Check, Please! Book 1: # Hockey

This graphic novel was originally a webcomic created by Ngozi Ukazu that later got picked up and published by 01First Second at Macmillan. This is the story of Eric Bittle (Bitty) — former junior figure skating champion, vlogger, pie baking freshman who is part of Samwell University’s hockey team. Starting university our gay protagonist makes new friends, makes unforgettable bonds and falls in love (with the very handsome broody captain). Aside from the beautiful plot that deals with being a freshman, making friends, falling in love, facing your fears and working as a team, my favorite part of “Check, Please!” was the art style. Most noticeably Ms. Ukazu’s gradual transformation of Bitty’s physic and how he presents himself. It reminded me of how Edward Elric grew up in Fullmetal Alchemist, but it was slow and subtle that you don’t notice it until you watch the first episode and then the last episode. Bitty went to the same slow physically growing up transformation and it was brilliant. Even though this is a “hockey story” anyone with negative zero knowledge of hockey (like myself) is able to pick on the rules of the game. Because ultimately we, the reader, are also Bitty’s youtube audience and he treats us as such. He makes sure to explain hockey to us as he tells his story and it felt really natural. After all, Mr. vlogger knows that not everyone in his audience has hockey knowledge. Ms. Ukazu also created a beautiful cast of character. Each one lovable, relatable and a precious cinnamon bun. No one is just there, everyone has a purpose, a personality, and a well-developed character arc. While this obviously a work of fiction Ms.Ukazu’s novel felt natural and realistic. No dialogue or scene felt forced…ever. I am sooooo ready for book two! (Even though I’ve already read Junior year online hehe). Check, Please was sweet and addictive. It’ll keep you hooked until you get to the last page. In the last page, you’ll scream.

I've been following this comic for years now but holding the hardcover in my hands was a heartwarming experience. I love the way Bitty's character isn't completely put together. The rollercoaster that can be a college freshman's first year away from home is beautifully illustrated while giving a rosy look into the wonderful world of hockey. While some of the early art is a little unpolished, it is lovely to see how not just the characters, but also the artist, has grown throughout the series. To 'clean up' the first panels is to erase the hard work and refinement of skill that has gone into their craft. I would hate to lose that history and original charm. I also appreciate the representation of queer characters. They are not overly stereotyped or dramatized for their orientation. They simply... are. They exist and fall in love and and still go about their lives. So much of mainstream media seems to forget that a person's orientation is not their only hobby. Who they fall in love with is only a facet of who they are and there is so much more to know and learn about them. The author does a beautiful job of balancing on the tightrope of representation without baiting dramatization. I wish more people were able to handle this topic as elegantly as Ngozi Ukazu. This story only gets better as Bitty and the boys grow. I cannot wait for the next installments to be available in hardback so I can proudly add them to my shelves!

It's really a great story. It's sweet and funny and interesting. I really hope the author returns to give us a third volume (even though she did a perfectly fine conclusion at the end of volume 2). Alison Bechdel ended her seminal strip Dykes to Watch Out For after a run of about 20 years, and it was just so great when she sort of out of the blue did a couple more strips about several years later. Just enough so the fans could see how everyone was doing.

it's as cute as the first read. Just a feel good book❤️ So first thing first, I wanna point out the digital format form when I read it on my Kindle app. It was challenging to read as far as the smaller speech bubbles etc. Also, it was mentioned it originally started as a webcomic, so when I was reading it, it felt odd how it was done. It's different from other graphic novels in the traditional sense, and it took me a while to get used to it. However, I enjoyed it nonetheless. Eric Bittle is an openly gay college Freshman on the Samwell University hockey team. He's a former junior figure skating champion and a vlogger who loves to bake. Who finds himself falling in love with the captain of his hockey team. It's a great graphic novel for older teens and adults alike. Keep in mind it's a slow burn, especially volume 1. I don't want to spoil it for the ones who haven't read it, but I agree with one of the reviewers who pointed out Rainbow Rowell describing it as "genuinely romantic," I was wondering where that was. It takes until about the end of the book to catch it, lol. I appreciate the author amazing job of showing Bitty's growth as he works through some of his insecurities and finds his place amongst a strange and wonderful collection of characters that make up the hockey team Saw some complaints about the language, so heads up, there is swearing and reference to alcohol and drug use, but it works within the story's context and is tasteful. This graphic novel is super cute, fun, light. If you're looking for a good feel graphic novel then pick this up can't recommend enough.

I love nearly everything that First Second publishes, so I really should have known I would love this. I had seen this book so many times, but always skipped over it because I wasn't sure the art style was for me...it's very stylized, with overly large eyes. But after I finally got a chance to read this, I am happy to say that the art perfectly matches the sweet, inclusive, perfectly paced story. Be warned - it's a story about a young man's college experience, which means college situations (drinking, swearing, talking about adult situations). Some people appear to have been fooled by the cute art style, but this is aimed at teens and up. I finished this and immediately bought the second volume, it's that good!

~~~Review posted on The Heart of a Book Blogger~~~ If you’re in need of a warm hug, then the Check, Please! graphic novels are for you. This series is the absolute cutest—there’s baking, an adorable romance, found family, and hockey. The art is so wonderful, and Bitty is such a delightful, kind character. Book 1 focuses on Bitty’s freshman and sophomore years and Book 2 his junior and senior years—I loved this layout and how his transformation can be really seen as Bitty grows up and faces new challenges, navigates college life, and discovers himself. Plus, Jack and Bitty are one of my favorite ships in a long time! If you’re looking for a fun college YA that really captures the college experience, this graphic novel series is a must-read!

The book arrived in perfect condition! I’m so happy I decided to order the hardcover because it’s such a nice book and the art it’s self is so amazing and adorable! It’s the size of a regular book (not too big, not too small), and the pages are shinny and feels good in your hand. I’ve only read three pages in to the book. I know, not that far but I am very happy to report, far enough to make me laugh once and giggle again! I look forward to reading the rest of the book, and I already can’t wait for the second book! I am so happy with my purchase and I highly recommend you get this book too, I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Wow I loved every second I experienced this story for the nth time! As a longtime fan following OMGCP online I had expected exactly what I had read, which I got and MORE! I loved the coloring of the first few panels that were originally b&w and adding in all the Tweets I could never keep up with in a neat format at the back was so helpful and I could just gush for days about Ngozi's hockey boys. Prepare to feel strong motherly attachment to Hockey Frat Bros when you pick this up! I'm just struck by the characterizations and all the little quirks about the characters and use of backgrounds to give even more information on the characters. Oof-da Ngozi really steals hearts in such a light and fun comic that still has meat in it, and I don't know how she does it!!