This was a fun one. I've always kind of had this amorphous backstory to Chuck and Lila (as well as Makalu), and it was nice to get a chance to kind of hint at that and flesh it out a bit visually. Sort of that whole "Prequel Star Wars Trilogy" thing. The designs for their younger versions was an absolute treat to draw.(look at panel five and just try not to go "AWWWW!!!") Of course, the backgrounds were kind of a call back to the flying story, with photos (slightly processed this time for effect) inserted as backgrounds. It was the result of laziness but I'm actually pleased with the look.
Lila's career in bartending was one of the first ideas I originally had for the strip, so yes, it will be developed further as time goes on. I love writing extended sagas behind day - to - day events.
And yes, I had to put in all those nerdy inside references to Pokemon- it wouldn't be Chuck without them!