While Irving's physiologically a toon, he's genetically half-human on his father's side. He is notable in that his late maternal grandfather was Ignatius Martin Smellie, star of the famous old "I.M. Smellie" cartoons, and his mother is Irene Mephitia DePoe (nee Smellie), a lesser-known cartoon star.

Despite his heritage, he's not that willing to take part in toony antics. Unfortunately, the laws of comedy dictate that this means he must act as a "straight man" - meaning he instead is on the RECEIVING end of toony antics.

Instead, Irving is interested in art and design. In fact, unlike his mother and grandfather, he's more interested in what's BEHIND the camera, like set design, camerawork, etc. He'll occasionally geek out at things like the Itano Circus or Charles Holden's London Underground station buildings.

Despite his usual bad luck, he's a reliable ally when the chips are down. Still, he doesn't exactly have the highest self-confidence in the world.

Now, he works at the Transformation Emporium, where he's learned a few tricks of the trade, and has developed a knack for getting transformed against his will. Still, he's managed to learn a few things, like how to turn himself into a smaller, more "Don Bluth" style skunk.