Not sure we needed a recap of yesterday’s strip. The narration box crowds the panel and dilutes the action. Anyway, like father like son? There are some parallels between this story and Mark’s adventure in the nearby hills investigating bear incursions in the phony mountain retreat run by tech-guru-and-would-be-“King of the Forest” Sid Stump (began Feb 18, 2023).
| Mark’s Adventure | Rusty’s Adventure |
| Investigate bear incursions in mountain retreat and find missing reporter. | Investigate alien incursion in Lost forest and locate alien or alien ship wreckage. |
| Mark uncovers evidence why bears are invading the retreat site. | Rusty and friends uncover evidence of some kind of presence in Lost Forest. |
| Mark goes into forest to search for missing reporter, aware that bears are likely present | Rusty’s research suggests Mark’s hypothesis of a missing and hurt camper might be correct. Decides to investigate in the middle of the night. |
| Mark surprised by bearded reporter Jebediah, appearing out of the bushes, hiding from a bear. | Rusty is surprised to find the “missing camper”, also bearded, appearing in the bushes. |
| Big bear chases Mark and Jebediah | Mark chases after Rusty |
Just a coincidence? Or part of a deep-state conspiracy to simplify story development?
Why does Rivera continue to call this person a creature, when it is clearly a person? Perhaps it is meant to be understood from Rusty’s still-limited understanding. But I also do not understand Rusty’s reaction: “I just wanted to find some aliens! Shoo! Go away!” Aside from the old-school Mark Trail grammar, is Rusty talking to the guy in the bushes? Why shoo him away? Also noted: Why are there two small “Arf!” barks lettered at the base of the bushes in panel 1? Could there be a creature off-scene that we cannot yet see?
Well, I can’t wait to hear this guy’s story. Should be a doozy.
ADDENDUM: In panel 3 Rusty looks like a marionette.
The Daily Trail 