A release from Dog Man series is one of the most anticipated events in the genre of graphic novels. Filled with humor, this book tells of the tale of an evil mad scientist who sought to wreck the city with his powerful robot. It also tells the tale of Petey the cat and what happens when his son invites Petey’s father to visit. Finally, it tells of a hero in love with cupcakes who inadvertently brings this epic to a good ending.

One of the strongest themes in the book is that one must not just be good; one must also do good. This theme is conveyed by characters that act in the face of evil instead of being afraid. They are forces for the common good.

Also, themes of friendship and of being yourself abound as friends collaborate as a team to counteract evil. Even cats and Dog Man (a hybrid man with a dog’s head) work together. Through friendly prodding, Dog Man must overcome his fear of balls trained into him in order for the city to be safe.

Many wordplays based off of Ernest Hemingway’s body of work. Chapter titles and the book’s title feature allusions to parts of Hemingway’s life. This sets up readers to anticipate future reading in the classics.

Kids will find great delight in this book. Humor, wit, playful illustrations, and positive themes combine to create another work in the Dog Man series. This work is sure to entertain the next generation for some time. ( )

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