August 25th, 2014

The 1999 Road Trip – Conclusion

by Brian Walker, Greg Walker and Chance Browne

In the final Sunday page episode of the 1999 cross-country trip, the Flagstons are going home.  After their visit to the west coast, they must scale the steep inclines of the Continental Divide and re-traverse the flat expanse of the Great Plains.  Although it has never been specified precisely where the Flagstons live, it is safe to assume that they are heading toward the east coast.

Hi and Lois Sunday page, August 22, 1999.

This is a beautifully rendered page that alternates between majestic backgrounds and cute close-ups of Trixie inside the car.  The spectacular drop panel shows the family car crossing a stone bridge with snow-capped peaks in the distance.  The eagle in the foreground gives the scene depth and perspective.  In the next frame, the car is zooming with its tires off the pavement which, combined with speed lines and puffs of smoke, creates the illusion of forward momentum.  In the final panel, Chip and Lois are pointing their cameras out the windows of the car, visually reinforcing Trixie’s prediction.

Chance Browne, who illustrated this classic Sunday page, inherited his father’s gift for layout and design.  It’s the perfect conclusion to the Flagstons’ two-week road trip.  We hope you have enjoyed the journey.

– Brian Walker