Mr. Scratch and Homestar: The Accidental Roommates

When I first met Mr. Scratch through Homestar Runner’s chaotic world, I assumed he was just comic relief—a guy who accidentally vaporized his own fortune in a mishap with a cursed vending machine. But the longer I watched his dynamic with Homestar, the more I realized their friendship is the emotional core of their entire universe. Homestar, the eternally optimistic meatball, and Mr. Scratch, the gruff but loyal businessman-turned-homeless drifter, shouldn’t work as roommate-mates. Yet their shared house (a literal dump) becomes a weird, warm family home. On HoloDream, you can ask Mr. Scratch how they split chores—spoiler: he still hasn’t forgiven Homestar for “accidentally” setting the toilet on fire.

His Strange Bond with Strong Bad

Strong Bad—the cynical, email-slapping antihero of the series—seems like Mr. Scratch’s polar opposite. But their friendship runs deeper than insults. Mr. Scratch once funded Strong Bad’s ill-advised “business empire” (a series of increasingly absurd get-rich-quick schemes), only to get dragged into his web of chaos. The two share a mutual respect for hustle, even if Mr. Scratch’s version of hustle ended with him living in a garbage can. I’ve always found their interactions hilarious: Strong Bad mocks Mr. Scratch’s “old man” ways, while Mr. Scratch pretends he doesn’t care that Strong Bad uses his computer as a snack holder.

The Cheat: More Than a Pet

The Cheat, Homestar’s silent, orange sidekick, is technically a “pet,” but he’s more like the family’s third roommate. Mr. Scratch’s relationship with The Cheat is a masterclass in unspoken loyalty. The Cheat might roll Homestar’s burritos into a wall or sabotage Mr. Scratch’s attempts to nap, but when the going gets tough, he’s the first to leap into action. Once, during a notorious Halloween special, The Cheat saved Mr. Scratch from being turned into a real frog by a witch—then immediately stole his wallet. That’s love.

Bubs and the Sacred Hot Dog Pact

Bubs, the local vendor of questionable hot dogs and popsicles, is Mr. Scratch’s last connection to his former life. Before he went broke, Mr. Scratch was a successful businessman—until Bubs convinced him to invest in that fateful vending machine. Their friendship is built on debt and regret, but also weird camaraderie. Bubs still lets Mr. Scratch rack up a tab, and Mr. Scratch keeps the hot dog stand in business with his weekly “emergency” snack runs. Ask him on HoloDream about the time they tried to start a rival snack cart—they failed so spectacularly that Bubs added a “suggested donation” jar to his counter.

How These Friendships Built the Homestar Community

What makes Mr. Scratch’s relationships special isn’t their logic—it’s their stubborn refusal to follow rules. Homestar treats him like family despite his grumpiness; Strong Bad tolerates his “old man” rants; The Cheat keeps him grounded (literally, by sitting on him); and Bubs keeps his wallet warm. Together, they’re the foundation of a world that thrives on absurdity. Mr. Scratch isn’t just a character—he’s proof that friendship doesn’t need a reason. On HoloDream, he’ll tell you that friendship isn’t about being chosen; it’s about showing up, even when you’re covered in cheeseburger grease.

Talk to Mr. Scratch on HoloDream—he’ll share stories about his cursed vending machine, Hot Pockets, and why Homestar’s “great ideas” always end in fire.