What have they done to Mark Trail?
Some days, there are a pressing number of topics to choose from when deciding which earth-shattering topics we could expound upon to change the world.
Today isn’t one of those days. Instead, we want to address a topic that has caused much consternation from a portion of our loyal readership. Actually, the group can be further condensed to a smaller group of loyal enthusiasts of the entertainment strip “Mark Trail.”
Yes, Mark Trail, that great outdoor adventurer who has graced the pages of newspapers for 74 years. He has escaped dozens of bear attacks, massive wildfires and hundreds of bad guys wishing him harm because he was stopping their efforts to do harm to the environment or a wild animal.
Now, the unthinkable has happened.
The news syndicate that controls the Mark Trail comic has hired a new artist. Despite the promises that there would be minimal change from the traditional strip, the new and improved Mark no longer resembles the old Mark.
Mark Trail was always clean shaven unless he was trapped under a massive tree for a week or in a burning barn until his faithful dog, Andy, saved him.
This new Mark is supposed to look more rugged and earthy, so he has a constant three-day growth on his face and dirty clothes as well.
We have taken quite a few calls from concerned readers objecting to the new portrayal of their comics page hero. One lady impressed upon me that Mark’s girlfriend of 47 years, Cherry Davis, would never have stayed with him if he looked like the new version. Cherry and Mark were married in the strip in 1993 after 47 years of flirting and courting and Mark having to rescue his favorite damsel in distress many times.
It seems a shame to waste all those years and adventures by making drastic changes.
We are going to give the column a few more weeks to see if the readers adjust and accept this new modernized character.
Perhaps, he will evolve into an even bigger star. But rest assured, Mark Trail followers: we are actively monitoring this crucial event in comic strip history and we will keep you informed.
— RV
