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Check, Please! #1
Check, Please!: Year One
Eric Bittle—former figure skater, vlogger extraordinaire, and amateur pâtissier—is starting his freshman year playing hockey at the prestigious Samwell University. And it's nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia. For one?
There's checking.
It's a story about hockey and friendship and bros and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.
There's checking.
It's a story about hockey and friendship and bros and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.
236 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2014
39 people are currently reading
3855 people want to read
About the author
Ngozi Ukazu
20 books1,293 followersNgozi Ukazu is an American cartoonist and graphic novelist. She is the author of the online graphic novel series Check, Please!. She studied at Yale University and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
October 29, 2023
2 " both annoying and sweet in equal measure" stars !!!
Thank you to Calista who loves this book.
A gay freshman hockey player comes out to his team-mates and makes them pie....yikes...not really !
Suffice it to say....I really enjoyed the illustrations and the sentiment of this book.
The results of the book....not so much !
Thank you to Calista who loves this book.
A gay freshman hockey player comes out to his team-mates and makes them pie....yikes...not really !
Suffice it to say....I really enjoyed the illustrations and the sentiment of this book.
The results of the book....not so much !
October 1, 2018
did I read this because I miss my Foxhole Court sports gays? no
January 6, 2018
Christ on a cracker, this was good!
I'm a great believer in moody, dark, morose stories about thespian weirdos making bad choices, and yet this bright, happy, joyful comic about an adorable gay boy playing hockey and falling in love just...did it for me. I absolutely loved it. I loved it so much that I actually gave a loud Vader-esque scream of "Nooooo!" when I got to the end of the published pages and realised that I'd have to wait fuck knows how long to find out what happens next to my boy Bitty and all of his dearest bros.
10/10 would recommend.
I'm a great believer in moody, dark, morose stories about thespian weirdos making bad choices, and yet this bright, happy, joyful comic about an adorable gay boy playing hockey and falling in love just...did it for me. I absolutely loved it. I loved it so much that I actually gave a loud Vader-esque scream of "Nooooo!" when I got to the end of the published pages and realised that I'd have to wait fuck knows how long to find out what happens next to my boy Bitty and all of his dearest bros.
10/10 would recommend.
November 21, 2019
Y'all, guess who once spent all day binging this online webcomic ONLY TO FIND OUT IT'S NOT COMPLETE YET? I am a fool. Please send help. I can't wait for the next update.
Also please go read this webcomic because it's one of my favorite things ever.
(The full (yet incomplete!) webcomic is free online, btw! This rating is listed for one of the graphic adaptations, but really I'm rating the webcomic as a whole.)
Also please go read this webcomic because it's one of my favorite things ever.
(The full (yet incomplete!) webcomic is free online, btw! This rating is listed for one of the graphic adaptations, but really I'm rating the webcomic as a whole.)
March 6, 2017
Some of my favorite stories feature a good amount of angst, moral greyness and Bad Things, and I honestly don't think I could ever give that up.
But sometimes you need to immerse yourself in a world that's positive and that shows you that good things can exist, and not everything has to be complicated (irl and in literature) to be good.
Check, Please! is thebook comic that has reminded me of this.
There is only one key word here: healthy.
This is by no means set in a fictional world where Bad Things don't happen, but they (have) happen(ed) off-screen and the relationships portrayed are actual goals.
The story follows Bittle, ex figure skater (can you hear my heartbeat?) turned hockey player, as he joins his new university team. Everyone on the team is all kinds of 'swawsome (that's a word) and they make him feel welcome.
Later on, love blooms between the protagonist and one of his teammates and the way their relationship is shown could be renamed "Healthy relationship 101". It shows all kinds of different situation that normally (in most media) would be the origin of some drama, and instead turns them into a teaching moment (without being patronizing). Because, guess what, most situations are easily dealt with through communication!
That's basically what this whole story is, it's obviously very character driven (I live for those) and it can fill your whole day with positivity, which is only a good thing until you're forced to face reality again.
Other things I loved were both the art (it's just so adorable and colorful and every drawing has a ton of tiny details - I'm sure it takes a lot of time to draw each one!) and the humor (even though sometimes it references something of American culture -I suppose?- that I'm not familiar with, so I don't get every single joke, but it didn't bother me).
Oh, have I mentioned the story is completely free on Tumblr?? It's also not over yet (this review is written after the episode "Dinner at Marty's?") and I absolutely can't wait to read the next update!
If this ever goes into printing I'm also definitely buying it because this artist deserves to be supported.
Also side notes for my AFTG/The Foxhole Court fellows (kinda spoilers below for that series):
But sometimes you need to immerse yourself in a world that's positive and that shows you that good things can exist, and not everything has to be complicated (irl and in literature) to be good.
Check, Please! is the
There is only one key word here: healthy.
This is by no means set in a fictional world where Bad Things don't happen, but they (have) happen(ed) off-screen and the relationships portrayed are actual goals.
The story follows Bittle, ex figure skater (can you hear my heartbeat?) turned hockey player, as he joins his new university team. Everyone on the team is all kinds of 'swawsome (that's a word) and they make him feel welcome.
Later on, love blooms between the protagonist and one of his teammates and the way their relationship is shown could be renamed "Healthy relationship 101". It shows all kinds of different situation that normally (in most media) would be the origin of some drama, and instead turns them into a teaching moment (without being patronizing). Because, guess what, most situations are easily dealt with through communication!
That's basically what this whole story is, it's obviously very character driven (I live for those) and it can fill your whole day with positivity, which is only a good thing until you're forced to face reality again.
Other things I loved were both the art (it's just so adorable and colorful and every drawing has a ton of tiny details - I'm sure it takes a lot of time to draw each one!) and the humor (even though sometimes it references something of American culture -I suppose?- that I'm not familiar with, so I don't get every single joke, but it didn't bother me).
Oh, have I mentioned the story is completely free on Tumblr?? It's also not over yet (this review is written after the episode "Dinner at Marty's?") and I absolutely can't wait to read the next update!
If this ever goes into printing I'm also definitely buying it because this artist deserves to be supported.
Also side notes for my AFTG/The Foxhole Court fellows (kinda spoilers below for that series):
June 14, 2018
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
Thank you to FirstSecond and Raincoast Books for sending me a copy of this in exchange for my honest review
Eric Bittle is a former championship figure skater, loves to bake and has a very popular vlog on the internet. Through his vlog, he talks about his new adventure as a member of the Samwell University Varsity Hockey Team and what that entails. He is quick on the ice, but there is only one problem, he's scared of getting checked. With the help of his teammates and Jack, the team captain, Bitty works through his fear to keep his scholarship.
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!! I saw a lot of buzz about it on Twitter from a number of different people but never checked it out. I AM SO HAPPY I FINALLY DID! This is such a feel-good, cutesy comic that you can't help but smile like a fool the entire time you read it.
I loved seeing the relationship between all the characters grow and become what they are by the end. I can't wait to see how their stories progress in the years to come! All of the characters are so loveable! Bitty is a precious cinnamon roll and I want to protect him at all costs. I loved watching his character grow and come into himself as the year went on and he could be unapologetically himself. I loved Shitty and how much he looked out for Bitty and the rest of his team mates. He is one of the biggest underrated characters of this comic, in my opinion. He is so funny with his witty remarks and banter with other characters. I'm so sad he graduated, but I'm hoping he'll be back in the future years to come. I found myself giggling through out the story at certain situations and how the characters reacted to one another.
I loved the art style and bright colours used! I love this take on "bro culture" and how all of Bitty's team mates are so accepting. I love how he isn't ridiculed by his team mates for being who he is, I think it sends a great message that not all sports and teams are as close minded as they once were. ALSO it was set in Canada so what's not to love, am I right ;)
I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL YEAR 2 COMES OUT I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT TO MY BOYS
Thank you to FirstSecond and Raincoast Books for sending me a copy of this in exchange for my honest review
Eric Bittle is a former championship figure skater, loves to bake and has a very popular vlog on the internet. Through his vlog, he talks about his new adventure as a member of the Samwell University Varsity Hockey Team and what that entails. He is quick on the ice, but there is only one problem, he's scared of getting checked. With the help of his teammates and Jack, the team captain, Bitty works through his fear to keep his scholarship.
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!! I saw a lot of buzz about it on Twitter from a number of different people but never checked it out. I AM SO HAPPY I FINALLY DID! This is such a feel-good, cutesy comic that you can't help but smile like a fool the entire time you read it.
I loved seeing the relationship between all the characters grow and become what they are by the end. I can't wait to see how their stories progress in the years to come! All of the characters are so loveable! Bitty is a precious cinnamon roll and I want to protect him at all costs. I loved watching his character grow and come into himself as the year went on and he could be unapologetically himself. I loved Shitty and how much he looked out for Bitty and the rest of his team mates. He is one of the biggest underrated characters of this comic, in my opinion. He is so funny with his witty remarks and banter with other characters. I'm so sad he graduated, but I'm hoping he'll be back in the future years to come. I found myself giggling through out the story at certain situations and how the characters reacted to one another.
I loved the art style and bright colours used! I love this take on "bro culture" and how all of Bitty's team mates are so accepting. I love how he isn't ridiculed by his team mates for being who he is, I think it sends a great message that not all sports and teams are as close minded as they once were. ALSO it was set in Canada so what's not to love, am I right ;)
I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL YEAR 2 COMES OUT I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT TO MY BOYS
May 1, 2018
A ver, este webcómic me ha gustado. El formato es súper guay, los personajes son mega cuquis y el estilo de ilustración es maravilloso. Pero por algún motivo que no entiendo este primer año no acaba de conectar conmigo.
En plan, me gusta y todo eso, pero no me apasiona. De todas formas, después de ese final creo que la cosa va a mejorar un montón y estoy deseando que empiece a haber la gay stuff que me prometieron.
En plan, me gusta y todo eso, pero no me apasiona. De todas formas, después de ese final creo que la cosa va a mejorar un montón y estoy deseando que empiece a haber la gay stuff que me prometieron.
February 20, 2018
Looking for the cutest and most endearing coming of age/coming out/basically an American sports anime with amazing art published for free entirely through crowdfunding? This is the place!
Check, Please Year One starts the story of Eric Bittle, a former junior figure skater from Georgia who makes it onto an NCAA hockey team in college. He's quick on the ice and a good shot, but the problem is that he's terrified of checking. With his scholarship on the line, he has to get over his fear and win over the team enough for them to keep him around.
What I absolutely love about this series is how it defies expectations. You've got a very flamboyantly gay kid from the south who plays hockey and bakes pies in a frat house. And you know what? No one gives him shit for it! The way "bro culture" is portrayed is so spot on, but all the bigotry and narrow-mindedness you'd expect is sucked right out. There is obviously a greater institution of homophobia in Bitty's life, but in every phase of his coming out to the people around him, he's met with love and support.
The cast of characters is phenomenal, too. Who doesn't love ultimate frat boy Shitty, or stoic hockey robot Jack? In this first book we're just getting glimpses of all of them, but it's a great ensemble cast, and I never felt overwhelmed as they were introduced.
I have a LOT more gushing to do about this series, but so much happens in later books, so I'll save it for another review. If you've heard the hype about this series and thought if picking it up, DO IT! It's a quick read and entirely free on http://checkpleasecomic.com/
Check, Please Year One starts the story of Eric Bittle, a former junior figure skater from Georgia who makes it onto an NCAA hockey team in college. He's quick on the ice and a good shot, but the problem is that he's terrified of checking. With his scholarship on the line, he has to get over his fear and win over the team enough for them to keep him around.
What I absolutely love about this series is how it defies expectations. You've got a very flamboyantly gay kid from the south who plays hockey and bakes pies in a frat house. And you know what? No one gives him shit for it! The way "bro culture" is portrayed is so spot on, but all the bigotry and narrow-mindedness you'd expect is sucked right out. There is obviously a greater institution of homophobia in Bitty's life, but in every phase of his coming out to the people around him, he's met with love and support.
The cast of characters is phenomenal, too. Who doesn't love ultimate frat boy Shitty, or stoic hockey robot Jack? In this first book we're just getting glimpses of all of them, but it's a great ensemble cast, and I never felt overwhelmed as they were introduced.
I have a LOT more gushing to do about this series, but so much happens in later books, so I'll save it for another review. If you've heard the hype about this series and thought if picking it up, DO IT! It's a quick read and entirely free on http://checkpleasecomic.com/
July 26, 2018
Watch me read this entire thing before the end of the day.
I just love webcomics and this is about sport and it has a gay guy as the main character, I mean it's perfection. It's really cute, every character has its personality and I love the little explanations between the chapters. It's all great, just read it. I'm already obsessed!
I just love webcomics and this is about sport and it has a gay guy as the main character, I mean it's perfection. It's really cute, every character has its personality and I love the little explanations between the chapters. It's all great, just read it. I'm already obsessed!
October 12, 2020
The art is SO cute, and I really liked the way that the story was told in part by Bittle's experiences and his vlogs. The team's dynamic was adorable and I really enjoyed their camaraderie.
December 13, 2018
Edit: 13-12-2018: Re-read this book as the Kickstarter rewards are coming in. Yep, I supported the Kickstarter for the Third Year. Sadly, due to high shipping, I couldn't support the physical book, but I did support for the digital editions (even if I already had bought Year 1 some time ago).
I spotted this comic being discussed on Twitter, and decided to check it out. Immediately I fell in love with the comic and I bought it directly.
I do hope that the artist will also make books/pdf's of the other years, as this is just the first year of Bitty's college/university time.
The book is all about hockey, about pies, lots more pies, about friendship, bros, vlogging, about living in a dorm, about being gay. I especially was curious about the whole gay x hockey part. I have read several books with sports and a gay character, and often it doesn't turn out to be right. Often the person gets ignored, bullied, or worse. But not in this book, everyone seemed to be pretty much OK with him being gay, which was such a delight. Bitty's reaction was so lovely, I can imagine that it might have taken a lot of curious to come out, and I hope he can be happy now.
The vlogging was also an interesting touch, and I loved to see Bitty's vlogs, they were such a delight.
The hockey, the training, and all the explanation, and of course, most important, seeing Bitty grow was so much fun, and so realistic. When Bitty starts at the team he is mostly afraid, keeps fainting (like one of those fainting goats). But then later on, as the days and weeks pass by, you see him grow more confidence. You see him become more awesome with each training and every competition.
I am still not entirely sure about Jack. On the one hand he was a good character, and I definitely would ship him with Bitty. :P But on the other hand I didn't always like his attitude. He was quite rude towards Bitty. Sure, I can imagine that it might hurt to hear people say such things about you, but no need to be so pissed off towards a team-member. That is just a no-no. I did like to see him (and his family) get a bit of backstory.
The art is also pretty great, it was one of the things I fell in love with when I saw the comic.
What more, ah yes, Holster, Ransom, Shitty (yes, that is his nickname) were all terrific characters and I really liked them all. They were kind, caring, friendly.
At the end of the book we some glossary with some terms. This is all done in a fun way and presented by Ransom and Holster. I just laughed so much during the time that they filmed Jack's ass. :P
Then we also have a sketches and were ideas came from part, I loved that this was added, it just gives more insight in the story and how it came together.
All in all, this is one book I would recommend. It is funny, it has pies, it has friendship, and hockey. It is 100% 'swawesome!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I spotted this comic being discussed on Twitter, and decided to check it out. Immediately I fell in love with the comic and I bought it directly.
I do hope that the artist will also make books/pdf's of the other years, as this is just the first year of Bitty's college/university time.
The book is all about hockey, about pies, lots more pies, about friendship, bros, vlogging, about living in a dorm, about being gay. I especially was curious about the whole gay x hockey part. I have read several books with sports and a gay character, and often it doesn't turn out to be right. Often the person gets ignored, bullied, or worse. But not in this book, everyone seemed to be pretty much OK with him being gay, which was such a delight. Bitty's reaction was so lovely, I can imagine that it might have taken a lot of curious to come out, and I hope he can be happy now.
The vlogging was also an interesting touch, and I loved to see Bitty's vlogs, they were such a delight.
The hockey, the training, and all the explanation, and of course, most important, seeing Bitty grow was so much fun, and so realistic. When Bitty starts at the team he is mostly afraid, keeps fainting (like one of those fainting goats). But then later on, as the days and weeks pass by, you see him grow more confidence. You see him become more awesome with each training and every competition.
I am still not entirely sure about Jack. On the one hand he was a good character, and I definitely would ship him with Bitty. :P But on the other hand I didn't always like his attitude. He was quite rude towards Bitty. Sure, I can imagine that it might hurt to hear people say such things about you, but no need to be so pissed off towards a team-member. That is just a no-no. I did like to see him (and his family) get a bit of backstory.
The art is also pretty great, it was one of the things I fell in love with when I saw the comic.
What more, ah yes, Holster, Ransom, Shitty (yes, that is his nickname) were all terrific characters and I really liked them all. They were kind, caring, friendly.
At the end of the book we some glossary with some terms. This is all done in a fun way and presented by Ransom and Holster. I just laughed so much during the time that they filmed Jack's ass. :P
Then we also have a sketches and were ideas came from part, I loved that this was added, it just gives more insight in the story and how it came together.
All in all, this is one book I would recommend. It is funny, it has pies, it has friendship, and hockey. It is 100% 'swawesome!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
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March 21, 2016So, y'all. If someone had told me in January that one of the most wonderful graphic novels I had ever read involved a team of hockey players at a small (fictional) Massachusetts liberal arts college? Told from the point of view of a first-year player who's from Georgia and loves baking pies? I probably would have laughed you out of the room.
... and then I read the webcomic.
It is my new favorite thing. I love everything about this thing. Including its canon gay couple, the casual diversity of its cast of characters, and the fact that I still don't have to know or care about hockey in any way to love the hell out of the story and its people.
Go now: http://omgcheckplease.tumblr.com/post.... The world will still be here when you get back. And the door to OMGCP fanfic and fanart will open to you.
... and then I read the webcomic.
It is my new favorite thing. I love everything about this thing. Including its canon gay couple, the casual diversity of its cast of characters, and the fact that I still don't have to know or care about hockey in any way to love the hell out of the story and its people.
Go now: http://omgcheckplease.tumblr.com/post.... The world will still be here when you get back. And the door to OMGCP fanfic and fanart will open to you.
March 5, 2017
Sooooooooooooooooo fucking cute.
March 9, 2018
This is the first graphic novel I’ve ever read, and I absolutely loved it! What a perfect introduction to this medium. Can’t wait to try out some more!
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September 21, 2015I got the first volume of this at SPX this weekend and read it on the subway in to the office this morning -- and I'm having to exercise restraint to do work right now instead of starting to read part two online!
August 31, 2020
3.5 stars
this was... very possibly the weirdest thing I have ever read, and I didn't understand half of hat was going on, but yet somehow I loved this a LOT
this was... very possibly the weirdest thing I have ever read, and I didn't understand half of hat was going on, but yet somehow I loved this a LOT
May 21, 2022
hockey. baking. queer people. sappy emotions. literally what else is there. it’s perfect go read it
December 7, 2021
i mean....he's not wrong 🍑👀
December 25, 2016
Updated. Bitty and Jack are the cutest. I love how everyone is supporting them. The fine jar is funny. I love this comic. :)
Update. I just read the latest additions, and I love it more and more. It's awesome how everyone is still so involved even though some have graduated. Jack & Bitty are adorable. The diner scene is great. I'll continue to follow this comic. ♥︎
I'm in love with this comic. I've read seasons 1, 2, the outtakes/extras and what's up so far for 3. The characters are so cute and fun. There's hockey plays, pie baking, friendship bonds being formed, college parties. It's all great. The graphics are exceptional, and since it's online occasionally the reader even gets a moving bit inside a pic. The storyline kept my interest, and the extras are really funny and sort of educational. I will definitely continue to follow this comic.
Update. I just read the latest additions, and I love it more and more. It's awesome how everyone is still so involved even though some have graduated. Jack & Bitty are adorable. The diner scene is great. I'll continue to follow this comic. ♥︎
I'm in love with this comic. I've read seasons 1, 2, the outtakes/extras and what's up so far for 3. The characters are so cute and fun. There's hockey plays, pie baking, friendship bonds being formed, college parties. It's all great. The graphics are exceptional, and since it's online occasionally the reader even gets a moving bit inside a pic. The storyline kept my interest, and the extras are really funny and sort of educational. I will definitely continue to follow this comic.
March 5, 2017
This (web)comic is soooo good.
No, but honestly, tt's sweet and lovely and you can't help but love the characters, especially Bitty who is just a pearl.
"A comic about sports? Why would I read that?"
Just... read it. Trust me.
It's available on the author's tumblr page here and can be read super quickly : http://omgcheckplease.tumblr.com/epis...
No, but honestly, tt's sweet and lovely and you can't help but love the characters, especially Bitty who is just a pearl.
"A comic about sports? Why would I read that?"
Just... read it. Trust me.
It's available on the author's tumblr page here and can be read super quickly : http://omgcheckplease.tumblr.com/epis...
April 8, 2017
I read this religiously! There is so much packed into each panel of comic. And boy has she done her research on Hockey and New England. Very slow build to the main characters relationship. So much detail that leaves clues about deeper meaning. I found it on Tumblr and now I support the artist on Patreon.
June 10, 2018
What an absolutely brilliant comic! Wonderful writing and beautiful artwork by Ngozi makes this a must read. I love this series so much!
June 20, 2020
**Read for #LgbtqMonth, prompt: free, & Jordan Ford's Summer Reading Challenge 2020. Prompt: 21. A book written by an author of color**
The perfect blend of adorable, angsty, right in the feels and funny. Full of hockey and bro stuff, as expected, followed by pies, friendship, loyalty, love, shenanigans and college stress.
If this was on ao3 the tags would be:
- college au
- hockey au
- found family
- bros being bros
- enemies to friends to lovers
- lots of baking
- where are all the pies coming from
- seriously
- frat house
- minor angst with a happy ending
- hurt/comfort
- baby!Chowder
- Wicks and Ollie
- vlogging
- fluff
- a domestic frat house??
The perfect blend of adorable, angsty, right in the feels and funny. Full of hockey and bro stuff, as expected, followed by pies, friendship, loyalty, love, shenanigans and college stress.
If this was on ao3 the tags would be:
- college au
- hockey au
- found family
- bros being bros
- enemies to friends to lovers
- lots of baking
- where are all the pies coming from
- seriously
- frat house
- minor angst with a happy ending
- hurt/comfort
- baby!Chowder
- Wicks and Ollie
- vlogging
- fluff
- a domestic frat house??
February 6, 2018
Ongoing webseries. Cute and adorable, sometimes a bit confusing because the episodes are more everyday moments than a linear story. But it warms your heart and brings many smiles.
☆ SEASON 1: FRESHMAN YEAR - 3 stars
☆ SEASON 2: SOPHOMORE YEAR - 3.5 stars
☆ SEASON 3: JUNIOR YEAR - 4 stars
☆ SEASON 4: SENIOR YEAR - awaiting !
☆ SEASON 1: FRESHMAN YEAR - 3 stars
☆ SEASON 2: SOPHOMORE YEAR - 3.5 stars
☆ SEASON 3: JUNIOR YEAR - 4 stars
☆ SEASON 4: SENIOR YEAR - awaiting !
July 18, 2017
will always be my favorite
December 10, 2017
that was so feel-good
October 14, 2018
Cutest flipping thing I've ever read in my life
December 11, 2022
I thought this looked cute and wanted to skim it, ended up reading the whole thing and falling in love with its characters :))
July 17, 2020
Eric es un cinnamon roll que debe ser protegido.
October 7, 2020
This was utter bliss to read. With pies, hockey and adorable crushes, this is my new favourite comic and everyone must read it to get the FEELSSSSS...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews