Well, this was one of the cutest comics I have ever read.  I saw this comic pop up on a few lists of “must reads” and then it was discussed in a meeting I had with other librarians so I knew I had to read it.  What I had heard was basically this: it’s about a college hockey player, who used to be a figure skater, and who likes to bake pies. Based on that description, how could I not pick this up??  If I could, this review would just be me saying over and over again “oh my gosh, this is so cute” and “I am so in love with Bitty” and “I can’t take how amazing this comic is…” suffice to say, this book exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it.

Check, Please started as a web comic (and is still being produced online).  Volume One covers Eric “Bitty” Bittle’s Freshman and Sophomore years as a hockey player at Samwell University. He was a figure skater earlier in life and loves to bake pies (which he bakes in an oven named Betsy).  He is openly gay and has a crush on his teammate Jack, a player with professional hockey goals and a mysterious past.  The format is set up as though you are watching his vlog which was very clever and allowed the creator to not only show us but tell us what Bitty is thinking.

I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF BITTY AND HIS ADORABLENESS.  I laughed out loud a ton, especially when he was interacting with his teammates (all of whom I want to be real because they are great) and was rooting for him as he prepared for his first college game.  I basically loved everything about this comic, especially the message of being true to yourself, never giving up, and accepting people for who they are.  I can’t wait to read more of Bitty’s adventures in college!

Author:  Ngozi Ukazu

Published: 2018

Rating: 5 Stars