come out then actually coming out. Like everything has been one big stress for him, and knowing now Like it's all coming back full circle again, I think in some ways that's kind of why everything was bubbling over time just like how when they had an argument and led to Charlie's relapse like when you add more things on top, it does eventually crash a lot. So I can't wait to see what else is in store for the final volume, just truly thank you Alice for everything

Katya818

That last page was PERFECT! I literally gasped when I flipped the page!

Anaïs

Oh my heart, that end 😭😭😭

aniatka

My next question is what happend to Nick when he was younger? Alice? It's about his parentes divorce or other stuff? I'm a bit worrying 😬❤️🌈

Ali Michelle

The “he’s actually probably my best friend” moment with Tara at Harry’s party 🥹🥹🥹🥹

Bri

i’m crying omg😭

aniatka

Watching the last scene of season 3 I thought that this could be the hint of the following direction of the story. Charlie kissing Nick's forehead as taking now the care of him, as the stronger one at this moment of their journey. Exactly the same as Nick kissed him after the prom and after Charlie asked to take his shirt off. It's beautiful, Alice ❤️

LSH

Makes me want to pick up book 1 and start it all over again with this new mini comic as a frame of reference. ❤️

Anna Deligio

Ohhh! The last panel made me cry! ❤️

Robert

So brilliant Alice and it is great to see Nick's earlier life. It also allows us to understand better Nick's fragility just before the first sex scene. A similar story for Charlie would be very welcome.

Frances

Not me accidentally skipping the last page… seen it now and crying even more 😭🥺🥹 Perfect ending to this mini comic ♥️🍂

Ariel

this is so perfect Alice!!! I love getting this little glimpse into Nick's past and you showed us so much in just a few pages! The last page is the perfect ending - how much life can change in just a few years🥺😍 I'm in love with the art style and the last page is the perfect ending!💕🍂 I relate to Nick a lot in the comics, and getting to explore how he has been coping with his past stresses in Vol 6 has been such a good thing to see (its been giving me the courage to think about my own past and explore how some of my coping mechanism are not as healthy as I like to pretend sometimes haha). Anyways - thank you so much for the special gift this week, I am so so grateful for you and your art always!! You are so kind to us!

Tina

"favourite movies" well-

Valeria Rodriguez

Same. This insight of Nick’s past allows for another level of understanding of the character. I am so going back to read/watch.

SoraNoRyu

I'm feeling a little proud of myself that nothing in this mini-comic really surprised me. As a high-masking autistic, I know very well what it's like to seem like you have everything together, and the expectations that are put on you to support everyone around you since you have no problems yourself. Or no real problems, because voicing my own has always been met with disbelief. I guess it might be because of this that I've been able to pick up all the little hints on how Nick's life is going, and the baggage he's hiding - including the fact that his friends are not safe to open up to. Seeing Nick's side of things, and how much he needed Charlie in his life, drawn out this cute and relateable was wonderful to read, and I especially love how the last frames link back to the beginning, just before their frist 'Hi'. I'd love to see a similar comic for Chalie, but as we know more of his early life already, i'll let that depend on if you have a story to tell that wants to be put on paper like this.

Jolli

very lovely as always Alice <3

Button

Oh Alice! 😊 What a beautiful story and insight into younger Nick. I've always wondered what Nick's thoughts were after that first day when he met Charlie. Nick is just as flawed as any other character. I have always believed there was something lurking behind the strength he projects for his soulmate Charlie. I can't wait to see more of this journey in Volume 6. Thank you! 😊

GirlHero

alice, love this! this makes me so happy!! i hope you will do one for charlie (& tori). i’m so excited to see these thought diaries of their past, & what the future holds. imo, we are all just people trying everyday. hoping, living this life, finding our village, learning to let go of the handle of baggage that does not serve us, loving ourselves & others honestly…it’s hard!! sometimes it’s scary. the ways we doubt ourselves can show up in the wildest of ways in our relationships. but if nick and charlie were indifferent to each other THAT would break my heart. agreed, i don’t think either of them would ever want perfection from the other? for me, it’s about something honest, resilient, where you feel safe to grow as an individual, & alongside the person you love & admire ❤️

Andie

Sooo cute I love this so much and relate so hard 😭🩷 Thanks Alice!!

Lissie

It was meant to be 🥺 Oh my HEEEEART!!! 💜

Joey Paradise

Oh the final page is a perfectly wonderful way to end the mini-comic! I love it!

Jen

🥹🥰

Sam Alegre

Im so excited to know more about Nick's life!!!

Isak

This was such a great little comic Alice! I love the insight into Nick’s childhood

Larisa

I'm crying.. Why am I crying ❤️❤️❤️ This is so so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Lolli98

This comic and the story keep getting better and better! I love all the little insights and parallels between past and future and the comic and show. Nick's text about his future best friend totally reminds me of Tori and Charlie on the bus in the very first episode, when Tori asks Charlie: "What's your dream guy?". And the "they can come round my house" makes me think of the after-prom party at Nick's.😀 Loooooove it!❤💙💛

Rottie_Lover

Alice, it's funny you mention that about people seeing Nick as perfect. I always thought he was a good person with regular problems, but he kept so much of himself hidden, not just his sexuality. I think you did a great job showing us who he really was, but we had to pay close attention to see it. Kit did an amazing job of expressing that side of Nick too.

Laura Roberts

This was everything 🙌 thank you Alice. I just love Nick and Sarah even more now! Xxx

Pato Ferguson

He always needed a Charlie 😭😭

Bret Dausch

I’m actually crying 😢

Neenie

It would have been so sad otherwise; this really gives it that heartstopper glow

Neenie

Right because now we know that Nick has known it’s wrong for years!

elisa

thank you so much for making those pages and develop those characters in the best way possible i love nick even more now that i know him better 🩷

Neenie

Yeah, I don’t know if it’s recency bias or if it’s ableism or something else, but it’s disconcerting

Natalia Seguel Arenas

My babies are boyfriends and best friends… they’re living the dream ❤️❤️❤️

Katrina

Oh that last page has me crying. I always wanted to see Nicks view of when they first met. Nick you found them! You found your soulmate and love of your life and best friend at the same time. Thank you for this mini-comic Alice ❤️ I really love your caption and totally agree with it.

Glenn Crawford (GraphiqueJack)

Oh my gosh… I’m so glad you wrote this mini comic and I agree 💯 with the reasons why you did, specifically. I constantly see comments like ‘Nick’s the perfect boyfriend’ while people seem to disregard everything Charlie has done for Nick, right from the very start. Charlie has gone through a lot of trauma, and yet, even with all that’s happened to him, he’s fiercely protective of Nick, who has a lot of insecurities that often makes him let Charlie down, even though it’s understandable why. In many ways, I think Charlie can be even stronger than Nick, though his big weakness is he neglects his own needs to protect everyone else. Neither boy is ‘perfect’ but they are equally fiercely protective and supportive of each other. If only any of the guys I dated were 1/10 as supportive and loving as these two are. Lol 🤣🤣 This was so beautifully written. Sarah reading his diary/report is so sad. No wonder she notices that ‘Charlie is not like his other friends and he seems more like himself with him.’ It must also be hard for her to read how much David is a torment to Nick. I can’t imagine being a parent and knowing your child is a mean little 💩 to his brother. 😢

Scott Whittall

As Geoff says, there is a lot to unpack here. So Alice, Nick sorta manifested Charlie when he was 12? Oh how sublime!❤️ Little did young Nick know that his lonely heartfelt diary plea for a perfect best friend would materialize a few short years later in the form of a soulmate who, he will learn, loves everything to be perfect. And, Nick's journal desire directly correlates with his confiding in Charlie at the bowling arcade how he wished he could have met Char when he was younger. But, can we talk about Sarah being the Mom of the century? She peers keenly into her sons heart. Seems like at this snapshot in time, Nick's best friend is his mum. We know that no one is perfect, and everyone needs a support system of friends and family they can rely and lean on. But, Alice, you have shown us that Nick is wise beyond his years. Even at 12, he knows there must be more to elevate and fulfill his life. He doesn't understand it yet, but he is certain there is something brighter, better, bigger, out there for him. He shows this time and time again, now as a 12 year old, and throughout his teenage years. But unlike Charlie, Nick is learning to express his feelings, to a degree, by reaching out to his new found support system. He tells the girls on the uni road trip how he does not know who he is without Charlie. He confesses to Charlie that he is freaking out about his future. Nick admits he sincerely feels Char is so much more confident than himself. The clues are all there. Fact is, when you wear your heart on your sleeve, it is more vulnerable to fracture. Nick's foundation is mighty but when a 16yo stands firmly and unwavering by his soulmate throughout his mental health battle, and who now is desperately searching for his true self and what the future has in store, that unprotected heart is going to need an army of support to stay whole, healthy (mentally and otherwise) and strong.

Glenn Crawford (GraphiqueJack)

I think Nick’s fears and insecurities hold him back from doing what he knows is right. You see that when Charlie gets mocked for the hickey and he just sits there and says nothing, for example. I think Charlie is actually braver in terms of supporting and protecting Nick, but his flaw is he neglects his own needs to protect those he loves. The challenges they go through together teach them how to be better to each other and for themselves.

Brent Henderson

The last pages got me. Wasn’t anticipating tears. ❤️

Erynn

I’m crying this is so sweet

Gabby

Aaaaaaa how blimmin' PERFECT 💖💖💖 thank you for writing and drawing it. I adore Nick down to his bones and love seeing this, because so much of the time he pushes things down in order to be there for Charlie and for everyone else 🩷

Hanna Flick

Not me CRYING at these pages. Oh my god. I’m really excited to see more of Nick and his growth. He’s a wonderful character but that doesn’t mean he’s perfect and he deserves to have his story told. I know this last chapter is gonna be an emotional whirlwind and as much as I don’t want heartstopper to end, I am so excited to see how this journey plays out. Thank you, Alice!

Glenn Crawford (GraphiqueJack)

I feel like N&C’s relationship is one of mutual support and it sort of see-saws a little on who is the more supportive one and who needs the support. At first, it’s Charlie being strong and supportive when Nick needs time to discover and accept his sexuality. Then Charlie needs Nick when he has neglected his own mental health for so long that it manifests into his ED and OCD problems. Now that Charlie is healthier, he’s going to need to help Nick learn to discover more of who he is, which is going to mean them not being so co-dependent on each other. It’s going to be hard, but Charlie is going to need to be strong to accept Nick going to Leeds and trusting that their relationship will survive it.

RCM

"In the future, I would like a best friend who I can talk to about all kinds of things....and things that happened when I was younger."🥺 I can't help but think back even earlier than 12 year old Nick, to those things that happened that slowly made him protect (and really bury) his feelings and his inner sense of self (I like to think of it as his light, one we all have that burns inside of us, sometimes dimmer/brighter depending on life...). 1) His parents divorced, which meant his dad left home and life as 5 year old Nick had known it changed forever. 2) I have no doubt Sarah did all she could to lean in to Nick (and to David) and I love her for every single bit. But no matter how hard she tried and still tries, there are some holes even a mum can't fill. She can support and she can love, and she does that so well. 3) Stephane made promise after promise for the last 7 years, saying all the right words but never following up on them with any intent or meaningful action. There are only so many "I'm sorry I couldn't be there (aka forgot) on your birthday, but Christmas is coming and I will see you then, or at least call, or call soon" disappointments before an emotionally sensitive and hopeful kiddo like Nick starts to hear "YOU are not a priority to me. even as my son I say I love and want to know, (you are mostly an inconvenience), I will get to you as soon as work slows, and when I do see you, you'll have to fit into MY very busy plans..." How could Nick ever have talked to his dad about his worries, or his friends, his loneliness or sadness, missing him, or even just sharing his joys? There wasn't space for that, just empty promises that continually reinforced the dulling of Nick's light as he never got to be himself around his dad. 3) David was going through all of this too, but took a harder approach, and shut Nick out...no vulnerability allowed. No talking about hurts. No talking about Dad. Big boys don't cry kind of thing..(although I suspect David was longing for connection just as much as Nick was but neither of them had the tools for finding it here). I think when Mr. Lange "randomly" assigned Charlie Spring to sit down next to Nicholas Nelson, and Charlie looked at Nick and said "Hi," Nick saw a glimmer of his own light, his protected little light, reflected in Charlie's eyes...and was immediately drawn to him. That light has grown stronger and brighter since that day....and now Nick cannot remember life without Charlie, and that is a beautiful place to be. There is still work to be done (not talking about university today, not going to do it!), but for now, I'm going to think about Nick's light finding its home in Charlie Spring's eyes (and the same for Charlie with Nick!). Thank you for the tears and the HOPE found in this mini comic, Alice❤️‍🩹

Lisa Punky Girl

Oh my gosh!! I love that ending!!❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰

Sof

this ending made me emotional 🥲 the distress in nick’s voice in the last episode of s1 when nick thought he was losing not only his boyfriend but his best friend makes even more sense now 💔

Cody

Happy tears!!!

Greg Hobson

Love this so much, started to tear up at the end.

Lauri

I started crying at the end 🥹🥹🥹🥹 ❤️❤️❤️

Beam Bugge

oh I did not expect the ending to be this emotional 🫠🫠 "my life is way better because i met you"

Sarah Duzynski

I enjoyed this mini comic and getting more insight into Nick's life before he met Charlie. It's hard when you are the person that people rely on when things are difficult. It's easier to ignore your own mental health and needs at first when you feel you need to always appear strong and have things together. I have realized I was (and still am) that person in my family a lot of the time. I would say it started when my brother was having his own mental health issues in high school, which affected me because of the way he treated me and our parents. I didn't realize until years later that the way my brother spoke to me and about me impacted the way I felt about myself. I think that is part of the reason why I was not able to come out to myself until I was in college. Even though I realize now there were signs of my sexuality earlier, I wasn't ready to deal with that on top of everything that was going on with my brother. I wish I could say that my relationship with my brother is better now, but it isn't and most likely never will be. I relate to Nick's relationship with his brother because it is similar to my own experience.

Beam Bugge

and to think that Charlie thought all he did was "ruin people's lives"? if only he knew...

Sara

Well, this ending got me very emotional 🥺 thank you for sharing this mini-comic in advance here, it was such a wonderful surprise and very much needed this week! About Nick, my favourite character, with whom I resonate incredibly much (loneliness included), I truly can’t wait to know him more through volume 6 💖

tara🌞

i’m not crying you’re crying x

Shin__

This was a truly precious gift, Alice. And I appreciate you showing vulnerable Nick. He’s just a guy trying his best for the person he loves, but he needs help and support too 🩷

Kat

😭😭😭

Angie Michaelis

Oof, that last page hit me. 🥺 Sweet Nicholas. I always saw Charlie as a strong support system to Nick, especially as he discovered his sexuality and began coming out. It was clear Nick didn’t have the greatest friends before he met Charlie, but I never thought about the ways Nick’s friendships, or lack thereof, affected him before Charlie. Charlie went through a dark time before he met Nick, but when he was outed and bullied, he had Tori and really solid friends who supported him and loved him for himself. (We all need friends like Tao and Elle!) I’m so glad Nick not only found Charlie but also the Paris squad. ❤️‍🩹🥹

RyGy

Can we please get a mini comic of Charlie’s youth?!

Daya

Not me sobbing!!!🥲

Elliot Stiert

🥹🥹 The way they needed each other 🥰

Shane Mullins

This was so beautiful Alice, thank you 🧡!

S. Mallet

I'm so glad to see this mini-comic. I've long thought that what we see here had been true about Nick; in Reactors' comment sections, I've written that I had gotten the impression just from seeing the series -- that until Nick met Charlie, he had never had a close friend, besides Nellie. I saw it, for example, when I looked at how the rugby guys (and their hangers-on (like Ben and Imogen) ) would congregate at one end of the picnic table in the morning, while Nick would always sit at the opposite end of the table with his back to them all. There were many other examples of this, but that one was a strong visual clue, for me. It gave me a thrill to have Alice confirm what the series had hinted at! 🩷💜💙

Simone

When Nick sees Charlie it would be cool to see some leaf animations, but I’m sure Alice knew their vision when putting this together. This was such a sweet mini comic and seeing nicks face when he sees Charlie the first time we see them meet is so beautiful.

Meowzer

I couldn’t have loved this mini comic more. My heart broke for Nick when he had to deal with David, but the last 3 pages brought me back to pure joy. I loved how his journal described his perfect best friend. He needed “a Charlie” before he even met his Charlie. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you Alice ❤️💙💛

Glenn

Alice, one of the things that make your work so special is that fact that all the characters are complex with no one completely saintlike or demonic. That's too easy a hole to fall into and you avoid it. I really appreciate how you quietly inserted the pronouns when Nick was describing what type of friend he was looking for.

aliceoseman

You're totally right, there should definitely be some leaves on that final page! I will add them in :)

Fran

I’m in tears, Charlie got into Nick’s and really made it brighter

Merel

Omg yeah, especially because there are leaves around little Nick on the first page where he's sitting at the table in the same way. It would be a really cute callback to the beginning of the mini comic. A full circle moment 🍂

Rosie💕

judging by all the comments and the radiant ache in my heart, this mini-comic has been another perfectly placed piece in the heartstopper universe.

Murgy

I can just see Nick finding that in the years ahead, and adding 2 words to it with a smile. "I did"

Dover

Alice, I'm curious, was Nick's upcoming journey always a part of the plan for volume 6, or have you made adjustments to your original plan based on your observations of fans feeling like Nick is "perfect" and placing him on a pedestal?

dpfw

Charlie: "What have I ever done for Nick?" Nick: (takes out list which turns out to be about nine sheets of A4 paper taped together.)

Darren🍂

ITS TOO EARLY TO BE CRYING😭😭😭

Glenn Crawford (GraphiqueJack)

I think Charlie is also very supportive of Nick and we clearly see how much Nick has needs him even before he knew who Charlie was. Charlie has also protected Nick to the point where he sublimates his own needs, which I think is why his ED and OCD issues got so bad, in part. Charlie put so much pressure on himself to make sure Nick had an easier time coming out that he did, but in the process he forgot to take care of himself.

Ava

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Ben

It’s beautiful.

Jonathan Semro

Love this so much. ❤️ We all have a history. And for many of us it had times of loneliness. It shapes us but doesn’t define us.

alycat

This is so beautiful, Alice. Thank you for sharing the nuance and depth behind Nick. <3

Dippity_Dip

God damnit I’m in tears😭

Amy Shine

I don't remember if it was said in the graphic novel. But in season 1 at the arcade when he tells Charlie he wishes they met when they were younger...

Kristyn

Thank you for this wonderful gift

Kristen

I looooved this so much! Makes me love him more (how’s that possible?) and love that he found Char when he did! They needed each other so much! 🥰🍂

Brandy78

I am rewatching S1 and in E2 when Nick says " This is Nellie, you should come round my house to meet her" Uggh, my heart after this mini comic

Claudine

After reading Nick's diary, the scene from season 3 where Charlie asks Nick if he wants to do something for his birthday feels so sad. Nick says that he normally doesn't have a birthday party 💔 And now his best friend that he has wanted for years is organizing a day at the zoo especially for him and his birthday. That must feel really amazing for Nick! Heartstopper is also a story of hope. In a split second your life can change completely for the better and all you have to do is be there and be you ✨

ellen de Ruiter

This is heartbreaking and hopefull! Im glad nick has charlie in his life. He deserves all the good things in life.

Vantacy_1912

OMG Alice you really know how to make people cry

Nieves Maria Oliver Ballaga

OH MY GOD THE ENDING!!!!... Alice is a genious... the way that story explain so much of Nicks behavior is brilliant.... This is a so Heartstopper ending.... full of "the best is yet to come"

Chris Mackenzie

Hi Alice, just wondering if you’ll be adding this mini comic at the start or end of volume 6, or is it something that we will only see online?

Nic

Aww, that last page is so lovely 😍

Cole Morin

Stop!!! Not the ending Nick wanting a best friend and meeting Charlie 🥹🥹🥹 Alice! You continue making our hearts stop from pure happiness and cute fuzzy feelings mixed with some sad stuff lol but mostly all the cute moments!!!!!

Gabrielle

Ummmmmmm oh my god !!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeremy Harg

I feel like a lot of young guys feel this way when they're in the closet and don't even know it

PupFenrir

Oh damn, this reminded me of my childhood. I grew up in Utah and wasn't a Mormon and it was so hard making friends (if your not a Mormon they just don't wanna be friends with you). And when I did gain friends, they were just assholes. When I did come out at 20 in 1990 while serving in the Air Force, it was still difficult making friends. Those teenage years are when you build social skills and when it doesn't happen or is screwed up, it effects you the rest of your life. There are some really rude, nasty people in the gay community or those who just want to get in your pants and nothing else

K Lyn

The last two pages had me SOBBING, Alice.🥹❤️