Marnabes

Marnabes is a fictional species appearing in the comic strip Pearls Before Swine. They are depicted as intelligent, anthropomorphic aardvarks, often characterized by their strong opinions and a tendency towards intellectual pursuits. The marnabes are typically portrayed as being well-read, philosophical, and somewhat arrogant. They frequently engage in debates and discussions with the other characters in the strip, offering their unique perspectives on various topics.

The creator of Pearls Before Swine, Stephan Pastis, often uses the marnabes as a foil for the other characters, particularly the main protagonist, Pig. Their intellectual superiority, real or perceived, allows for comedic situations where their pronouncements clash with the more simplistic or pragmatic views of others. The marnabes' appearance is that of a typical aardvark, with a long snout and sturdy build, but they wear clothing and exhibit human-like behaviors. Their species name, "marnabes," is an anagram of "barnes," a reference to the character Barnes from the comic strip Pogo. The marnabes are a recurring element in the strip, contributing to its satirical and often philosophical humor. They represent a segment of society that values intellect and often expresses itself with a certain degree of pretentiousness.