* He simply became less relevant: As Garfield's personality developed, the need for a secondary character like Lyman diminished. The focus shifted to Garfield's interactions with Jon, Odie, and other recurring characters.
* Limited comedic potential: Lyman's character wasn't as dynamic as other characters in the strip. His role as the "straight man" in the jokes might have become repetitive and less engaging.
* Creative choice: Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, might have decided to remove Lyman for a more streamlined comic.
* A reflection of changing times: As humor and social norms evolved, Lyman's character might have become less relatable or even considered offensive.
It's important to note that Jim Davis has never publicly commented on the reason for Lyman's absence. Therefore, the specific reason remains a mystery. However, the reasons listed above provide plausible explanations based on the development of the comic strip and the changing landscape of humor.