Synopsis
In this queer graphic novel that’s equal parts romance, softball, and magical girl drama, Mickey Monsoon is the hotshot pitcher for the Belle City Broads, and their team is poised to sweep the league this season. But Micky is thrown off their game when Astra Maxima shows up to catch for the Gaiety Gals, the Broads’ fiercest rival. Years ago Mickey and Astra were best friends . . . and maybe more. That was, until Astra unceremoniously dumped Mickey to become a softball wunderkind at a private girl’s school in Switzerland. Now, Astra is flirty, arrogant, and reckless on the field—everything the rule-abiding Mickey hates.
Astra thinks Mickey’s cute and wants to fool around, despite their rocky history and the trail of jilted softballers that Astra leaves in her wake. Too bad the only thing Mickey wants is vengeance for their broken heart and wounded pride! But even they have to admit—Astra is a certified babe. And that’s not all: Astra isn’t just a softball superstar, she’s a full-fledged magical girl.
The only way for Mickey to defeat Astra is to betray the Broads and join the Danger Dames, a secret elite team, and start dating Astra’s ex! OK, that last bit wasn’t part of the plan . . . Mickey’s rapidly getting in too deep, but are they just in trouble or are they actually in love?
From: Abrams Books
Notes on This Title
This title takes place in a queer-normative fantasy world. The focal characters are a person who uses they/them pronouns and a queer woman who is visually coded as Black. The supporting cast includes additional characters who are visually coded as Black, as well as Latina characters.
There are references to and depictions of sexual activity, although no nudity is shown.
Awards
ALA Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table - 2023 Best Graphic Novels for Adults
Reviews
“Oosterhous’s exuberant, confectionary artwork plays well off Hicks’s rakish script, with the duo changing it up between the madcap puerility of sports manga and unadulterated prurience of an Apatow romp to sometimes rousing—if occasionally cornball—effect.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)
“Grand Slam Romance is in a category all its own. I’m not just saying that. Hicks and Oosterhous have managed to harness a special kind of horniness that invites imagination and welcomes exploration.” (Source: The Beat)
Interviews
CBR: “Slide into home with Ollie Hicks and Emma Oosterhous on GRAND SLAM ROMANCE“