Alan, King of the Universe
Part of the collectionAlan, King of the Universe→Two-colour graphic novel mayhem starring a would-be tyrant cat and his loyal dog — big panels, joke-per-page energy and an easy step up for newly independent and reluctant readers.
- Books3 / 4
- Arcs1
- Span2025–2027
- StatusOngoing
The series
At a glance.
Tom McLaughlin's two-colour graphic novel comedy for newly independent readers, following Alan — a thumbed, power-hungry cat certain he was born to rule — and his good-natured, faintly clueless dog Fido. Each book delivers fresh, gloriously doomed schemes for universal domination, all of which must somehow fit around teatime. The appeal lies as much in the format as the jokes: clean, big-panelled two-colour artwork and relentless comic energy make it an easy, confidence-building read for children stepping up from picture books, and a strong pick for reluctant readers. Acquired by Hachette as a four-book deal, the series is warm as well as daft, built around the unlikely double act of a very big ego and a very small cat.
Two-colour graphic novel mayhem starring a would-be tyrant cat and his loyal dog — big panels, joke-per-page energy and an easy step up for newly independent and reluctant readers.
Primary themes
Overall tone
- Funny
- Silly
- Absurdist
- Irreverent
Episodic — each book stands alone, but publication order is the natural way in.
One arc
The shape of the series.
- IStandalone collection arcBooks 1–3 · 2025–2027Low sensitivity
The reign of Alan
Episodic world-domination schemes from a thumbed cat and his loyal dog.
A fully episodic run of two-colour graphic novels: each book is a fresh, self-contained batch of Alan's doomed schemes for universal domination, with no ongoing plot to keep up with. The pleasure is consistent from book to book — big expressive panels, a clean two-colour palette and joke-per-page energy — so children can pick up any volume and dive straight in. Alan's megalomania and Fido's cheerful loyalty power the comedy throughout, with the odd gentle lesson about ambition and consequences sneaking in around the gags. An ideal, low-pressure format for newly independent and reluctant readers building reading stamina and confidence, and daft enough that adults reading along will enjoy it too.
Book 1Alan, King of the Universe
Book 2Alan, King of the Universe: Today, I Will Rule All!Hachette Children's Group · MMXXVIAlan, King of the Universe: Today, I Will Rule All!Book 3Alan, King of the Universe: Cats Rule, Dogs Drool!Hachette Children's Group · MMXXVIIAlan, King of the Universe: Cats Rule, Dogs Drool!
Fit check
Right for your reader?
Where the series lands by age
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- 15
- 17
- 19
- Best fit · 7–10
- Read aloud · 6–9
- Independent · 7–10
Reluctant-reader friendliness
Very high
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Adult crossover
High
Grows with the reader
Not especially
Sensitivity envelope
Low overall, and consistent.
Where it sits
In conversation with other series.
About the author