(Sorry for another wordy posting, but I did edit it a lot!)
Traditionally, mainstream comic strips try to avoid being too politically partisan, as strong views can understandably limit circulation and the cartoonist’s paycheck.
There are exceptions to this tradition (such as Doonesbury, Shoe, The Boondocks, and Mallard Fillmore). This strip is shaping up to be another exception, as Rivera is getting more comfortable flexing her Left-leaning muscles. Thus, right-wing tropes continue to come into play, as seen not only in the Sunny Soleil Society, itself, but also in our two self-indulgent “victims”.
On the other hand, I don’t think Rivera is being completely one-sided in her political satire. Certainly, Mark has acted in strident, over-the-top behavior several times, whether it is spouting “environmentalist” platitudes while threatening violence; or destroying property and breaking the law for the sake of conservation or social justice.
As a comic strip devoted to nature conservation, Mark Trail has traditionally focused on issues popular with anglers, hunters, and campers (e.g., poaching, forest fires, animal abuse). Rivera has expanded those issues to include pollution, corporate corruption, and climate change. While the former items have tended to be more popular among those on the Right, the latter issues are usually more associated with those on the Left. One can argue the details, but they are common tropes in our society. And Rivera is clearly looking to expand Mark’s awareness and involvement in these latter issues, as he should be.
Anyway, who painted the once-gray statue?
The Daily Trail 
Hi George! Thought I’d pay a visit again. I’m not sure if anyone visits this blog occasionally but me, Downpuppy or Daniel. In any case, congrats on the continued effort! I commend your continued critique of this God-Awful recreation of Mark Trail. You have some very interesting thoughts about the comic now and Jules. I appreciate that! I am wondering if you could also do a mirror blog, if you will, on Mark Trail Vintage. I think that really would be pretty neat! That is just a suggestion. You may gain an audience. Just a thought. In any case, keep on trucking!
https://comicskingdom.com/Mark-Trail-Vintage/2021-12-28
Here is today’s
Thanks for the link and especially for your comments, Mark. In fact, I have been peeking at Trail’s reprints (including others). Your idea is interesting, though I would certainly wait until a “new” adventure starts. But there are several things to think about, such as where to post the concurrent blog. It might get confusing to do it here! My first inclination would be to ask Dennis if he’d like to go back to his Mark Trail roots and do it. He was always very good at commenting on the traditional strip.
As for the readership here, you’re probably not too far off the count. On the other hand, I have never promoted this site and have no idea where to go about doing so. I suppose I could register at CK and plug this site in a few posts to see if any of those “Never-Trailers” will start dropping in and even responding now and then. Otherwise, Happy New Years, Mark, and I look forward to hearing from you again.