Tom King admires the simplicity of "Dog Man's" all-age story.
While there is a place in Comics for dedicated fans who "are looking to dissect them and look for huge themes," Dav Pilkey's Superheroes' all-ages approach is as vital.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Tom King discussed his current work on Wonder Woman as well as his successful spell writing Batman for DC. King admitted that his writing style is not for everyone, while also expressing how much he likes stories that attempt to reach a broad audience. As King explains:
We often say that Comics are for everyone, but then I write these comics that are really for people who enjoy comics but want to study them and find big meanings. But I also want to write shelf-ready comics like [Diary of a] Wimpy Kid. I believe that is significant.
I am envious of everyone who works in comics. This is me being envious of Dog Man, basically.
What's remarkable about King's affection for Dog Man is how it embodies his general attitude toward the medium. He believes that Dog Man's greatest strength is its simplicity. While there is a place in Comics for dedicated fans who "are looking to dissect them and look for huge themes," Dav Pilkey's Superheroes' all-ages approach is as vital. It gives an excellent starting place for young readers to develop an interest in comics, allowing new readers to discover a new favorite without having to fully comprehend the complexities of comic development. At the same time, people of all ages can enjoy reading Dog Man or Captain Underpants and laughing, even if their tastes are more sophisticated.
Tom King's Respect for Dog Man Subtly Criticizes Gatekeeping Culture
Whether it's superheroes, slice-of-life stories, or the funny story of a half-dog, half-police officer, every form of comic is important to the medium's development, even if some aren't as "deep" as others.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from Tom King's admiration for Dog Man and its significance to the medium is how his statements imply a critique of gatekeeping culture. Some of the most toxic aspects of fandom can come from those who argue that someone's favorite tale isn't a "real" comic because it's too simple, unpopular, or not well-known enough. According to Tom King, every comic is vital, regardless of its content. The medium has produced some of the most profound dramatic stories in recent years, but books such as Dog Man are equally important. According to Tom King, he is "jealous of everyone who works in comics" because of how adaptable their tales are. Whether it's superheroes, slice-of-life stories, or the funny story of a half-dog, half-police officer, every form of comic is important to the medium's development, even if some aren't as "deep" as others. Tom King has become a rockstar among Batman fans and comic book readers in general; hearing him exalt a comic like Dog Man is extremely inspiring for individuals who enjoy simple stories and wish to tell their own.
Award-winning Batman writer reveals the shocking graphic novel he wishes he had written.
Tom King, an award-winning Batman writer, has revealed the startling graphic novel he wishes he had written. King has become one of DC Comics' most beloved writers, thanks to his distinctive interpretations on Batman and his current run on the massively successful new Wonder Woman relaunch. Despite his success with DC, King has admitted that he wishes he had created one shocking graphic novel more than any other.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Tom King expressed his admiration for the work of other comic creators, even admitting that he envies people who "write comics that you can pick off the shelf." To provide one example, King says that the comic he's most jealous of is Dog Man, Dav Pilkey's most successful superhero. This series from the creator of Captain Underpants, which follows the exploits of a hero with a dog's head and a police officer's body, has shattered records across the country as one of the most popular comics for young readers.
The Power of Simplicity: Tom King on Dog Man and the Importance of Comics for All Ages
Tom King is a critically regarded comic book writer best known for his work on Batman and Wonder Woman. However, in a recent interview, he disclosed an unexpected source of inspiration: Dog Man, Dav Pilkey's popular children's graphic novel series.
King praised Pilkey's ability to tell interesting stories that appeal to a broad audience, particularly children. He saw the value of comics as a doorway for young readers, bringing them to the world of graphic novels and instilling a passion for the medium. Dog Man, with its basic yet powerful storytelling, humor, and good themes, exemplifies comics' ability to reach a broad audience and inspire a new generation of readers.
Tom King's Thoughts on Dogman
Batman, one of DC Comics' most renowned heroes, is millionaire Bruce Wayne's vigilante superhero identity. Following the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world's best martial artist, investigator, and tactician. As the dark knight of his homeland, Gotham City, Bruce recruits a complete family of allies and sidekicks to fight evil.
Tom King has showed a great ability to tell complicated and emotionally resonant stories inside the DC Comics universe. His work on Batman and Wonder Woman has received critical acclaim for its complexities, character development, and provocative topics. However, King's fondness for Dog Man demonstrates his understanding of the diversity of the comic book medium and the value of stories that appeal to a wide range of ages. By recognizing the potential of simple and compelling storytelling, King provides a powerful counterweight to the gatekeeping culture that can exist in the realm of comics.
