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Comics can be quite depressing these days. Existential drama, dark storylines and epic battles for the fate of the galaxy are frequent incidents. But at the other end of the spectrum is Look, please, a heart-warming hockey cartoon, which is a bit of a hot apple pie.
What is it? Look, please is a web comic / graphic novel by Ngozi Ukazu. It was during his four years at university for Eric “Bitty” Bittle, a gay NCAA hockey player at the fictional Samwell University. He is also a baking vlogger who likes to make pies and basically anything else. The cartoon’s name is a pun – ‘check’, like the hockey move that Bittle is scared of as a former art coach and ‘look, please’ as a customer might say at a dinner party.
The comic strip is about Bittle’s time in the Samwell men’s hockey team, and it has something for everyone. Sports action? Cheque. An honest and cute queer romance? Cheque. Drama? Cheque. Baked goods? Make sure.
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Image: Ngozi Ukazu
The cast is Jack, the team captain and son of a former NHL legend with his own struggles, along with the rest of the team: a group of most beautiful, most diverse, loving colleagues you wish you were in the realm of. life could party.
The cartoon jumps from chapter to chapter from frivolous to serious. One may be dealing with Bittle coming out to friends or family, another a triumphant hockey game, and a third dealing with the team just hanging out at a dinner party. Ukazu gives everything his fair attention. An ominous party is treated just as important as a visit from Bittle’s parents.
The incredible artwork adds to everything: Ukazu’s art is perfect for the tone, with friendly characters and warm colors that help expand the world further.
By whom is it? Look, please was written and illustrated by Ngozi Ukazu. Ukazu also has a in-universe Twitter account for Bittle during the course of the comic for an extra dimension to the story.
Where can I read it? You can read Look, please for free in its web comic form via Ukazu’s website or pick up the two-part graphic novel (with updated art and additional content) if you prefer comics.