Dog Man: A Howlingly Good Series

Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” series has captivated young readers with its hilarious blend of comics, puns, and heartwarming themes. Following the adventures of the half-dog, half-man hero, the books are best enjoyed in order to fully appreciate the ongoing storylines and character development. Here’s a rundown of the series:

The Core Series

1. Dog Man (2016): The book that started it all! After a courageous police officer and his equally brave police dog are injured in an explosion orchestrated by the nefarious Petey the Cat, a life-saving surgery creates Dog Man, a new kind of crime fighter. He’s got the head of a dog and the body of a human, making him a powerful, if sometimes clueless, force for good.
2. Dog Man Unleashed (2017): Dog Man learns to navigate his newfound abilities while battling new and familiar foes. Petey continues his scheming, and Dog Man faces the challenges of being a good cop while dealing with his dog-like impulses.
3. Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2017): Two Petey clones, Lil’ Petey (who is good) and a dark, evil clone complicate Dog Man’s life and add layers of complexity to the story. Lil’ Petey learns about good versus evil and the importance of making the right choices.
4. Dog Man and Cat Kid (2018): The introduction of Cat Kid Comix, a series of mini-comics created by Lil’ Petey and his friends. This installment explores themes of creativity, collaboration, and the power of art.
5. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2018): Dog Man faces a swarm of robotic fleas created by Petey. This book highlights themes of responsibility, environmental awareness, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
6. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild (2019): Dog Man’s animal instincts are tested when he encounters a group of wild dogs. He must learn to balance his duties as a police officer with his connection to the animal kingdom.
7. Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019): Focuses on friendship, perseverance, and dealing with jealousy. Dog Man and his friends learn the importance of teamwork and supporting each other’s goals.
8. Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020): Dog Man and Lil’ Petey try to mend their friendship as Petey invents a super-powered suit to go back to his evil ways. This installment focuses on the importance of forgiveness and overcoming past mistakes.
9. Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2020): Petey struggles with his inner demons as he tries to be a good father figure to Lil’ Petey. The book explores themes of redemption, self-improvement, and the impact of choices.
10. Dog Man: Mothering Heights (2021): This book introduces Petey’s mom, who has returned to his life. It delves into the complexities of family relationships and the importance of understanding and accepting others, even when they’re difficult.
11. Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2023): Dog Man and Petey are at odds again, with an environmentally themed plot involving new insect based creatures.
12. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder (2024): Released in March 2024, the latest Dog Man adventure sees Petey struggling with his inner demons.

Reading the “Dog Man” books in order will not only provide a richer understanding of the characters and plotlines but also enhance the overall enjoyment of this beloved series. Each book builds upon the previous ones, creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience for young readers.