COMICS REVIEW: Off Road

Title: Off-Road

Arthur: Sean Murphy

Artist: Sean Murphy

Publisher: IDW

Release Date: February 2011

I have a theory about human intellect. The more friends you get together, the lower their IQ’s drop. However, at the same time, the positives of friendship so outweigh the negatives. Off Road is a charming tale by Sean Murphy, (Writer of Joe the Barbarian and Hellblazer) about three friends putting their friendships to the test. The main character Trent is an emo artsy type who has no luck with women and can’t let old relationships go. Greg is a cocky jock who comes from a wealthy family with no real worries in the world, while Brad is rough around the edges tough guy who comes from a broken home. Reuniting after high school, the three get together after Greg picks up his brand new Jeep to get ready for a party later that night. But thanks to a hyper salesman planting bad ideas in Trent’s head, the three decide it would be a great idea to take the new ride off road beforehand. What’s the worse that can happen?

First of all it should be noted that not only is Murphy the author of this graphic novel, but he’s also the illustrator. Done in a black and white clean yet sketchy style, every scene is easy on the eyes with foregrounds and backgrounds always in a perfect balance. Exposition and regular dialog bubbles never get in the way of the art and are placed well for the eyes to follow and let the story progress without mishaps.

The story in this graphic novel is a real treat. The three main characters are all likable yet still have their problems and personality faults. Trent learns that a girl he still likes, but has no hopes of ever getting is holding the party that they are about to attend. Yet when Greg and Brad try to help him move on, he won’t have any of it. Brad has no qualms speaking his mind, which tends to make him unpopular at times with some, but turns out that’s just what they need. Greg is used to living the high life and not having to take any risks of his own and doesn’t realize that it’s an important part of life. After getting their Jeep stuck in a bog, the three are forced to confront these issues causing tensions to fly, but later on resulting in them building memories of a lifetime, and making their friendship grow even stronger.

The dialog between characters is natural sounding and never seems forced. They talk like all best buds would. They bust each others balls with snarky remarks yet get serious and sometimes grow attitudes when the times get tough. Comedic timing flows well in places you wouldn’t normally expect, but when looking back in retrospect one, could quickly relate those scenes with someone they know in real life. My only gripe with the story, and it’s a minor one, is every female character turns out a bit too bitchy and cold as they go out of their way to step on hearts, but it’s never done on an unbelievable level. Obviously women can be manipulative and insensitive when they want to. It’s just always on full throttle here.

Overall, Off Road is a fun buddy’s tale that I think everyone should take a look at. The characters are well developed, the art is easy to look at, and the dialog keeps you wanting to turn the page. In the end the story resolves nicely not leaving the reader hanging or wondering what happened to anybody. It leaves the reader feeling good and happy that they could tag along with the guys and their little adventure. Sean Murphy is a talented artist and writer which is most of the time a hard find. This one is definitely worth a read.

Ryan Pierce