Eric Bittle, former Junior Figure Skating Champion and amateur baker, is starting college this year. Instead of figure skating, he’s joining up with the Samwell University hockey team, a big group of talented sports jocks led by Jack, the stoic team Captain who isn’t in the NFL solely because he skipped drafts for his mental health. Now Eric has to deal with checking (oh dear!,) a handsome but gruff captain with a past, a group of rowdy hockey jocks trying to get to graduation, and a busted and rarely used frat house stove. What is a small town boy from Georgia supposed to do? Bake pies, he guesses!
“Check, Please!” by Ngozi Ukazu is a sweet, feel-good story about finding yourself and family in a close-knit college sports team. Unlike many other sports comics, the focus here is less on games and more on the dynamics of the team itself, both on and off the ice. We get to see not only the growth of Eric and Jack’s relationship, but those of their close friend and the their own transitions from school into adulthood as they strive to stay connected. This comic is great for anyone looking for something sweet and happy or something a bit lighter than their usual fair.