The one we've been waiting for: King Koupon!!

(Or at least, the one most of us have been waiting for. I suspect that Jeff J., not working at the Daily during this period, probably regards with with the same distanced amusement that I feel about say, the first Trench Malloy Coupon Bonanza story.)

Although, we didn't have the foresight to have video cameras recording the moment for posterity, I suspect this issue began with a tossed-off notion from Jeff, whose fascination with the big ape goes back to least age 12. 

What I find most fascinating though, is our post-modern approach to story-telling, using faked bits of "found narrative" and a collage-style layout.  I don't remember any particular source we were "aping" with this.  It could be one of the most creative ideas we came up with:

(Klick to read all the klever kopy.)

As promised, here are scans of the actual photos used, including my National Enquirer-worthy photo composites.)

(This shot, the Old Sea Captain's shanty, I believe was shot in the basement of the Daily building -- it's not the third floor men's room, though it may look like it.)
King Koupon rises up over Northrup Hall.  Note the body language of the four, all apparently unphased by the prospect of a 50-foot tall primate looming over them.)

Of course, that's John inside the gorilla suit, having the time of his strait-laced life lurching around campus in complete anonymity.  I seem to recall him saying hi to one of his professors (Bob Jones?) we passed on the mall, who absently just greeted him back without bothering to wonder who was behind the mask.

Along with Bruce in his Trench Malloy trench coat and Jeff in his Sea Captain getup, that's Trish (one of the two female art directors in our little department) in the white.  The remaining woman is John's youngest sister, forever known to us as Miss Matchbook, for some forgotten reason John's going to have to fill in.

And that's where our story ends...for now!  (Takes a lot of scanning.)  Watch for part 2, coming soon!