Let’s assume, shall we, that the warm, passionate hugs and kisses between Les and his betrothed Cayla have already been exchanged at the arrival gate. This allows us to cut directly to Cayla complimenting Les’ appearance. “I know,” replies Les (instead of something like “Gee, thanks honey!”). The always self-effacing Cayla wryly supposes that perhaps she could benefit from losing some weight. Rather than attempt to dissuade her or even smile, Les responds with a blank look. Batiuk inexplicably closes the Kilimanjaro epic by inserting a completely random sketch of some “flat top acacias” from his Africa journal.
Tag: Cayla
I'll Fly Away
Nothing like waiting til they’re being dropped off at Akron-Canton Airport to ask Cayla’s blessing. Summer tries so hard to look sincere in the fourth panel that her face is starting to melt. Not to worry, Summer: Miss Cayla doesn’t “do” camping (she doesn’t “do” mountains either). Cayla: nice job of dismissing the epic father-daughter trek as a mere “camping” trip. And so much for “wither thou goest, I will go”, huh? Well, you haven’t taken any vows yet. In fact, since you’re already at the airport, here’s the perfect opportunity to get tickets for yourself and Keisha to fly far, far away from “Les”view.
O C Can You D?
Still more of Les’ “anal compulsiveness”: while his teenage daughter schleps all that luggage out to the car (just as well; she’s stronger than him anyway), Les checks for the umpteenth time to make sure the appliances are all turned off. Because apparently Cayla is not living there (nor can she be trusted to keep an eye on the house), and because Darin and Jess, who were shown to be living in Moore Manor just four months ago, have mysteriously disappeared.
Action Packed
Apparently Les has a penchant for arriving at the airport three hours before one of his frequent flights. So what? Is that a bad thing? I haven’t flown in years, but I imagine that’s a good idea in light of current airport security measures. No doubt Batiuk arrives at least this early when he’s jetting off to the next comics convention.
Opposites Detract
Raise your hand if, like me, you’re roughly the same age as Les, Funky, and Crazy Harry. I know that’s more than a few of you. Now get up, go across the room, and grab your high school yearbook. What’s that? You don’t have it right at hand? It’s been packed away up in the attic for 20, 30 years? Yeah, mine too. Come to think of it: what’s Cayla’s yearbook doing on the shelf in Les’ house? Have she and Keisha moved in already? What has become of Darin and Jess?
Son of Stuck Funky 
