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* AscendedFanon: Catbert was initially just someone who tried to eat Ratbert. Adams then started getting fanmail for more 'Catbert'. He never actually ''named'' the cat; still, given the response and how his use of ThemeNaming could lead to this, he kept the cat and gave him a perfect job. His reasoning being that if your entire fanbase spontaneously and unanimously names a character for you, you should probably keep him.

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* AscendedFanon: Catbert was initially just someone who tried to eat Ratbert. Adams then started getting fanmail for more 'Catbert'. He never actually ''named'' the cat; still, given the response and how his use of ThemeNaming could lead to this, he kept the cat and gave him a perfect job. His reasoning being that if your entire fanbase spontaneously and unanimously names a character for you, you should probably keep him.n



* OneOfUs: Dilbert is drawn by a UsefulNotes/{{Mensa}} member.

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* OneOfUs: Dilbert is drawn by a UsefulNotes/{{Mensa}} UsefulNkas/{{Mensa}} member.



* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Creator/MauriceLaMarche, who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[WesternAnimation/PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.

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* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the roles. The [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Creator/MauriceLaMarche, who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[WesternAnimation/PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.


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** Alice is an uncredited Creator/KathyGriffin. She was starring in the NBC series ''SuddenlySusan'' at the time, and the terms of her contract barred her from receiving on-screen credit for roles she played in any show that aired on a different network.
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* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''Series/ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air a few years later [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].

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* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to it not hitting the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that target demographic UPN wanted and they aired it right before ''Dilbert'', ''Series/ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air after ''ShastaMcNasty'', a few years later [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].show with a completely different target audience.
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** Ratbert, Asok, and Zimbu the monkey [[Creator/TomKenny are]] SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]]. Zimbu even sounds EXACTLY like [=SpongeBob=].

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** Ratbert, Asok, and Zimbu the monkey [[Creator/TomKenny are]] SpongeBobSquarePants WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} [[TransformersAnimated Starscream]]. Zimbu even sounds EXACTLY like [=SpongeBob=].

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** Dilbert is [[Series/TheWonderYearsKevin Arnold]] all grown up.

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** Dilbert is [[Series/TheWonderYearsKevin [[Series/TheWonderYears Kevin Arnold]] all grown up.


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** Loud Howard is Creator/JimWard.
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Namespaces


* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Creator/MauriceLaMarche, who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.
** Dilbert is [[{{TheWonderYears}} Kevin Arnold]] all grown up.
*** Or [[HomeAlone Marv]] playing a smart guy.
** Dogbert is [[{{Eagleheart}} Chris Monsanto]] and the [[Film/SnowDay Snow Plow Guy]].

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Creator/MauriceLaMarche, who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain [[WesternAnimation/PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.
** Dilbert is [[{{TheWonderYears}} Kevin [[Series/TheWonderYearsKevin Arnold]] all grown up.
*** Or [[HomeAlone [[Film/HomeAlone Marv]] playing a smart guy.
** Dogbert is [[{{Eagleheart}} [[Series/{{Eagleheart}} Chris Monsanto]] and the [[Film/SnowDay Snow Plow Guy]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Creator/Maurice[=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Creator/Maurice[=LaMarche=], Creator/MauriceLaMarche, who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.
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** Many fans commented on a resemblance between The Pointy Headed Boss and Phil, Prince of Insufficient Light. Scott Adams claimed that this was just because he wasn't that good at drawing different faces but decided to introduce a plot line where it was revealed that they were brothers.

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** Many fans commented on a resemblance between The the Pointy Headed Haired Boss and Phil, Prince of Insufficient Light. Scott Adams claimed that this was just because he wasn't that good at drawing different faces but decided to introduce a plot line where it was revealed that they were brothers.



* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], Creator/Maurice[=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln.the current narrator for Lexus car commercials.



** Dogbert is [[{{Eagleheart}} Chris Monsanto]].
** Ratbert, Asok, and Zimbu the monkey are SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]]. Zimbu even sounds EXACTLY like [=SpongeBob=].

to:

** Dogbert is [[{{Eagleheart}} Chris Monsanto]].
Monsanto]] and the [[Film/SnowDay Snow Plow Guy]].
** Ratbert, Asok, and Zimbu the monkey are [[Creator/TomKenny are]] SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]]. Zimbu even sounds EXACTLY like [=SpongeBob=].



* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''Series/ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air shortly afterward [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].

to:

* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''Series/ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air shortly afterward a few years later [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} [[{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air shortly afterward [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].

to:

* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''ShastaMcNasty''.''Series/ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air shortly afterward [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].
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** The PointyHairedBoss is [[MaxKeeblesBigMove Principal Jindrake]].

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** The PointyHairedBoss is [[MaxKeeblesBigMove Principal Jindrake]].[[Film/TheNuttyProfessor going to kill you. And he doesn't mean that as a euphemism, he is going to literally kill you. He's going to strangle you and choke off your air supply until you pass away]].
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* DescendedCreator: Many professional voice actors auditioned for Wally but none could really nail the character. Then executive producer Larry Charles realized that voice director Gordon Hunt just naturally had the nasally voice they were looking for
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* NoExportForYou: Bizarrely, only the first 8 episodes were released on DVD in Britain.
* PlayingAgainstType: Catbert gives Jason Alexander an opportunity to play a character who isn't [[Series/{{Seinfeld}} neurotic]], [[{{Disney/Aladdin}} hysterical]] or [[{{Duckman}} stupid]]. Evil, on the other hand...
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* AscendedFanon: Catbert was initially just someone who tried to eat Ratbert. Adams then started getting fanmail for more 'Catbert'. He never actually ''named'' the cat; still, given the response and how his use of ThemeNaming could lead to this, he kept the cat and gave him a perfect job. His reasoning being that if your entire fanbase spontaneously and unanimously names a character for you, you should probably keep him.
** Many fans commented on a resemblance between The Pointy Headed Boss and Phil, Prince of Insufficient Light. Scott Adams claimed that this was just because he wasn't that good at drawing different faces but decided to introduce a plot line where it was revealed that they were brothers.
** Fan reaction generally seems responsible for determining which one-shot characters [[AscendedExtra become regulars]] (Catbert, Ratbert, Topper) and which don't (Camping Carl, Single Task Bob, Sourpuss).
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* OneOfUs: Dilbert is drawn by a UsefulNotes/{{Mensa}} member.
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* WriteWhatYouKnow: ''Dilbert'' started running while Adams was still working at Pacific Bell, with Wally being mostly a non-speaking background character. Then the company began offering buyout packages to the employees, with the caveat that they were only available to the lowest 10 percent of the workforce(as a way to get rid of deadweight). One of Adams' coworkers(who Adams describes as "one of the more brilliant people I've ever known") decided that was a fine idea and began to "work as hard as he could to become the worst possible employee in order to get money for leaving", which included openly running a side business from his cubicle. Adams loved the concept of a cynical employee with no loyalty to his employer, and Wally was born.
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* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and AbrahamLincoln.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and AbrahamLincoln.UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln.
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* ExecutiveMeddling: A beneficial instance was when Adams wanted to feature Satan in the comic and the editor said no. Thus was borne Phil the Prince of Insufficient Light which Adams admits is a funnier concept.
** Less benign example: while the Cubicle Gestapo is an inherently funny concept, the minefield of figuring out how many Nazi references a newspaper comic can get away with makes their appearances more trouble than they're worth.
*** Indeed, in several papers they were [[{{Bowdlerize}} changed into the "Cubicle Police"]]


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* WriteWhoYouKnow: Adams has said that Wally, Alice, Carol and Asok are all based (with varying degrees of precision) on ex-coworkers from Pacific Bell.
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*** Or [[HomeAlone Marv]] playing a smart guy.
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** This [[http://dilbert.com/mashups/comic/27006/ wasn't]] [[http://dilbert.com/mashups/comic/27051/ lost]] on the [[RemixComic mashers]].
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* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles, but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and AbrahamLincoln.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles, roles (Kathy Griffin, the voice of Alice, is uncredited for some reason), but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and AbrahamLincoln.
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** Ratbert and Asok are SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]].

to:

** Ratbert Ratbert, Asok, and Asok Zimbu the monkey are SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]].Starscream]]. Zimbu even sounds EXACTLY like [=SpongeBob=].

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** Ratbert is SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]].

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** Ratbert is and Asok are SpongeBobSquarePants and [[{{TransformersAnimated}} Starscream]].



* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air shortly afterward [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].

to:

* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Despite the show's high ratings (by UPN's standards), the show was canceled due to the network's decision to focus entirely on minority groups (primarily African-Americans) in the station's line-up, notably the show that aired right before ''Dilbert'', ''ShastaMcNasty''. The fact that UPN went off the air shortly afterward [[SarcasmMode shows how good an idea]] [[WhatAnIdiot that was]].was]].
** For its second season, the series had also been moved from its fairly successful Monday night timeslot to Thursdays - up against NBC's then-quite powerful lineup.
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* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles, but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voice by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and AbrahamLincoln.

to:

* HeyItsThatVoice: Several of the voice actors are well-established, as are some who aren't commonly known for voice acting but can still be easily recognized from their many live-action roles, but the [[AlmightyJanitor Garbage Man]] is voice voiced by Maurice [=LaMarche=], who is in many, ''many'' animated works and games and can be recognized from the garbage Garbage Man's voice as such varied characters as [[PinkyAndTheBrain The Brain]], [[{{Futurama}} Kif Kroker and Morbo]], and AbrahamLincoln.
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** Dilbert is [[{{TheWonderYears}} Kevin Arnold]] all grown up.
** Dogbert is [[{{Eagleheart}} Chris Monsanto]].
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* RecycledScript: [[http://dilbert.com/blog/entry/the_creative_process/ Cleanup on aisle three]].
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[[AC:Comic]]
* NamesTheSame: The title character was inadvertently named after a comic character from TheForties who would feature in US Air Force publications as a humorous example of 'How Not To Do It'. Adams asked for name suggestions from his friends, and the winner didn't realize he must have recalled the name from the earlier comic until after ''Dilbert'' had already become famous.
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TV show:

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TV show:[[AC:TV Show]]
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TV show:

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