Ever feel like you're being watched while running through those infinite floors in Gardenview? Honestly, you probably are. If you’ve spent any time dodging ichor-covered monsters in Roblox, you’ve likely stumbled upon the names of the dandy's world toon handlers. Most players just breeze past the lore notes or the portraits in the warehouse, but these five humans are basically the glue holding the tragic backstory of Dandy’s World together.
They weren't just employees. They were parental figures.
When Arthur Walton and Delilah Keen built Gardenview back in the 90s, they didn't just let the Toons run wild. They hired specific people to manage the "Mains." Think of them like specialized caregivers or talent agents, but for living, breathing ink-and-ichor cartoons.
Who Are the Real Handlers?
The game doesn't just hand you a list of these people on a silver platter. You’ve gotta dig for it. Each handler’s name is alliterative, matching the Toon they were assigned to. It’s a cute detail that makes the eventual abandonment of the Toons even more heartbreaking.
- Devan Reed: The guy who had the impossible task of handling Dandy and Pebble. Imagine trying to manage the star of the show while also keeping a pet rock (that might actually be a living creature) in check. Devan’s notes suggest he was perpetually overworked. No surprise there—Dandy isn't exactly "low maintenance."
- Veronica Hurley: She was assigned to Vee. Veronica is one of the "good ones" in the lore. She actually tried to stop the founders from "upgrading" Vee. To Veronica, Vee wasn't just a TV-headed object; she was a friend.
- Sam McLaughlin: Handler for Sprout. Sam’s vibes are a bit different. They’re often depicted with messy hair and massive eye bags. If your job was to keep Sprout from accidentally burning down the building or to help him and Cosmo with their chaotic baking sessions, you'd be tired too.
- Shanon Mendez: She looked after Shelly. Shanon left a farewell note that’s honestly a tear-jerker. When Gardenview was rushed into closure, she didn't want to leave. Her note indicates she viewed Shelly like her own child.
- Austin Russo: He handled Astro. Not much is known about Austin yet, but fans have noticed he and Astro seem to share a similar, somewhat laid-back or sleepy personality.
The Tragic Split at Gardenview
Why does any of this matter for your 3:00 AM solo run?
Because the disappearance of the toon handlers is what triggered the mess you’re playing through. When the "malfunction incident" happened in the early 2000s, the facility was shut down almost overnight. The handlers were forced to abandon the Toons they had raised.
Imagine being a Toon like Sprout or Shelly. One day you have a person who cares for you, helps you bake, and protects you from "upgrades." The next day, they’re gone, and you’re left in a dark building with a flower who’s obsessed with an "Ichor Operation."
✨ Don't miss: Why Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal Deserves a Second Look (Despite the Reviews)
It explains why some of the Twisteds look the way they do. It’s not just the black tar; it’s the emotional fallout of being left behind.
What the Community Gets Wrong
There’s a lot of fan art and "AUs" (Alternative Universes) out there where the handlers are playable characters or secret bosses. While it’s fun to imagine, the canon truth is much more grounded. They were regular people caught in a corporate nightmare.
Some theorists think Devan Reed might have been in on the Ichor Operation, but there’s no hard evidence for that yet. He just sounds like a guy who needed a vacation.
✨ Don't miss: Why Dragon Ball Z Extreme Butoden Still Hits Different on the 3DS
Also, don't confuse the official handlers with "Toon Seekers" or other fan-made roles. If the name doesn't start with the same letter as the Toon, it’s probably not canon.
Why We Should Care About the Notes
If you find a tape or a note in a run, read it. These snippets are the only voice the handlers have left in the game. They provide context for the Toons' personalities. For example, we know Boxten has nightmares because of the notes he left behind, and we know Vee was almost "repurposed" because of Veronica’s intervention.
The relationship between a Toon and their handler was the only thing keeping the characters stable. Without that human connection, the Ichor took over.
👉 See also: Why Level 7 Bloxorz Still Trips Everyone Up (And How to Beat It)
Practical Steps for Lore Hunters
If you want to see the handlers for yourself, you need to head to the Warehouse area. This was updated relatively recently with the addition of Connie and Looey. You’ll find the portraits of the original founders and references to the handler staff there.
- Look for Alliteration: When reading new notes, check the signatures. If it’s "A.R." or "S.M.", you’re looking at handler lore.
- Check the Toon Rooms: Many rooms contain items that belonged to the handlers, like Sam’s apron next to Sprout’s in the kitchen maps.
- Compare Personalities: Notice how the Toons react to things. Their behavior often mirrors the way they were "raised" by their specific handler.
Next time you’re sprinting away from a Twisted, remember that they weren't always monsters. They were once characters who had people like Shanon and Veronica looking out for them. The horror of Dandy’s World isn’t just the jump scares—it’s the fact that the people who were supposed to keep them safe were forced to run away.