Dog Man

“George and Harold searched their treehouse for clues… …but soon, they got distracted. […] They read for hours […] and together, the two friends wrote and drew and laughed all afternoon.”

This quote emphasizes the friendship between George and Harold. It also highlights the joy they take in sharing the creative process.

“CALLING ALL COPS! Come to my office!!!! You can watch me break in my new couch!!!”

Much of the humor in Dog Man is written in character by George and Harold. However, this line from the chief is an example of meta humor; its comedy is intended by Pilkey but not by George and Harold. The joke here is that George and Harold don’t seem to understand how adults behave in the workplace.

“PETEY: Officer Knight is a tough cop…but he ain’t got brains! And Greg the dog is smart…but his body is his weakness!

PETEY’S SIDEKICK: Yeah, but what if they work TOGETHER???

PETEY: Hmmm…That might be a problem!”

This section sets up the core conceit of Dog Man as a superhero. Dog Man embodies the best traits of both Greg and Officer Knight: Greg’s intelligence, Knight’s physical strength, and their shared desire to do good. Dog Man represents the benefits of teamwork and collaboration, especially between friends.