A Graphic Novel book list curated by The Children’s Book Review in partnership with author Darin S. Cape.
Has your kid read every Dog Man book? Probably more than once. Am I right? This list is for you.
These twelve graphic novels share what makes Dog Man work: goofy humor, fast pacing, expressive art, and stories that keep even reluctant readers turning pages. They range from early-reader giggles to fantasy adventures for older kids, so there’s a next read for every fan.
Here are 12 funny graphic novels for kids who love Dog Man:

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King
Created by Darin S. Cape
Illustrated by Zeno Decrux/Hiorsh Gabotto
Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages
Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN: 979-8992749939
What to Expect: Adventure, family relationships, imagination, resilience, believing in yourself.
By day, Zachary is an ordinary kid whose older siblings think he has an overactive imagination. By night, he becomes Zicky, a hero in a dangerous world where monsters are real. When the two worlds collide, he has to be the hero both of them need.
Visual gags, witty dialogue, and manga-style battles narrated by Zicky himself make this a natural next step for Dog Man fans ready for a longer, more action-packed story. Bold, colorful dream sequences contrast with the muted earth tones of Zachary’s everyday world. It’s a fun pick for reluctant readers and for shared reading with parents. Read our dedicated review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King.
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Cat Kid Comic Club (Cat Kid Comic Club, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Dav Pilkey, with color by Jose Garibaldi
Ages: 7+ | Pages: 176
Publisher: Graphix (2020) | ISBN: 978-1-338-71276-6
What to Expect: Comic-making, creativity, humor, friendship, persistence
Li’l Petey, Flippy, and Molly introduce twenty-one baby frogs to the art of making comics. Mishaps and hilarity follow as the young cartoonists learn that mistakes and practice lead to improvement. It’s a natural first stop for Dog Man fans, and a great way to inspire kids to start drawing comics of their own.
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The Bad Guys (The Bad Guys, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Aaron Blabey
Ages: 6+ | 144 Pages
Publisher: Scholastic (2016) | ISBN: 978-0545912402
What to Expect: Slapstick humor, heist-style mischief, friendship, teamwork.
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark have a plan for their first good deed: breaking 200 dogs out of the city dog pound. Short chapters, punchy dialogue, and a heist-movie feel make this an easy step up for Dog Man readers. The series continues with more episodes.
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Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth (Hilo, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Judd Winick, with color by Guy Major
Ages: 8+ | 191 Pages
Publisher: Random House (2015) | ISBN: 978-0-385-38617-3
What to Expect: Friendship, humor, robots, identity, adventure.
When a mysterious boy falls from the sky, friends D.J. and Gina must uncover the secrets of his identity and help him save the world. Big on action and bigger on jokes, with a heartfelt friendship at its center, it’s a great pick for Dog Man fans ready for a slightly longer story.
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InvestiGators (InvestiGators, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by John Patrick Green, with color by Aaron Polk
Ages: 6+ | Pages: 208
Publisher: First Second (2020) | ISBN: 978-1-250-21995-4
What to Expect: Puns, spy gadgets, mystery, buddy comedy, visual gags.
Super-spy alligator duo Mango and Brash surf the sewers and fight evil with Very Exciting Spy Technology, and on their first mission together, they have two mysteries to solve. Goofy wordplay and slapstick make it a strong match for readers who love the absurdity of Dog Man.
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Bird & Squirrel on the Run (Bird & Squirrel, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by James Burks
Ages: 6+ | 128 Pages
Publisher: Graphix (2012) | ISBN: 978-0-545-31283-7
What to Expect: Friendship, slapstick chase scenes, humor, road-trip adventure.
Squirrel is afraid of his own shadow, Bird doesn’t have a care in the world, and Cat wants to eat them both. As the pair head south for the winter, the mismatched friends stay one step ahead of a very persistent feline. The odd-couple dynamic will feel familiar to Dog Man fans.
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Bunny vs. Monkey (Bunny vs. Monkey, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Jamie Smart
Ages: 8+ | 64 Pages
Publisher: Union Square Kids | ISBN: 978-1454950325
What to Expect: Chaos, slapstick, forest animals, good vs. evil, silly inventions.
A monkey launched into space by scientists crash-lands in a peaceful forest, decides it’s a new world, and claims it as his own. Bunny, Pig, and Weenie the squirrel are left to deal with his schemes and a skunk’s wild inventions. It’s loud, over-the-top, and made for kids who like their comics extra silly.
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Babymouse: Queen of the World! (Babymouse, Book 1)
Written by Jennifer L. Holm
Illustrated by Matthew Holm
Ages: 7+ | Pages: 96
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | ISBN: 978-0-375-83229-1
What to Expect: Imagination, friendship, big dreams, humor.
Babymouse dreams of being queen of the world, but in real life she would settle for an invitation to Felicia Furrypaws’s exclusive slumber party. Getting invited could cost her plans with her best friend, Wilson. The book also includes a how-to-draw-Babymouse bonus and a create-your-own-comic section, perfect for kids who love making their own comics.
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Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute (Lunch Lady, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Ages: 7+ | 96 Pages
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf (2009) | ISBN: 978-0-375-84683-0
What to Expect: Superhero action, school humor, robots, mystery.
The school lunch lady is a secret crime fighter who uncovers an evil plot to replace all the popular teachers with robots. Cafeteria comedy meets superhero action in a quick, funny read that’s an easy fit for Dog Man fans.
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Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy! (Press Start!, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Thomas Flintham
Ages: 6+ | 80 Pages
Publisher: Scholastic (Branches) (2016) | ISBN: 978-1-338-03471-4
What to Expect: Video game adventure, humor, early chapter book, friendship.
Super Rabbit Boy is a video game hero who must save Animal Town from Meanie King Viking’s robot army. However, the boy playing the game keeps losing levels. With art on every page, this chapter book is ideal for younger gamers who need a confident, low-pressure read.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1)
Written and Illustrated by Jeff Kinney
Ages: 8+ | 217 Pages
Publisher: Amulet Books (2007) | ISBN: 978-1419729454
What to Expect: Humor, middle school, friendship, journal-style storytelling.
Greg Heffley is thrust into middle school and records the hazards of growing up in his diary. When best friend Rowley’s popularity rises, Greg tries to use it to his own advantage. It’s a journal-and-cartoon hybrid rather than a traditional graphic novel, but it’s a natural step for kids who love laughing at a relatable, imperfect main character.
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Time Traveling Chickens: Bawk to the Future
Written and Illustrated by Kaz Windness
Ages: 5+ | 112 Pages
Publisher: Simon Spotlight (2026) | ISBN: 9781665982856
Super-big, super-smart talking chickens Nugget and Tenders escape evil scientists, only to find themselves trapped in a time machine and dropped into the age of the dinosaurs! Now these adventurous friends must try to change the course of chicken history and make it back to their own time, without becoming a dinosaur’s dinner. Packed with bold two-color illustrations, short chapters, and plenty of laughs, this first book in Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor–winner Kaz Windness’s Time-Traveling Chickens series is perfect for kids ready to move beyond beginning readers.
