I don’t know his name, but I love the second artisan; his expression hasn’t changed for eight panels! He just keeps on puffing away on his pipe, unconcerned with objections or the size of the funds. It’s hilarious!
I appreciate Aaron Marx.; he does have a little bit of the feel of a Deus ex Machina, but clearly there are things that even he cannot do. I seem to remember there being some sort of a comic about him on your original webpage. Is this true? And if so, can you post the link? It might help to understand who he is, without creating spoilers. Out of curiosity, did you design him with The Doctor in mind? Because he certainly has that feel about him. Keep up the good work!
I’m pretty sure that the thing’s hot exradimensional space; remember the GIGANTIC collection room that they first arrived in? Also, AM has, in a related strip by Aaron, been known to wear a time-traveling coat, so I feel like it wouldn’t be too improbable.
But there’s pokemon in the tall grass!