Fighting words, Jules? Maybe they are for drunken frat boys, basement-dwelling Internet trolls, and spoiled progeny with identity issues. So I wonder how this part of the story will play out over the next several days. It doesn’t seem like Mark would take such easy bait as this, but …

I recently stated that I thought this story had legs. As a story, itself, I still believe it. Whether Rivera can follow through and keep it intact is another matter, altogether.  And from a practical point of view, the premise of the story (Nobody knew about this resort) is weak. But there’s a reason for it, I think:

Nobody just suddenly builds a golf course/water park resort. It requires lots of planning, surveys, permits, public and private meetings by a zoning commission, following regulations about placement, easements, sanitation, etc., and more. That can easily eat up a few years (paying off various officials, notwithstanding). That means the notion that nobody in Lost Forest knew what was going on is difficult to accept. In reality.

And that’s the catch:  If comic strip stories actually tried to be comprehensive, nobody would have the patience to read them, would they!? And the real point of the story is not “How to design and build a golf resort in the country”, but “How will Mark uncover the source of the recently-discovered environmental damage and resolve it?”

What about today’s blog title? Alas, I’m completely without honor or shame. I’m certain this kind of headline flim-flammery will bring in readers by the boatload. I mean, it works on other sites…!

What do you think?  For all the time Cherry and Rusty spent at the water park—which had to be at least an hour—this foursome didn’t get very far, as the main building is still right behind them. I doubt the gator kept them occupied that long.

Also, I would be peeved like Mark to discover that his own dad won’t back his play, especially knowing that Happy supposedly had the same “job” in his younger days. At the least, it suggests Happy Trail is somehow more mixed up in this business that he is letting on.

At least we can hope for some actual fisticuffs and wrestling on the fairway! Maybe it will even inspire our friendly gator to crawl back out to make a quick snack of the loser.

Art Dept. I can’t think of a more “cartoony” face in Mark Trail than Brett’s (panel 2). He looks like he was pulled out of a classic Archie comic book.

Ed. Note: Mark’s current golf course investigation set off a (small) variety of opinions, pro and con about golf courses. Now, this is primarily a comic strip blog, not a specifically political or social criticism site. And I want to keep it that way. But I think it is good to have some healthy and respectful discourse on topics originating in strip. Jules Rivera was criticized (and also supported) for presenting a one-sided view on golf courses, based on Sunday’s nature strip. Sure. In part it is understandable, as Mark Trial has always been about the health and welfare of nature, wildlife, and people. However, as a comic strip, nuance can be difficult to get across without seeming like you’re trying to please everybody and nobody. On the other hand, it would have given Mark’s position a bit more reality and respect if there was at least an acknowledgement of some advances being made in golf course management with respect to the environment. Still, it’s hard to ignore the general land-grab effect of golf courses. But for now, let’s get back to our story . . .

Okay, let’s have a diversion! It’s been very hot and humid where I live, so a dip in a cool lake is always appreciated. But this water park seems more designed for dedicated thrill seekers, if Cherry’s understanding is correct. I’m going to go out on a limb—or dock, and claim that there are not actual stingrays here, but at most, manufactured gadgets that float around and act like rays. I don’t think any resort owner (even in a comic strip!) is going to risk lawsuits from families, environmental agencies, or the government. Besides, it’s just not practical! So, I think Cherry is just being portrayed as a stereotypical, over-reactive mother.

But I dislike this current presentation of Cherry. In fact, it seems to me that Rivera has been dumbing Cherry down over the past several years. Some of her original traits were her strength of character and strong personality, as well as her native smarts. Where did they all go?

For somebody who just learned about this golf resort about 24 hours ago in TrailTime, Mark somehow picked up on the quality of available beverages very quickly. Now, that is good investigating! Looks like that journalistic experience is paying off.

However, we are stuck once again with one of Rivera’s ongoing attempts to merge gags into an adventure strip. I’m not going to waste time today reiterating my (hardly unique) feelings on the subject. Anyway, looks like Mark got the wife and the kid outta there so the men can conduct serious business under cover of a golf game!

Art Dept. And another day of slap-dash drawing, overall. But I spotted something I’ve never noticed before. I can’t tell if it is a printing mistake, Rivera’s mistake, or somebody at the syndicate. Did you spot it? It’s in panel 1; or rather, under the border of panel 1, where you can see two small lines jutting below Cherry’s legs. What are they? How did they get missed? But don’t just take my word for it; head over to Comics Kingdom!

Also, where are the golf bags? Or the golf carts? Or any other resort visitors?