Dav Pilkey, the award-winning creator of the bestselling Captain Underpants and Dog Man series, appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to celebrate his newest projects and reflect on the childhood experiences that shaped his storytelling.
Pilkey discussed his latest release, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga, a dynamic reimagining of the very first Captain Underpants chapter book. The new edition follows the original story arc but is transformed into a fast‑paced graphic novel featuring bold manga‑inspired artwork by Japanese artist Motojiro. Designed in a Western reading style, the book introduces Pilkey’s iconic characters to a new generation of readers through an exciting visual lens.
During the interview, Pilkey also shared an exclusive first look at the cover of his upcoming Dog Man adventure, Dog Man: A Sprinkle in Time, arriving November 3, 2026. Fans got an early glimpse of what’s next for the beloved canine hero.
In a heartfelt moment, Pilkey opened up about his experiences growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, explaining how those challenges led him to drawing and creating stories. What once made school difficult ultimately fueled the imagination behind characters like George, Harold, and Captain Underpants.
To watch the full segment, click here: Dav Pilkey Credits ADHD For 'Captain Underpants' Inspiration