With villains like Dr Diaper, The Turbo-Toilet 2000, the Dandelion of Doom, Professor Pippy Pee-Pee Poopypants (later known as Tippy Tinkletrousers) and Wedgie Woman, it can be difficult for both children and parents to put Captain Underpants books down.
But yesterday, about 400 Dunedin fans managed the feat, for a whole hour, when they met the book's United States writer and illustrator Dav Pilkey at John McGlashan College.
They went - excuse the pun - potty with excitement when Pilkey gave a colourful talk about his life, from early childhood to adulthood, and the challenges he faced along the way.
Among the comedy and high jinks woven into his presentation, there was an important message for the children.
''I had a childhood with many challenges,'' he said.
''I had ADHD, I had dyslexia, and so I think my message to children out there is that everybody has the same chances in life.
''We shouldn't let our challenges keep us back. Everyone should work hard, give it their best and use their imagination, and I think everyone can be successful.''
Pilkey was in Dunedin yesterday as part of a tour around New Zealand, which included the Auckland Writers Festival.
He has written and illustrated numerous award-winning children's books, including the Dumb Bunnies series, Dog Breath and The Paperboy, but it was the Captain Underpants books that were most popular with the Dunedin audience.
The series includes 11 books and three spin-offs, which have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
The series won a Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Award in 2007.
Its popularity is such that DreamWorks Animation has acquired the rights to adapt the books into a feature film.
Just when fans thought it was safe to flush, Pilkey announced the 12th book in the series would be out in New Zealand in October.
It was titled The Turbo Toilet 2000 Strikes Back!, and he said the carnivorous commode would again do battle with Captain Underpants.
Will the hero save the day?
''You'll just have to wait and see,'' he said.
