For fans of Dav Pilkey’s witty and heartwarming graphic novels, understanding the correct Dog Man Book In Order is essential for following the epic adventures of our beloved canine crime-fighter. The “Dog Man” series has captured the hearts of young readers and adults alike with its unique blend of humor, action, and powerful messages about friendship, empathy, and doing good. Created by the imaginative mind behind “Captain Underpants,” this series continues to grow, with new installments consistently adding to its rich universe. Navigating the collection can be exciting, and knowing the chronological progression ensures you don’t miss a beat in Dog Man’s journey from a regular cop to a heroic hybrid.
Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time enthusiast looking to revisit the tales, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each book, ensuring you can enjoy the dog man collection in order as intended by its brilliant creator. Each installment builds upon previous events, deepening character arcs and expanding the world, making the reading order important for a full appreciation of the overarching story. From Petey the Cat’s mischievous schemes to the Supa Buddies’ heroic endeavors, following the narrative flow helps readers grasp the evolution of their favorite characters and the meaningful themes woven throughout. You can also explore more about the series and its chronological progression by checking out the dog man order of books.
The Complete List of Dog Man Books in Order
Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” series began delighting readers in 2016 and has since grown into a global phenomenon. Each graphic novel is packed with vibrant illustrations, engaging storylines, and valuable life lessons, making them a staple in children’s literature. Knowing the order of dog man books allows readers to fully appreciate the character development and continuous plotlines that make this series so compelling. Here’s a chronological list of dog man books, detailing each exciting adventure:
1. Dog Man (2016)
The series kicks off with the origin story of Dog Man. When a police officer and his dog are injured in an accident, a life-saving surgery combines them into one, giving birth to the heroic Dog Man! This introductory volume establishes the quirky world and introduces readers to Dog Man’s crime-fighting prowess and the mischievous villain, Petey the Cat. It’s a fantastic start that sets the tone for the hilarious escapades to come.
2. Dog Man: Unleashed (2017)
In this second installment, Dav Pilkey raises the stakes with more action and hilarious chaos. Petey the Cat escapes from jail and creates a clone, Little Petey, while Dog Man tries to stop a mysterious robbery involving an evil fish named Flippy. The book further develops the dynamic between Dog Man and Petey, showcasing the early stages of Petey’s eventual redemption arc.
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
This volume introduces Li’l Petey, a lovable kitten clone of the villainous Petey. As Dog Man tries to keep the peace, chaos erupts when Li’l Petey struggles between good and evil, eventually becoming a force for good. This third book blends humor, heart, and heroism, marking a turning point with deeper character development and themes of redemption, friendship, and second chances. It’s a pivotal book for the series, highlighting the power of kindness and personal growth.
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
Dog Man and Cat Kid sees our hero battling an evil villain, while Petey the Cat makes a surprising new friend in Li’l Petey. This book further explores themes of family and responsibility as Petey grapples with his role as a father figure to Li’l Petey. The dynamic duo of Dog Man and Li’l Petey proves to be a formidable force against wrongdoing.
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
In “Lord of the Fleas,” Dog Man faces a new group of villains, the “Fleas,” while Petey struggles to do good. This installment emphasizes teamwork and overcoming personal struggles, reinforcing the idea that even villains can choose a better path. The growth of Petey and Li’l Petey’s relationship is a central and heartwarming aspect of this story.
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
Our heroic hound is sent to jail in the sixth Dog Man book. Dog Man is put on trial, with plenty of twists and turns along the way, reminding readers that everyone deserves a second chance. This book adds a fun courtroom drama twist to the series, exploring themes of justice and second chances.
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
The Supa Buddies are helping Dog Man tackle his bad habits, but when his fears take over, a new supervillain emerges to challenge him! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat is out of jail and starting fresh, but a new character forces Petey to confront his past. This is a heartfelt story about overcoming fears and facing challenges head-on.
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2019)
“Fetch-22” delves deeper into emotional intelligence and family dynamics. Dog Man and Petey navigate complex family issues, learning about understanding and acceptance. The book masterfully blends humor with poignant moments, continuing to develop the nuanced relationships between characters. This title solidifies the series’ reputation for delivering both laughs and meaningful lessons.
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
In this action-packed installment, Dog Man faces a new villain while dealing with his own past. Petey the Cat’s redemption arc continues to evolve, showcasing his commitment to being a good father to Li’l Petey. The book tackles themes of forgiveness and the importance of family, all wrapped up in Pilkey’s signature comic style. Readers looking for a truly epic saga should ensure they follow the order of dog man books closely.
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
Dog Man and Petey face their toughest challenges yet in “Mothering Heights.” Dog Man’s down on his luck, Petey confronts his past, and Grampa’s stirring up trouble. Despite new villains causing chaos, the incredible power of love might just save the day. This book is a surprisingly moving story about family, love, and hope, without losing Pilkey’s trademark sharp and silly humor.
A vibrant illustration of Dog Man standing heroically, with his tongue out and cape flowing, against a backdrop of colorful, energetic lines and comic-style elements.
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
In “Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea,” Dog Man must confront a growing army of mutant fleas threatening to take over the city. This underwater adventure combines high-stakes action with heartbreaking moments and lots of laugh-out-loud humor. It also delivers a powerful message about courage, camaraderie, and doing the right thing, even beneath the waves.
12. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
“The Scarlet Shedder” is a thrilling volume where Dog Man confronts a strange new villain who threatens to tear the city apart. Dog Man gets sprayed by a skunk, and after being dunked in tomato juice, the stink is gone, but a scarlet red color remains. Now exiled, this spunky superhero must struggle to save the citizens who shunned him. This book explores themes of loyalty, collaboration, and self-acceptance as Dog Man solves the mystery of the scarlet slime invasion.
13. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
In “Dog Man: Big Jim Begins,” readers discover the origin of beloved characters from the Dog Man series as they join forces to stop the Space Cuties from destroying the city. This installment explores whether the past will predict the future for Dog Man and his friends, and if goodness and bravery will prevail. It’s an exciting look back at how the heroes came to be, emphasizing the power of belief.
14. Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (#14) (2025)
The latest anticipated release in the series, “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes,” promises another humorous and heartfelt adventure. [cite:Original, 3, 4] Our heroes, Dog Man (aka Scarlet Shedder), Commander Cupcake, Sprinkles, and Mecha Molly, discover the city has changed upon the return of the mischievous Space Cuties From Space. [cite:Original] With threads of self-awareness, confidence, and integrity, Dav Pilkey masterfully crafts a story about the importance of truth, goodness, and believing in yourself. [cite:Original] This graphic novel is set to release on November 11th, 2025, and is available in hardcover. [cite:Original, 4] Readers will find themselves asking: can Big Jim’s positivity and innocence help our heroes? [cite:Original] Can anything happen if you truly believe? Pre-order your copy to power up with Dog Man as the past helps shape the future, and the chosen one is revealed. [cite:Original]
About the Author: Dav Pilkey
The genius behind the “Dog Man” series is Dav Pilkey, a globally recognized #1 bestselling author and award-winning artist. Pilkey’s unique ability to connect with young readers stems from his own childhood experiences. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, he often found himself in the hallway at school due to disruptive behavior. [cite:Original] It was during these times that he discovered his love for drawing and storytelling, creating his very first comic books—which included the initial adventures of Dog Man and Captain Underpants. [cite:Original] Despite a teacher once tearing up his comics and telling him he couldn’t spend his life making silly books, Pilkey’s passion prevailed, proving that not listening to discouragement can lead to incredible success. [cite:Original] His personal journey is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance, inspiring countless children to embrace their own unique talents.
Why Reading in Order Matters
While some comic series can be enjoyed in any sequence, the “Dog Man” books offer a richer experience when read chronologically. The characters evolve, relationships deepen, and ongoing plotlines unfold across the volumes. Petey the Cat’s journey from arch-villain to a caring father figure for Li’l Petey, for instance, is a central and profoundly moving arc that is best appreciated from beginning to end. Following the series in order allows readers to witness these transformations, understand internal references, and fully engage with the emotional depth and comedic genius Dav Pilkey weaves into each story. It ensures a cohesive and satisfying reading experience, making every twist and turn more impactful.
Conclusion
The “Dog Man” series by Dav Pilkey is more than just a collection of funny graphic novels; it’s a journey of growth, friendship, and overcoming challenges, all wrapped in a wonderfully imaginative package. By following the dog man book in order, readers unlock the full magic of Dog Man’s world, from his hilarious origins to his most recent adventures. Each book offers valuable lessons, endless laughter, and a chance to witness the power of good in action. So gather your caped crusaders and prepare for an unforgettable reading experience that champions creativity, empathy, and the belief that anyone can be a hero. Dive into the series today and discover why these books continue to be a beloved favorite for families worldwide!
