Doomsday with My Dog, Vol. 4

世界の終わりに柴犬と #4

by Yu Ishihara, Elena Pizarro Lanzas (Letterer), Alethea Nibley (Translator)

A high school girl―the last human on Earth―and her loyal canine companion make their way through the prefectures of postapocalyptic Japan, taking in the spectacular sights and meeting the locals―from the furry to the intimidating to the outright bizarre! After all, when there’s no destination, the journey is all the fun!

Genres: Manga, Science Fiction, Humor, Graphic Novels

128 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Paulina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many characters from Japanese mythology, really interesting.
And Haru is a bliss as always, what can I say 🤗

[Kimberley doruyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you have a dog i can't imagine you not liking this manga.
i kinda wish i could understand my own dog, just to see what he thinks of how i treat him.
he would probably demand more treats.

[S.Q. Eries · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Summary
It’s the final volume! Haru and his master wander across Japan, highlighting the unique characteristics of eight prefectures in a way that feels a whole lot like a tourism campaign. Then the series concludes with a heartfelt outpouring of devotion from the Shiba to his master that will make dog lovers laugh and cry.

The Review
This final installment of Doomsday with My Dog reminds me a lot of the middle volumes of ZOM 100 with our characters basically taking a post-apocalyptic tour through the different regions of Japan and detailing various cultural and geographic highlights as they go. The main difference is that ZOM 100’s ruined landscape is populated by zombies while Haru and his master encounter the unique fauna and mythical creatures of each region they visit. Part of the journey is just Haru and his master, but for the majority of this sightseeing installment, they are accompanied by the female Shibas (who are still fighting over Haru), the German Shepherd squad, and the fool of the pack Husky.

There is a chapter each for Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, and Niigata. Each chapter opens with an illustration of the characters at a prominent landmark of the prefecture and ends with Haru and his master cosplaying to represent the area. These arcs are packed with references to historical figures, monuments, and local jargon, so most Westerners will be making frequent use of the translation notes, which are pretty good at explaining the cultural references.

The manga concludes with the bonus story “Love Letter,” in which Haru seeks assistance from the Anubis-folk to write a love letter to his master. Previous bonus stories have been tearjerkers, and this one is no different. However, the creator weaves in comedy amid the schmaltz so our characters can end with smiles on their faces.

Extras include translation notes and afterword.

For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth volume in the series showcases adventures to different parts of Japan, still meeting fun, curious creatures like bears and other dogs and a korpokkur, a little nymph-like creature.

Still waxing the same old philosophical ways between the master girl and her dog, it's a thoughtful series that has just as many moments of humor as profound understanding about our world, nature, and the connection between human and animal.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series comes to a conclusion (at least that is my understanding) in this volume. It was an interesting journey with some philosophy and some weirdness and some fun. I don't know how describe the series as I found myself not loving it but not hating it either. Many more pages done in a more traditional comic style which was always my favorite portion in other volumes. Art is never in question and done great. Story has been a hit or miss for me...but still ended up being worth the journey.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute art and in color but only some of chapter are interesting some are just philosophically pondering life and confusing and boring will read rest of series just bc art but not impressed with story.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

that dog is so silly

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ishihara continues the tale of the unidentified sole survivor of the human race and her faithful dog as they explore Japan and meet a series of canines, gods, and aliens.

[ReadingFrog · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love exploring different places! I also love that this series is in color. It is all so beautiful.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the fun that I've come to expect from this series. And while I didn't think it was the most robust of the books so far, it's always a good time!

It was weird, though. Someone must have been chopping onions while I was reading the last chapter, but I didn't see anyone else in the room......