Several readers await the return of the “Vintage” Mark Trail, meaning the work of Dodd and Elrod. Keep waiting, people. On the other hand, other vintage strips are online at ComicsKingdom, including Krazy Kat, Thimble Theater, and Rip Kirby, the latter being one of the best strips for drama, adventure and superb drawing in the naturalistic style. All three strips have also been reprinted, at least in part, in lavish hardcover books, though several volumes are currently out of print. No such books have been made for Mark, though!

And so we are back … in Florida. The amateurish handling of Max the Manatee that we have observed continues as the trio seems to have extemporaneously decided on a spot to release him!

I realize that Rivera has to simplify things somewhat for the sake of the story and format, but shouldn’t Max be a more significant part of the story, rather than just a reason for the story? In reality, there are only a select number of facilities authorized to rescue and transport manatees in Florida, all under the supervision of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Yet, there have been no people from either of those agencies present, nor have they been mentioned. Thus, my comments at the start of this adventure on why these two characters could have been from one of those agencies, which would provide more authenticity. Much of the story could remain the same, including the goofy kidnapping attempt. Some extra time and space could have been allocated for the characters to discuss and demonstrate proper handling and supervision of the manatee, including how they select the best spot to reintroduce Max into his watery habitat.