The series' titular character is a Detective who has humorous adventures inspired by Film noir and stereotypical 1950s lounge culture. Llewellyn has a sidekick who goes by the name of Ernie Hoyle. The series' Police sergeant is called "Red" Hoerring. The series' visual style is influenced by lowbrow art. The story "The Nightmare" from Lloyd Llewellyn #6 foreshadowed the approach of Clowes's next comic, Eightball, by breaking the conventions of the series' crime setting and turning to social satire. Also in that issue, the author announces: