For fans eager to dive into the hilarious and action-packed world of Dav Pilkey’s creation, understanding the correct reading order of the Dog Man series is essential. This guide breaks down the chronological sequence of the main Dog Man books, along with its interconnected universe, ensuring a seamless reading experience. The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby is a notable early creation that ties into the broader narrative.
The Official Dog Man Series
The core Dog Man series, featuring the titular canine superhero, consists of twelve official books published to date. The release of “Dog Man: Big Jim Believes” will bring the total to fourteen. The books follow a straightforward chronological order, meaning each subsequent installment picks up where the last left off.
Here are the official Dog Man books in order:
- Dog Man
- Dog Man Unleashed
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties
- Dog Man and the War on Christmas
- Dog Man: Fetch-ing Good
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights
- Dog Man: Super Kid
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder
- Dog Man: Two Tough Cookies
- Dog Man: The Supersonic Submarine
- Dog Man: The Fist Fighter
- Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (Upcoming)
Expanding the Universe: Cat Kid Comic Club and Captain Underpants
The Dog Man universe extends beyond the main series with the “Cat Kid Comic Club” and the original “Captain Underpants” series. Understanding their place is crucial for a complete picture. Dog Man himself first appeared in the ninth book of the Captain Underpants series, created by George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who are also characters within the Dog Man books. This establishes Captain Underpants as a foundational part of the Dog Man mythology.
The “Cat Kid Comic Club” series is a spin-off that features L’il Petey, who is the son/clone of one of Dog Man’s antagonists, Petey. Petey originally appeared in the Captain Underpants series. Therefore, to read the entire Dog Man universe in order, one should ideally start with Captain Underpants, followed by Dog Man, and then Cat Kid Comic Club.
Recommended Reading Order for the Full Universe
For the most comprehensive experience, consider this order:
- Captain Underpants Series: Begin with the original series that introduced George, Harold, and the foundational elements.
- Dog Man Series: Proceed with the main Dog Man books in their chronological order.
- Cat Kid Comic Club Series: Conclude with the spin-off series that delves deeper into L’il Petey’s story.
Additionally, there are standalone books and special editions that connect to this universe. “The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung Fu Cavemen from the Future” and “The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby” are canonical creations by George and Harold and introduce key characters like Petey. Free Comic Book Day editions and anniversary specials also offer further reading material for dedicated fans.
This comprehensive approach allows readers to fully appreciate the interconnected stories and characters that make up Dav Pilkey’s imaginative world. Enjoy your journey through the Dog Man universe!
