Books Like Dog Man: 8 Series for Your Graphic Novel-Obsessed Kid
Find the best books for kids obsessed with Dog Man. Discover 8 graphic novel and illustrated series perfect for visual learners and early readers.
The “My Kid Only Reads Dog Man” Moment
You’ve noticed the pattern. Every trip to the library, your child heads straight for Dog Man. They’ve read the series multiple times. They can finish a book in one sitting. They laugh out loud at the same pages repeatedly.
And you’ve started to wonder: is this enough? Are they actually reading, or are they just looking at pictures?
Here’s the truth that parents of visual learners need to hear: Dog Man IS reading. The combination of text, illustration, and sequential visual storytelling creates a comprehensive reading experience. In fact, for many kids—especially early readers and visual learners—this format is where their passion for books truly ignites.
The question isn’t “how do I move them away from Dog Man?” It’s “how do I find more stories in this format that will keep them engaged?”
KidsBookCheck has the answers. Here are eight fantastic series for kids who’ve discovered the magic of graphic novels and illustrated chapter books.
1. Captain Underpants: Same Creator, Slightly Different Energy
KidsBookCheck Score: 61.2/100 (Kid: 78, Parent: 49)
Before Dog Man conquered the world, there was Captain Underpants. Also created by Dav Pilkey, this series uses a very similar formula: illustrated chapters, absurdist humor, simple protagonists, and a format that reads like a comic book you can finish in 30 minutes.
Why Dog Man fans love it: The format is nearly identical. The humor style shares that same absurdist, ridiculous energy. And it’s from the same creator, so the “voice” of the book feels familiar and welcoming.
How it’s different: Captain Underpants is actually slightly weirder than Dog Man. The gross-out humor is more intense, the adventure elements are more elaborate, and the tone is a bit more chaotic. Some kids find it’s the perfect next step; others find it’s almost too much silliness.
Best age: 6-11, especially kids who love toilet humor and escalating nonsense.
Read Captain Underpants on Amazon
2. Cat Kid Comic Club: Pilkey’s Creative Revolution
KidsBookCheck Score: 79.8/100 (Kid: 81, Parent: 77)
This is Dav Pilkey’s most ambitious series. It’s graphically sophisticated while remaining accessible. It’s genuinely funny without relying on potty humor. And the parent approval rate is significantly higher than his earlier work—probably because the book celebrates creativity and collaboration in genuinely meaningful ways.
Why Dog Man fans love it: The graphic novel format is what kids already love. The humor is there, but it’s smarter. And the story is about making stories, which means the book itself becomes a celebration of what makes reading special.
How it’s different: This is Pilkey evolved. The art is more sophisticated, the message is more intentional, and the emotional core is stronger. If your child is ready to graduate from pure absurdism to something that makes them think and laugh, this is the bridge.
Best age: 7-12, especially kids who appreciate clever humor and creativity.
Read Cat Kid Comic Club on Amazon
3. Bad Guys: Redemption in Comic Form
KidsBookCheck Score: 58.6/100 (Kid: 70, Parent: 49)
Also by Pilkey, Bad Guys is like Dog Man’s weirder cousin. It uses the same format—illustrations, comic panels, dialogue—but tells the story of characters trying (and repeatedly failing) to become good. It’s absurdist humor with genuine heart.
Why Dog Man fans love it: The visual format is immediately comfortable. The characters are animals and creatures, so there’s that same “anything can happen” energy. And the books are just as short and satisfying to finish.
How it’s different: The core premise is different. Instead of a hero doing hero things, you’re following anti-heroes on a redemption journey. The humor is situational rather than absurdist. And there’s an emotional thread running through the series that’s less prominent in Dog Man.
Best age: 6-11, especially kids who love animal characters and second chances.
4. Narwhal and Jelly: Gentler Graphic Novel Storytelling
KidsBookCheck Score: 62.4/100 (Kid: 69, Parent: 58)
Created by Ben Clanton, Narwhal and Jelly is a graphic novel series that’s gentler than Dog Man, but equally charming. It follows a narwhal and a jellyfish as they experience simple adventures and philosophical conversations. The humor is more subtle, the energy is calmer, but the format is just as visual.
Why Dog Man fans love it: The graphic novel format with visual storytelling is what draws them in. The characters are animals. The books are short and satisfying. And every page has illustrations supporting the story.
How it’s different: This is a significant tone shift. Dog Man is chaotic and absurdist; Narwhal and Jelly is contemplative and sweet. The humor relies on wordplay and character quirks rather than slapstick. If your child is ready for something quieter but still visual, this is perfect.
Best age: 5-10, especially kids who appreciate gentler humor and imaginative friendships.
Read Narwhal and Jelly on Amazon
5. Hilo: Action, Humor, and Visual Storytelling
KidsBookCheck Score: 54.0/100 (Kid: 63, Parent: 44)
Judd Winick’s Hilo series is a hybrid: it’s an illustrated chapter book with comic panels interspersed throughout. The story is genuinely adventurous—a mysterious boy falls from the sky and teams up with local kids to figure out who he is. The humor is there, but so is real plot momentum.
Why Dog Man fans love it: The visual support is substantial. The illustrations aren’t just decorative; they’re essential to understanding the story. And for kids who love a combination of action and humor, this hits both notes.
How it’s different: This is your first step toward chapter books without illustrations on every single page. The story has genuine stakes. The characters develop across the series. It’s still visual, but it’s also a plot-driven story. If your child is ready to want more than just humor, this is the perfect bridge.
Best age: 7-12, especially kids ready for their first real adventure series.
6. Big Nate: The Stepping Stone
KidsBookCheck Score: 70.4/100 (Kid: 76, Parent: 64)
You might recognize Big Nate from our Dog Man article—and for good reason. It’s one of the most versatile series in middle-grade literature. It works beautifully as a next step for Dog Man readers because it increases the reading level slightly while maintaining the illustrated, humor-based format.
Why Dog Man fans love it: The format is familiar: illustrated chapter books with humor on every page. The protagonist is mischievous and confident. The school setting is relatable. It’s the comfort food of illustrated humor.
How it’s different: The humor is slightly more sophisticated. The illustrations are less dense but still supportive. The character development is more pronounced. For kids who are ready to move from “reading 30 minutes” to “reading 45 minutes,” this is the perfect stepping stone.
Best age: 7-12, especially kids ready for a slight increase in complexity.
7. Amulet: Your Gateway to Serious Graphic Novels
KidsBookCheck Score: 72.3/100 (Kid: 75, Parent: 69)
Created by Kazu Kibuishi, Amulet is a genuinely sophisticated graphic novel. It has an intricate plot, beautiful art, real stakes, and characters who develop meaningfully. It’s the series that transforms readers from “I like pictures in my books” to “I love graphic novels as a medium.”
Why Dog Man fans love it: It’s still a graphic novel, which means the visual storytelling is paramount. But the story itself is compelling enough that they’ll become invested in the world and characters, not just entertained by the moment.
How it’s different: This is a quantum leap in sophistication. The story spans multiple volumes and demands attention. The art is beautiful but not silly. The stakes are real. If your child is ready to move beyond humor-based entertainment to genuine storytelling, Amulet is the key that opens that door.
Best age: 8-13, especially kids ready for their first serious graphic novel series.
8. InvestiGators: The New Favorite
KidsBookCheck Score: Research-based
InvestiGators by John Patrick Green is the newcomer that’s stealing hearts. It’s a graphic novel about alligator detectives, which immediately tells you the tone: silly but competent. The format is visual, the humor is accessible, and early readers are devouring it.
Why Dog Man fans love it: It feels like the natural evolution of Pilkey’s work, but with fresh energy. The humor is there, the visual format is there, but there’s also a genuine mystery to solve, which adds engagement.
How it’s different: This is Dog Man plus a plot. It’s silly without being absurdist. It’s visual without being overwhelming. If your child has finished all the Dog Man books and is hunting for the next thing, InvestiGators often becomes the book they didn’t know they needed.
Best age: 6-11, especially kids who want humor plus plot.
The Reading Level Progression: A Parent’s Guide
If your child is currently a Dog Man devotee, here’s how to think about progression:
Staying in the comfort zone: Captain Underpants, Bad Guys, InvestiGators
- Same format, similar reading level, different story
Gentle increase: Narwhal and Jelly, Big Nate
- Still heavily illustrated, slightly more sophisticated humor
First real adventure: Hilo
- Illustrated but plot-driven, introduces genuine stakes
Gateway to graphic novels: Cat Kid Comic Club, Amulet
- Visual storytelling as a serious medium, not just humor delivery
Quick Comparison: Which Series Is Right?
| Series | Visual Density | Humor Level | Plot Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Underpants | Very High | Absurdist/Gross | Low | Toilet humor enthusiasts |
| Cat Kid Comic Club | Very High | Clever | Moderate | Creatives, meta-thinkers |
| Bad Guys | High | Situational | Low | Redemption arc lovers |
| Narwhal and Jelly | High | Subtle/Wordplay | Very Low | Kids wanting gentler humor |
| Hilo | Moderate-High | Action-based | High | Kids ready for adventure |
| Big Nate | High | Social comedy | Moderate | Confidence builders |
| Amulet | Very High | Minimal | Very High | Serious readers |
| InvestiGators | Very High | Clever/Silly | Moderate | Mystery lovers |
Parent Empathy Moment: The “Only Reads Dog Man” Worry
You’re not alone. Thousands of parents watch their child demolish the entire Dog Man series and think, “Is this it? Is reading going to be only Dog Man forever?”
Here’s what’s actually happening: your child has discovered that they’re a visual learner. They’ve found that illustrations support their comprehension. They’ve experienced the joy of finishing a book they genuinely loved. These are extraordinary foundations for a reading life.
The panic that “my kid only reads Dog Man” comes from a place of care—you want them to explore, grow, and develop. But the reality is that visual learners eventually expand naturally. The books they’re reading now are building:
- Fluency through repeated reading
- Confidence from finishing satisfying stories
- An understanding that reading can be pleasurable
- Visual literacy skills that will serve them with every medium
Some kids stay passionate about graphic novels into adulthood. Some use them as a bridge to chapter books. Some read both. All of these paths are valid and wonderful.
KidsBookCheck is here to help you guide that journey without pressure or worry.
FAQ: Books Like Dog Man
Is graphic novel reading “real reading”?
Absolutely. Graphic novels engage comprehension, vocabulary, visual literacy, and sequential thinking. They’re not a lesser form of reading—they’re a different medium that works beautifully for many learners. In fact, research shows visual-sequential learning is an undervalued reading skill.
At what age should kids move beyond Dog Man?
There’s no magic age. Kids move beyond Dog Man when they’re ready, not when you want them to. Some kids are satisfied with Dog Man at age 13. Others move on at age 7. The progression depends on the individual child’s interests and reading level, not arbitrary timelines.
Why are parents more critical of Dog Man than other books?
Honest answer: Dog Man uses toilet humor extensively, which some parents perceive as “lowbrow.” But the book teaches reading, sustains interest, and uses a sophisticated visual format. The content is age-appropriate. The cultural snobbery around humor is about adult preferences, not child development.
My child wants to re-read Dog Man instead of trying something new. Should I stop them?
No. Repeated reading builds fluency and confidence. If they’ve read book 1 five times and want to read it again, let them. Pushing them toward “harder” books before they’re ready teaches them that reading is about achieving benchmarks, not enjoying stories.
How do I introduce these alternatives without my child feeling like I’m rejecting Dog Man?
Don’t frame it as rejection. Frame it as expansion. “You loved Dog Man so much, I found some other books that might make you laugh too.” Let them choose. Some will gravitate toward Cat Kid Comic Club. Others will want to re-read Dog Man. Both are fine.
Are all Dav Pilkey books appropriate for my child?
Most are, but there’s variation. Dog Man is appropriate for ages 5+. Captain Underpants and Bad Guys for ages 6+. Cat Kid Comic Club for ages 7+. The progression is intentional—his later work is more sophisticated.
My child wants only to read graphic novels, never chapter books. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Graphic novels are legitimate literature. If your child becomes passionate about reading graphic novels exclusively, they’re still building all the skills that matter. There’s no rule that reading must progress to chapter books.
How KidsBookCheck Evaluates Books
When we score these books, we’re looking at two essential perspectives: what kids genuinely enjoy and what parents feel comfortable recommending. Sometimes these align perfectly. Sometimes there’s a gap—and that gap tells you something important.
Dog Man scores 82 with kids but only 48 with parents, for example. That gap exists because kids find it hilarious and parents find the humor crude. Both perspectives are valid.
Learn more about our methodology at How It Works.
Personalized Recommendations
Every child’s reading journey is unique. The perfect next book after Dog Man isn’t the same for every kid.
Take our quick quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your child’s actual preferences, not just their current favorite series. We’ll match them with books that click in ways you might not have expected.
Understanding the Dog Man Series
If you want more detailed information about why Dog Man resonates so strongly with kids, we’ve written: Is Dog Man Appropriate for 5-Year-Olds?
This article dives into the content, the format, and whether it’s actually beneficial for early readers (spoiler: it often is).
Your Next Chapter
The beautiful thing about visual learning is that it opens doors. Your child isn’t “only” reading Dog Man. They’re discovering that stories can be delivered in formats that work for their brain. They’re building a reading habit. They’re experiencing joy.
The progression from Dog Man to Cat Kid Comic Club to Amulet isn’t about moving away from what they love. It’s about discovering that storytelling comes in infinite forms, and they’re invited to explore all of them.
KidsBookCheck is here to help you guide that journey with confidence. Try our quiz for personalized recommendations, or explore detailed reviews to make informed decisions about your child’s next great read.
Happy reading!
