Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out a brand new series from Comixology Originals! The line keeps dropping hit series after hit series with their latest revving to drop. Based on the source material, readers better buckle up and brace for impact!

She’s Running On Fumes #1 by Dennis Hopeless, Tyler Jenkins, Hilary Jenkins, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and Heather Antos dives into Hopeless’ secrets of his family that absolutely needs to be read to be believed!

Let’s take a closer look and see what unfolds here.

***She’s Running On Fumes #1*** ***by Dennis Hopeless, Tyler Jenkins, Hilary Jenkins, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and Heather Antos (Comixology Originals)***

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story beings in the winter of 1983. Jody, Jeannie and their family are holiday shopping. During this time, shopping malls were the rage. Rage can also describe driving the parking lots during this time. Jody isn’t ken on waiting and decides to drive his own road out.

The actions don’t sit well with Jeannie. As they talk, Jody mentions a stolen car that is delayed from selling. A mention of a man named “Boodie” emerges. It is also met with a threat next time Jody sees him behind it. As luck would have it, who’s driving next to them? Boodie.

Readers watch as a high speed pursuit follows. Once the chase ends at Boodie’s trailer home, the action revs up. Suffice to say, the holidays begin with a bang.

The time jumps to six months later. The family has moved to Deepwater, Missouri. The new move seems to be doing well for Jody. When money comes into question, Jody reveals that it really isn’t an issue. When Jeannie asks, why, the subject is dodged.

However, what transpires next sets everything in flux. Readers see there is an accident. The fallout sends a ripple effect through the family as more clues are revealed to Jody’s financial status. When tragedy strikes, a choice is made that sets a whole new path for the family. The final image leaves no doubt that desperate times call for desperate measures. This means nothing but excitement for readers as they lock in for the long haul.

Hopeless showcases an unique story that never lets the foot off the gas. The dynamic between Jody and Jeannie clashes enough to hide clues of the overall arc. The hiding is filled by a fast-paced sequence of events that set a strong tone. Once the major turning point happens, all bets are off.

The shifting of gears sets forth an unlikely scenario. The writing doesn’t pull back from the sense of distress now swarming the family. This can be shown in some private moments between the couple as the repercussions of Jody’s life have now come back tenfold. The parting act leaves no doubt about the drive to survive now challenging the family.

The art adds into the high emotions fueling this book. The facial expressions Jody goes through in the opening act dictates the outrageous path readers begin. The tamer moments with the couple range from anger to doubt as their world drastically changes.

Once the turning point debuts, readers are gifted a two-page spread to exemplify the shocking event. It leads the following panels into a dive of uncertainty, The closing act presents how many parties are now involved. It is capped off by the unlikely player entering the game on the parting panel. There will be much to discuss from this issue moving forward.

FINAL POINT: 8.5

Family business enters a dangerous road with an engaging opening chapter. Hopeless brings the personal tale to readers with unapologetic honesty. Jenkins provides the emotional art to set readers on a course they won’t want to hit the brakes on.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on She’s Running On Fumes #1. Thanks for reading.