So, is the true cost of the scenic route enjoying the big window view or getting stuck in the middle of nowhere for several hours? I’m not sure which is correct. Whatever the response, it seems that, unlike the train, this story is already spinning its wheels. But it’s way, too early to claim the story is <ahem!> off the rails.

On the other hand, this delay could turn out to be an important plot development. For example, the actual story might be what happens when the train gets delayed, and something occurs that sparks the interest or need for Mark to investigate. In a nightmare scenario only a masochist could dream up, we could have an attack of bears led by Sid Stump, riding Millie the bear.

Art Department: A nice overhead view in panel 1 is unfortunately cheapened by that barely sketched-in bird. As a nature/adventure strip, Rivera could put some more time into drawing the flora and fauna.