#89. "Cat Kid Comic Club" by Dav Pilkey

 

Almost 25 years later, Dav Pilkey's "Captain Underpants" series is still going strong. While the character was retired, his spin-off "Dog Man" has become a best-seller, itself quickly approaching the 10th entry and establishing some of his most satisfying writing to date. What makes it more impressive is that even in a world that feels like a balloon perpetually expanding, there's something exciting about seeing how much further things will go. With this spin-off to a spin-off, "Cat Kid Comic Club" the series takes an interesting turn by focusing almost exclusively on the creative writing process. There's no bigger point than to suggest that everyone's silly idea is worthy of exploring and, as a result, becomes a delightful and simple introduction to concepts like workshops, brainstorming, and editing. What is lacks in any greater arc it more than makes up for with a wondrous sense of humor 

Following the events of "Dog Man: Grime and Punishment," L'il Petey has befriended the tadpoles who have been radiated into sentient beings. Much like him, they are childlike with a rambunctious spirit. At some point he is encouraging them to tell their own stories, thus starting the comics club. With every character having some childlike approach, there is a chance to allow everything to not feel forced, where no idea is terribly too complex or intimidating. Pilkey has a way of making it feel like the audience is there asking these questions, sharing ideas that are downright ridiculous. Some of them are confident in their vision and others aren't sure. The ultimate goal at the end of these sections is an encouragement to keep trying and push oneself to find the heart. Sometimes it starts with an idea and others require more creative means.

Most of the events play out like a workshop, where ideas are presented in comic form. The reader gets to see these creations and have a laugh, watching small edits be improved upon and the jokes become stronger. Meanwhile, Petey is there giving advice and showing everyone how to find their own voice. A lot of it is ridiculous and juvenile, but Pilkey knows how to make it feel supportive. His writing has always about finding subversive ways to make the reader more interested in pursuing their own stories, and here he's taken it to the literal extent. Beyond watching other people share theirs, he's finally interacting, finding the most direct ways to do it with a creative spirit underneath. 

Whatever "Cat Kid Comics Club" lacks in the most memorable or essential story it more than makes up for with charm. The idea of using this as a tool to teach young kids how to write is not unfathomable, especially as it validates the experience. It removes the intimidation that most would have with the process and allows them to feel like anything is possible. They can write a dumb little story and have it be a worthwhile experience. This isn't one of Pilkey's funniest stories, but it definitely has usefulness for anyone wanting to find a new approach to teaching writing. The series is planning to continue with more books in the near future, so hopefully, it will only continue to be one of the most subversive tools Pilkey has created yet. He's one of the few authors who knows how to get kids to care about language without requiring academia, and that alone is an accomplishment that shines through especially here, making one appreciate the layers with which he creates his work.