Are you a fan of Dav Pilkey’s wildly popular Dog Man series and wondering about the correct reading order? You’ve come to the right place! Diving into the world of Dog Man can be as exciting as a flip-over chief or a giant pizza-powered robot, but knowing where to start is key to enjoying all the hilarious adventures. This guide will walk you through the official order of the Dog Man books, ensuring you don’t miss a single epic tale of the half-dog, half-man superhero. We’ll also touch upon related series and how they fit into the larger Dog Man universe. Understanding the sequence is crucial for appreciating the character development and the evolving world Dav Pilkey has created.
The Main Dog Man Series: A Chronological Journey
The core Dog Man series follows the adventures of Officer Miller and his beloved police dog, who, after a mishap involving a gunshot and a bomb, are joined together to become Dog Man, the hero the force and the city needs. The books are known for their humor, action, and Pilkey’s signature style, which encourages reluctant readers with its comic-book format and interactive elements.
Here is the official order of the main Dog Man series:
- Dog Man: #1 (2016)
- Dog Man: Unleashed: #2 (2016)
- Dog Man: Fetching”s the Most Amazing Thing: #3 (2017)
- Dog Man and Cat Kid: #4 (2017)
- Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas: #5 (2018)
- Dog Man: Brawl and the Mishap: #6 (2018)
- Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls: #7 (2019)
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment: #8 (2020)
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights: #9 (2021)
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: #10 (2022)
- Dog Man: Close Encounters of the Furred Kind: #11 (2023)
- Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder: #12 (2024)
This sequence ensures you follow Dog Man’s evolution as a hero, his relationships with characters like Li’l Petey, 80-HD, and Chief, and his ongoing battles against villains like Petey the Cat and Flippy the Fish. Each installment builds upon the last, offering new challenges and comedic situations that fans have come to love. To get a sense of the entire collection, checking all dog man books in order can be very helpful.
Beyond the Core Series: The “Cat Kid Comic Club”
Dav Pilkey also created the “Cat Kid Comic Club” series, which is set within the Dog Man universe and features some of the same characters, particularly Li’l Petey and his friends. These books are a bit different in format, as they focus on teaching young readers how to create their own comics, inspired by Li’l Petey and his diverse group of aspiring comic artists. While not direct continuations of the Dog Man narrative, they offer a wonderful supplement for fans who enjoy the creative and artistic side of Pilkey’s work.
The Cat Kid Comic Club series includes:
- Cat Kid Comic Club: #1 (2021)
- Cat Kid Comic Club and the Rage of the Rhino-Lions: #2 (2022)
- Cat Kid Comic Club and the Cloud of Danger: #3 (2023)
- Cat Kid Comic Club and the Courage of the Courageous Cowards: #4 (2024)
These books are excellent for fostering creativity and storytelling skills, mirroring the themes of friendship and perseverance found in the main Dog Man series. If you’re interested in the overarching collection, all the dog man books in order might also list these.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dog Man Book Order
How many Dog Man books are there?
As of late 2024, there are 12 books in the main Dog Man series. There are also 4 books in the Cat Kid Comic Club series, which is set in the same universe.
Should I read the Cat Kid Comic Club books before or after the main Dog Man series?
While the Cat Kid Comic Club books are set in the Dog Man universe and feature familiar characters, they function as separate entities focusing on comic creation. You can read them at any point, but reading the main Dog Man series first might give you a better introduction to the characters like Li’l Petey. Understanding what order does the dog man books go in for the main series is generally recommended before exploring spin-offs.
Are there any other books related to Dog Man?
Dav Pilkey also has the “Dragon” series and the “Super Diaper Baby” series, which share his distinctive humor and appeal to young readers. However, these are not directly connected to the Dog Man narrative. For those specifically seeking the Dog Man saga, a dog man books in order list is the best way to navigate the series.
What is the reading order for the Dog Man “origin story”?
The first book, simply titled “Dog Man,” serves as the origin story. It introduces Officer Miller and his dog, their fateful accident, and their transformation into Dog Man. Starting with this book is essential for understanding the entire narrative.
Does reading the books in order really matter for Dog Man?
For the main Dog Man series, reading in chronological order is highly recommended. While each book often contains self-contained adventures and introduces new villains, the overarching plot, character development, and relationships evolve throughout the series. Following what is the order of dog man books ensures you catch all the nuances and enjoy the progression of Dog Man’s heroic journey.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned fan or just beginning your adventure with the floppy-eared hero, following the correct order for the Dog Man books will undoubtedly enhance your reading experience. From the initial origins to the latest escapades, the Dog Man series continues to deliver laughter, excitement, and valuable life lessons for readers of all ages. So grab your favorite Dog Man book, settle in, and get ready for some serious fun!
