I think Garfield uses the same, or similar, rules as Calvin and Hobbes. In C&H only Calvin can consistently “hear” Hobbes. The adults and Suzie can only “hear” Hobbes when he says something so obvious that even they would think of it.
Garfield seems to have similar rules. Garfield can talk to all other animals just fine, except possibly Odie. The only reason Odie is an exception is that Odie seems to never actually “talk” other than the occasional barking episode. Odie also completely ignores, or cannot hear a thing that Garfield is saying.
But then you get to the humans in Garfield who can sometimes “hear” what Garfield is saying, though normally not the most aggressive stuff he says. I have always maintained that the humans could hear everything that G says, they just ignore most of it.
Garfield seems to have similar rules. Garfield can talk to all other animals just fine, except possibly Odie. The only reason Odie is an exception is that Odie seems to never actually “talk” other than the occasional barking episode. Odie also completely ignores, or cannot hear a thing that Garfield is saying.
I recently posted a picture from the Garfield Halloween story (Garfield in Disguise / Halloween Adventure) where both of these are different; Garfield shares with Odie that he won’t share treats with him, to which Odie reacts by talking. Granted it’s from the German version, but still. He must have at least understood in the original judging by the facial expression.
I think Garfield uses the same, or similar, rules as Calvin and Hobbes. In C&H only Calvin can consistently “hear” Hobbes. The adults and Suzie can only “hear” Hobbes when he says something so obvious that even they would think of it.
Garfield seems to have similar rules. Garfield can talk to all other animals just fine, except possibly Odie. The only reason Odie is an exception is that Odie seems to never actually “talk” other than the occasional barking episode. Odie also completely ignores, or cannot hear a thing that Garfield is saying.
But then you get to the humans in Garfield who can sometimes “hear” what Garfield is saying, though normally not the most aggressive stuff he says. I have always maintained that the humans could hear everything that G says, they just ignore most of it.
I recently posted a picture from the Garfield Halloween story (Garfield in Disguise / Halloween Adventure) where both of these are different; Garfield shares with Odie that he won’t share treats with him, to which Odie reacts by talking. Granted it’s from the German version, but still. He must have at least understood in the original judging by the facial expression.