Of course, this is the Mark Trail comic strip, so Mark gets to take center stage and be the one to put Senator Smalls on the spot, while his reporter colleagues are only so much purple wallpaper in the background. Nevertheless, it is a bit disappointing to see Rivera give the impression that the rest of the press corps is composed of compliant sheep. Mark can still be the hard-hitting hero, even if other reporters also get to ask tough questions. It would, I think, add an air of authenticity and put more pressure on the officials. If Mark is the only one asking these questions, he can be dismissed as a crank or arrogant troublemaker.

It’s rather sad to see Mark making accusations based—for the most part—on hearsay. It’s more like “ambush journalism”, akin to throwing out conspiracy theories and demanding other people prove them false. Besides, would a member of Congress really be the best source to confirm this kind of information? But I suppose it is standard procedure to try and embarrass a member of Congress who was here, more likely, for the TV coverage and promotional opportunity.

Art Dept: Today’s strip looks rushed, as characters (e.g. Mark and the Senator) and compositions look rough and clumsily drawn. Perhaps Rivera heard the surf was up and hurried today’s panels.