Always remember, it’s ALIEN biology – for example an alien “tongue” does not necessarily mean swallowing. Since it doesn’t seem to mind other creatures bathing in its mouth, I’m imagining a creature that actually feeds that way. It WANTS creatures to bathe in its saliva, and it gets its nutrients from the bugs and glow grass and other organic detritus that washes off. The “tongue” may just be to help get the debris off of the bathing creatures. (Eww – now I’m trying NOT to imagine that) Maybe it has even developed a saliva that is particularly cleansing, in order to encourage other creatures to bathe and thus bring its next meal. Who knows what kind of wacky biology a walking alien bathtub might have?
Hey, cats wash other cats, don’t they? They’ll sometimes wash their owners, too. Why is that considered cute, and this (from your description) amicable pitcher plant is not?
Great description, Artie! We’ve been theorizing all kinds of wacky things concerning the Amblebath’s digestive system, but I think the one you give is closest so far. As far as the function of tongues, we know that Jeff’s isn’t for tasting (he does that through his skin). Jeff’s tongue seems to function more like a straw and we only call it a tongue due to its physical resemblance to one. We’re not sure if this type of “tongue” is evident in other species.
We also think that our tub here is related to the other six-footed fauna of Planet X, like Mr. Wallowmuck and, somewhat remotely, a certain Marf.
Another “hate me” point I just realized: since when can Ellie process haptic input? (i.e. she says his tongue is “comfy”, which implies she can feel in her butt and/or back)
I know this! Ellie does have sensors throughout her frame that receive pressure input, but this has little to do with what she’s saying here. The story goes that before Ellie was blasted into space, Dr. Strang took her on an extensive publicity campaign, making appearances at shopping centers, on talk shows, etc. She would be packed in a giant, well-padded trunk during flights from one city to the next, but from the airport to the destination they would travel by car. Dr. Strang had a seat made for her that resembled the child safety seats we see today. He would refer to it as her “big comfy car seat”. So it’s pretty much just an association thing for her.
“His tongue is like a big comfy car seat”
Anyone want to make a “that’s what she said” joke?
She never said that!
A mobile bath?! I want one!
Wouldn’t that just be great? Think of all the time we could save by bathing during morning commutes.
I seen mobile bathtubs in the nightmare before Christmas and a cartoon called chalk zone.
You’re probably going to hate me for this but, if he has a tongue, he probably swallows. Where does the stuff he swallows go?
Always remember, it’s ALIEN biology – for example an alien “tongue” does not necessarily mean swallowing. Since it doesn’t seem to mind other creatures bathing in its mouth, I’m imagining a creature that actually feeds that way. It WANTS creatures to bathe in its saliva, and it gets its nutrients from the bugs and glow grass and other organic detritus that washes off. The “tongue” may just be to help get the debris off of the bathing creatures. (Eww – now I’m trying NOT to imagine that) Maybe it has even developed a saliva that is particularly cleansing, in order to encourage other creatures to bathe and thus bring its next meal. Who knows what kind of wacky biology a walking alien bathtub might have?
Hey, cats wash other cats, don’t they? They’ll sometimes wash their owners, too. Why is that considered cute, and this (from your description) amicable pitcher plant is not?
You sayin’ our tub ain’t cute? ;D
In keeping with the cat analogy, as long as the Amblebath doesn’t start coughing up hairballs, I’ll consider it cute.
Great description, Artie! We’ve been theorizing all kinds of wacky things concerning the Amblebath’s digestive system, but I think the one you give is closest so far. As far as the function of tongues, we know that Jeff’s isn’t for tasting (he does that through his skin). Jeff’s tongue seems to function more like a straw and we only call it a tongue due to its physical resemblance to one. We’re not sure if this type of “tongue” is evident in other species.
We also think that our tub here is related to the other six-footed fauna of Planet X, like Mr. Wallowmuck and, somewhat remotely, a certain Marf.
Another “hate me” point I just realized: since when can Ellie process haptic input? (i.e. she says his tongue is “comfy”, which implies she can feel in her butt and/or back)
I know this! Ellie does have sensors throughout her frame that receive pressure input, but this has little to do with what she’s saying here. The story goes that before Ellie was blasted into space, Dr. Strang took her on an extensive publicity campaign, making appearances at shopping centers, on talk shows, etc. She would be packed in a giant, well-padded trunk during flights from one city to the next, but from the airport to the destination they would travel by car. Dr. Strang had a seat made for her that resembled the child safety seats we see today. He would refer to it as her “big comfy car seat”. So it’s pretty much just an association thing for her.
Oh well, that’s nice to know. Any images from the time?
I’ll see what I can find. 🙂
Also, that must be a very deeply ingrained memory, if it happened before her 30-year TV-training-filled flight
I miss Muffin.
There’s only one good cure for that! Go to http://ellieonplanetx.com/2011/05/31/blog/presenting-dance-o-scope/ and press “three”!
Love this. Great last line and great comic
Thanks Frank!
“Riding the Saliva Express for science!” My first time here c/o @dogeatdoug – love. 🙂
Thanks Leigh! And welcome! Btw, I dig the pens!