The Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey has stormed the world of children’s literature, conquering young hearts with its comedy, action, and moving tales. This comic book series, a spin-off from Pilkey’s incredibly popular Captain Underpants, is about the escapades of Dog Man, a half-canine, half-human policeman with a talent for getting into (and extricating himself from) mischief. With colorful artwork, witty plots, and down-to-earth characters, the Dog Man books are a sensation with children and adults alike. If you’re wondering how to read the Dog Man books in order, this comprehensive guide provides the complete sequence, brief summaries, and insights into why this series is a must-read for young fans of graphic novels.
What Is the Dog Man Series?
Developed by Dav Pilkey, the Dog Man series is a series of adventures about Dog Man, a character who was born when a police officer and his dog were hurt in an explosion and surgically merged into one crime-fighting hero. Dog Man possesses the body of a human and the head of a dog and is the best cop, having the instincts of a canine and the will of a human. The show has become famous for its laugh-out-loud humor, high-speed action, and friendship, courage, and righting wrongs themes—not to mention silly shenanigans and quick-witted dialogue.
The Dog Man series is a collection of graphic novels, so they’re ideal for children who love the visual medium. The books are also great for reluctant readers, with their captivating artwork and straightforward stories. With every title, Dog Man and his companions—such as villains Petey the Cat, Lil’ Petey, and 80-HD—battle new enemies, from nefarious villains to internal conflicts, while imparting morals regarding kindness and determination.
Dog Man Books in Order
Here is the entire list of Dog Man books in order of publication, as endorsed for the best reading experience. Each one continues the last, adding new characters and persisting storylines so, reading them in sequence allows you to keep up with the entire series of Dog Man’s adventures.
Dog Man (2016)
The series begins with Dog Man’s origin story, which takes place after a bomb explosion combines a police officer and his dog. Dog Man battles his arch-nemesis, Petey the Cat, in a comedic battle between good and evil. This book establishes the tone of the series with its action, comedy, and emotion, introducing major characters such as Chief and Petey.
Dog Man Unleashed (2016)
In the second volume, Dog Man must overcome new obstacles as Petey breaks out of jail and sets free a new scheme with a mysterious treasure. The loyalty and courage of Dog Man are tested, and new characters contribute to the humor. The humor is turned up a notch with even more outrageous situations and smarter gags.
Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
Petey’s cloning experiment is a disaster, producing Lil’ Petey, a sweet little kitten who is the audience favorite. Dog Man has to save the city with Petey’s new scheme for evil. The book brings in themes of family and redemption, giving a deeper emotional complexity to the series.
Dog Man and Cat Kid (2017)
A new member, Cat Kid, is added to the team as Dog Man becomes a box office hit. But when Petey attempts to foist sabotage on the set, mayhem prevails. This novel is full of Hollywood-laced humor and features Dog Man’s developing relationship with Lil’ Petey.
Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
The Supa Buddies—Dog Man, Lil’ Petey, and 80-HD—unite to thwart Petey’s newest villainous gang, the Fleas. In a tip of the hat to Lord of the Flies, this book mixes literary nods with goofy antics, which appeals to kids and adults alike.
Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2018)
Dog Man is accused of a crime he did not commit and has to prove himself innocent. This book, which is Call of the Wild-inspired, taps into issues of loyalty and justice as it produces the series’ typical humor and action.
Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
Dog Man wrestles with his canine instincts, and Petey grapples as a father figure to Lil’ Petey. This book delves more deeply into character development, shifting between humor and sentimental moments.
Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2019)
The Supa Buddies encounter a new villain in telekinetic tadpoles and an evil actress. This book brings more kooky characters and maintains the series’ mix of action and comedy.
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
Influenced by Crime and Punishment, this volume has Dog Man dismissed from the police force and fighting to reclaim his place. Petey’s path to redemption continues, imbuing the story with emotional depth.
Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
Dog Man has a new nemesis to deal with, as Petey and Lil’ Petey struggle to come to terms with their changing relationship. This book is filled with heart and humor and stands out in the series.
Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
The Supa Buddies embark on a submarine-sized quest when Piggy, a Lord of the Fleas villain, resurfaces. This is one of the series’ most grand, with epic battles and lots of laughs.
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
Dog Man develops new abilities after he’s exposed to radioactive roaches, but they also have some real challenges. This book adds new twists to the formula of the series.
Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
The new book delves into the background of Big Jim, a frequent character, as the Supa Buddies deal with new villains. It’s a wonderful combination of nostalgia and new excursions for long-time readers.
Why Read the Dog Man Books in Order?
Reading the Dog Man series in sequence is recommended due to the loose continuity of the books. Characters such as Petey and Lil’ Petey develop over the course of the series, and frequent villains and motifs draw on what has come before. Take the development of Petey from villain to reluctant hero, for instance. That is a logical through-line that develops slowly, which makes it a pleasure to see from the beginning. Secondly, the books frequently refer back to previous occurrences, so reading in sequence means you will get all the gags and plot links.
Why Children Enjoy the Dog Man Series
The Dog Man series appeals to children for a number of reasons. First, the graphic novel format, with its vibrant drawings and short text, is easy to read for children from the age of 7 and above, even reluctant readers. The humor—replete with puns, slapstick, and outrageous situations—enthralls children, while friendship, loyalty, and doing well strike on a deeper note. Pilkey’s skill at juggling goofy behavior and serious messages has established Dog Man as a fixture in classrooms and libraries.
Educators and parents also like the series for its good role models and hidden life lessons. Dog Man’s commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, gets kids thinking about their own decisions. The series also inspires imagination, as Pilkey positions the books as creations of George and Harold, the made-up authors of Captain Underpants.
Conclusion
The Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey is a must-read for children who enjoy humor, action, and graphic novels. By following the Dog Man books in order, readers can fully enjoy the evolving stories of Dog Man, Petey, Lil’ Petey, and their friends. From the first book to Big Jim Begins, each installment offers a perfect blend of laughs and lessons. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young reader, this series is sure to delight. Start with Dog Man and dive into this supa-awesome world today!