If you and your child have recently discovered the hilarious and heartwarming Dog Man Universe, welcome to the club! As a parent who has spent countless hours immersed in these stories, I know exactly what it’s like to be pulled into Dav Pilkey’s world. While the narrative arcs across these graphic novels aren’t overly complex, the series doesn’t always make it clear where each volume and its various spinoffs fit chronologically. Since these books are perhaps the most effective way to encourage a love for reading in children, establishing a clear reading order is a fantastic way to enhance the experience.
You might wonder if you absolutely have to read the Dog Man series in order. The truth is, most kids are perfectly happy jumping into whatever volume they can get their hands on first. However, many characters—most notably Petey the Cat and the lovable Lil’ Petey—undergo significant development throughout the series. Reading them in sequence for the first time offers a more cohesive experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the growth of these characters before revisiting them time and time again.
Understanding the Dog Man Universe
As of 2025, Dav Pilkey has gifted young readers with 14 main Dog Man graphic novels and 5 volumes of the Cat Kid Comic Club spinoff series. While the main Dog Man series has seen consistent releases since 2016, the Cat Kid spinoff offers a refreshing change of pace, focusing on creativity and artistic experimentation.
Parents often ask about the appropriate reading level for these graphic novels. From my experience, most children start gravitating toward these books shortly after they begin reading independently. Generally, the series is a perfect fit for children aged 6 to 9, corresponding to first, second, or third grade. However, every reader is different. If you have a hesitant reader who suddenly finds joy in the adventures of Dog Man, encourage that spark wholeheartedly! The content is fun, lighthearted, and avoids mature themes, violence, or coarse language. While there is plenty of the “potty humor” that Pilkey is famous for—which parents might occasionally roll their eyes at—the pure joy it brings to children is well worth it.
The Complete Dog Man Reading Order
To help you navigate the series, here is the suggested reading order for all the main Dog Man graphic novels:
- Dog Man #1: Dog Man
- Dog Man #2: Dog Man Unleashed
- Dog Man #3: Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (This volume is a milestone, introducing the endearing Lil’ Petey).
- Dog Man #4: Dog Man and Cat Kid
- Dog Man #5: Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas
- Dog Man #6: Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild
- Dog Man #7: Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls
- Dog Man #8: Dog Man: Fetch-22
Following these, the Cat Kid Comic Club series begins. While some guides list these solely by release date, reading the first Cat Kid book after Dog Man #8 provides a better flow for character arcs, particularly regarding Flippy and the Tadpoles.
- Cat Kid Comic Club #1: Cat Kid Comic Club
- Dog Man #9: Dog Man: Grime and Punishment
- Dog Man #10: Dog Man: Mothering Heights
- Cat Kid Comic Club #2: Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives
- Cat Kid Comic Club #3: Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose
- Cat Kid Comic Club #4: Cat Kid Comic Club: Collaborations
- Dog Man #11: Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
- Captain Underpants 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition: Includes the Dog Man and the League of Misfits minicomic.
- Cat Kid Comic Club #5: Cat Kid Comic Club: Influencers
To wrap up the current collection, we have the most recent entries:
- Dog Man #12: Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder
- Dog Man #13: Dog Man: Big Jim Begins
- Dog Man #14: Dog Man: Big Jim Believes
For those who prefer box sets, you can also find The Supa Epic Collection (collecting volumes 1–6) and The Supa Buddies Mega Collection (collecting volumes 1–10).
Expanding Your Library
If you’re looking for more graphic novels once your child finishes the Dog Man series, I highly recommend checking out other works by Dav Pilkey or exploring similar series like Investigators. The Cat Kid Comic Club spinoffs are particularly wonderful if you want to encourage your children to create their own comics, as they explore various artistic styles and themes in a humorous, accessible way.
Chasing down every book in the Dog Man Universe can be a fun family project. Whether you read them in strict order or pick them up as you find them in the library, the most important thing is that your children are reading, laughing, and engaging with stories. Keep those thumbs ready for the signature “Flip-O-Ramas,” and enjoy the journey! For more recommendations on the best comics for young readers, be sure to explore our other guides on building a home library.