Dog Man: Mothering Heights

The Value of Creativity is introduced as a pivotal theme in the exposition. Creativity is the solution to problems experienced by both the story’s heroes and villains. Li’l Petey and 80-HD design the incredible Cone of Destiny for Dog Man, which transforms his time in the cone while his fingers heal from a humiliating imposition to a powerful advantage: “Now any time you’re in trouble…just press the button on top…and all your wildest dreams will come true” (53-54). Dog Man triumphs over the bullies at work when he scares them with the Cone of Destiny; the fear of the other cops is illustrated by their panicked and overwhelmed expressions in the series of panels in Chapter 5. The sound effects of “DRIP DRIP DRIP” accompany pools of yellow liquid, showing that the cops have urinated in fear of the imposing figure of the giant mechanized Dog Man. As demonstrated by the Cone of Destiny, characters’ inventions are not limited by the laws of science, finances, or practicality. This creates a joyful and amusing tone as readers are taken on a rollicking and ridiculous adventure. Silliness as Joyful and Important is also referred to as an important theme in the storyline with the Cone of Destiny.

Similarly, Grampa uses a creative approach to overcome Big Jim’s changes to the cupcake exit. Big Jim explains the exit only allows him and the cardboard robot to escape. Grampa’s escape from jail, which causes the situation with the Giant Sippy Cups, is alluded to in his climbing into the cardboard suit; although the reader doesn’t know the specifics of Grampa’s plan at this stage, they are positioned to suspect that he will unleash chaos since he conforms to the stereotypical character trope of the scheming villain.

The Power of Love is introduced as an important theme in these opening chapters. Romantic love is alluded to in Chief’s feelings for Nurse Lady, whom he pens a love letter to. The letter opens with the humorous cliché, “roses are red, violets are blue,” positioning the reader to understand Chief’s romantic intentions toward Nurse Lady. Chief’s letter continues in an unexpectedly literal way, belying the letter’s poetic opening in a humorous manner: “You are a Nurse Lady and I like you” (69).

Platonic love is also emphasized as important in the story. Li’l Petey and 80-HD immediately go to work inventing something to help Dog Man in his hour of need: the Cone of Destiny. Similarly, Chief rushes to the hospital when he hears that Dog Man has been hurt, not even taking the time to change out of his pajamas, showing the extent of his love and concern for his friend. The capitalization of the words in the speech bubble, “HOLD ON, DOG MAN! I’M COMING!!!” (17), further characterizes Chief’s panic and concern, as does the panel depicting Chief running with speed lines behind him and beads of sweat—illustrating panic as well as physical exertion from his sprint to the hospital—around his head (17). Chief’s panic and concern are juxtaposed with Dog Man’s ridiculous and mild injury; Chief misheard “line of doodie” as “line of duty” (24-25). Line of Duty brings to mind an injury brought about through fighting crime on the street, such as a bullet wound or a serious accident, whereas Dog Man was hurt in a “line of doodie” (24), as in a line for the bathroom. Silliness as Joyful and Important is once again referred to in this; Dog Man’s injury is ridiculous and humorous. Furthermore, the nature of Dog Man’s injury introduces the recurring motif of toilet humor, which is typical of Dav Pilkey’s playful and silly style designed to appeal to an audience of children.