For fans young and old, Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series has captured hearts with its unique blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming themes. These graphic novels, starring the lovable, half-dog, half-man police officer, are a phenomenon that encourages reading and imagination. Whether you’re a new reader diving into the world of Dog Man for the first time or a seasoned enthusiast looking to ensure you haven’t missed a single adventure, understanding The Order Of Dog Man Books is key to fully appreciating the series’ evolving storylines and character development. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the thrilling world of Dog Man, ensuring you read every book in its intended sequence. If you’re eager to explore the entire order of Dog Man books chronologically, you’ve come to the right place.
The Enduring Appeal of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man Series
Dav Pilkey, the brilliant mind behind the Dog Man series and its equally famous predecessor, Captain Underpants, has a remarkable story himself. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, Pilkey found his escape and passion in drawing and creating stories while often sent to the hallway for being disruptive in class. It was during these times that the very first ideas for Dog Man and Captain Underpants were born. Despite a teacher once tearing up his comics and telling him not to waste his life on “silly books,” Pilkey fortunately proved to be “not a very good listener.” His journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a global #1 bestselling author and award-winning artist is an inspiring testament to the power of imagination and perseverance.
Pilkey’s Dog Man series resonates with readers due to its engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and underlying messages about empathy, kindness, and the importance of being true to oneself. The books are not just about thrilling escapades; they subtly weave in deeper threads of self-awareness, confidence, and integrity, making them both entertaining and enriching.
Why Reading Dog Man Books in Order Matters
While each Dog Man book offers a complete and enjoyable adventure, reading the series in its proper sequence significantly enhances the overall experience. The narratives, though often standalone in their immediate conflicts, build upon previous events, characters’ relationships, and ongoing plot arcs. Following the dog man collection in order allows readers to witness the growth of beloved characters like Dog Man, Lil’ Petey, and Chief, and to fully grasp recurring jokes, evolving villains, and the emotional depth woven into Pilkey’s humorous tales. New villains are introduced, old foes return with new schemes, and the bonds between the heroes strengthen with each new challenge they face. Skipping books might leave readers missing out on important context or character motivations, diminishing the impact of later storylines.
The Complete List: Dog Man Books in Chronological Order
To fully immerse yourself in Dog Man’s world, here is the chronological list of all Dog Man graphic novels released to date, including upcoming titles:
1. Dog Man (2016)
The journey begins with the origin story of Dog Man, a hero born from tragedy when a police officer and his canine partner are injured. Surgeons combine their best parts, resulting in the crime-fighting Dog Man! This first installment introduces the core characters and the series’ signature humor.
2. Dog Man Unleashed (2017)
In his second adventure, Dog Man faces off against new villains and old foes, including the notorious Petey the Cat, who often attempts to outwit our hero. This book further explores the dynamics between Dog Man, Chief, and their city.
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017)
This installment introduces Lil’ Petey, a clone of Petey the Cat, who brings a new layer of emotion and redemption to the series. The themes of family, good versus evil, and second chances begin to take shape.
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018)
Lil’ Petey, now a good guy, joins Dog Man in his crime-fighting endeavors as Cat Kid. This book sees them forming a new team, tackling bigger challenges, and exploring what it means to be a hero.
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018)
Dog Man and Cat Kid face a supervillain team of fleas known as the “Fleas.” The narrative delves deeper into teamwork and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, while maintaining Pilkey’s signature lightheartedness.
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019)
When Dog Man is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, he must go on the run to clear his name. This book offers a thrilling chase and highlights themes of justice and loyalty.
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
Dog Man grapples with his own inner demons and insecurities as he tries to find his purpose. This installment delves into more introspective themes while still delivering plenty of action and laughs.
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2019)
This complex and heartwarming story explores themes of forgiveness and empathy. The characters learn valuable lessons about understanding others’ perspectives, even their enemies, and working towards a common good.
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020)
Dog Man finds himself in a pickle when he’s demoted from the police force, leading to a personal journey of self-discovery and a fight to regain his position and trust. This adventure is filled with suspense and humor as he navigates new challenges.
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021)
The series continues with an emotional exploration of family, both chosen and biological. It tackles heavy themes with Pilkey’s characteristic gentle touch, making it accessible and meaningful for young readers.
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023)
In this epic undersea adventure, Dog Man and his pals embark on a daring mission filled with aquatic foes and deep-sea mysteries. It’s a visually stunning installment with plenty of twists and turns.
12. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024)
The newest released book features Dog Man taking on a new identity and facing unexpected challenges. It promises more thrilling action and humorous escapades that fans have come to love.
13. Dog Man: Big Jim Believes (Upcoming – November 11th, 2025)
Power up with Dog Man: Big Jim Believes from the global #1 bestselling author and award-winning artist Dav Pilkey. Join the journey as our heroes discover the influence of belief and find truth from within. With threads of self-awareness, confidence, and integrity, Dav Pilkey masterfully crafts a humorous and heartfelt adventure, weaving together the importance of truth, goodness, and believing in yourself.
The celebration comes to a halt for our heroes in Dog Man: Big Jim Believes when the mischievous Space Cuties From Space return. Our caped crusaders — Dog Man (aka Scarlet Shedder), Commander Cupcake, and Sprinkles — along with Mecha Molly discover that the city has changed, and nothing is how it should be. Can Big Jim’s positivity and innocence help our heroes? Will Dog Man, Big Jim, Grampa, and Molly have the courage to trust each other and save the day? How does the past help shape the future? And who is the chosen one? This hardcover graphic novel is available for pre-order and releases on November 11th, 2025.
Dog Man: Big Jim Believes graphic novel cover art, featuring the iconic characters.
This comprehensive list of dog man books provides every installment in the series, ensuring you can follow Dog Man’s adventures from beginning to end.
Beyond Dog Man: Other Canine Literary Adventures
While Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series offers unparalleled joy, the world of dog-themed literature extends far beyond. For those who appreciate deep storytelling with canine companions at their heart, our Dog Care Story website also explores other notable works. If you’re looking for a delightful blend of time travel and dog-centric humor, you might enjoy reading about the critically acclaimed novel, “to say nothing of the dog,” which offers a charming and intelligent escape. Similarly, for younger readers who adore animal tales, “mr dog and the rabbit habit” provides another engaging story that celebrates the bonds between humans and their animal friends. These titles, while different in genre, share the common thread of celebrating dogs and their unique place in our lives.
Conclusion
The Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey is a triumph of children’s literature, blending laugh-out-loud humor with profound messages about kindness, perseverance, and heroism. By following the order of Dog Man books, readers can fully appreciate the intricate storylines, character development, and the overarching themes that make this series so beloved. From his humble beginnings to his most recent adventures, Dog Man continues to inspire and entertain, proving that even a half-dog, half-man can teach us a lot about humanity. So grab your copy, start from the beginning, and prepare for an unforgettable journey with one of comics’ most charming heroes!
