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funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I remember reading Check Please as it was coming out and being posted on Tumblr. I loved it then. So recently, while talking with a friend who was also part of the fandom back then, I decided to buy the books and re-read them. I wasn't sure that I ever properly read it in order back then.
This book is very clearly from a webcomic. The plot is a bit nonexistent, and between "chapters", there's little connection. I still think it's a fun read and love that this book ended on the big kiss!
This book is very clearly from a webcomic. The plot is a bit nonexistent, and between "chapters", there's little connection. I still think it's a fun read and love that this book ended on the big
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Vomit
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Surprisingly different to the webcomic/original. Some strips have been reordered, with all Hockey Shit moved to an end section and select tweets reprinted in a final segment.
Maybe it’s just the difference between a single read and regular instalments, but it felt like there was less info. May just be the consequence of no churning fandom hivemind analysing each strip, though.
Still a fabulous story, if jarring to only get half (runs through until the real goodbye at the end of Jack & Shitty’s graduating year).
Maybe it’s just the difference between a single read and regular instalments, but it felt like there was less info. May just be the consequence of no churning fandom hivemind analysing each strip, though.
Still a fabulous story, if jarring to only get half (runs through until the real goodbye at the end of Jack & Shitty’s graduating year).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
lighthearted
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
It's just fine. I didn't particularly love the art style and the author tried to create these cool, trendy, funny dialogue and characters, but I don't think they succeeded. They tried to hard and instead of them being quirky and witty, they are just silly (not in the good way) and half-witted. The humor, again, way over the top. Overall, it's just okay, nothing crazy. I can't say I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Bullying, Drug abuse
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I cannot express how blown away I was by this graphic novel. I picked it up on a whim, thinking I would probably DNF it due to my dislike of sport and baking focused writing and stories. All I can say is WOW. The author did her research, really crafted a meaningful, colorful, and relatable story with characters than you just can't stop thinking about. Even the subplots all had relevance to the story, which is rewarding for those who enjoy the extra details. The comedic writing is also hands down some of the best I've read in a while, so kudos to you Ngozi! I immediately picked up volume 2 (and cried seeing that only two volumes were ever made because this story is exceptional). I didn't give this a 5 star due to small personal nitpicks, but overall this should be a must read graphic novel for anyone who's ever experienced the struggles of life and want to know if others truly do go through what you do.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this book but unlike the Heartstopper series I felt like it shied away from difficult topics almost immediately which is what I think failed the story from progressing in a more meaningful way. Even the romance felt forced due to the characters not being open with each other about issues that were brought up but quickly moved on from.
I would continue in this series but hope that that changes in the sequel at least a little bit because I like the characters and the found family aspect of the team but it feels negligent to bring up mental health issues, self-harm, and even dealing with a homophobic teammate and then to not address them in a meaningful way. Every issue seems very easily glossed over by the way of them just being friends and that solving everything which doesn’t really work. I also hated how hazing was discussed so trivially in this book.
I would continue in this series but hope that that changes in the sequel at least a little bit because I like the characters and the found family aspect of the team but it feels negligent to bring up mental health issues, self-harm, and even dealing with a homophobic teammate and then to not address them in a meaningful way. Every issue seems very easily glossed over by the way of them just being friends and that solving everything which doesn’t really work. I also hated how hazing was discussed so trivially in this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Mental illness, Self harm
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Fatphobia, Homophobia
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book so much, it was so cute!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Was a bit too bro-y with the members of the team for my taste, just a lot of college partying etc. Having more of an interest in hockey might’ve helped. Would rec if you’re into slow burn queer hockey graphic novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders