Reader Downpuppy brought up a good point that “Bear Bandit” could be understood as shorthand for “Bear-Suited Bandit”, thus invalidating yesterday’s grammatical criticism. Well, perhaps. I also think the alliterative rhythm of the name may have had a role in its use. English is flexible.

Last week a bear-bandit attacked Rita and Skeeter when the team stopped at a gas station for snacks. The action continued this week as Mark predictably chased the attacker. Of course, another bear-bandit showed up to steal the unlocked manatee truck holding Max the manatee. Mark turned around in time to pull the second kidnapper out of the truck. Like a mother bear, I’m told.

When Rita and Skeeter conveniently showed up after Mark thwarted the attackers, the team used the manatee truck to pursue the bear-bandits instead of delivering Max! This disregard for Max’s health was further exacerbated: After the crew failed to catch the kidnappers they thought it was a good idea to stop along the way and report the incident. I’m sorry, but is there any valid reason for Jules Rivera to make Mark appear so clueless and unconcerned about Max?

Conclusion: An attempt to interfere with the transportation of Max by the Whether Men was certainly an acceptable part of the story that could provide some drama. Rivera’s contrivance of having the team stop for snacks and leaving the truck unlocked and be assaulted by inept conspiracy nuts in costume was more comical than suspenseful. Once again, Rivera ignored drama for absurdity and juvenilia.

Art Dept. This was not a week of noteworthy drawing. I won’t bore or infuriate you with details. If you have time and fortitude, scroll through the prior days.

Mark admits his own manatee adventure is just so much seaweed as he discusses more realistic effects of storms and hurricanes on manatees, to say nothing of the effort and care that are really required to care for a displaced manatee. Mark provides good discussion (and artwork) here, even as some kind of bug apparently got into his eye (last panel). But it would also be great if Mark followed his own advice more closely.