Mr. Laughlin

Richmond James Laughlin (usually called "Mr. Laughlin" in the story's context) is a Biology professor at Edgerton University. George and Derek enroll in his class during their first semester.

Appearance
Mr. Laughlin is a male White-tailed Deer. He has soft-brown fur that covers the majority of his body, with tufts of white on his tail, ears, and around his eyes and nose. He wears the proper attire for male teachers: a white button-down shirt with a black tie, and black pants (although he has to roll them up in order to move around properly.)

History
Mr. Laughlin is 39 years old and came to campus at the age of 19 to study as an undergraduate before dropping out three semesters later. He went on to the University of Syracuse with a degree in Biology. At the time of his attendance at both universities, he was not a White-tailed deer; only via controlled operation did he change species about eight years ago, shortly after his employment at Edgerton.

Faculty considered firing him for this reason, however allowed him to lecture in small courses before he was re-allowed to teach Biology 101. In this occuring he became only the second Anthropolitan to be allowed to lecture for campus (as it is not traditionally accepted at private universities).

Although he is a Biology teacher by day, he becomes George's one companion outside of class later in the webcomic. Ricky Laughlin's history includes an escape from Maine State Prison, which prompted him to move to Canada and change his name and species to escape the law. This is what prompted his species change.

As an old friend of Mark Hartlett, he's all-too-familiar with the struggle of escape, and what George's path could lead to.