As I suspected, Jules Rivera decided to give us a traditional “Mark Trail Epilog”, with Happy filling in for Cherry. That is, we learn about the rest of the story by way of a recap. And we have to assume that some time has passed since the failed wedding ceremony, given Mark’s comment in panel 1. Some of what he says is shocking: Just how many gorillas were there at this sanctuary, anyway!? And who “rehomed” the gorillas? Unless this chat is taking place several months later, the gorilla placements certainly happened quickly!

Art Dept. In a departure from the way we often see Mark depicted, I’m impressed with how he is portrayed in panel 3. The drawing is clean and solid, with less of a cartoony face. His expression shows a bit of emotion and concern. There is also greater volume and solidity in Mark’s figure than what we often see. The overall composition of the panel is nicely understated, with Mark discretely placed just off-center. Asymmetric portraits tend to look more energized or “dynamic” than centered compositions, which are often reserved for figures of veneration.

Well, I’ll go further and say that all three panels are quite well drawn and arranged (though Happy’s face often creeps me out!). It must have been a good day for drawing and a bad day for surfing.