Dog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea - A Graphic Novel

In "Dog Man #11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea," Dav Pilkey's beloved characters return for another wild and wacky adventure. This graphic novel for kids is packed with action, humor, and heart. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this book is sure to delight. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the story, characters, artwork, and themes to help you decide if it's a must-read for you and your family.

Introduction

Dog Man, the heroic hound with the head of a dog and the body of a police officer, is back in action in his latest adventure, "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea." In this graphic novel, written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man and his friends set out to stop a flea infestation that threatens to destroy their town. As with previous books in the series, "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" is filled with humor, action, and heart, making it a great read for kids and adults alike.

Plot Summary

The book begins with a flea infestation that is spreading rapidly throughout the town. Dog Man and his friends, including a cat named Petey and a robot named 80-HD, are called upon to stop the fleas before they take over. With the help of their underwater vehicle, the Supa Buddies dive deep into the ocean to find the source of the fleas. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including a giant octopus and a group of mischievous mermaids. Can Dog Man and his friends save the day?

Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea: A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #11)" follows the titular hero, Dog Man, and his sidekick, Cat Kid, on their latest adventure to stop the nefarious plans of a group of fleas. The story begins with Dog Man and Cat Kid being recruited by their boss, Police Chief Bellingham, to investigate a strange incident at the local aquarium. There, they discover that a group of fleas has taken control of a submarine and plan to use it to take over the world.

Determined to stop the fleas, Dog Man and Cat Kid board the submarine and set off on a dangerous mission to save the world. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including underwater creatures, booby traps, and even a rival group of sea creatures led by the notorious Petey the Cat.

Despite the odds against them, Dog Man and Cat Kid use their wit, bravery, and teamwork to overcome each challenge and inch closer to their goal. They also receive help from some unexpected sources, such as a friendly octopus and a loyal robot dog. Meanwhile, the fleas reveal their true intentions: to create a giant flea circus and enslave all humans to perform in it.

As the climax approaches, Dog Man and Cat Kid face their biggest challenge yet: a showdown with the flea queen herself, who has a deadly weapon that can turn anything into a flea. With the fate of the world at stake, Dog Man must use all his skills to outsmart the fleas and save the day.

In the end, Dog Man and Cat Kid emerge victorious, thanks to their teamwork and courage. They are hailed as heroes by the grateful citizens of the city and enjoy a well-deserved rest. However, the story ends with a hint that their adventures are far from over, as they receive a new mission from the Police Chief that will take them to outer space.

Overall, "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" delivers a fast-paced and entertaining plot that combines action, humor, and suspense. The story's playful tone and colorful artwork make it a perfect choice for young readers who enjoy graphic novels with quirky characters and imaginative settings. The book also promotes values such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, which are important for children's social and emotional development.

Character Analysis

One of the strengths of the Dog Man series is its memorable cast of characters. In "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea," readers are treated to a mix of old favorites and new faces. Dog Man himself is as heroic and lovable as ever, while Petey the Cat continues to provide comic relief with his snarky remarks. The addition of 80-HD, a robot with a heart of gold, is a welcome one, as he adds a new dynamic to the group. Overall, the characters in "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" are well-developed and enjoyable to follow.

Artwork and Design

Dav Pilkey's artwork is as vibrant and energetic as ever in "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea." The book is filled with colorful illustrations that bring the characters and action to life. The design of the book is also noteworthy, as it incorporates a variety of visual elements, such as charts and diagrams, to enhance the storytelling. Overall, the artwork and design of "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" are top-notch.

One of the most striking features of "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" is its vibrant and detailed artwork. Dav Pilkey's illustrations are both playful and expressive, capturing the whimsical tone of the story and bringing the characters and settings to life.

The book's color palette is rich and varied, ranging from bright blues and greens to warmer shades of orange and yellow. This creates a sense of depth and contrast that enhances the visual appeal of each panel. The use of shadows and shading also adds texture and dimension to the characters and objects, making them look more three-dimensional and dynamic.

The page layout is another noteworthy aspect of the book's design. Pilkey employs a variety of panel sizes and shapes, including full-page spreads, splash pages, and even circular panels. This gives the book a sense of movement and variety, as the eye is constantly drawn to new and interesting compositions.

In addition, the use of speech bubbles, sound effects, and onomatopoeia adds to the book's playful and interactive nature. The dialogue between the characters is witty and humorous, with each character having a distinct voice and personality. The sound effects, such as "blub blub" for underwater scenes or "zap" for electrical shocks, add a layer of immersion and excitement to the story.

The character design is also noteworthy, as each character is distinct and memorable. Dog Man and Cat Kid are the main protagonists, and their half-dog, half-human and half-cat, half-human hybrid forms are visually striking and instantly recognizable. The villains, including the flea queen and Petey the Cat, have exaggerated and cartoonish features that make them both menacing and comical at the same time.

Overall, the art and design of "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" is a major strength of the book. The illustrations are bold and imaginative, and the use of color, page layout, and visual storytelling adds depth and complexity to the story. The book is a visual feast that will delight readers of all ages, and showcases Pilkey's talents as a skilled illustrator and storyteller.

Themes and Messages

While "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" is primarily a fun and lighthearted adventure, it does touch on some deeper themes and messages. One of the main themes is the importance of teamwork and friendship. Dog Man and his friends work together to overcome the challenges they face, and their bond is strengthened as a result. The book also emphasizes the importance of being brave and standing up for what is right. These themes are woven into the story in a way that is accessible to young readers.

Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" is primarily aimed at children ages 7-10, who enjoy reading graphic novels with funny and action-packed stories. The book is part of the popular Dog Man series, which has a loyal following among young readers who enjoy the series' blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments.

However, the book's themes and messages can also resonate with older readers, as it touches on universal values such as teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of friendship. The book encourages readers to embrace their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills, and to never give up on their goals no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.

The book also promotes the idea of working together towards a common goal, as Dog Man and Cat Kid rely on each other's strengths and support to complete their mission. The supporting characters, such as the friendly octopus and loyal robot dog, also demonstrate the importance of cooperation and loyalty in achieving success.

Another important theme of the book is the power of imagination and playfulness. The book's fantastical setting and quirky characters invite readers to use their imaginations and engage with the story in a playful and interactive way. The book also celebrates the joy of creativity and invention, as Dog Man and Cat Kid use their wits and ingenuity to overcome each obstacle in their way.

In addition, the book touches on important issues such as environmentalism and animal welfare. The villains in the story, the fleas, are portrayed as a parasitic species that threatens the balance of nature, while Dog Man and Cat Kid represent the forces of good that protect the environment and promote animal rights. This sends a positive message to young readers about the importance of respecting and caring for the world around us.

Comparison with Previous Books in the Dog Man Series

"Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" is the eleventh book in the Dog Man series, and it continues the tradition of delivering a fun and exciting adventure story that will appeal to young readers. However, the book also introduces some new elements that make it stand out from the previous entries in the series.

One of the most noticeable differences is the book's setting. Unlike the previous books, which take place in a more mundane urban environment, this book is set in an underwater world filled with imaginative creatures and landscapes. This gives the book a more fantastical and whimsical tone, and allows for more creative and visually stunning illustrations.

Another difference is the book's focus on teamwork and cooperation. While previous books in the series also featured Dog Man working with other characters, such as the Supa Buddies, this book places a greater emphasis on the importance of collaboration and using everyone's unique skills to achieve a common goal. This message is particularly timely and relevant in today's world, where teamwork and cooperation are more important than ever.

The book also introduces some new characters, such as the friendly octopus and the robot dog, who add to the book's sense of humor and playfulness. These characters are also used to showcase the importance of loyalty and friendship, and to demonstrate how even the most unlikely allies can work together to overcome a common enemy.

In terms of plot, "Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea" follows a similar formula to the previous books in the series. Dog Man and Cat Kid must overcome a series of obstacles and challenges in order to defeat the villains and save the day. However, the book's underwater setting and the introduction of new characters and themes keep the story fresh and engaging.

Where to buy the book

This book is set to release on March 28, 2023 on Amazon, you can check it out here