Summary
Award-winningBatmanwriter Tom King has revealed the surprising graphic novel he wished he had written. King has become one of DC’s most beloved comic writers with his unique takes on Batman and his current run on the wildly successful newrelaunch of theWonder Womanseries. However, despite his success with DC, there’s one shocking graphic novel that King has revealed he wished he’d written more than anything.
Inan interview with Screen Rant, Tom King discussed his appreciation the work of other comic creators, even mentioning that he envies those that “that write comics that you can pick off the shelf.” To give a notable example, King mentions thatthe comic he’s most jealous of in particular is Dav Pilkey’smost successful superhero,Dog Man.
This series from the creator ofCaptain Underpants, which follows the adventures of a hero with the head of a dog and the body of a police officer, has broken records nationwide as one of the most popular comics for young readers.
DC Bestseller Tom King Declares Peanuts “The Best Comic of All Time” - Here’s Why
In an exclusive interview with PopVerse, Tom King revealed that Peanuts is the best comic of all time, and here’s why that is!
Tom King Admires The Simplicity Of “Dog Man’s” All Ages Story
Dog ManIs As Important As Batman
While there’s a place in comics for hardcore fans that “are looking to dissect them and looking for huge themes,” the all-ages approach of Dav Pilkey’s superheroes is just as important.
Speaking with Screen Rant, Tom King covered a range of topics in detail, including hiscurrent work onWonder Womanand his successful tenure writingBatmanfor DC. King acknowledged that his own writing style isn’t for everybody – while at the same time admitting how much he values stories that do strive to reach a universal audience. As King explained:
We always say comics are for everybody, but then I write these comics that are, you know— they’re really for people who love comics but are looking to dissect them and looking for huge themes. But I also want to write comics that you can pick off the shelf, like [Diary of a] Wimpy Kid. I think it’s important.
I’m jealous of everyone who works in comics. This is me being jealous of Dog Man, basically.
What’s fascinating about King’s admiration forDog Manis how it encapsulates his overall view of the medium. To him,the simplicity ofDog Manis its greatest strength.
While there’s a place in comics for hardcore fans that “are looking to dissect them and looking for huge themes,” the all-ages approach of Dav Pilkey’s superheroes is just as important. It provides a great entry point for young readers to develop a fascination for comics, giving new readers a chance to find a new favorite without needing to fully understand the nuance of comic creation. At the same time, people of any age can readDog ManorCaptain Underpantsand find themselves engaged, laughing even if it is in spite of their more mature tastes.
Tom King’s Respect forDog ManLow-Key Criticizes Gatekeeping Culture
There’s No Wrong Way To Enjoy Comics
Whether it’s superheroes, slice-of-life stories, or the silly tale of a half-dog half-police officer, every type of comic is crucial to the medium’s success, even if some are not quite as “deep” as others.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Tom King’s praise forDog Man, and its importance to the medium, ishow his words subtly point toward a critique of gatekeeping culture. Some of the most toxic parts of fandom can come from people who claim that someone’s favorite story shouldn’t be considered a “real” comic, either because it’s too simple, not well-liked, or not well-known enough. The truth is, every comic is important, according to Tom King, regardless of what it is. The medium has created some of the most profound dramatic stories in recent years, but books likeDog Manare just as vital.
According to Tom King, he is “jealous of everyone who works in comics” because of how malleable their stories can be. Whether it’s superheroes, slice-of-life stories, or the silly tale of a half-dog half-police officer, every type of comic is crucial to the medium’s success, even if some are not quite as “deep” as others. Tom King has become a superstar amongBatmanfans and comic readers in general; having him extoll a comic likeDog Manis absolutely inspirational for those that have a love for simple stories and want to tell their own.
Check Out Tom King’sfull interview with Screen Rant Here!
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
