The conversation about ownership of the North Pole is actually the result of some light research I did in preparation for this arc.  Russia is one of several countries attempting to establish ownership; however, given it is one of the most influential as well as the opportunity it gave me in terms of the comedy of John in Russia led Percy to make his first attempt there.

Jorocks is a lot of fun to draw in this arc. He is so bewildered and out of his depth, and it shows in this strip. He has no idea what he is doing here.