Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points! It’s the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast.
For this entry, the story of Jody and Jeanie continues to rebuild itself in the pages of She’s Running On Fumes. Last readers watches, Jody was home and still recovering from a terrible car accident. With money issues growing, Jeanie must take over her husband’s “business” to keep things afloat.
SHE’S RUNNING ON FUMES #3 by Dennis Hopeless, Tyler Jenkins, Hilary Jenkins, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and Heather Antos (Comixology originals) spotlights Jeanie’s struggles as the pressue mounts.
Let’s take a closer look at how things fare now.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The story begins at a junkyard. Jeanie is working with Corn Dog and Boodie. Pickign up the slack of her injured husband, the daily routine for Jeanie has drastically changed.
From here, the story shifts to a party for Alisa. The setting is a kids restaurant. Jeanie talks with her mother. A surprise comes across her way. Jeanie is presented tickets to Hawaii! The pleasant gesture causes a flashback to her younger years. Unfortunately, the happy moment is spoiled as Jody’s injuries. Jody thinks the costumes animals are robots. Sadly for him, they are not….
Once the family is escorted outside, Corn Dog is waiting for payment. Jeanie’s happy day takes a detour due to the “family Business”.
Readers watch as other factors start coming into play. Even a simple family getaway can’t outrun trouble. What can Jeanie do now? The closing act gives some clarity as things might be turning a corner. Will it be short lived or a reality? Time will only tell. The final image bookends the beginning as there appears to be more to Jody’s visions that meet the eye.
The life and times of Jeanie never cease to demonstrate her strengths. The simple task of giving her kids a happy birthday doesn’t allow her to escape the drama surrounding her. Hopeless doesn’t shy away from her challenges. Seeing her deal with a rude camper is prime example.
Hopeless crafts the scene with excellent back and forth commentary with Jody. Their relationship is far from perfect, but its’ Jeanie’s will that pushes it forward. The closing act shows a drastic change in events. Where it ends up will be anyone’s guess.
Jenkins captures Jeanie’s frustration and doesn’t let readers forget about it. The moments with Corn Dog reflects the strain her new “assignment” is taking. Even when the family breaks away for a fun day, the range of emotions pour off the page. This is very evident in the latter half of the book. Once the turning point happens, Jenkins gives the moment a dramatic flare before closing with an ominous panel.
FINAL POINT: 8
The looming danger of Jody’s past haunts Jeanie’s present with another strong chapter of SROF. Hopeless dabbles between dire straits and defiant will with the writing. Jenkins constructs strong visuals to mirror the possible break Jeanie needs through the emotional rollercoaster she’s unfortunately on. There’s much unfolding within these pages.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on She’s Running On Fumes #3. Thanks for reading.