The Dog Knight

The Dog Knight #1

by Jeremy Whitley, Bre Indigo (Illustrator), Melissa Capriglione (Colorist)

A nonbinary middle schooler saves a dog from bullies and is offered the chance to become the Dog Knight, protector of a magical pact between humans and dogs, in the first book of this humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel series from Jeremy Whitely, author of Princeless , and Bre Indigo, illustrator of Meg, Jo, Beth, and A Graphic Novel .

Frankie knows who they are. They’re a drummer, they’re nonbinary, and they’re… the Dog Knight?

One day Frankie is a relatively normal middle schooler, with relatively normal challenges, like finding the perfect outfit to wear during their drum solo during the upcoming band concert. The next, they save a friendly golden retriever from bullies and suddenly find themselves in a giant magical doghouse, with a funny looking helmet, talking to a group of dog superheroes called the Pawtheon about a job offer.

If Frankie can prove that they possess the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell, they will be named the Dog Knight and be given the power to fight alongside the Pawtheon and save the world from the forces of chaos.

Maybe there is more to Frankie than they thought?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, LGBT, Animals, Comics, Dogs

222 pages, Hardcover

First published May 16, 2023

About the author

Jeremy Whitley is the son of two teachers and the husband of a third.

Born in La Mesa, CA, Jeremy went to high school in Lenoir, NC and college at The University of North Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelors in English, and a minor in Creative Writing.

Jeremy lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife Alicia and his two daughters Zuri and Amara.

Jeremy is the writer/creator of the comic series Princeless, Raven the Pirate Princess, School for Extraterrestrial Girls, and The Dog Knight. He is also the writer of the acclaimed Marvel series "The Unstoppable Wasp". His other works include extensive work for Marvel, the "Sea of Thieves" comics, and over sixty issues of My Little Pony comics.

Awards and Nominations:
3 time Glyph Winner
5 time Glyph Nominee
2 time Eisner Nominee
2 time Cyblis Nominee
2 time Bloomer Nominee
1 time Most Likely to Succeed Winner

Reviews

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute, fun middlegrade graphic novel with a non-binary MC and SO MANY DOGS.

In most books I wouldn't enjoy seeing the MC become friends with someone who bullied them before, but I think in middlegrade this can be really important, since kids that age still have so much growing to do, so redemption needs to be possible. Both characters had some good conversations, so I thought this was handled really well.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, stop because this was so cute??? NB rep tied in with adorable talking dogs? What's not to like? There was an amazing amount of POC rep in this, and the story focuses on the themes of friendship, family, and anti-bullying. I read an ARC of this after attending a Booklist webinar, and I cannot wait to recommend this to all of our patrons (and I am so excited for future volumes!)

[abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

damn, now I want to be a dog knight

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It's like if the dog Justice League needed to find a human to be their Avatar who can be the bridge between dog and human worlds. The artwork and colors from Bre and Melissa are downright stunning, and they really elevate the story to a genuine, magical level. I think this one is going to be a hit, and I'd love if it was-- not just because this book deserves it, but so that I can get a sequel or ten to keep living in this world with Frankie. 5/5 stars and a new favorite graphic novel.

EDIT-- I just saw that this is going to be a trilogy. I can see why the publisher was so confident in this one! I can't wait to get more. Bring on the inevitable success!! Kids are gonna eat this up.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this is one sitting because it was so good. I loved the concept of this graphic novel, with a round table of dogs choosing their champion in a young, nonbinary middle schooler named Frankie. It also confronts the issue of bullying and coming out, but doesn't make that the focus of the story. The focus is Frankie coming into their own and being able to stand for something they believe in while beginning to feel comfortable in their own skin, with the help of talking dogs! I loved this so much, I preordered it right after I finished it. Five stars, and I will definitely be continuing this series if more books come out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the e-arc!

#TheDogKnight #NetGalley

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this middle-grade graphic novel about a biracial nonbinary kid who finds out they may be next in line to save the world. Whitley always has a great touch with unsuspecting main characters being yanked into an adventure. The bully redemption/growth arc was handled with care and I thought it was an important subplot. Indigo and Capriglione do a fantastic job on the art, as well, so I'm excited that this is a series starter and we get more Dog Knight!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this graphic novel! The plot and pacing were both very well done. I really enjoyed all the different dogs and their personalities. I think my favorite was The Terror out of all the dogs, he really cracked me up with how serious he was all the time. I think that this would be a great book to read if you are an animal lover like me! All the artwork was so cute too!

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shut up, this was adorable.

[Kaye Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight. Funny enough to laugh out loud, sweet enough to tear up.

[Florescpapyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Knight is an enchanting tale that combines the timeless bond between humans and animals with elements of adventure and bravery. Set in a magical kingdom, the story revolves around a courageous knight named Sir Barkington and his loyal companion, a talking dog named Rover. Together, they embark on a quest to save the kingdom from an evil sorcerer, facing formidable challenges and discovering the true power of friendship along the way. With its whimsical storytelling and heartfelt messages about courage and loyalty, The Dog Knight captures the imagination and warms the hearts of readers of all ages. This delightful book is a must-read for animal lovers and fantasy enthusiasts, as it reminds us of the extraordinary journeys that can unfold when we embrace the bravery and loyalty within ourselves and our four-legged friends

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Feiwel & Friends for providing me with an ARC.

This book is fantastic. I loved Frankie and their tests with the dogs. It is a fantastic story that involves well written characters and plenty of dogs. I loved seeing them grow throughout the book and getting to stand up for themselves. I also loved that other characters were allowed to develop alongside Frankie. It's always difficult to be able to work to come back from being a bully and I expect that the continuing story will continue to show that struggle, but it is something that I like to see. I like to see characters learn that they are wrong and work towards forgiveness, even if they know that it might be impossible to gain forgiveness. Overall, Frankie was a fantastic protagonist that I am excited to see more from. I loved seeing them develop and really come into themselves as the Dog Knight. I can't wait to read more from this series.

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Knight is full of things I love: non-binary MC, supportive parent, other supportive adults, fun art, and, of course, dogs! Frankie is a little uncomfortable in their skin, trying to figure out what clothes feel right and how to navigate school bullies and an ex-best friend. But when they get pulled into a magical otherworld with superhero dogs, they have an even bigger challenge on their hands - saving the town from literal chaos gremlins! Full of laughs and heart in equal measure, this book is perfect for middle schoolers and dog lovers of all ages. I can’t wait for the next installment of this adventure!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m writing this as a grown-up gay dog lover, but I think anyone is going to love this book about a nonbinary middle schooler who gets invited to be the protector of dogs despite their mom’s dog allergy. The art is clear and dynamic, the story can be read in about an hour but has chapter breaks for younger readers, and the humor (especially the delusional Yorkshire Terror) made me actually laugh out loud. I’m buying a copy for my friend’s fourth grade class today!

[Dione Basseri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, you just need a silly magical destiny book. About cute animals!

Frankie’s mother has always been supportive of them. Loud drums, fine. Nonbinary, that’s just who you are. Problems at school, she’s going to back her kid up! She’s great. Except for one…big…thing. NO DOGS! She’s horrifically allergic to dogs!

Which makes becoming the Dog Knight complicated. Frankie didn’t ASK for it, but when they’re summoned by the Pawtheon to become a champion of good, Frankie is overwhelmed…yet tempted. It’s going to take a lot of bravery and a LOT of lint rollers to pull this off!

I loved the concept of the Pawtheon. A real Round Table of canines, each with their own guardian aspect. Justice, loyalty, kindness, honesty, stubbornness (I suspect the author has met my parents’ dogs…) and…smell (oh, they’ve DEFINITELY met my parents’ dogs!)? Well, hey. They’re dogs. Makes sense! Frankie must pass a test to prove their worthiness in all 6 aspects to fully become the Dog Knight. And, along the way, they will find ways to use these aspects to solve problems in their own life.

On the other side of the household pet spectrum, I appreciate that cats were not the ultimate villains in this book. It’s overdone. Gremlins, I’ll happily accept. There’s a rich history of blaming accidents and mechanical problems on gremlins, and while there is, yes, also a history of blaming problems on cats, gremlins at least aren’t REAL. There was a moment in the book that I was worried for, when I thought the book was headed in that traditional direction, but Whitley turned it around in a delightful way.

Frankie’s nonbinary identity is quite central to the plot, and is explored in a realist, respectful, but also heroic and adventurous manner!

This is a great pick for any younger dog lover. Maybe a bit too kiddy for high schoolers, but it’s worth suggesting to the real canine fanatics!

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frankie is a nonbinary tween who is drafted by talking, super-powered dogs to help them in their battle against evil gremlins.

It's a silly premise, but writer Jeremy Whitley keeps it fun and adventurous as Frankie is tested to see if they are fit for the job while the gremlins run interference. But there is drama too as, coincidentally, some of the tests touch on the problems Frankie has had since coming out as nonbinary.

I see that a second volume is forthcoming, and I look forward to checking it out.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Chapter One. Frankie -- Chapter Two. A Safe, Quiet Space -- Chapter Three. The Omniversal Doghouse -- Chapter Four. Gremlins in the Gears -- Chapter Five. The Trial of Loyalty -- Chapter Six. The Trial of Kindness -- Chapter Seven. The Trial of Honesty -- Chapter Eight. The Trial of Justice -- Chapter Nine. The Trial of Smell -- Chapter Ten. The Trial of Stubborness -- Chapter Eleven. Dog Gone -- Chapter Twelve. The Dog Knight

[Eliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dog Knight
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.57/10 overall

Characters - 8

Atmosphere - 9

Writing - 8

Plot - 9

Intrigue - 9

Logic - 8

Enjoyment - 9

Overall Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this one. It was sweet and the art was incredible. The story structure wasn't super unique, but the characters made up for it. This has been on my tbr for a while, so I'm glad I finally got around to it! It didn't disappoint, that's for sure. :)

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the concept of the story, and the art was so beautiful! There aren't many books out there about facing gender identity and many other issues teens tend to face, and being able to wrap that into a cute puppy package makes me want to read this to my kids one day. Amazing work!

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I enjoyed the dogs. Immensely enjoyed the dogs.

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be my new favorite graphic novel. I highly recommend this for kids, but really people of any age will enjoy how this book touches upon themes of identity. I love that this book is mainly about the bond between dogs and humans, but even more so it's about "finding yourself" in so many ways. Gender expression, friendship, how you treat others, even tiny details like asking someone if they would like a hug before you actually hug them...I'm obsessed with this book.

[Jenn Naughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this book so much- we rewrote our curricula to include it in our Lit class this fall. The nonbinary rep is stellar and really- the premise of a human protecting dogs had us hooked from page one.

[Snarky Hatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This comic was a blast. To give a quick summary: Frankie is non-binary and gets picked on at school by their classmates and former friend. During an outing with their mom, they bump into a dog. After some events the dog disappears, only for Frankie to see them again. While giving following the mystery dog they bump into one of their bullies. Frankie tries to stand up to said bully, but fails. However, soon after the dog they have been following reveals that Frankie has been chosen to become the Dog Knight, the protector of the world and slayer of gremlins.

The book delves into some pretty have topics, such as: being outed, bullying, unsupportive teachers, toxic and controlling parents, respecting people's boundaries, identity, and forgiveness.

For me the respecting people's boundaries really stood out and was something I appreciated. It was nice to have someone ask Frankie if Frankie was comfortable with being hugged and see that person respect Frankie's answer when they said no. It was great to see it again with the tables being turned, and Frankie asking someone else about hugging them, and that person setting a boundary of "no more than five seconds" and once again, those boundaries being respected and not argued against.

Somewhat tying into boundaries, while also going into slightly off topic territory, there is one scene in the comic where it is mentioned that Frankie's mom is freaked out by sleepovers. As someone who had a parent who was also freaked out by sleepovers, I really want to know more about why sleepover's bother Frankie's mom. I don't know if that will ever come back into this series, but if it does, I am here for it.

Something else I am here for is the art. They art is beautiful, and I love the little touches of detail scattered throughout. For example, when characters are arguing, the fight is usually depicted in hues of red and purple, and usually the the character shouting is in red. It's a simple detail, but it adds a lot to the panels. You can watch the "anger" fade away as the red becomes less until it is all gone.

There's a so much to praise this comic for. If any of what I said sounds interesting, I say pick up a copy of it and give it a read. Also, if you love superhero comics and dogs, then that's all the more reason to pick up this book and give it a read.

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

82%

The concept of a league of dogs that watch over and protect the human world is very endearing, and I loved that pretty much the entirety of this book is what usually would be condensed into montage territory in superhero stories; passing trials of character that aren't directly linked to saving the world.

Also, Terror the Yorkie was the absolute best.

~Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.~

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable and funny

[KATHRYNE STEVENS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect to enjoy this book. The illustrations are clear and easy to follow. The expressions hilarious and especially fun with the dogs. The plot is simple, but the character growth and representation was heart warming. The characterization of the dogs while simple was effective. All in all a fun and slightly emotional coming of age story.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book covers some topics of bullying with Dallas, her brother, and their parents. We get some understanding to why Dallas started treating Frankie poorly. We get a vague hint at why her brother is a bully. But mostly these scenes are glossed over again in favor of gremlins.

https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...

[Leeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ihan kiva seikkailusarjis. Tuntui aika nuorelle yleisölle kohdennetulta, enkä näin ollen saanut varmastikaan täysiä tehoja irti. Plussapisteitä ei-binäärisestä nuoresta päähenkilöstä.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cool concept. The dogs of the world need a human champion who can fight the gremlins who want to destroy the world. Whomever is chosen must have all the qualities of a good dog, bravery, loyalty, stubbornness, and such.

This is where Frankie comes into the picture. They are a non-binary middle grade student, who plays drums in the orchestra, and is trying to find something dressy to wear to their first performance. Problem is, dresses don’t cut it, but neither do suits. They don't’ make them look like how they feel.

And as they are walking home through the woods, they come across some mean boys tormenting a dog, which they defend. Turns out it is one of the dogs that is looking for their champion, and so Frankie has to go through a series of trials. Only problem is, their mother is allergic to dog fur, and the dogs keep getting them covered with fir.

I loved that Frankie being non-binary is important to the story, and not, at the same time. They are all they can be for the dogs, but we have the side story of Dallas, their best friend, until they came out to her, and she rejected them, and made fun of them from that point forward.

It is such an engaging story on both levels, of a cool adventure, and a coming out for Frankie. Beautifully illustrated. And apparently it is the beginning of a series of graphic novels about Frankie, which I am all for.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This comes out May 16th from MacMillian.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Knight is charming, meaningful and fun! Jeremy Whitley's young adult comics can be appreciated by kids and adults. He writes about wonderfully diverse characters and their journeys of self-discovery, standing up for what is right, and having compassion for others. The Dog Knight is all of this and more.

I'll first talk about what I thought while reading The Dog Knight. This is a feel-good action/adventure story that had me rooting for Frankie to complete the trials and become the Dog Knight and the best version of Frankie they could be! As a mom, it was nice to see a story with a parent that supports and respects their kid's choices.

Next, I will talk about why this story is important. In today's climate...where people are trying to erase the LGBTQ+ community from schools, we need more stories like this.

Frankie is a middle-school non-binary character. Just like every middle schooler, they are trying to figure out how to fit into a world where adults want to divide everyone into "this" or "that." But for Frankie, it is a little more complicated. For example, they don't feel comfortable in traditional "boy" clothes or "girl" clothes but those seem to be the only choices. Until they find out who they are, how can they begin to explain to others around them what being non-binary means? Whitley shows how important a supportive parent and a good friend are for any kid that doesn't fit in yet.

The use of dogs is the perfect symbol of how to be a good person. A group of superhero dogs protects mankind from the minions of chaos by using traits that dogkind values most: Loyalty, Kindness, Honesty, Stubbornness, Justice, and Smell (this one is explained in the story). Frankie must pass a trial for each trait to become the Dog Knight (without their mom, who has a dog allergy, finding out!) But it isn't easy. Could you show kindness or justice to people who have bullied you?

The artist Bre Indigo has a style that is a natural match for this story and its target audience. I've been following Bre's young adult LGBTQ+ webcomic, Jamie, for a long time. She has a wonderful ability to tell a story in comic form. Her art is comfortable and cheerful. As a black queer person like Frankie, I think Bre was able to bring a lot to The Dog Knight.

The Dog Knight is a must for any library. It is the type of representation that can help queer kids and their non-queer peers understand what being non-binary is about in a humorous and genuine way that can open the door for some positive discussion.

5 "doggie hat" Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2023/02/co...

Merged review:

The Dog Knight is charming, meaningful and fun! Jeremy Whitley's young adult comics can be appreciated by kids and adults. He writes about wonderfully diverse characters and their journeys of self-discovery, standing up for what is right, and having compassion for others. The Dog Knight is all of this and more.

I'll first talk about what I thought while reading The Dog Knight. This is a feel-good action/adventure story that had me rooting for Frankie to complete the trials and become the Dog Knight and the best version of Frankie they could be! As a mom, it was nice to see a story with a parent that supports and respects their kid's choices.

Next, I will talk about why this story is important. In today's climate...where people are trying to erase the LGBTQ+ community from schools, we need more stories like this.

Frankie is a middle-school non-binary character. Just like every middle schooler, they are trying to figure out how to fit into a world where adults want to divide everyone into "this" or "that." But for Frankie, it is a little more complicated. For example, they don't feel comfortable in traditional "boy" clothes or "girl" clothes but those seem to be the only choices. Until they find out who they are, how can they begin to explain to others around them what being non-binary means? Whitley shows how important a supportive parent and a good friend are for any kid that doesn't fit in yet.

The use of dogs is the perfect symbol of how to be a good person. A group of superhero dogs protects mankind from the minions of chaos by using traits that dogkind values most: Loyalty, Kindness, Honesty, Stubbornness, Justice, and Smell (this one is explained in the story). Frankie must pass a trial for each trait to become the Dog Knight (without their mom, who has a dog allergy, finding out!) But it isn't easy. Could you show kindness or justice to people who have bullied you?

The artist Bre Indigo has a style that is a natural match for this story and its target audience. I've been following Bre's young adult LGBTQ+ webcomic, Jamie, for a long time. She has a wonderful ability to tell a story in comic form. Her art is comfortable and cheerful. As a black queer person, like Frankie, I think Bre was able to bring a lot to The Dog Knight.

The Dog Knight is a must for any library. It is the type of representation that can help queer kids and their non-queer peers understand what being non-binary is about in a humorous and genuine way that can open the door for some positive discussion.

5 "doggie hat" Sheep

[mad mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley. Content warning for depictions of transphobia, bullying, and animal cruelty.)

Middle schooler Frankie Bryant knows a lot about bullies. When they came out as nonbinary, Frankie told exactly two people: their mom Diane, and their best friend Dallas - who immediately outed them to the entire school. Now she joins in the "Freakie Frankie" chorus when her classmates mock her. Dallas's older brother Austin is even worse, upping the verbal abuse to physical threats and even assault, ultimately driving Frankie off the baseball team.

So when Frankie spots Austin and his friends taunting a Golden Retriever on their way home from school, they intervene. What was meant to be a heroic effort takes an embarrassing turn when Frankie trips on a tree root - and wakes up in an ornate mansion, surrounded by a pack of talking superhero dogs. They are the Pawtheon, and they suspect that Frankie might be their next Dog Knight, the one human meant to battle the forces of chaos (gremlins and shadows and such) alongside these super-pups. Frankie knows all this because they can communicate with the dogs, thanks to a magic, dog-eared helmet (the "helm").

Frankie must prove their merit by passing a series of trials, each designed to test the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell. But it won't be easy when the forces of evil are conspiring against them. Ditto: their mom's allergies.

THE DOG KNIGHT is a slightly silly, yet utterly charming and touching story about self-discovery, growing up, and doing what's right. In all their awkwardness and self-doubt (not to mention, moments of bravery and heroism) Frankie makes for an engaging protagonist. Their scenes with humans Sam and Nadia and canines Platinum and Good Dane are so delightful! The dogs, of course, threaten to steal the show, but Frankie more than holds their own.

There's so much to love here: talking dogs; a complex, human-canine backstory, complete with gremlins; a nonbinary, drum-playing, demon-slaying MC; a cross-fit-training, badass lawyer mom; a knight helmet with dog ears; a LGBTQ Cinderella moment - need I go on? The vibe does skew a little young for me, but it's perfect for the target demo of 9-12 years.

I do feel like Austin got of a little easy, but I understand the need to take the moral high ground in a book meant for middle schoolers.

Finally, if I had to pick one dog? Yorkshire Terror, if only because I've fostered a few Yorkies of my own (one of whom we nicknamed Tiny Terror).

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley and Bre Indigo is a middle grade graphic novel currently scheduled for release on May 16 2023. Frankie knows who they are. They’re a drummer, they’re nonbinary, and they’re… the Dog Knight? One day Frankie is a relatively normal middle schooler, with relatively normal challenges, like finding the perfect outfit to wear during their drum solo during the upcoming band concert. The next, they save a friendly golden retriever from bullies and suddenly find themselves in a giant magical doghouse, with a funny looking helmet, talking to a group of dog superheroes called the Pawtheon about a job offer. If Frankie can prove that they possess the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell, they will be named the Dog Knight and be given the power to fight alongside the Pawtheon and save the world from the forces of chaos. Maybe there is more to Frankie than they thought?

The Dog Knight takes on some serious topics, nd I think that many middle school readers will relate to much of the book. Frankie is non-binary and just trying to figure out what clothes, sports, friends, and so on really make them happy and feely fully themselves. Even as a fully grown adult, I still change up my style and am always looking for things that make me feel more me, and I know most kids are spending a good deal of their thought and energy trying to figure all that out for the first time. Add in the fantasy, danger, and adventure of a secret dog society and gremlins and you get a read that will keep young readers (and adults) engaged and eager to see how everything turns out. The aspects of bullying, friendship, and family relationships are very well done in this book, but more than anything I love that at the heart of it the whole story is about Frankie being the best Frankie they can be, and continuing to work at being the honest and loyal person that they want to be. I look forward to continuing this series and think it has great potential to be a favorite for many.

The Dog Knight is a well written, ad beautifully illustrated, graphic novel that I found to be engaging and enjoyable to read.