* AngstWhatAngst: Mell, both in general and specifically after [[spoiler: getting thrown out of heaven and fighting her way out of hell. Though the latter is justified since she got kicked out on purpose.]]
* GeniusBonus: Lovelace could well have been named after [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Lovelace Ada Lovelace]], the world's first computer programmer.
** [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/narbonic_plus/series.php?view=archive&chapter=48188#strip2 Confirmed]].
* GrowingTheBeard: Corresponding with Dave's appearance changing subtly throughout the comic's run -- this is [[LampshadeHanging specifically pointed out by the artist]] in a comment in the new Director's Cut version of the comic. [[spoiler: Then Dave meets his clone, Dave Prime, who didn't get the CharacterDevelopment...]]
* {{Wangst}}: In a comic where most characters have mental illnesses and/or tragic backstories, Artie angsts enough for all of them, despite having arguably the least reason to. {{Lampshaded}} when he [[spoiler:complains about how strong and attractive his human body is,]] calling it "the antithesis of all my values made flesh."
* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical: Like [[spoiler: his proteges the evil hamsters,]] Dr. Noah is apparently a right-wing libertarian, which can be seen as an overt political statement on Garrity's part.