The Perils of Pantyhose in the Jungle (1 of 7)

You emerge from the trees to find an oasis, a small waterfall flowing down into a large pool of crystal clear water. You gasp then smile happily as you see once again everything is working out in your adventure, it’s like this place was just made for you. You crouch down by the side of the water and tickle your fingers along its surface, sending small ripples through the pool. Then with your hand still partially submerged you swivel your head to the side to call to your mom “Over here! There’s water! It looks safe to drink!” Looking away you don’t notice the large crocodile slipping from the trees on the other side and diving down, his whole body swaying side to side as he silently shoots toward you like a tornado, his razor sharp teeth almost looking like a devilish grin as he gets closer.

Your mom emerges from the trees, her relieved expression quickly changing to a horrified one as she looks at you and shrieks “Emmy! Look out!” Pointing in the direction of the pool which you are one hundred percent not focusing on. You glance back just in time to see the jaws of a crocodile stretching open to take a bite out of you, your hand shooting back from the water as you scream and scurry backward on your behind. You bump right into the legs of your mom who pulls you to your feet, the two of you scurrying away back into the jungle, the crocodile watching you from the side of the pool as two potential meals escape his clutches. Once you’re far enough away you pause and your mom gives you a small hug before saying “You really have to look where you're going Emmy. That thing could’ve killed you!” You let yourself melt into the hug for a moment, letting the embrace of your mom calm your nerves before pulling away and saying “Okay. But I still know where I’m going, come on, let's keep moving.” Your mom is starting to look more concerned about following your lead but she doesn’t offer any resistance and follows you through the jungle once more.

-Markus Jones | an excerpt from: Emily and Lynda Lockwood: The Perils of Pantyhose in the Jungle

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Jungle perils are some of my all time favorite from the classic pulp era. Additionally I blame Sierra games Leisure Suit Larry 3, specifically Passionate Patti, for inspiration in this sequence. Last year, I commissioned a story from Markus Jones exploring jungle themes I enjoyed, featuring Emily Lockwood and her mother, Lynda. The story was an extension or "what if" path from the CYOA Deadly Horizons (in the Tanzania location), which was the (unexpected) surprise return of Emily Lockwood after a three year hiatus. The following renders were created by me inspired by the extended story they wrote for me. I hope you enjoy the excerpt text and the images!