Dav Pilkey: When I was in second grade, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and what is now widely known as ADHD. I often got in trouble in class, and my teachers sent me out in the hallway. That’s where I started writing my own stories and drawing Captain Underpants and Dog Man. I shared my comics with my classmates, who always laughed. I have been writing and drawing ever since. 

DP: When I read books, I like to get to know the characters first and then later find out about their childhood. Characters are who they are because of who they were. I thought it would be interesting to explore the mind of a character who had extremely bad luck throughout his life. Big Jim was often misunderstood and, although it was unintentional, he got into trouble. Despite all of this, he never blamed others. He saw the good in everything. 

DP: Initially, I had only planned on writing two Dog Man books, but the ideas kept coming to me. Right now, I am working on the 14th Dog Man book, and I hope to make many more. 

DP: It feels as if they have grown up and moved on to their own adventures. It’s exciting, and I am a huge fan of the work that other people have done bringing these characters to the screen.