When I came up with the The Thrill-Seekers, this episode was pretty much what I envisioned as the final strip in the story, with Pastor riding back to the city in a lifeboat. The panels were pretty much unchanged from the way I imagined, but I had to alter some dialogue once my fiancee (now wife) suggested a fantastic, and very touching moment, which I felt should be included. Her idea became the basis for the coda which will wrap up The Thrill-Seekers. Thanks to that suggestion, it looks like you’re stuck with me for a couple more episodes. 
- JEP
Perfect way to wrap it up — with Pastor’s voice-over as he sits contemplative and satisfied. It was more powerful this way, seeing that expression and the boat approaching the bridge, than it would’ve been if we saw him show up at Mrs. Patterson’s door. Very well done! I can’t wait for his next case. I hope you get all the praise you deserve for this serial, Jay!
Great ending!
If it was the missus who suggested that you need to end it with the voiceover to Alicia’s mother, then yeah, praise to her, as that kills. Looking forward to the strip with Mrs. Patterson’s reaction.
Jay, huge congratulations on finishing your first story arc. This is a great piece of work, man. You’ve got the chops!
Hard to figure out who the real bad azz hero is, Pastor or his creator Jay Potts!
You’ve done a good thing, a very good thing.
Fantastic!!! I love that your ending is reminding the reader of the victim. As a reflective moment you couldn’t make this work any better.
And one last cheer for the scubatard!
it looks like you’re stuck with me for a couple more episodes.
Jeeez, do we really have to?
This is truly a great piece of work – and art.
I’m absolutely looking forward to Pastor’s new adventures – and especially with your wifes* input, I am fully prepared to be amazed. Again.
*Even if I’m late: Congratulations to both of you. May your life together be rich and may you never get tired with each other.
All the best,
Ulf
Great slow zoom out, Jay. Like other posters are saying the voice over really makes for a cinematic ending. As Pastor talks about the Lafayette Bay claiming the Thrillseeker and then the final frame is revealed I really got a sense of, “…and who’s going to go find the sunken boat?” It kinda ties up the story real nice…telling the story thru pictures.
Great achievement, Jay!!!
Joe-
I think having Pastor at Mrs. Patterson’s door was one of the endings I considered, but I nixed it for the reasons you said. I was kind of thinking about the opening credit sequence to Enter The Dragon which starts with a view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Bay.
- JEP
Marcus Penna-
Gracias!
- JEP
Mistah Pete-
She had an even BETTER idea, which you’ll see soon. I had considered nixing the voiceover and making this strip silent, but I needed it to set up the denouement. Now I’m really glad I kept it.
- JEP
Brian-
And you of all people should know! I’m loving Smooth N’ Natural (www.smoothnnatural.com).
- JEP
“dollar” Bill-
You’re too kind! I’ve gotta give it to Pastor, though. He saved me, too. I’d be a bitter, frustrated artist afraid to put his work out for public consumption if a great character like Pastor hadn’t come along.
- JEP
AA-
I really have more fun writing and drawing the character moments than the action scenes, and I think the moments where we come back to Alicia Patterson really help ground the series, and like you said, remind readers of what was at stake. Thanks!
- JEP
Guess Who-
I’ll miss the scubatard, too. Now I have to figure out what he’s going to wear next.
- JEP
Very nice Jay!
Stuck with you? I’d hardly call it that. More like graced with your artistic presence a little while longer. In any event, I’m a Pastor-holic now. I couldn’t stop reading this strip if I wanted to. I’ll be here for more…
So far, this is my favorite entry. I love how well drawn it is. Everything else looks amazing as well, but this one has soooooo much character and appeal! I love your craftsmanship!