For young readers and graphic novel enthusiasts alike, the “Dog Man” series by the acclaimed author and artist Dav Pilkey has become a beloved fixture in children’s literature. These action-packed, humor-filled tales blend the best of canine loyalty with human ingenuity, offering a unique reading experience that captivates audiences worldwide. If you’re looking to dive into the complete collection or ensure you haven’t missed a single adventure, this comprehensive guide to the Dog Man Books The Works provides an ordered list of every thrilling installment, highlighting what makes each book a standout.
Dav Pilkey, the creative mind behind the immensely popular “Captain Underpants” series, brings his signature blend of silliness, heartwarming themes, and accessible graphic novel format to “Dog Man.” The series not only entertains but also subtly imparts valuable life lessons, making it a favorite among parents and educators. Whether your child is just starting their reading journey or is a seasoned comic book fan, the “Dog Man” universe offers endless hours of entertainment and positive messages. If you’re a fan of these stories and are looking for more engaging reads, you might be interested to discover if you like Dog Man books, there are many other exciting series awaiting.
The Adventures Begin: Dog Man Series in Chronological Order
1. Dog Man (2016)
Dog Man, a crime-fighting hero who is half dog and half human, standing proudly
This is where the epic journey of Dog Man begins, the origin story that introduces readers to the titular hero. Born from an extraordinary surgical procedure that combined the best traits of a brave police officer and his loyal canine companion, Dog Man is a crime-fighting marvel, equally adept at sniffing out injustice and chasing the occasional squirrel. This inaugural book sets the tone for the entire series, blending thrilling action with moments of genuine heart. It explores universally positive themes such as empathy, kindness, and the vital importance of perseverance, all while encouraging readers to embrace their true selves. Pilkey’s clever writing, paired with his distinctive, easy-to-follow illustrations, makes this an ideal introduction to the world of graphic novels, promising endless laughs and invaluable life lessons wrapped in a tail-wagging triumph for all ages. It’s a fantastic starting point for any young reader.
2. Dog Man: Unleashed (2017)
Dog Man, the half-dog, half-human hero, ready for action against Petey the Cat
In the second installment of the Dog Man saga, our hero faces off against his notorious arch-nemesis, Petey the Cat, who is determined to unleash chaos upon the city. As Dog Man continues to navigate the complexities of his role as a top police officer, Petey’s criminal schemes escalate, pushing our hero to his limits. This adventure is packed with non-stop giggles, delightful doggy puns, and a healthy dose of pure silliness that kids adore. Beyond the humor, “Dog Man: Unleashed” subtly teaches children about the importance of standing up for what is right and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. With a mysterious new villain entering the fray, a citywide crime spree, and an unforgettable mountaintop showdown, Dog Man must rise to the occasion to save the day before it’s too late. For readers who enjoy exploring different literary adventures, there are many books similar to Dog Man that offer unique characters and engaging plots.
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
Dog Man trying to manage the antics of Petey the Cat and his adorable clone, Lil' Petey
Petey the Cat returns in this third adventure, proving once again that he’s always up to no good. This time, Petey attempts to clone himself, but instead of a full-grown, equally villainous twin, he gets Lil’ Petey—a sweet, lovable kitten with absolutely no inclination towards evil, much to Petey’s dismay. This installment truly shines by highlighting the adorable antics of Lil’ Petey, who quickly steals the show. It’s a wonderful story that delves into themes of redemption and the transformative power of kindness, showing that even the most hardened villains can be influenced by innocence and love. Dog Man finds himself working twice as hard to keep these two furballs in line while maintaining his status as top dog. The resulting chaos and hilarity make for a memorable read, as Dog Man learns to manage a very unusual feline family dynamic.
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
Dog Man and Cat Kid (Lil' Petey) teaming up, representing teamwork and friendship
The fourth book in the “Dog Man” series introduces a dynamic duo that quickly becomes pure gold: Dog Man and Lil’ Petey, now proudly known as Cat Kid. As a new wave of villains threatens the city, it falls to this unlikely pair to step up and save the day. When a mysterious new kitty sitter arrives in town and a glamorous movie starlet vanishes, Dog Man and Cat Kid must combine their unique skills and strengths. This installment serves as a fun and engaging lesson in the importance of teamwork and the enduring power of friendship, illustrating how even the most different individuals can achieve great things when they work together. The narrative perfectly captures the contrasting natures of its heroes and villains, a theme often explored in literature, much like the delicate balance observed between the dog and the wolf in allegorical tales. Readers will be eager to see if our heroes can truly collaborate or if their different approaches will lead them astray.
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
Dog Man confronting the tiny but troublesome Lord of the Fleas with an unlikely team
In “Lord of the Fleas,” Dog Man faces an array of new and formidable foes, including the deceptively tiny but incredibly troublesome titular villain. This book is a masterclass in witty wordplay, with the title itself being a brilliant pun that sets the tone for the adventure. It’s packed with thrilling action sequences and interspersed with tender “aww” moments, striking a perfect balance between irreverent charm and wholesome messages. The story is a testament to Dav Pilkey’s ability to craft a sickeningly funny adventure that keeps kids completely hooked from the first page to the last. As a new wave of baddies wreaks havoc across the city, Dog Man leaps into action, assembling an unexpected team that includes a kitten, a robot, and even Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat. The central question remains: can this motley crew unite to save the day, or will Petey’s villainous tendencies derail their efforts? It’s a truly flea-nomenal adventure that emphasizes cooperation in the face of chaos.
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
Dog Man, the heroic hound, in a courtroom setting, facing a trial
The sixth installment brings a fresh and exciting twist to the “Dog Man” series with a captivating courtroom drama. Our beloved heroic hound finds himself in an unprecedented predicament: he’s sent to jail! This unexpected turn of events forces readers to ponder a critical question: is Dog Man truly a hero, or has he become a menace? Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling author and artist, masterfully guides readers through a narrative filled with plenty of twists and turns, keeping them on the edge of their seats. This particular adventure serves as a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of past mistakes or public perception, deserves a second chance. The legal setting adds a layer of depth and intrigue, allowing Dog Man to confront not just villains, but also the complexities of justice and public opinion.
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
Dog Man, with his friends, tackling his bad habits and facing a new supervillain
This heartfelt story delves into the personal struggles of our canine hero. The Supa Buddies rally together to help Dog Man confront and overcome his bad habits. However, when his fears begin to overwhelm him, a formidable new supervillain emerges, presenting an even greater challenge. Meanwhile, Petey the Cat, having been released from jail, embarks on a journey to start fresh and turn over a new leaf. His path to redemption is complicated by the arrival of a new character who forces Petey to confront his past actions and make difficult choices. This book explores the nuanced difference between simply being good and actively doing good. Its humor and action remain as strong as ever, complementing the poignant themes of overcoming fears and facing challenges head-on, making it a truly engaging read that resonates with both young and old. Much like in pigeon finds a hot dog, sometimes the simplest things can lead to profound discoveries and important life lessons.
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)
Dog Man and his friends dealing with a new villain and family drama
“Fetch-22” propels Dog Man and his loyal companions into another fast-paced adventure filled with surprises and a generous helping of chaos. This installment introduces a brand-new villain, adding fresh excitement to the series. A significant focus of this book is the family drama that envelops Li’l Petey, as Petey the Cat reevaluates his life following his release from jail. The narrative beautifully captures the difficulty of finding goodness in a world that can often seem dark and challenging. Dog Man and Petey are forced to learn how to put aside their long-standing “cats and dogs” rivalry and work together as a unified team. This story serves as an excellent example of handling tough situations with both humor and grace, demonstrating that cooperation and understanding are key to navigating life’s complex dilemmas.
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
Dog Man, looking dejected, having been fired from his job as a police officer
In “Grime and Punishment,” Dog Man faces perhaps his most personal challenge yet. The mayor, fed up with Dog Man’s well-intentioned but often chaotic antics, officially relieves our hero of his duties. With his badge handed in and his desk cleared out, Dog Man finds himself jobless. However, true to his persistent nature, Dog Man refuses to give up. With the unwavering support of his friends, he embarks on a mission to dig himself out of this mess and claw his way back to justice. This emotional story beautifully explores themes of forgiveness and second chances, adding a new, profound layer to the series. It’s designed to elicit snorts and snickers from young readers, all while subtly weaving in high-brow literary references and even practical drawing tips, showcasing Pilkey’s unique educational approach. As Dog Man works to regain his standing, the story once again proves that simple pleasures, like those experienced when the pigeon finds a hot dog, can often lead to unexpected paths and new opportunities for growth.
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
Dog Man, Petey, and other characters looking up at a daunting challenge, symbolizing family and hope
“Mothering Heights” presents Dog Man and Petey with their most formidable challenges to date. Dog Man finds himself down on his luck, while Petey is forced to confront unresolved issues from his past. Adding to the turmoil, Grampa begins stirring up trouble, creating a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. With new villains emerging and the world feeling increasingly dark and out of control, the characters face daunting odds. Yet, amidst the despair, the book champions the incredible, transformative power of love as a force that just might save the day. The themes of family, love, and hope are surprisingly moving, adding emotional depth that resonates deeply with readers. Despite the serious undertones, Pilkey’s trademark humor remains as sharp and silly as ever, ensuring that the story maintains its lighthearted appeal while delivering a powerful message about resilience and the enduring strength of familial bonds.
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
Dog Man in an underwater setting, encountering a monstrous Mighty Mite and other villains
This eleventh book in the series takes Dog Man into an exciting new dimension with an innovative underwater setting that adds a fresh twist to his adventures. Piggy makes a return, unveiling his most diabolical plan yet, which results in villains swarming the city from every direction. It’s up to Dog Man, once again, to step up and save the day. This installment is brimming with action, humor, and heart—all the elements that fans have come to love about the “Dog Man” series. It delivers epic adventures, introduces a monstrous Mighty Mite, and even features a brand-new song, ensuring readers are thoroughly entertained. The story is a vibrant testament to friendship, heroism, and hilarity, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Dog Man’s world.
12. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
Dog Man, stained scarlet, facing banishment and an army of AI robots
“The Scarlet Shedder” introduces timely and relevant subjects, subtly touching on themes like social media and the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in our world. The accompanying art, as always, is nothing short of phenomenal. In this adventure, Dog Man finds himself in an unfortunate predicament when a skunk’s spray necessitates a tomato juice bath to remove the stench. However, the unexpected side effect is that the tomato juice leaves him stained scarlet. This odd and striking appearance leads to his unjust exile by the very citizens he has sworn to protect. At this critical juncture, a never-before-seen villain unleashes an army of A.I. robots, threatening the city. Reluctantly, Petey is pulled back into a life of crime to help Dog Man save the day, proving that even an outcast can rise to become a hero. The book powerfully teaches kids about courage, teamwork, and the importance of not judging others too quickly based on appearances.
13. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (2024)
Big Jim, a new character, embarking on his origin story with other beloved Dog Man characters
As the thirteenth book in Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular series, “Big Jim Begins” offers a thrilling exploration into the origins of Big Jim, a previously minor character, and other beloved Dog Man figures. This story sees them teaming up to thwart the Space Cuties from destroying the city. The narrative is both funny and deeply moving, providing a rich backstory that adds significant depth to the “Dog Man” universe. The book is renowned for its signature flip-o-ramas, which are guaranteed to have readers in stitches. With powerful themes of bravery, belief, and the unwavering power of teamwork, “Big Jim Begins” prompts readers to consider profound questions: Can the past truly shape the future? And will goodness ultimately prevail against the forces of chaos? It’s a compelling addition that enriches the entire series.
Your Dog-Eared Journey Through the Dog Man Universe
You now have a complete, ordered guide to the “Dog Man” series, showcasing all the Dog Man books the works has to offer from Dav Pilkey’s incredible imagination. Whether you are a newcomer eager to embark on your first “Dog Man” adventure or a seasoned fan looking to complete your cherished collection, these books are guaranteed to bring countless smiles, hearty snickers, and profound life lessons along the way. Each installment offers a unique blend of humor, action, and heartwarming themes, making them an essential read for anyone who enjoys engaging graphic novels.
Dav Pilkey’s stories consistently deliver on their promise of un-fur-gettable adventures that will have you sitting, staying, and reading all night long. So, gather your favorite “Dog Man” book, curl up with your little reader, and prepare for a journey filled with imagination, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Stay tuned for future releases in the series, as Dog Man’s world is always expanding with new tales of heroism and hilarity!
