From the mailbag: No pants day!

Gerard from Massachusetts asks:

 Curious; When the Snoof is at home, he has some clothing on, but at work he's "naked". Mermsy wears an outfit for work. So, the question is whether the Snoof somehow has no shame at work, but in the comfort of home prefers cool attire? Do I read into this too much?

 What a fun question!

 I draw the Snoof in the tradition of anthropomorphic cartoon animals. 

 Real animals cannot be naked, of course.  For one thing, they’re covered in fur or scales, etc., so clothes are unnecessary for warmth or protection.  When a monkey or dog is forced into clothes, it looks ridiculous.

 The other thing is that animals don’t feel that sort of shame.  But people do, so what about people-like animals…?

 Clothes in cartoons often become symbols.  A sailor suit suggests an affinity to water, a sombrero signals nationality, and a bow on the head indicates gender.  A tie means professionalism, which is why the Snoof’s boss gives him one to wear when visiting clients.

 (Sometimes the design is just utilitarian.  Cost-conscious Hanna-Barbera gave Yogi Bear a tie and collar because that allowed the artists to animate his head separate from his body.)

If it looks silly, all the better.  I take my cues from Walt Kelly.  Pogo wore a shirt and no pants, but when he took off the shirt to go swimming he was somehow embarrassed.  He also wore a nightshirt to bed. 

This may have been more information than you wanted, Gerard.  A sketch is on its way as a thank-you!

 All copyrights and trademarks of the shameless character images on this page belong to their respective owners.