Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Dog Men

The Dresden Files Graphic Novels #7

by Mark Powers (Adaptor), Jim Butcher, Diego Galindo (Art)

New York Times-bestselling author Jim Butcher expands his beloved "Dresden Files" novel series with the all-new "Dog Men" story set within official continuity, created exclusively as a graphic novel!

Harry Dresden is a man on the edge--and that is something that can be dangerous to friend and foe alike. He's been drafted by a senior member of the White Council of Wizards to investigate a series of murders in rural Mississippi. As always, there's more afoot than is immediately apparent. The question is, will Harry's state of mind keep him from seeing it, and will his actions lead him into direct conflict with the wizard who's depending on his help?

Collects issues 1 - 6.

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction, Magic

144 pages, Hardcover

First published February 13, 2018

About the author

Mark Powers is the writer who created several of the graphic novels adapted The Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher and co-writer of The Encoded from Devil's Due comics. He is a writer at Mega Powers Entertainment and a producer at Volta. At Mega Powers Entertainment he has written comic books and graphic adaptations for various companies including Drafted, Rest, GI Joe, and adaptations of The Dresden Files. He was also a Senior Editor at Marvel managing the X-Men line of titles.

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a comic collection that is part of a long running series. This series includes novels, short stories, and comic collections. Even though this is part of a series it is more of a one off and has little to do with the overall arc. In this one Harry and Listens-to-Wind travel to a rural area to investigate a bunch of murders.

This a nice enjoyable one off from this series. It isn't the best comic collection from this series as I thought it had some minor flaws. One of the highlights for me was the actual main story. I thought this was fine and fit in with this universe as a group of sentient beings are mistaken for the crime. Harry gets involved and handles the situation as he usually does. With magic and violence. And many topical references that I thought was especially on point in this offering. The artwork was terrific. It was vivid with its detail and colors that had scenes that took up pages. I really enjoyed the artwork in this offering. I did have issues with two aspects that did affect my rating. This ties in with a previous comic collection in this series. I didn't care for this connection as I thought it was a little too far fetched. I also did not like a sub plot about Harry and his anger. This felt like it came out of left field. We have touched upon it in the novels. But to deal with this subject in this comic collection seemed ill fated. It just was not the place for it.

All in all this was a likeable offering from this series. Basically it met my expectations. I don't expect these comic collections to match the awesomeness of the novels in the series. I just want a good time with more adventures with Dresden and his crew. I achieved that here in this collection.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little Harry Dresden side story. Listens to Wind comes to harry for help so they head to rural Mississippi to help find some missing people. A witness claims she say a Dog Man leaving the house, but could it be something else. As with any Dresden Files book, Harry mixes it up with multiple antagonists until it all comes crashing together into a crescendo of magic and violence. One thing that bothered me about the book is how it kept focusing on Harry's temper and his self-doubt. It took away from the page count of what could have been used to add to the actual story. Diego Galindo's art was very good.

[Mitticus · Rating 3 out of 5]

+Digital copy gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review+

*the problem: I don't know what happened with the edition, but there is a lot of missing letters so it looks like bad spelling ... as I see anothers reviewers complaining about the same I guess it's not just my copy.

--------------------
Harry Dresden is passing a bad time , consumed by regrets and nightmares, afraid mostly for his friends' future. This is after Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Wild Card . Mouse is trying to get some sense in him when an old -literally- member of the White Council appears.



Yeah, out of respect for Ebenezer our paranoid wizard goes with Listen-to-Winds to Mississippi in view of some paranormal murders. The local police is willing to listen advice, but some guys that look like Feds cross with British Men of Letters want them gone.

Or

How Dresden deal with the Dark Side (even quoting Star Wars). I mean - Achilles? Dresden?... those poor bystanders. Personally, I think that someone better gets him an appointment with a shrink. This one host a lot of anger. He exhibits behaviour of been too much time at war; needs to speak with someone. Supposedly, Joseph Listen-to-Winds had the same issues, maybe thats why he is sort of mentoring him btw, great job shapeshifting.


The plot: People are in danger and witness point to wolf-men . Listen-to-Winds thinks is not wat it seems, while trying to made that Harry check himself and not be too trigger-happy. Things go rapidly south, and Harry appear to made all worst.

-It is ok plot.

-We count here only with Harry, Mouse and Joseph. Oh, and the blue beetle.


I like the cop, very sensible guy.

-The art is good. Drawing and coloring pack the action. Reconocible characters.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry Dresden as a novel has been wanting in the recent years, it seems almost like the writer has taken some time of from the Dresden files. Only this year there seems to be a small change with short story collection in the summer and the next Dresden novel early December. Until that time I am sure the next dynamite comic will undoubtedly appear as they have done these last few years.

Generally I do buy the separate installments but with this miniseries I missed out on the first one so decided to wait for the complete release to read in one sitting. Which was a new experience for a change I must admit, Normally you read each month the previous installment (s) and then the new one and this time no such thing, one reading in one go. Kinda nice.

Anyhow after all recent serious troubles Harry Dresden is somewhat peeked/om edge and when a member of the Wizards council takes him on a field trip it does nothing to alter his anxiety. They go to the deep south where apparently some ancient tribe of shapeshifters has attacked the local community. They are in dire need for two wizards and his dog. Very soon Harry will find out that there is something going on that is not something he was expecting. It takes him, some new "friends"and an unlikely ally to solve the situation and do something about Harry's current state of mind.

Once again a good story that does add to the universe of Harry Dresden and does a darn good job tying us over to the next two novels, collection and real book, to enjoy. And lets hope that Butcher keeps doing these comics, they are fun and the graphics a more than decent.

Do not worry, Harry Dresden will return.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dresden is in a dark state of mind after his encounter with Puck and even he is concerned that he may be a danger not only to enemies but to friends. So when a senior member of the White Council contacts him to investigate a series of brutal murders in a small rural town in Mississippi, he accepts. But will Dresden be able to overcome his emotions to deal with the challenge?

The graphic novel The Dresden Files: Dog Men contains volumes 1 – 7 of an original story by authors Jim Butcher and Mark Powers. The story gets off to a bit of a slow start especially as Dresden’s anger seems to overwhelm the story. Eventually, though, the story really picks up as Dresden returns to his usual wisecracking self and it becomes less about his angst and more about the action. Not the best of the Dresden tales but pretty darn good once it gets going.

3.5

Thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5

I've only read a handful of the original Dresden Files books/stories, and a slightly larger handful of these Dresden Files graphic novels, but I'm really enjoying this graphic novel series much more than I would have expected to like them.

In this latest edition, Harry Dresden ... wizard detective ... has been called to rural Mississippi by one of the leaders of the White Council of Wizards to help investigate recent murders. The culprit(s) would appear to be rather obvious - a clan of giant Dog Men have made the nearby woods their home - and Harry Dresden, sore, tired, and cranky, reacts on his short fuse instead of listening to the patience of the elder wizard, which results in a near-disastrous battle.

And though the council wizard winds up in the local hospital, he has his doubts as to whether the violent, reactive Dog Men are responsible for the spate of human murders in the community, and Harry, coming to his senses, meets an old foe and discovers who might really be at the heart of the evil in this rural community.

I've come to really look forward to reading these graphic novels and it may be one of the only on-going graphic novel series that I continue to enjoy. Writer Mark Powers captures the spirit of Harry Dresden that I have imagined from the books that I have read, and he gives the character heart and soul and a lot edge.

The art here, by Diego Galindo, blends beautifully with Powers' script and this is one of the few times that I don't feel like I'm reading/looking at a graphic novel because it's all integrated so well.

I liked seeing Harry struggle - not so much with other magical creatures, but with his own personality. And nice to see some council wizards who aren't just out to 'get' him, but perhaps try to help him for a change.

Though there was nice rising action and a late 'cavalry to the rescue' finale, and the fact that Harry had to control his instincts in order to lead that cavalry (which really helped my enjoyment of the story), I felt as though the end came too abruptly. Harry's discovery of the true villains here was handed to him and was, I felt, too easily overcome. Still, I enjoyed this story immensely and I really look forward to these graphic novels.

Looking for a good book? Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Dog Men is another story in the graphic novel series that really engages the reader and should be appreciated by all fans of Harry Dresden.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story of the Dresden universe, with Dresden and White Council member Listens-to-Wind investigating a murder in Louisiana. Things are obviously supernatural, but are the titular dog men the real danger? It's a pretty basic story, with Dresden going overboard and getting smacked down by several entities before finally turning the tables. The art is well done, but none of the characters really get a chance to develop any depth. I did appreciate that Mouse comes along for the adventure, though. It's ultimately a minor but decent story in the canon.

[Vikas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the new adventure, Harry finds himself with Listens to Wind the senior member of the wizard council as they go to another small town where a tragedy has stuck. Now there are supernatural beings called Dog Men who own the forest and there is the clan of Ghouls whose one member Ambre we met earlier in Ghoul Goblin. I love this universe and am always happy to read more adventures set in the world. So let's go and continue reading and keep on reading.

I have always loved comics, and I have I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and hope always to love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I just want to Keep on Reading.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy hell, this was dumb. In case it wasn't clear from the title, this graphic novel is about the wizard Harry Dresden heading down south to tackle the problem of a tribe of dog men. But is it the dog men that are really plaguing this rural town?!?! WHO KNOWS. It's perfectly serviceable if you're looking for a quick comic book escape, but it's not going to win any sort of award.

[InkHeart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Injun Joe... Mouse... <3

WHERE THE HELL ARE "PEACE TALKS"?!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork was quite good, but I wasn’t madly in love with the story. I’ve been missing Dresden, but I wasn’t thrilled to get another ghoul story, let alone an angsty, rage-driven Harry.

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
Dog Men is the seventh graphic novel in the Dresden Files world and yet another of these shorter stories that falls between Small Favor and Turn Coat in the greater series chronology. This one has Harry traveling to rural Mississippi at the request of senior White Council member, Listens-to-Wind. Four members of the same family disappeared in what appears to be some kind of brutally violent attack, and the only eyewitness thinks she saw a huge dog-like man emerging from the home of the victims. It appears that a mysterious race of wolf people – who are neither wolf nor man, but something in between – may be to blame. As Harry and Listens-to-Wind help the local sheriff investigate, they’re impeded by government agents who Listens-to-Wind believes are there to exterminate the wolf people. But as they look into the matter, they discover that things aren’t entirely as they seem when Harry encounters the kin of an old nemesis out for revenge.

This story briefly connects to the previous graphic novel, Wild Card, as it opens with Harry having nightmares that appear to be fueled by a sense of powerlessness regarding his encounter with the villainous Puck, which I didn’t fully understand, though I admit I might be forgetting something that occurred in that book. From there, the story mostly dives into the main part of the plot, although Harry is seen a little emotionally unhinged in a couple of scenes, which again made me feel like I was missing something. Not to mention, not much really came of that part of the story. As for the main plot line in this book, it connects with a previous graphic novel story, Ghoul Goblin. I generally enjoyed it and thought that it was pretty well done. However, I missed all the supporting characters I’ve come to love in the Dresden World: Murphy, Molly, Thomas, Marcone. Some of them are only seen briefly in one of Harry’s dreams. The only familiar characters who are part of the main story in this one are Harry, Listens-to-Wind, and Mouse, so this might have accounted for some of the disconnect I felt from the greater Dresden universe. I did enjoy getting to know Listens-to-Wind, the elderly Native American, White Council member who can shape-change into a variety of different animals, which is cool, and for an old dude, he’s still pretty strong and powerful. We haven’t seen a great deal of him even in the novels up to this point in the series, so it was nice to learn more about him.

Based on the credits page, it appears that Jim Butcher was part of this project in name only as the creator of the Dresden Files series. Instead, it seems that Dog Men was written entirely by Mark Powers who has collaborated on most, if not all, of the previous graphic novels in this series. While I can’t put my finger on precisely what it was, I did pick up on the differences in the two authors’ writing styles. It just felt a bit dissimilar to me, and therefore didn’t feel quite as authentic. However, it was still a good story overall that was reasonably entertaining, just not one that had the same pizazz as some of the other graphic novels that Jim Butcher had a hand in. This one also introduces Diego Galindo, an artist who is brand new to this fantasy world. There was enough similarity between his artistic style and that of other illustrators who’ve worked on past graphic novels in the series that it wasn’t too jarring. But at the same time, his work isn’t one of my favorites. He just has a different vision of the characters that doesn’t match my own as closely as other artists have, and in certain frames, he seems to favor somewhat indistinct features rather than sharper, clearer ones. This might just be me being nit-picky, though. Overall, Dog Men might not have reached the heights of perfection for me, but it was a respectable entry into the Dresden graphic novel collection.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A side adventure, not clear where it fits in the Dresden timeline. Harry is recruited by White Council member Listens to Wind to assist in investigating an attack in rural Missouri.

Along with Mouse they proceed to the crime scene where a family has been taken apparently by creatures called Dog Men, which appear very similar to werewolves.

But appearances aren't always what they seem.

[Mathieu Robichaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Dresden Files graphic novels. The visuals are great, and the voice is the same as the books. Nice to tide you over until the next book comes out.

[Altivo Overo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quality art and a story line that had a lot of potential, but (sigh) in the end depended too much on violent action instead of plot and character development. Best character in my opinion is Harry Dresden's dog, Mouse. Imagery of federal government operators as narrow minded and inept thugs, though sometimes accurate, seems pretty trite as presented here. The titular "Dog Men" get short shrift and are not really the plot hinge but just accessories, and underdeveloped at that. (Though I admit I liked the way they were drawn, if not the role they were given.)

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.

I received a copy of Dog Men from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

If you’ve been following the Dresden Files (either the novels or the graphic novels, or both obviously), then you’ve got a pretty good idea of the world that’s been established. Dog Men fits into that world (of course), though it feels more like an aside than part of the main plot.



I mentioned above that Dog Men feels more like a brief aside or short story than part of the greater plot that’s been forming in the series, and it’s true. Though I’ll pretty much accept any excuse see Listens-to-Winds again. He’s one of my favorite higher ranking wizards for the series, so obviously I adore seeing him be a pivotal character for this graphic novel.
It sort of felt like the focus of this volume was to have Listens-to-Winds teach Harry how to better control his emotions and think through his actions. Granted, I absolutely believe that Harry needs to learn both of these lessons, but I don’t believe he could learn them in such a short time frame. There’s a plot to hold up these lessons, but it isn’t the most solid one out there (though it could be worse…so I really shouldn’t complain).
There’s a lot of destruction and…carnage for this volume. So if you’re hoping for a light and easy read, this isn’t the story for you. However if you’re hoping for some more fighting and gore than the usual comic provides, this will probably be fine with you.
I loved the artwork for this issue – Listens-to-Winds is pretty much exactly how I pictured him, and it was great to see other characters like Dresden (obviously) and Mouse (can an animal be my favorite character in the series? If so, Mouse is totally my favorite).


For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Lisa Feld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this a 4 for art and a 2 for story. Diego Galindo does a solid job of illustrating Harry, Listens-to-Wind, and the various side characters, and making everything flow effortlessly. But whether it's the fault of Mark Powers or Butcher himself, the writing is a mess here. Harry is usually someone who mouths off to people, particularly those who intimidate him, but he prides himself on being a wizard, one of the wise, thinking a couple of steps ahead of his foes. Here, however, Harry is a thoughtless rage machine who needs everyone from Listens-to-Wind to mundane law enforcement repeatedly reining him in to keep him from punching, blasting, or killing people needlessly. There's very little by way of snappy comebacks, and a lot of glaring people in the eyes for dramatic effect (a wizard no-no). On top of that, the plot is predicated on a REALLY unlikely misunderstanding that never gets explained, and the word balloons needed a copy editor to catch stupid typos. This felt neither like a Dresden story nor a particularly well-told story in general. Disappointing.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always brightens my day to watch Dresden wiggle his way out of a problem by unleashing his power. Unfortunately, that is exactly the wrong thing to do in Dog Men. Luckily, he has Listens To Wind along when he went to Taylor, Mississippi, to check out a monster attack. Listen To Wind brought Dresden along to help him deal with the Dog Men in the area who are in danger from an unnamed Federal agency. But then a ghoul infestation raises its head and tries to swamp Dresden and the town. Interesting how Dresden manages to handle multiple stresses without blowing everything up. Another enjoyable adventure with the Chicago wizard for hire.

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whereas the prior volume at least provided some set up for future Dresden stories, this felt more like just one long action piece where a member of the White Council is trying to get Dresden to grow up.

Yes, Dresden does grow up a little, but I would argue that said point could have been reached with much less Carnage.

[Taylor Ellwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have said this is a slow paced story, but once the action heats it takes off. And if you're waiting for the next Dresden Files this is a nice way to take the edge off and enjoy a story about one of your favorite heroes. Over all I enjoyed the story and like the development of Harry's relationship with Listens to the Wind.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Harry Dresden graphic novel. This time, Harry and Mouse accompany senior wizard, Listens-To-Wind, to Mississippi to check out a series of brutal murders in Taylor. Plenty of action with excellent illustrations by Diago Galindo. Highly recommended.

[Sabetha Ablar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best drawings in any Dresden Files comix; the relationship is relevant especially considering what we know will happen after Battle Groud; Harry believably on edge, even though it could have been toned down a notch, I think. Love the raccoon
3,5/5

[Ron Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Disappointing. The Wolf People were goofy. The ghouls were even goofier. And Injun Joe was wasted as a character.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story was fun. Artwork was just so so. But it was great to have another Harry story.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

It slipped through the cracks of the reading order, and is a step back story-wise after having read the pair of novels published this year (2020) but its a fine tale on its own merits.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Harry. Getting into trouble and bringing the hurt. This is the first graphic novel I've read though I've powered through all the regular books. It's a fun romp and a delightful style for Mr. Dresden, Wizard.

[Kk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghouls, wolf people & Harry...YaY!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic Plot: Harry gets recruited to help a town with a unique problem.

This is the most blah I have ever felt after reading a Dresden story. I didn't think it was possible for me to find a Dresden tale forgettable, yet here I sit. The plot is really straightforward, but moves jerkily. There are some weird jumps that don't make sense, and there are moments where speech in bubbles don't seem to match up to the character they are coming from. There are also multiple typos/spelling errors here that frustrated me. Plus, Harry was acting like a twit through the story, out of character and more than the usual act first and sift through rubble later sort. This made the whole thing frustrating.

On a plus side, the art was good, if rushed-looking at times. Listens to Wind is a good character, and always nice to see get some spotlight.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although enjoyable as a stand alone story, it does refer to events in both Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Ghoul Goblin and Jim Butcher's Dresden Files: Wild Card #1 and would include spoilers if the graphic novels are not read in order. The graphic novel DOG MEN is one of several short stories to take place between the series Small Favor and Turn Coat. Listens to the Wind approaches Dresden for help regarding a murdered family in a small Southern town. He is a powerful wizard of the senior council, but feels that he needs an investigator in this case. Witness descriptions point to Dog men. But the details of the attack are not consistent with those creatures and he feels that Harry can get to the bottom of the issue. The solution falls into Dresden’s lap with no effort at all, so there really isn’t much mystery to the story at all. Instead, the story centers on Harry’s lack of control with his anger issues, multiple monsters and lots of mayhem.

The artwork by Diego Galindo was great. My only minor complaint would echo my previous issues with the earlier works. Why is Dresden wearing a brown coat instead of his black leather duster? Unlike previous graphic novels in this series, Butcher’s involvement seems to be in name only. Instead of being a co-writer, sole writing credit goes to Mark Powers this time. The story is not plotted out as well as the previous books in the graphic novel series. The tone is different, there is a lack of humor, and the language is sophomoric. I am not a prude by any means. But is not only unnecessary, but boring to see the f word used so many times that I lost count. Powers needs to invest in a thesaurus.

I don’t normally notice the editing except when there are major issues. But Anthony Marques failed big time. The story was originally published in several separate comics. There are two inconsistencies between the issues of the story. At the end of one issue Dresden and Joe are greeted by unfriendly policemen in blue uniforms as apposed to the sheriff’s brown. When the story picks up the same scene in the next issue these same men are feds in suits. That is the most obvious glaring discrepancy. But later in the story, Dresden discards an unseemly item out a car window but in another issue pulls it from his coat pocket. The editor should have also noticed that in one panel the text refers to a dining room, but the illustration depicts a kitchen. Any editor worth the term would have had the writer revisit the aforementioned profanity and substitute a little variety.