During Archie-era they were ALWAYS together, with this near-unprecedented level of casual physical contact (and on Bark's end it is seemingly reserved ONLY for Bean. Favoritism).

In those comics, Bean is characterized as this unhinged guy who isn't attached to anyone or anything, and yet when he's paired up with Bark there's this sense of 'oh, Bean enjoys Bark's company'. It's not as plain text as it is in the IDW take, so this is actually best seen when compared to how Bean interacts with Nack. Bean will find a way to fuck with Nack every minute of every day, but you don't see him actively trying to annoy Bark. They just hang out normally (as normal as Bean can manage). Surely this must mean something.

Bark is characterized to have a smidgen of a conscience in him, but he doesn't treat Bean as just a responsibility. Yes, Bean gets himself into trouble often, and Bark does have to hold him back a lot, but I firmly believe there's more to it than just obligation. Bark actually likes the guy. He will put in effort to humor Bean sometimes. One specific example of that is in the Sonic Universe Pirate Plunder Panic arc. Bean is doing a little comedy bit, asking Bark to make one of those smoothies he's good at making, and listing random specifications for it. Bark not only makes the smoothie, but he also adds every single one of those specifications. He didn't have to do that, but he did!! Because he listens and he cares!!! I am not looking too much into it I swear I'm not.

There's the general thing where Bark is perfectly comfortable with letting Bean speak for him in most situations. The IDW comics actually doubled down on that, and they made it even more clear that Bean has this uncanny ability to understand Bark. That whole concept is so so special to me.

It's also such good sociopath rep on Bean's part, if you categorize him as that, which I do (though it more so applies to the Archie version). The idea that Bean can be valued and he can value that same person in turn despite his condition is important to me. You don't see that idea very often.

It just looks so cool and intimidating and expressive. I aspire to be able to draw something with that vibe.

Also bonus Tired Bark bc this man needs a break:

So, stemming from this: I can’t stop thinking about the idea that the ONLY person Bark trusts enough to be his interpreter is Bean. He doesn’t trust anyone else.

Of course I’m right. I can’t remember a time when I was goddamn wrong!

Jkjk but anyways Bark holds All the brain cells and All the morals but he doesn’t get a say in shit because he can’t say shit. It’s almost tragic. Although I doubt he’d be listened to even if he could speak.

I’m glad it’s finally being outright said that he’s actually pretty good in that anniversary comic (God bless Amy). Maybe I can stop seeing so many misguided fics using him as a immoral antag! I look forward to that day!