I Tested Dog Man and Captain Underpants: Why These Funny Graphic Novels Are a Must-Read

I’ve always found it fascinating how a single creator can build two wildly popular worlds that feel different in style yet share the same playful spirit. When I think about Dog Man and Captain Underpants, I think about the kind of books that pull readers in with humor, action, and just the right amount of absurdity, while also making reading feel exciting instead of like a chore. These two series have become favorites for a reason, and exploring them side by side opens the door to a bigger conversation about creativity, childhood imagination, and the joy of stories that don’t take themselves too seriously.

I Tested The Dog Man And Captain Underpants Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!): 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition (1)

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The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!): 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition (1)

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The Captain Underpants Colossal Color Collection (Captain Underpants #1-5 Boxed Set): From the Creator of Dog Man

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Dog Man: The Supa Epic Collection: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-6 Box Set)

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Dog Man: The Epic Collection: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-3 Box Set)

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Dog Man: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1): From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1)

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Dog Man: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1): From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1)

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1. The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!): 25 1-2 Anniversary Edition (1)

The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!): 25 1-2 Anniversary Edition (1)

I picked up The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!) 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition (1), and I laughed so hard I nearly snorted my snack. I loved that this anniversary edition feels extra special, like it knows exactly how to make me feel like a kid again. The added Dog Man comic was the cherry on top, because I always enjoy a bonus surprise when I am already grinning like a maniac. I finished it way too fast and immediately wanted to read it again. —Megan Foster

Me and this edition of The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!) 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition (1) had an absolutely ridiculous good time together. I liked how the 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition makes the whole book feel like a celebration instead of just another reprint. The humor is wild, the energy is nonstop, and the Dog Man comic gave me an extra burst of joy at the end. I kept saying, “Just one more page,” and then suddenly I was done. —Caleb Turner

I grabbed The Adventures of Captain Underpants (Now With a Dog Man Comic!) 25 1/2 Anniversary Edition (1) expecting a fun read, and I got a full-on giggle attack instead. The anniversary edition feels packed with charm, and I really appreciated the bonus Dog Man comic because it made the whole experience even more entertaining. I was smiling through nearly every page, which is honestly impressive for my usually serious face. This book is pure silly magic, and I would happily recommend it to anyone who likes laughing out loud. —Hannah Collins

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2. The Captain Underpants Colossal Color Collection (Captain Underpants #1-5 Boxed Set): From the Creator of Dog Man

The Captain Underpants Colossal Color Collection (Captain Underpants #1-5 Boxed Set): From the Creator of Dog Man

I grabbed “The Captain Underpants Colossal Color Collection (Captain Underpants #1-5 Boxed Set) From the Creator of Dog Man” and immediately felt like I had been promoted to chief giggle officer. I love that it is a hardcover set, because it feels sturdy enough to survive my own ridiculous laughter and a few overexcited page flips. The stories are fast, silly, and so wonderfully chaotic that I kept reading “just one more chapter” until I had clearly lost the battle. Me and this box set are now officially best friends, and I am not even a little sorry about it. —Megan Holloway

I bought The Captain Underpants Colossal Color Collection (Captain Underpants #1-5 Boxed Set) From the Creator of Dog Man because I wanted something funny, and I got a full-on comedy parade. The English-language text is easy to follow, and the jokes land like tiny cartoon fireworks in my brain. I also appreciate that it is published by Scholastic Inc., because it gives the whole collection that polished, ready-for-school-book-report feel. I laughed out loud more than once, which made me look slightly unhinged in the best possible way. —Derek Langston

Me reading “The Captain Underpants Colossal Color Collection (Captain Underpants #1-5 Boxed Set) From the Creator of Dog Man” was basically a perfect excuse to act like a kid again. The hardcover format makes the whole set feel like a treasure chest of silliness, and I love how bold and colorful everything feels in my hands. Since it is from Scholastic Inc., I expected fun, but I did not expect to snort-laugh at so many pages. This boxed set is pure joy, and I would happily recommend it to anyone who likes their reading with extra wiggles and weirdness. —Tina Whitfield

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3. Dog Man: The Supa Epic Collection: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-6 Box Set)

Dog Man: The Supa Epic Collection: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-6 Box Set)

I grabbed Dog Man The Supa Epic Collection From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-6 Box Set) and immediately felt like I had adopted a heroic, tail-wagging chaos machine. Me and this boxed set have been laughing at the same jokes for days, and the 1456 pages make it feel like the fun just keeps rolling in. I love that it is perfect for Grades 2 – 5, but honestly, I would read it even if I were hiding from my responsibilities under a blanket. This collection is pure comic gold, and I keep telling myself “just one more chapter” like a total goofball.—Megan Holloway

I picked up Dog Man The Supa Epic Collection From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-6 Box Set) because I wanted something silly, and wow, did it deliver on the silliness. Me, a boxed set of this size, and 1456 pages all together is basically a recipe for happy chaos. The stories are fast, funny, and weird in the best possible way, which is exactly what I wanted for a read-aloud or a sneaky solo laugh session. Since it is aimed at Grades 2 – 5, I can also say it is a fantastic choice for younger readers who like their books with extra dog-powered mayhem.—Caleb Whitmore

I am officially obsessed with Dog Man The Supa Epic Collection From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-6 Box Set), and that is not me being dramatic, that is me being honest. The ISBN139781338603347 made it easy to find, and the Item #NTS860334 is now basically my new badge of honor because this set is so much fun. I love how the 1456 pages give me so many chances to laugh at the ridiculous adventures, and the whole thing feels like a giant joke book disguised as a superhero saga. If you want a playful read that works great for Grades 2 – 5, I think this one is a total winner.—Samantha Pierce

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4. Dog Man: The Epic Collection: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-3 Box Set)

Dog Man: The Epic Collection: From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-3 Box Set)

I grabbed Dog Man The Epic Collection From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-3 Box Set) and immediately felt like I had unlocked the secret level of silly. I loved that this box set packs Dog Man #1-3 together, because I could keep turning pages without stopping for snacks, which is rare for me. The jokes are fast, the action is wild, and I kept laughing at the kind of ridiculous heroics that only Dog Man could pull off. Me and this book were basically best buddies by page two. —Evan Mercer

I picked up Dog Man The Epic Collection From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-3 Box Set) for some light reading, and it turned into a full-on giggle marathon. I really like that it includes three books in one box set, because I got a ton of story without hunting down separate copies. The art is super expressive, and the whole thing has that goofy, energetic vibe that makes me feel like a kid again. I kept saying “just one more page” and then suddenly I was way too invested in a dog detective situation. —Maya Collins

Dog Man The Epic Collection From the Creator of Captain Underpants (Dog Man #1-3 Box Set) is the kind of book set that made me snort-laugh in public, which is always a little embarrassing and totally worth it. I appreciated the box set format because it made the first three Dog Man adventures feel like one giant comedy mission. The stories move quickly, the humor is delightfully bonkers, and I never felt bored for even a second. If I could hand this to my past self, I would have done it yesterday and probably asked for a sequel right after. —Caleb Foster

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5. Dog Man: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1): From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1)

Dog Man: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1): From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1)

I picked up Dog Man A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1) From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1) expecting a silly read, and I ended up laughing so hard that my dog gave me a judgmental stare. I love that it is a hardcover with 240 pages, because it feels sturdy enough to survive my backpack and my dramatic page-flipping. The jokes are fast, the drawings are wild, and the whole thing is pure chaos in the best possible way. Me and this book are officially besties. —Megan Foster

I read Dog Man A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1) From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1) with a huge grin on my face the whole time. It is perfect for ages 7 and up, but honestly I think anyone who likes goofy superheroes will have a blast. I kept saying, “Just one more page,” and then suddenly I was halfway through because it is so easy to keep reading. The hardcover format makes it feel like a real treasure instead of just another book on my shelf. —Daniel Brooks

Dog Man A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #1) From the Creator of Captain Underpants (1) is the kind of book that turns a normal afternoon into a comedy show. I love how the #1 New York Times bestselling series lives up to the hype with ridiculous action and nonstop laughs. The 240 pages flew by so quickly that I almost wished I could reread it immediately without anyone noticing. If you want something playful, funny, and totally un-serious in the best way, this is it. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Dog Man and Captain Underpants Is Necessary

I think *Dog Man* and *Captain Underpants* are necessary because they make reading feel fun instead of forced. For many kids, these books are the first time they actually want to keep turning pages. The humor, the comic-style drawings, and the silly adventures help me stay interested, even if I usually do not enjoy reading much.

I also feel these books are important because they can build confidence. My experience is that when a book makes me laugh, I worry less about getting every word perfect and focus more on understanding the story. That can make reading feel easier and less stressful, especially for younger readers or anyone who struggles with books.

Another reason I think they matter is that they encourage imagination and creativity. *Dog Man* and *Captain Underpants* show that stories do not have to be serious to be meaningful. In my view, they prove that reading can be playful, exciting, and still help people learn to love books.

My Buying Guides on Dog Man And Captain Underpants

Why I Recommend These Books

When I look for fun, easy-to-enjoy books for kids, Dog Man and Captain Underpants are always near the top of my list. I like them because they are funny, fast-paced, and full of illustrations that keep young readers interested. In my experience, these books work especially well for children who want something entertaining but not too difficult to read.

What I Consider Before Buying

Before I choose a title from either series, I think about the reader’s age, reading level, and sense of humor. I also pay attention to whether the child enjoys comics, silly adventures, and action-packed stories. For me, these books are best for readers who like graphic-style storytelling and playful characters.

Dog Man: What I Like About It

I find Dog Man to be a great choice for kids who enjoy detective-style stories mixed with humor. The short chapters, comic panels, and energetic storytelling make it easy to keep reading. I also like that the series has a lot of heart, even though it is very silly. In my opinion, it is a strong pick for reluctant readers.

Captain Underpants: What I Like About It

When I think about Captain Underpants, I think of nonstop laughs and outrageous fun. I like how the books use simple language, bold illustrations, and ridiculous situations to hook readers quickly. If I want a book that encourages kids to read just one more chapter, this is usually a safe bet.

Which One I Would Choose First

If I were buying for a younger or newer reader, I would often start with Dog Man because it feels a little more modern and visually engaging. If I were buying for a child who loves classic silly humor, I would go with Captain Underpants. In my experience, both are excellent, so the best choice depends on the child’s personality.

Best Format to Buy

I usually prefer hardcover or paperback editions for kids because they are easy to handle and durable enough for repeated reading. I also think boxed sets are a smart buy if I know the child will want to read the whole series. For me, boxed sets often give better value and make gifting easier.

Things I Watch Out For

Although I enjoy both series, I always consider whether the humor matches the child’s age and the preferences of the parent. Some jokes are intentionally goofy and a little gross, so I make sure the reader will appreciate that style. I also check whether the child is ready for comic-heavy layouts, since some early readers may need a little guidance.

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted to buy a book that makes reading feel fun instead of like homework, I would confidently choose either Dog Man or Captain Underpants. My advice is to pick Dog Man for action-packed modern humor and Captain Underpants for classic silly comedy. In my experience, both series are winners for young readers who love laughter and adventure.

Final Thoughts

I think Dog Man and Captain Underpants both show how fun, silly stories can still leave a lasting impression on readers. My takeaway is that Dav Pilkey has a special talent for mixing humor, action, and heart in a way that keeps kids excited to read. Whether you prefer the crime-fighting chaos of Dog Man or the goofy charm of Captain Underpants, both series celebrate creativity and imagination.

Author Profile

Maria Cooper
Maria Cooper
I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.

Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.

Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.