There is definitely a holiday surprise coming for the folks of Lake Tuberville with Santa unexpectedly dropping in for a visit. I always wondered if the jolly old gentleman wore a suitable restraining device to prevent unfortunate accidents caused by fast turns and turbulence. Looks like Clive has met up with one really upset reindeer. Hopefully they will find Santa before Christmas and in time for him to complete his deliveries. Be sure to check back on Thursday for a special holiday Pudding.

If you are a new reader or you just want a quick recap of this story so far, then check out the story pages.

For those readers who just have to know, yes, each of Clive’s Twitter bursts in today’s strip actually are less than the maximum 140 characters. Clive can’t make a move without telling all his cyber-buds about it in agonizing detail.  Remind you of any people on Twitter that you know? See you next Tuesday.

Today’s episode is appropriately titled “A Heroic Gesture” or perhaps it could have been “Watch Out For That Tree!”. But since the latter title belongs to another more famous cartoon aerialist who is also prone to mishaps during flight, I could not use it. Assuming that Clive will eventually get unstuck from his current rotten tree trunk residence, it will be interesting to see if  he has better navigational luck in finding Monroe and Bentley. Somehow I doubt it.

I really enjoyed doing this particular strip. It reminded me of Saturday morning TV when I use to watch the Lone Ranger. With a cloud of dust and a hardy hi ho silver away, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains raced to the rescue. I picture Clive as being that heroic figure, except that he’s more like Drip-a-long Daffy in that he’s more gesture and less results.   See you on Thursday.