Well, Peach’s problem has taken a sharp dramatic turn. I’m frankly surprised that Rivera chose one of Cherry’s innocuous adventures to include a threat of actual danger. I’m suddenly very interested in how Rivera continues this story.

Forget what I said about the possibility of Rick renouncing his ways. This Rick is a man with real mental issues, in possession of a gun and threatening Peach and her family. The story could go several ways, but I hope that “goofy”, “contrived”, “slapstick”, or “absurd” are not likely options.

Art Dept. The artwork today is inconsistent, but improves. Panel 1 is overburdened with heavy black lines and roughly-drawn steps. Rick’s head/face keeps changing again, but he does look convincingly menacing in panel 3 (while also looking ten years older). Panel 3 suggests a film inspiration, but I fail to recall anything specific. I just don’t get to that many movies.

Rivera made a very good decision in panel 4 to zoom in on Peach’s terrified expression and contrast it with the darkly shaded background. It would not have been as effective a scene if Rivera used the same composition as panel 3, where Peach has to share the space. Can Rivera keep this up?