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Before You Go Extinct
A darkly comic look at the meaning and meaninglessness of life, through the eyes of various adorable and occasionaly psychopathic species facing extinction.
A humble rock is at the center of this transmigratory tale of two souls who take the form of penguins, otters, crows, and more as they learn about the the value of culture, the beauty of play in the face of capitalist pressure to produce and reproduce, and the power of love in the face of total annihilation.
A humble rock is at the center of this transmigratory tale of two souls who take the form of penguins, otters, crows, and more as they learn about the the value of culture, the beauty of play in the face of capitalist pressure to produce and reproduce, and the power of love in the face of total annihilation.
196 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2024
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134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
January 26, 2026
Poignant, semi-philosophical manga centred on a series of critically endangered creatures with artwork by Kanato Abiko and story by Takashi Ushiroyato. Sometimes deeply unsettling, sometimes bleakly, absurdly funny this follows two beings who experience reincarnation, each time born into a species on the verge of extinction. In each iteration key themes emerge. It opens with two penguins Pen and Merle, close companions. Pen’s response to possible annihilation is to speed up the process, engaged in finding ways to kill his fellow penguins. Merle is anti-natalist but, unlike Pen, not nihilistic, striving for purpose, he warms a stone not as a substitute egg but as a gesture of his refusal to accept that reproduction is the sole point of things.
Reborn as Hawaiian crows, they’re the last of their kind found in the wild. The pair witness a crow funeral and wonder if there’s any point to ritual as a means of structuring their world. They know that birds of their kind have been taken and raised by humans but they wonder if these birds are really crows? Since they’ve been isolated from their natural habitats, divorced from their culture. Are human preservation schemes the right response to the crows’ looming disappearance? Next, they become sea otters relentlessly hunted by humans for their soft pelts. Again, the duo ponders the meaning of existence but this time their focus is on speciesism, were they really born just to be ruthlessly exploited by humans? Next, they wake as kākāpō, the flightless parrots found in New Zealand, one of them becomes a performer singing in desperate hope that their mating call will be answered.
Finally, we’re introduced to Bert, an abandoned emperor penguin adopted by Merle – Pen is long dead. Bert’s narrative revolves around grief and loss, Bert struggles with his awareness that he will soon be the last of his kind, entirely alone. Can some form of living intentionally, of protest and resistance make it possible for him to endure? Part eco-fiction, part fable, taken together these episodes also construct a critique of contemporary Japanese society. Themes around childbearing link to Japan’s falling birth-rate, the exploitation of animals to the commodification of people under capitalism. The emphasis on bonding and friendship can be seen as a commentary on the limitations of heteronormative family structures. For some the work’s dual purpose will likely be seen as a strength, for others an anthropomorphic dilution of its chronicling of overwhelming environmental blight, human hubris and outrageous lack of care for other living creatures. Either way this could be surprisingly powerful despite the fact that it raises far more questions than it can possibly answer. The writing and the artwork work well together, the grainy, brooding black-and-white, the explosion of movement, the detail often arresting.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Kodansha for an ARC
Rating: 3/3.5
Reborn as Hawaiian crows, they’re the last of their kind found in the wild. The pair witness a crow funeral and wonder if there’s any point to ritual as a means of structuring their world. They know that birds of their kind have been taken and raised by humans but they wonder if these birds are really crows? Since they’ve been isolated from their natural habitats, divorced from their culture. Are human preservation schemes the right response to the crows’ looming disappearance? Next, they become sea otters relentlessly hunted by humans for their soft pelts. Again, the duo ponders the meaning of existence but this time their focus is on speciesism, were they really born just to be ruthlessly exploited by humans? Next, they wake as kākāpō, the flightless parrots found in New Zealand, one of them becomes a performer singing in desperate hope that their mating call will be answered.
Finally, we’re introduced to Bert, an abandoned emperor penguin adopted by Merle – Pen is long dead. Bert’s narrative revolves around grief and loss, Bert struggles with his awareness that he will soon be the last of his kind, entirely alone. Can some form of living intentionally, of protest and resistance make it possible for him to endure? Part eco-fiction, part fable, taken together these episodes also construct a critique of contemporary Japanese society. Themes around childbearing link to Japan’s falling birth-rate, the exploitation of animals to the commodification of people under capitalism. The emphasis on bonding and friendship can be seen as a commentary on the limitations of heteronormative family structures. For some the work’s dual purpose will likely be seen as a strength, for others an anthropomorphic dilution of its chronicling of overwhelming environmental blight, human hubris and outrageous lack of care for other living creatures. Either way this could be surprisingly powerful despite the fact that it raises far more questions than it can possibly answer. The writing and the artwork work well together, the grainy, brooding black-and-white, the explosion of movement, the detail often arresting.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Kodansha for an ARC
Rating: 3/3.5
December 10, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Before You Go Extinct was a book I was drawn to from the beautiful cover art but had a most disturbing and violent beginning with a penguin killing every other penguin on the planet. The book then proceeded in this fashion. This is not a book for children and was not an enjoyable read at all. The artwork is adorable but violent, too. I ended up DNF this at 60%.
Before You Go Extinct was a book I was drawn to from the beautiful cover art but had a most disturbing and violent beginning with a penguin killing every other penguin on the planet. The book then proceeded in this fashion. This is not a book for children and was not an enjoyable read at all. The artwork is adorable but violent, too. I ended up DNF this at 60%.
September 2, 2025
Recommend-O-Meter: The first page shows a penguin holding a gun, which is really all convincing you need
Unlike the title suggests, this manga doesn’t really focus so much on extinction itself so much as the psychological musings of human-like animals given the concept of extinction. Two characters are reincarnated into different (and incredibly adorable) species throughout the book, and each time they question both the purpose of life and nihilism itself.
And you know what? I loved it!
It’s confusing in the kind of way that makes you try and reevaluate your own view of life, which I really value in a work. The scenes are funny in a mildly absurdist way, but the thoughts between the lines have burrowed deep in my soul. I personally finished this book in the dead of night, went to sleep, and then reread it upon waking up just because I needed to think about it again. That’s how much it stuck to me.
I acknowledge that this isn’t for everyone, because it really is very philosophical. Plus, the art has some moments where it can be a bit hard to follow the action (though I have read a fair share of manga and kinda consider that a norm of the genre itself). But as someone who went through a very nihilistic/depressive phase in life once, I really, truly felt this story—and specifically, its question of the need for purpose—resonate in me.
[I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]
Unlike the title suggests, this manga doesn’t really focus so much on extinction itself so much as the psychological musings of human-like animals given the concept of extinction. Two characters are reincarnated into different (and incredibly adorable) species throughout the book, and each time they question both the purpose of life and nihilism itself.
And you know what? I loved it!
It’s confusing in the kind of way that makes you try and reevaluate your own view of life, which I really value in a work. The scenes are funny in a mildly absurdist way, but the thoughts between the lines have burrowed deep in my soul. I personally finished this book in the dead of night, went to sleep, and then reread it upon waking up just because I needed to think about it again. That’s how much it stuck to me.
I acknowledge that this isn’t for everyone, because it really is very philosophical. Plus, the art has some moments where it can be a bit hard to follow the action (though I have read a fair share of manga and kinda consider that a norm of the genre itself). But as someone who went through a very nihilistic/depressive phase in life once, I really, truly felt this story—and specifically, its question of the need for purpose—resonate in me.
[I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]
November 28, 2025
A look at the meaning of life through the eyes of various animals that are on the brink of going extinct.
Woah... I did not expect this comic to be this good! It made me cry, even though I didn’t know what was going on half of the time. There is an element of reincarnation in all five stories, which weaves them together. And this is really done well!
The art-style is cute, giving the comic an almost innocent look... If it wasn’t for the pinguin holding a gun that is. It has some horror elements in it, the artist not shying away from showing some blood. But the real star of this manga is the psychological undertones that look at the meaning of life. While we don’t really focus on the extinction part, we do focus on what it means to be alive. Is it reproduction, or is it getting as much out of life as we can? There definitely is a very deep lesson here.
I am not sure if I would recommend this to the average manga reader, because it is so very different than most. But it is interesting and unique, which warrants for this 5 out of 5 rating for me. It is difficult to review a manga like this, because the rating I give mostly comes from the feelings that I felt while reading this.
If you are looking for a philosophical manga with a deep message, this one is for you!
Disclaimer:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Woah... I did not expect this comic to be this good! It made me cry, even though I didn’t know what was going on half of the time. There is an element of reincarnation in all five stories, which weaves them together. And this is really done well!
The art-style is cute, giving the comic an almost innocent look... If it wasn’t for the pinguin holding a gun that is. It has some horror elements in it, the artist not shying away from showing some blood. But the real star of this manga is the psychological undertones that look at the meaning of life. While we don’t really focus on the extinction part, we do focus on what it means to be alive. Is it reproduction, or is it getting as much out of life as we can? There definitely is a very deep lesson here.
I am not sure if I would recommend this to the average manga reader, because it is so very different than most. But it is interesting and unique, which warrants for this 5 out of 5 rating for me. It is difficult to review a manga like this, because the rating I give mostly comes from the feelings that I felt while reading this.
If you are looking for a philosophical manga with a deep message, this one is for you!
Disclaimer:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
September 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This was a quick and thought-provoking read, and I thought the art was excellent. I found it a little difficult to tell some of the characters apart in a couple of the stories because they were drawn so similarly, but I don't think that detracted from my ability to follow the storylines themselves. The stories were sad and introspective, but at the same time sort of darkly wholesome (if that's a phrase). My favorite stories were the two about otters, with the kākāpō story being close behind.
This was a quick and thought-provoking read, and I thought the art was excellent. I found it a little difficult to tell some of the characters apart in a couple of the stories because they were drawn so similarly, but I don't think that detracted from my ability to follow the storylines themselves. The stories were sad and introspective, but at the same time sort of darkly wholesome (if that's a phrase). My favorite stories were the two about otters, with the kākāpō story being close behind.
September 24, 2025
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for this short story collection.
To be honest, I lost all interest. All it is about animals in chibi form with guns and wannabe dark undertones. I really thought it was gonna be blaming us humans for their extinction but yeah, it just was basically a nothing burger to get excited about tbh……
To be honest, I lost all interest. All it is about animals in chibi form with guns and wannabe dark undertones. I really thought it was gonna be blaming us humans for their extinction but yeah, it just was basically a nothing burger to get excited about tbh……
November 13, 2025
I thought this would be a bit more interesting. It’s kind of boring though. Ok artwork, but the narrative was very blah.
Thank you to NetGalley, the artist and author, and Kodansha Comics for a copy!
Thank you to NetGalley, the artist and author, and Kodansha Comics for a copy!
November 14, 2025
The book opens dramatically. It was very intense with cute art, just very violent. I honestly was mostly confused. I think this just isn't for me.
3 stars
3 stars
October 5, 2025
when I decided to read this on netgalley, I wasn't ready for the existential crisis.
we start with a psycopath penguin who's intent on killing all penguins to relieve them of the misery of living, and he's living with another penguin who's warming a rock as a substitute to an egg, to fill that void left by not being able to procreate. their ending is tragic, but the very next chapter, it seems as if they're reincarnated as another couple of animals, having the same existential dream and questions about the use of life, and that rock always plays a pivotal role in their lives.
I didn't expect all the emotions I would feel!
we start with a psycopath penguin who's intent on killing all penguins to relieve them of the misery of living, and he's living with another penguin who's warming a rock as a substitute to an egg, to fill that void left by not being able to procreate. their ending is tragic, but the very next chapter, it seems as if they're reincarnated as another couple of animals, having the same existential dream and questions about the use of life, and that rock always plays a pivotal role in their lives.
I didn't expect all the emotions I would feel!
December 28, 2025
I had to DNF this manga, and the decision ultimately comes down to a mismatch between the premise and my personal reading interests. In hindsight, this was my mistake rather than a shortcoming of the work itself. The synopsis did not particularly intrigue me, but I chose to proceed anyway out of a desire to be experimental and to step outside my usual comfort zone as a reader.
Unfortunately, the core concept never fully engaged me, and I found myself unable to develop enough curiosity or emotional investment to continue. While the artwork and idea may appeal to readers who enjoy this kind of premise, it simply was not my cup of tea.
That said, I do not regret the attempt. Reading experimentally is part of refining one’s tastes, and this experience clarified what I look for (and what I tend to avoid) in manga narratives.
Unfortunately, the core concept never fully engaged me, and I found myself unable to develop enough curiosity or emotional investment to continue. While the artwork and idea may appeal to readers who enjoy this kind of premise, it simply was not my cup of tea.
That said, I do not regret the attempt. Reading experimentally is part of refining one’s tastes, and this experience clarified what I look for (and what I tend to avoid) in manga narratives.
October 7, 2025
What I assumed was going to be a simple horror manga turned out to have much more to offer. Gritty and at times Nihilistic short stories were peppered with real moments of retrospection and hope, reflecting on life, grief, violence, and belonging. Each story is stitched with moments of humor that ease the weight of the topics, all while displaying adorable animals. I found myself both horrified and charmed.
Highly recommended for folks who like Aggretsuko and/or BNA!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 29, 2025
...What in the WORLD??? I don't want to know what giving this 4 stars says about me
...Netgalley ARC....
...Netgalley ARC....
August 31, 2025
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Before we go into the review, I want to point out that this manga isn't cute, lighthearted, or overly happy. It's dark, violent and shows a lot of animal death since the main characters are animals- and one of them definitely has psychotic tendencies.
Okay, so my first thought; this manga is really fucking unique, and somewhat depressing and hopeful at the same time. It uses animals and their extinctions/ problems to try and convey real 21st-century philosophical thoughts. It uses one pair of souls reincarnated into different species to show growth and their journey of learning what life means. They could be right, they could be wrong, and I entirely loved that it leans more into both the pessimistic and optimistic side of things from beginning to end.
The chapters link together, it's sometimes hard to discern who's who out of the two main leads, but the story still resonates and asks important questions. I'd even say the rock (which is literally just a rock found in different lifetimes) is its own character, that's how meaningful this felt to me.
To be honest I'm not sure everyone will love this manga, it's out there and not everyone will understand it the same, but personally I connected with it, particularly to questioning why I'm even alive and my purpose- along with my belief that being alive is my purpose.
I just want to share a few quotes I loved that will give a brief and non-spoliery feel, so you get the gist of the conversations;
"Look at that beautiful sunrise, Pen. The fading aurora, and the mirage in the distance–"
"That's not the kinda thing we're born for."
"You never know, Pen. Maybe we were born to watch this sunrise."
"This is why I was born. It may be stupid, and it may be totally unproductive, but this is how I want to live my life."
"You were scared to be left alone. To be the only penguin in the world..."
"Call it a protest. Against the world. Against the way things are. Call it living with intention. In a world we can't control. Neither following blindly nor rebelling recklessly, but protesting. Letting the world we know exist."
5/5 🌟
Before we go into the review, I want to point out that this manga isn't cute, lighthearted, or overly happy. It's dark, violent and shows a lot of animal death since the main characters are animals- and one of them definitely has psychotic tendencies.
Okay, so my first thought; this manga is really fucking unique, and somewhat depressing and hopeful at the same time. It uses animals and their extinctions/ problems to try and convey real 21st-century philosophical thoughts. It uses one pair of souls reincarnated into different species to show growth and their journey of learning what life means. They could be right, they could be wrong, and I entirely loved that it leans more into both the pessimistic and optimistic side of things from beginning to end.
The chapters link together, it's sometimes hard to discern who's who out of the two main leads, but the story still resonates and asks important questions. I'd even say the rock (which is literally just a rock found in different lifetimes) is its own character, that's how meaningful this felt to me.
To be honest I'm not sure everyone will love this manga, it's out there and not everyone will understand it the same, but personally I connected with it, particularly to questioning why I'm even alive and my purpose- along with my belief that being alive is my purpose.
I just want to share a few quotes I loved that will give a brief and non-spoliery feel, so you get the gist of the conversations;
"Look at that beautiful sunrise, Pen. The fading aurora, and the mirage in the distance–"
"That's not the kinda thing we're born for."
"You never know, Pen. Maybe we were born to watch this sunrise."
"This is why I was born. It may be stupid, and it may be totally unproductive, but this is how I want to live my life."
"You were scared to be left alone. To be the only penguin in the world..."
"Call it a protest. Against the world. Against the way things are. Call it living with intention. In a world we can't control. Neither following blindly nor rebelling recklessly, but protesting. Letting the world we know exist."
5/5 🌟
September 7, 2025
Mmmmh, der Titel ist sehr philosophisch. Und ich hab bisschen Schwierigkeiten ihn richtig einzuordnen. Fand ich ihn gut oder eher nicht? Hab ich den Sinn verstanden oder bin ich noch am Suchen danach? Ehrlich gesagt weiß ich es nicht so richtig.. der Band besteht aus mehreren Kurzgeschichten, die in sich abgeschlossen sind, aber ein roter Faden zieht sich durch alle durch - in diesem Fall ein Stein. Und es geht insgesamt ums Aussterben und wie die einzelnen Charaktere damit umgehen. Vorwiegend Vögel (vor allem Pinguine), aber auch Otter kommen vor (was ich wiederum seeehr toll fand! 🤎). Ständig steht die Frage im Raum, was das Leben für einen Sinn hat und was danach passiert. Philosophischer könnte es doch kaum sein, oder?
Optisch fand ich's ganz süß (gut, einige Szenen kann man jetzt nicht wirklich als süß bezeichnen - zum Beispiel, wenn der eine Pinguin versucht, alle anderen umzubringen… 😂), aber der Zeichenstil ist sehr schön und passt wunderbar dazu. Das Setting ist an sich auch interessant und das Pacing passt an sich ebenfalls.. nur bin ich teilweise etwas lost nach dem Lesen. Ich tu mich einfach schwer das ganze einzuordnen.
Ich würde sagen, man kann den Titel auf jeden Fall gut lesen, man muss aber ggf auch in der richtigen Stimmung dafür sein. Schwierig zu beschreiben 😄
Optisch fand ich's ganz süß (gut, einige Szenen kann man jetzt nicht wirklich als süß bezeichnen - zum Beispiel, wenn der eine Pinguin versucht, alle anderen umzubringen… 😂), aber der Zeichenstil ist sehr schön und passt wunderbar dazu. Das Setting ist an sich auch interessant und das Pacing passt an sich ebenfalls.. nur bin ich teilweise etwas lost nach dem Lesen. Ich tu mich einfach schwer das ganze einzuordnen.
Ich würde sagen, man kann den Titel auf jeden Fall gut lesen, man muss aber ggf auch in der richtigen Stimmung dafür sein. Schwierig zu beschreiben 😄
September 13, 2025
This was an interesting little read that dealt with a lot of end-of-life questions. I think the overall moral by the end is to find something to live for, even if it seems silly or frivolous or pointless. I found each of the animals' stories to be interesting and in some cases completely relatable.
This is definitely going to make one think about their life choices so I wouldn't go into this thinking it's going to be a quick and easy read. It's also pretty brutal in its violence, but I think it would be impossible to tell this story without it.
Overall, I'm not sure I'd recommend this to the average manga reader, but I would for people who enjoy literary fiction.
As always thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the eArc!
This is definitely going to make one think about their life choices so I wouldn't go into this thinking it's going to be a quick and easy read. It's also pretty brutal in its violence, but I think it would be impossible to tell this story without it.
Overall, I'm not sure I'd recommend this to the average manga reader, but I would for people who enjoy literary fiction.
As always thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for the eArc!
September 24, 2025
Special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review
What a morbidly thought provoking read. The cover may make this seem like a cute, warm, and fuzzy story, but that is not the case at all. All the animals in this story were facing extinction, and were knowledgable about that extinction. Their stories were about how they dealt with that impending doom, and I was quite blown away by how some of these went.
I was a bit confused at times. It was hard to tell characters apart, but I was still able to grasp the overall message of the book.
What a morbidly thought provoking read. The cover may make this seem like a cute, warm, and fuzzy story, but that is not the case at all. All the animals in this story were facing extinction, and were knowledgable about that extinction. Their stories were about how they dealt with that impending doom, and I was quite blown away by how some of these went.
I was a bit confused at times. It was hard to tell characters apart, but I was still able to grasp the overall message of the book.
August 28, 2025
"Before You Go Extinct" consists of short stories, telling us about different animals facing extinction (in a way). When I first started reading this arc, I was expecting a different kind of extinction, and while the concept is difficult to explain, I enjoyed reading this arc.
However, the art was a bit confusing at times and this made it difficult to tell the characters apart. Despite this, I did find it very interesting, some short stories more engaging than others. I would definitely read other works of this author.
A solid 3.5, rounding up to 4 stars.
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
However, the art was a bit confusing at times and this made it difficult to tell the characters apart. Despite this, I did find it very interesting, some short stories more engaging than others. I would definitely read other works of this author.
A solid 3.5, rounding up to 4 stars.
I’d like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.
November 14, 2025
A beautiful and twisted little manga
The juxtaposition of these sweet little animals illustrated in a super cute way, having all the violent, nihilistic flaws of humankind was endearing in a weird way. Kind of an easy on the eyes approach to being ultimately a bit grim.
Some of the short stories were really good and some others not so much, I think it all could’ve been linked better there wasn’t much cohesion as a whole.
Worth a depressing little read though!
This was my honest review and I would like to thank NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The juxtaposition of these sweet little animals illustrated in a super cute way, having all the violent, nihilistic flaws of humankind was endearing in a weird way. Kind of an easy on the eyes approach to being ultimately a bit grim.
Some of the short stories were really good and some others not so much, I think it all could’ve been linked better there wasn’t much cohesion as a whole.
Worth a depressing little read though!
This was my honest review and I would like to thank NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the opportunity to read this ARC.
September 27, 2025
What an absolutely bonkers story. So much murder, so much brutality. On the surface, it’s about animals dying, being driven to extinction, sometimes intentionally, sometimes just as a byproduct of human activity. But underneath, it feels like an attempt at a deep philosophical meditation on life itself. The problem is that the message gets so twisted up in its own darkness that it almost loses its power.
And yet… somehow, the final chapter managed to move me to tears. The whole book left me angry more than anything else, but also weirdly shaken, even contemplative. It’s as if the author wanted to explore the meaning of life in the most violent, unforgiving way possible. Does it really have a “message” in the end? I’m not sure. Maybe something about “warming the stone”? Finding fleeting comfort, finding a reason to live, however small. I still don’t fully understand why all the penguins had to die, though.
The stories are grotesque, devastating, and brutally sad. I kinda hated it, but at the same time, I can’t help but appreciate the scope of what the author was reaching for. This is a book that unsettles, frustrates, and strangely, moves you.
And yet… somehow, the final chapter managed to move me to tears. The whole book left me angry more than anything else, but also weirdly shaken, even contemplative. It’s as if the author wanted to explore the meaning of life in the most violent, unforgiving way possible. Does it really have a “message” in the end? I’m not sure. Maybe something about “warming the stone”? Finding fleeting comfort, finding a reason to live, however small. I still don’t fully understand why all the penguins had to die, though.
The stories are grotesque, devastating, and brutally sad. I kinda hated it, but at the same time, I can’t help but appreciate the scope of what the author was reaching for. This is a book that unsettles, frustrates, and strangely, moves you.
November 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this title.
Are you suffering from depression or unfulfilled homicidal tendencies? This is the book that will encourage you to not wait until tomorrow to burn the world down around you. It's weird and depressing. The morale of this book is that life is short, murder today.
Are you suffering from depression or unfulfilled homicidal tendencies? This is the book that will encourage you to not wait until tomorrow to burn the world down around you. It's weird and depressing. The morale of this book is that life is short, murder today.
September 21, 2025
This hurt.
January 20, 2026
Do you like crying over cute animals? Do you want to find value in your life outside the shackles of capitalism and productivity? These penguins are just what you need 🐧🐧
November 22, 2025
A dark and adorable story about the little things in life. Felt a little hard to follow at times, but I loved it overall. Definitely a new favorite!
February 14, 2026
crazy book about the meaning or pointlessness of life. involves penguicide on the first page. i was shooketh
August 28, 2025
This was… interesting. Psychotic cute animals? Check.
Psychotic cute animals who are contemplating life/death? Check.
Psychotic cute animals who make questionable decisions? Check.
I did really love how this manga challenged reproducing.
This was… something.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha comics for the ARC!
Psychotic cute animals who are contemplating life/death? Check.
Psychotic cute animals who make questionable decisions? Check.
I did really love how this manga challenged reproducing.
This was… something.
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha comics for the ARC!
September 23, 2025
So this is a deeply philosophical, absurdist and occasionally quite dark collection of short stories about a pair of reincarnating creatures (we meet them first as penguins, they end their story as penguins, but they live as Hawaiian crows, kakapo and otters too) and their odd but often touching quest to find the meaning of life.
I have to admit that some stories worked better for me than others. I loved the kakapo chapter (quite possibly the lightest one in tone). Kakapo are such lovely birds, and the art conveyed their adorableness so well. Both otter stories I found touching: finding joy and strength in small things even when everything else is bleak is a message I can absolutely get behind. The penguin stories were hit and miss: the first one was a little too bleak for me. The second - just as bleak but it somehow worked, landing quite the punch by the end.
However, the Hawaiian crows chapter was by far my favourite. The connection between our lives, our purpose, and our culture was explored in such a touching, meaningful way! I loved the art here too.
Overall, a manga unlike anything I have read so far and definitely one worth rereading once more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I have to admit that some stories worked better for me than others. I loved the kakapo chapter (quite possibly the lightest one in tone). Kakapo are such lovely birds, and the art conveyed their adorableness so well. Both otter stories I found touching: finding joy and strength in small things even when everything else is bleak is a message I can absolutely get behind. The penguin stories were hit and miss: the first one was a little too bleak for me. The second - just as bleak but it somehow worked, landing quite the punch by the end.
However, the Hawaiian crows chapter was by far my favourite. The connection between our lives, our purpose, and our culture was explored in such a touching, meaningful way! I loved the art here too.
Overall, a manga unlike anything I have read so far and definitely one worth rereading once more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 4, 2025
I received a copy of this manga via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although I understood the message and moral that the story wanted to convey, I didn't really enjoy it. The first chapter with the gun-toting penguins is certainly striking in its own way and grabs your attention, but it doesn't really manage to overcome a general sense of confusion that seems constant throughout the manga, which is reinforced by the difficulty in distinguishing between the characters.
Although I understood the message and moral that the story wanted to convey, I didn't really enjoy it. The first chapter with the gun-toting penguins is certainly striking in its own way and grabs your attention, but it doesn't really manage to overcome a general sense of confusion that seems constant throughout the manga, which is reinforced by the difficulty in distinguishing between the characters.
August 28, 2025
A collection of small stories about animals pondering the meaning and meaningless of life.
What I disliked
‣ confusing art style
‣ confusing storylines
Review
I received an ARC of this book.
DNFd at 35%
Absurd and confusing. I had no idea what was happening or what the point was. Honestly I can't think of anyone I would recommend this one to.
I think I was expecting more realistic stories of the animals facing extinction and what might trouble them.
What I disliked
‣ confusing art style
‣ confusing storylines
Review
I received an ARC of this book.
DNFd at 35%
Absurd and confusing. I had no idea what was happening or what the point was. Honestly I can't think of anyone I would recommend this one to.
I think I was expecting more realistic stories of the animals facing extinction and what might trouble them.
November 11, 2025
This manga was devastating and a bit unhinged. While the cover draws you in, it’s not a happy tale. This novel chronicles the lives of several species on the brink of extinction. There’s murderous penguins, doomed otters, the last ritual of the crows and more murderous penguins. I was pretty horrified the whole time I flipped pages. While I am usually the #1 fan of scathing social commentary… I fear some of it was lost in translation or just lost on me. Regardless, the novel made me feel like we humans mess up everything in nature and we need to do better.
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