Strips with new characters in them always take longer to finish. Also, I wasn't sure who should show up to talk to Jamal in the second half of this... Initially it made sense for it to be George, but in the world of bite blockers and manacles-- it made less sense. I knew I wanted it to be someone that plays poker with him... so I went with Glenda even though she isn't the most empathetic character in ZR. Vlad wouldn't work due to the daylight and Francis didn't make the cut due to composition reasons-- He's really tall and Jamal is really short. If you don't recall, this is what Jamal is starting to allude to. On a non comic note... this Saturday is my birthday. It's why I'm flying back to the States on Sunday since I'd rather not be in airports all day on my birthday. So if you're looking for something you can do for me on my birthday... how about tell someone about ZR. I'd really dig it if you would.