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Heart of Gold, Act I
In a small French town, an unusual kind of mass is held: the local priest, Dunant, describes it as “faith healing”, promising those who are suffering will be healed of their ailments with just a single touch of his hands.
Ionel, a pianist with albinism, seeks out Dunant‘s miraculous touch. He struggles with his failing eyesight, a condition that could potentially put an end to his career. Something about the priest’s blessing soon strikes him as odd, and so Ionel begins investigating.
Ionel uncovers several clues that draw him deeper into the mystery surrounding Dunant. As he starts to slowly befriend the priest, he finds himself delving further into a world of miracles and curses.
Written and drawn by the artist-/illustrator-duo Eliot Baum and Viv Tanner, the comic has been self-published since 2016.
Ionel, a pianist with albinism, seeks out Dunant‘s miraculous touch. He struggles with his failing eyesight, a condition that could potentially put an end to his career. Something about the priest’s blessing soon strikes him as odd, and so Ionel begins investigating.
Ionel uncovers several clues that draw him deeper into the mystery surrounding Dunant. As he starts to slowly befriend the priest, he finds himself delving further into a world of miracles and curses.
Written and drawn by the artist-/illustrator-duo Eliot Baum and Viv Tanner, the comic has been self-published since 2016.
163 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 8, 2019
This is a gorgeous, gentle and beautifully sad comic with dark undertones. There is a mystery bubbling underneath. The art is stunning, characters vivid dispate of the scarcity of dialogue and the plot intriguing. The physical copies aren't sold online at the moment, but you can read the published story so far as a web comic.
November 29, 2018
When I found Heart of Gold, it was hands down one of my favorite webcomics ever and one of the most unusual ones I have ever seen. I couldn't be happier there's a printed version now, and such a beautiful one at that!
The story is like a beautiful character study of two people with opposite views, set in a gorgeous church, mixed with dark and mysterious imagery, masterfully drawn with awesome colors and an amazing attention to detail. I couldn't recommend it more! The story takes time to unfold and build up tension, letting you take in all the scenery and giving you time to think about every thoughtful conversation between the characters. I wish more comics were like that.
There is also a beautiful short comic at the end, telling you more about one of the characters, drawn in a different style that complements the rest of the comic really well.
I can only highly recommend it!
The story is like a beautiful character study of two people with opposite views, set in a gorgeous church, mixed with dark and mysterious imagery, masterfully drawn with awesome colors and an amazing attention to detail. I couldn't recommend it more! The story takes time to unfold and build up tension, letting you take in all the scenery and giving you time to think about every thoughtful conversation between the characters. I wish more comics were like that.
There is also a beautiful short comic at the end, telling you more about one of the characters, drawn in a different style that complements the rest of the comic really well.
I can only highly recommend it!
December 23, 2018
B E A U T I F U L !
March 11, 2019
I don’t know if that’s homosexual longing I’m picking up but it sure feels like it.
(Fuck this is beautiful and I need answers)
(Fuck this is beautiful and I need answers)
July 30, 2020
The art fits perfectly with the slow building of this interesting story. The color palettes and compositions are simply beautiful.
[Ongoing]
[Ongoing]
March 12, 2019
The visual storytelling in this book is sooooo, Damn, GOOD!
Every scene is so expertly paced, written and drawn.
The attention to detail poured into this comic brings the characters and world to life in a way that left me spellbound from start to finish, The Sharp dialogue, the fantastic layouts / compositions and use of colour, and the way the artist highlights the subtlest of body language and expression of the characters, its just incredible.
Oh, and that ending... I will definitely be reading more of this series!
Every scene is so expertly paced, written and drawn.
The attention to detail poured into this comic brings the characters and world to life in a way that left me spellbound from start to finish, The Sharp dialogue, the fantastic layouts / compositions and use of colour, and the way the artist highlights the subtlest of body language and expression of the characters, its just incredible.
Oh, and that ending... I will definitely be reading more of this series!
January 1, 2019
A dreamy, peaceful graphic novel with an unnerving mystery around death slowly beginning to spiral out. Gorgeous art and layout contributes to the dreamlike feeling. Can't wait for vol 2!
January 22, 2020
this was cute, but also fuckin beautiful art daaaaaaaaammn
October 20, 2020
How can something so stunning even exist in our world? Gentle, quietly beautiful story and gorgeous art.
Read
February 21, 2021I FEEL ABSOLUTELY FERAL THIS IS GORGEOUS WOW
i love how simple this story is and yet the art is stunning and it forces you to ask all these questions about faith and God and life and wowie i'm obsessed
i love how simple this story is and yet the art is stunning and it forces you to ask all these questions about faith and God and life and wowie i'm obsessed
March 7, 2021
A very intreguing story with beautiful artwork. A nice blend between the mystery elements and the relationship between the two central characters. Looking forward to seeing what happens next
November 5, 2021
Heart of Gold moves me in a way no other comic is able. The format made so purposefully is slow and well paced, breathing in the heavy emotions of its main characters. Space is allowed in every panel and spread, allowing the emotion to be felt by the tension, peace, and commonly fear felt. The emotion of fear is apparent in this melancholy mystery. Two opposing main characters, Ionel and Durant, torn by their own personal fears and when the next pin will drop find comfort in each others company, where the peace of this comic comes. While they enjoy each other's thoughts and presence it does not diminish Ionel need to help overs and uncover the mystery, that Durant would rather keep undisturbed. Its an interesting balance of people loosing their stability, turning to each other but learning the other is not stable either. The authors describe it as hope and disappear meeting to make a pleasant grey, and it goes feel like a chilled fog rolling over. Heart of Gold is a unique comic that feels like a poem being written before your eyes, with heavenly flow from its college palettes and page lay outs. I can not recommend it enough, it is a piece like no other.
December 23, 2018
Gorgeous and full of suspens! I can't wait to get more pretty art! What's gonna happen next?!
January 5, 2019
Stunningly beautiful art.
June 14, 2019
It's beautiful and mysterious and I love it.
June 13, 2020
THIS IS SO GOOD AND THE ART IS STUNNING A AAAA A AA
December 28, 2020
December 2020: 5 Stars
Seriously gorgeous art! The mystery of this story has grabbed me, and I'm excited to see what happens next!
Seriously gorgeous art! The mystery of this story has grabbed me, and I'm excited to see what happens next!
December 23, 2024
seriously gorgeous, a beautiful story, on my knees for more
January 31, 2019
I backed this volume on Kickstarter.
Since I'm not a bit fan of web-comic, I didn't even know it existed before pledging. I did because I was fascinated by the drawings and the idea of an albino main protagonist.
Well, I have to say this hardcover edition is luscious. I like the feel of the paper on my fingertips and even its dimensions, which allow me to have big panels in front of me. I like a little less the golden edges but it's just me... Well, they look so nice but I have golden glitter all over my fingers.
The story... Well, it's extremely slow. Maybe too much. Even if it's a 160-page volume, it all seems a very long introduction to the main story. It's a very fast read because the two protagonists don't talk that much. And it's very confusing for the time being.
So my three-star-rating is mainly because of the art. The story is the weakest part of the book at the moment.
I guess I'll back the second volume as well, just to see where the story is going.
Since I'm not a bit fan of web-comic, I didn't even know it existed before pledging. I did because I was fascinated by the drawings and the idea of an albino main protagonist.
Well, I have to say this hardcover edition is luscious. I like the feel of the paper on my fingertips and even its dimensions, which allow me to have big panels in front of me. I like a little less the golden edges but it's just me... Well, they look so nice but I have golden glitter all over my fingers.
The story... Well, it's extremely slow. Maybe too much. Even if it's a 160-page volume, it all seems a very long introduction to the main story. It's a very fast read because the two protagonists don't talk that much. And it's very confusing for the time being.
So my three-star-rating is mainly because of the art. The story is the weakest part of the book at the moment.
I guess I'll back the second volume as well, just to see where the story is going.
May 21, 2025
4.5 stars
A lovely introspective comic about truth, faith, and the line between miracles and curses.
This comic is beautiful. The art is wonderful and full of details that make this a masterclass in visual storytelling. The story may be slow, but the art takes you through a magical journey that should be taken slowly.
The characters are both fascinating and their relationship with each other is a standout. The slow trust they build, and the way that trust is broken....
I was saddened to hear this project has been put on hold indefinitely. It ended off with a startling cliffhanger, but I respect the decision of the artist. This comic was no easy feat and I will always love what they have gifted us.
A lovely introspective comic about truth, faith, and the line between miracles and curses.
This comic is beautiful. The art is wonderful and full of details that make this a masterclass in visual storytelling. The story may be slow, but the art takes you through a magical journey that should be taken slowly.
The characters are both fascinating and their relationship with each other is a standout. The slow trust they build, and the way that trust is broken....
I was saddened to hear this project has been put on hold indefinitely. It ended off with a startling cliffhanger, but I respect the decision of the artist. This comic was no easy feat and I will always love what they have gifted us.
July 30, 2022
Wonderful graphic novel. It really shows when the artists pour their soul into a project. It's a beautiful, gentle story with a nice slow pace. You can enjoy each panel, the expressive gestures, and the play between light and shadows. It felt almost like a dream, like a nostalgia about something that I'd never seen before.
The edition I have is a sturdy black leather-bound with a gilded book edge which (I know it just looks like leather but very believably done). Stripping it from its dust jacket, the book looks like it's meant to last.
I wish both artists the very best of luck and I cannot wait for the release of Act II.
The edition I have is a sturdy black leather-bound with a gilded book edge which (I know it just looks like leather but very believably done). Stripping it from its dust jacket, the book looks like it's meant to last.
I wish both artists the very best of luck and I cannot wait for the release of Act II.
April 24, 2020
I backed this on kickstarter without ever having read the webcomic. I was a fan of the artist before reading this, hence part of the reason I backed the project.
The artwork and atmosphere created by the careful choice in colors are beautiful. I especially like the design of the church. Though the story has me very curious (I have some theories about what's going on based on some clues), not much actually happens in this volume. It's very much setup for what's to come later on.
The artwork and atmosphere created by the careful choice in colors are beautiful. I especially like the design of the church. Though the story has me very curious (I have some theories about what's going on based on some clues), not much actually happens in this volume. It's very much setup for what's to come later on.
March 5, 2024
Absolutely stunning story and art, and I can't wait to see ACT II. Eli Baum's art never fails to blow me away, and every single panel of HoG is a feast for the eyes. Watchign the plot unfold and seeing the dynamic between characters shift and change was delightful and I loved that Kasper and Ionel both had depth to them.
February 23, 2021
This comic's art is very elegant and expressive, and the story's pace makes the plot very gripping. I love the character design and all the thought put into the pages' details, as well as the careful development of the story. Recommended! But bear in mind it's not finished yet. :)
March 16, 2021
Absolutely stunning artwork. I can't stress that enough. Both the colors and style are flawless. However so far the story has not yet reeled me in. But I'm more than willing to continue because of the art style.
November 10, 2020
The art makes me cry, it's so good. Can't wait to read this over and over again.
November 29, 2020
The art in Heart of Gold is so singular and gorgeous it blows me away every time I dive back into it.
January 9, 2021
Wonderfully tender and heartfelt. I cannot wait for more of this story and to own a physical copy of my very own. Truly beautiful.
February 19, 2022
(Rating it 4 stars and not more only because I loved the second volume even more lol)
April 1, 2022
pretty……….
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews