Pulps

Two-gun Dilbert

We’ve touched on how the pulps influenced characters in other media before, and you’ve probably seen it discussed elsewhere. Recently, I discovered what may be a previously unreported link to the pulps.

This G-man with blazing automatics and flipping tie bears an uncanny resemblance to modern-day comic strip character Dilbert (sans fedora and blazing guns).
This G-man with blazing automatics and flipping tie bears an uncanny resemblance to modern-day comic strip character Dilbert (sans fedora and blazing guns).
I believe Scott Adams’ comic character Dilbert has a direct link to G-Men, one of the Thrilling Publications.

Check out the cover at left (you can click it to see a side-by-side photo of the G-Men cover and Dilbert). The odd expression. The stance. The up-curled tie. I can see how the fedora morphed into Dilbert’s quirky head/hair. All that needs to happen is for that fellow to put on a pair of glasses or for Dilbert to pick up a pair of .45 automatics. Then watch out Pointy-Haired Boss!

The pulps’ legacy is all around us.

– William

2 Comments

  • Hi, William!
    Wow, I see what you mean…Have you ever noticed the incredible resemblance of George Rozen’s SHADOW to Ernie Bushmiller’s NANCY? If you could change Nancy’s Spiky mass of black hair to a slouch hat…whoa!
    See you at Pulpcon?
    Bill

  • Hi, Bill,

    Yes, both of them have the same piercing eyes!

    The summer has gotten crazy busy. I’d hoped to make it to PulpCon, but it’s looking very doubtful. It would be great to see everyone. If not this year, then I’ll redouble the effort for next year.

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