If Your 8-12-Year-Old Liked Dog Man, They Might Also Like…

• The Bad Guys

• Captain Underpants

• Max Crumbly

• InvestiGators

All of these titles lean into visual humour, silly scenarios, and high-energy storytelling that keeps reading fun and pressure-free.

Here’s what they’re about

Dog Man

When a police officer and his loyal dog are injured in an accident, doctors save the day by combining them into one hero: Dog Man. Part dog, part man, and all heart, Dog Man must stop the evil Petey the Cat while navigating friendship, responsibility, and what it means to be good. Told through comic-style illustrations and packed with slapstick humour, Dog Man is energetic, silly, and surprisingly warm-hearted — ideal for readers who prefer visual storytelling and big laughs.

The Bad Guys

Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Shark, and Mr Piranha are tired of being seen as villains — so they form a group dedicated to doing good deeds… sort of. Told in a graphic-novel style with bold illustrations and fast pacing, The Bad Guys is full of visual jokes, short chapters, and over-the-top antics. This series is a hit with readers who enjoy comics, action, and humour that doesn’t take itself seriously.

Captain Underpants

George and Harold love pranks, comics, and causing chaos — especially when they accidentally hypnotise their grumpy principal into becoming the underwear-clad superhero Captain Underpants. Packed with outrageous humour, flip-o-rama action, and irreverent fun, this series celebrates creativity and silliness. Beneath the jokes, there’s a strong message about friendship and imagination. It’s perfect for kids who think reading should be fun first — and for parents looking to hook reluctant readers.

 

Max Crumbly: Locker Hero

Max Crumbly is starting at a new middle school and hoping to finally make friends and stay out of trouble — but things don’t go as planned. When Max accidentally gets locked inside his school overnight, he discovers a chance to become an unlikely hero. Armed with imagination, determination, and plenty of doodles, Max must stop a group of bullies and save the school. Told through diary-style entries with lots of illustrations, this fast, funny story is perfect for readers who enjoy humour, relatable school mishaps, and graphic-style storytelling.

InvestiGators

Mango and Brash are alligators — and also secret agents solving crimes in their sewer-based headquarters. Packed with puns, gadgets, and comic-style illustrations, InvestiGators combines mystery with nonstop humour. The simple text and visual storytelling make it highly accessible, while the clever jokes reward confident readers too. It’s an excellent pick for kids who enjoy graphic novels, silly heroes, and mysteries with a strong comedic twist.