Look, there's just no way a person in my line of work can be presented with the Rip Van Winkle effect and NOT make a joke like this.
On a slightly related note, I've just started a SECOND poll for $5 and up patrons regarding the future of these Gunbuster comics. (One that's totally separate from the other one about the future of the Macross comics) Remember, I only originally committed to doing the FIRST THREE EPISODES of Gunbuster. There's still more material to go before I've fulfilled that, but if you want a say on whether I do the remainder of the series or move on to something else, let me know HERE! (and if you're not already, become a $5 patron to take part in this sort of discussion!)