Bad Machinery by John Allison for August 02, 2023

Is Bran ‘n’ Bran a popular breakfast cereal in Tackleford? If so, it’s no wonder the city has such a huge problem with its sewer system.

Most of the pages so far in the case (except the first one and the one with Sonny and Linton in the library) were originally posted as single-row strips, which were paired up to fit the page format for publication ­— so we’ve been getting two days of the comic at a time. This one was the odd one out, with no other strip to pair it with, so instead there’s a new top row added to the original bottom row.

After Pepper’s performance in the last case, Lottie should know better than to expect anything but spineless capitulation to anyone who’ll give him skritches from him.

Oh, and we never actually see the left side of Mimi’s shirt, but I’m pretty sure it says, “Watney’s Red Barrel”, which was a British beer. Though I suppose it might be “Red Baron”, or “Red Bat” or “Red Basset Hound”.

My downstairs neighbor’s cat is like Pepper; he loves everybody unreservedly.

So far, Mimi is very French.

I love what appears to be a cross above Lottie’s head in panel 2.

Oh c’mon, Lottie, since when has Pepper ever done exactly as you wanted?

A proper diva yawn on presenting herself, tres chic!

I’m sure Lottie is deeply hurt by Pepper’s betrayal.