We spend enough time getting to know both of them before they become romantically involved that it’s very easy to see what they see in each other. With these two characters, Ukazu establishes a compelling love story. It’s a lot of fun seeing his development and seeing how he and Eric interact with each other and challenge each other to be their best selves. Jack starts off as this mysterious, angsty character before morphing into someone who worms their way right into the center of your heart. The same is true for Jack, Eric’s love interest and the closest thing the comic has to a co-lead. He’s clearly the main character, and his development is what is tracked the most throughout the comic. While he’s warm and likable, he’s also flawed and has plenty of room to grow. He’s just one of those warm people that you want to spend time with and he makes for a really engaging narrator.

From page one, you immediately identify with, and relate to, Eric. Luckily, Check, Please! has some of the most developed, three dimensional, and likable characters that I’ve seen in any comic in a long time. If you don’t have likable romantic leads, then it’s really difficult to understand why they fall for each other and why you should be remotely interested in their story.

For me, the most important aspect of a rom-com is its characters. I wasn’t really sure what I’d think when I started reading Check, Please! Like lots of people, I love a good rom-com but I’m also really picky about them I rarely think they’re well-written.

And then, there is Jack ―his very attractive but moody captain. It is nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking (anything that hinders the player with possession of the puck, ranging from a stick check all the way to a physical sweep). And the best part about it? You can read it right now for free! (5 out of 5 wands)Ĭheck, Please! (written and illustrated by Ngozi Ukazu)Įric Bittle may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s a well-written, immensely enjoyable rom-com, and it’s also a delightful exploration of male friendship, a really funny coming of age story, and an exciting look into the softer side of hockey culture. If you travel in certain parts of Twitter and Tumblr, you’ve probably heard of Check, Please! – though you’ve likely heard it referred to as “that story about the gay hockey players.” And, to be fair, that’s totally true.

Check please graphic novel