What do you think?
Rate this book
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
3 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
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.]
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
September 29, 2025
---English Version---
Note: I received a digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~Plot~
The story is about two souls who travel through time and space as penguins, otters, crows, and other animals. Along the way, they learn about 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 destruction.
Trigger warning for readers out there: genocide, suicide, and death-related themes
~Review~
From the very first chapter, this manga immediately pulls you into a unsettling narrative. Don't let the cover fool you: this is far from a cute, warm, and fuzzy read; it’s a story rooted in existential reflection and dark, serious themes.
The core of the narrative is how various species deal with the finite nature of their existence. The animals' strategies are wide-ranging and often absurd, spanning genocide, the pursuit of world records, protest, and incubating stones rather than chicks. This extreme behavior, coupled with the heavy questioning of whether or not reproduction is a good thing, provides a unique and dark lens on the concept of purpose.
The mood is a strange mix of humor and sadness, taking you on a philosophical ride. The manga asks big questions about life, death, meaning, and survival, all while providing moments of levity that keep the narrative from becoming overly heavy. A strong, cohesive thematic thread—the challenge of finding purpose, whether you're an otter, a crow, or human—runs throughout the entire volume. The chapter focusing on the crows and their traditions was a personal favorite.
The artwork's starkness powerfully contributes to the dark subject matter, and the panneling is simple but effective for the story being told. However, I would have preferred some bolder artistic choices in certain key scenes. The similarity in the drawings of two individuals of the same species also sometimes makes it difficult to track who is who in the cycle of reincarnation between chapters.
While it may not reach the heights of greatness, Before You Go Extinct is a unique and enjoyable read that stands out for its unusual premise and philosophical views.
~Other Information~
Author: Takashi Ushiroyato (Story) and Kanato Abiko (Art)
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Page Count: 196 pages
~Rating~
Overall Rating:★★★
~Link~
Buy from Publisher
Buy on Amazon
---
---Italian Version---
Nota: Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita da NetGalley in cambio di una recensione onesta.
~Trama~
La storia parla di due anime che viaggiano attraverso il tempo e lo spazio sotto forma di pinguini, lontre, corvi e altri animali. Lungo il percorso, imparano il valore della cultura, la bellezza del gioco di fronte alla pressione capitalista di produrre e riprodursi, e il potere dell'amore di fronte alla distruzione totale.
Avviso ai lettori: temi legati al genocidio, al suicidio e alla morte.
~Recensione~
Fin dal primo capitolo, questo manga ti trascina immediatamente in una narrazione disturbante. Non lasciatevi ingannare dalla copertina: questo è tutt'altro che un libro carino, caloroso e confuso; è una storia radicata nella riflessione esistenziale e in temi cupi e seri.
Il nucleo della narrazione è il modo in cui varie specie affrontano la natura finita della loro esistenza. Le strategie degli animali sono molto varie e spesso assurde, e spaziano dal genocidio, al perseguimento di record mondiali, alla protesta, all'incubazione di pietre invece che di pulcini. Questo comportamento estremo, unito al forte interrogativo se la riproduzione sia o meno una cosa positiva, offre una visione unica e cupa del concetto di ragione d'essere.
L'atmosfera è uno strano mix di ironia e malinconia, che accompagna il lettore in un viaggio filosofico. Il manga pone grandi interrogativi sulla vita, la morte, il significato e la sopravvivenza, fornendo al contempo momenti di leggerezza che impediscono alla narrazione di diventare eccessivamente pesante. Un filo conduttore forte e coerente - la sfida di trovare uno scopo, che si tratti di una lontra, di un corvo o di un essere umano - attraversa l'intero volume. Il capitolo incentrato sui corvi e le loro tradizioni è stato il mio preferito.
La crudezza delle illustrazioni contribuisce in modo significativo alla cupezza del tema trattato, e la suddivisione in vignette è semplice ma efficace per la storia raccontata. Tuttavia, avrei preferito scelte artistiche più audaci in alcune scene importanti. La somiglianza nei disegni di due individui della stessa specie rende talvolta difficile distinguere chi è chi nel ciclo di reincarnazione tra un capitolo e l'altro.
Sebbene non raggiunga vette di grandezza, Before You Go Extinct è una lettura unica e piacevole che si distingue per la sua premessa insolita e le sue prospettive filosofiche.
~Altre informazioni~
Autore: Takashi Ushiroyato (Storia) and Kanato Abiko (Disegni)
Editore: Kodansha Comics
Numero Pagine: 196 pagine
~Valutazione~
Voto:★★★
~Link utili~
Compra dall' editore (in inglese)
Compra su Amazon (in inglese)
Note: I received a digital review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
~Plot~
The story is about two souls who travel through time and space as penguins, otters, crows, and other animals. Along the way, they learn about 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 destruction.
Trigger warning for readers out there: genocide, suicide, and death-related themes
~Review~
From the very first chapter, this manga immediately pulls you into a unsettling narrative. Don't let the cover fool you: this is far from a cute, warm, and fuzzy read; it’s a story rooted in existential reflection and dark, serious themes.
The core of the narrative is how various species deal with the finite nature of their existence. The animals' strategies are wide-ranging and often absurd, spanning genocide, the pursuit of world records, protest, and incubating stones rather than chicks. This extreme behavior, coupled with the heavy questioning of whether or not reproduction is a good thing, provides a unique and dark lens on the concept of purpose.
The mood is a strange mix of humor and sadness, taking you on a philosophical ride. The manga asks big questions about life, death, meaning, and survival, all while providing moments of levity that keep the narrative from becoming overly heavy. A strong, cohesive thematic thread—the challenge of finding purpose, whether you're an otter, a crow, or human—runs throughout the entire volume. The chapter focusing on the crows and their traditions was a personal favorite.
The artwork's starkness powerfully contributes to the dark subject matter, and the panneling is simple but effective for the story being told. However, I would have preferred some bolder artistic choices in certain key scenes. The similarity in the drawings of two individuals of the same species also sometimes makes it difficult to track who is who in the cycle of reincarnation between chapters.
While it may not reach the heights of greatness, Before You Go Extinct is a unique and enjoyable read that stands out for its unusual premise and philosophical views.
~Other Information~
Author: Takashi Ushiroyato (Story) and Kanato Abiko (Art)
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Page Count: 196 pages
~Rating~
Overall Rating:★★★
~Link~
Buy from Publisher
Buy on Amazon
---
---Italian Version---
Nota: Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita da NetGalley in cambio di una recensione onesta.
~Trama~
La storia parla di due anime che viaggiano attraverso il tempo e lo spazio sotto forma di pinguini, lontre, corvi e altri animali. Lungo il percorso, imparano il valore della cultura, la bellezza del gioco di fronte alla pressione capitalista di produrre e riprodursi, e il potere dell'amore di fronte alla distruzione totale.
Avviso ai lettori: temi legati al genocidio, al suicidio e alla morte.
~Recensione~
Fin dal primo capitolo, questo manga ti trascina immediatamente in una narrazione disturbante. Non lasciatevi ingannare dalla copertina: questo è tutt'altro che un libro carino, caloroso e confuso; è una storia radicata nella riflessione esistenziale e in temi cupi e seri.
Il nucleo della narrazione è il modo in cui varie specie affrontano la natura finita della loro esistenza. Le strategie degli animali sono molto varie e spesso assurde, e spaziano dal genocidio, al perseguimento di record mondiali, alla protesta, all'incubazione di pietre invece che di pulcini. Questo comportamento estremo, unito al forte interrogativo se la riproduzione sia o meno una cosa positiva, offre una visione unica e cupa del concetto di ragione d'essere.
L'atmosfera è uno strano mix di ironia e malinconia, che accompagna il lettore in un viaggio filosofico. Il manga pone grandi interrogativi sulla vita, la morte, il significato e la sopravvivenza, fornendo al contempo momenti di leggerezza che impediscono alla narrazione di diventare eccessivamente pesante. Un filo conduttore forte e coerente - la sfida di trovare uno scopo, che si tratti di una lontra, di un corvo o di un essere umano - attraversa l'intero volume. Il capitolo incentrato sui corvi e le loro tradizioni è stato il mio preferito.
La crudezza delle illustrazioni contribuisce in modo significativo alla cupezza del tema trattato, e la suddivisione in vignette è semplice ma efficace per la storia raccontata. Tuttavia, avrei preferito scelte artistiche più audaci in alcune scene importanti. La somiglianza nei disegni di due individui della stessa specie rende talvolta difficile distinguere chi è chi nel ciclo di reincarnazione tra un capitolo e l'altro.
Sebbene non raggiunga vette di grandezza, Before You Go Extinct è una lettura unica e piacevole che si distingue per la sua premessa insolita e le sue prospettive filosofiche.
~Altre informazioni~
Autore: Takashi Ushiroyato (Storia) and Kanato Abiko (Disegni)
Editore: Kodansha Comics
Numero Pagine: 196 pagine
~Valutazione~
Voto:★★★
~Link utili~
Compra dall' editore (in inglese)
Compra su Amazon (in inglese)
August 28, 2025
this caught me off guard
the opening scene was like what the fk
but i loved it and this made me feel sad
we deserve to enjoy what we enjoy even if it has no meaning <3 the small “empty” moments matter most of all sometimes
not only reproducing!!
the opening scene was like what the fk
but i loved it and this made me feel sad
we deserve to enjoy what we enjoy even if it has no meaning <3 the small “empty” moments matter most of all sometimes
not only reproducing!!
September 26, 2025
Note: I received the eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for providing me with the eARC.
Dark & profound, balanced by adorable Illustrations
The opening panels feature a penguin holding a gun, executing another penguin point blank. What follows is a philosophical discussion that dissects the ‘penguicide’ that this character has undertaken. After all, penguins are going extinct. What’s the point of prolonging the inevitable, no? Just imagine these adorable illustrations conveying such heavy philosophical musings, all through anthropomorphic birds/animals.
Before You Go Extinct is both a beautiful and a darkly provocative read. It’s tender moments will fill your heart with warmth, while its unsettlingly real moments will leave you with a lump in your throat. It’s kind of like Takopi’s Original Sin, but nowhere near as horrifying. This dichotomy of feelings that surround the deeper reflections ends up giving you, the reader, a quaint but poignant story that’s really about the human condition. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Of rituals, and hobbies, and art, and more? We’re all going to die, so what’s the point?
Now, I was planning on doing a chapter-wise mini-review, but soon it hit me that each chapter—despite their different characters and plots—more or less talk of the same thing. The ‘extinction’ angle is more a stand-alone for mortality, the reasons themselves reflective of the many social injustices that persist in our society. The penguicide to me was a frustrated individual’s extreme measure to end suffering. The juggling and rock collection, an absurdist, almost Sisyphean act to make our limited lives worth living.
The stories themselves were pretty easy to read, despite their heavy themes. You can probably finish in a single sitting, or spread out over a week so you can ponder over every story. Either way, you’re in for quite a treat.
A tad confusing at times, but in a good way
Yes, I will admit it. I did not understand everything that the manga wanted me to. The opening and closing chapters of the manga left me scratching my head. While the ponderings were pretty clear in the middle chapters, I’m still left wondering whether my interpretation of Pen’s ‘penguicide’ is correct or not. However, that’s often the point of philosophical texts, no? Sometimes, the open-to-interpretation nature of these stories is what makes them memorable.
Continue reading on my blog…
Dark & profound, balanced by adorable Illustrations
The opening panels feature a penguin holding a gun, executing another penguin point blank. What follows is a philosophical discussion that dissects the ‘penguicide’ that this character has undertaken. After all, penguins are going extinct. What’s the point of prolonging the inevitable, no? Just imagine these adorable illustrations conveying such heavy philosophical musings, all through anthropomorphic birds/animals.
Before You Go Extinct is both a beautiful and a darkly provocative read. It’s tender moments will fill your heart with warmth, while its unsettlingly real moments will leave you with a lump in your throat. It’s kind of like Takopi’s Original Sin, but nowhere near as horrifying. This dichotomy of feelings that surround the deeper reflections ends up giving you, the reader, a quaint but poignant story that’s really about the human condition. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Of rituals, and hobbies, and art, and more? We’re all going to die, so what’s the point?
Now, I was planning on doing a chapter-wise mini-review, but soon it hit me that each chapter—despite their different characters and plots—more or less talk of the same thing. The ‘extinction’ angle is more a stand-alone for mortality, the reasons themselves reflective of the many social injustices that persist in our society. The penguicide to me was a frustrated individual’s extreme measure to end suffering. The juggling and rock collection, an absurdist, almost Sisyphean act to make our limited lives worth living.
The stories themselves were pretty easy to read, despite their heavy themes. You can probably finish in a single sitting, or spread out over a week so you can ponder over every story. Either way, you’re in for quite a treat.
A tad confusing at times, but in a good way
Yes, I will admit it. I did not understand everything that the manga wanted me to. The opening and closing chapters of the manga left me scratching my head. While the ponderings were pretty clear in the middle chapters, I’m still left wondering whether my interpretation of Pen’s ‘penguicide’ is correct or not. However, that’s often the point of philosophical texts, no? Sometimes, the open-to-interpretation nature of these stories is what makes them memorable.
Continue reading on my blog…
September 28, 2025
I have to admit that this manga almost went above my head. There's a very direct moral to this tale. I know it's an obvious one, but my brain is struggling to articulate it correctly. So let's just start with what we experience.
We experience two souls go through 5 or 6 lives, across several different species that are all endangered or on the verge of it. One soul is always more philosophical and the other is lowkey having an existential crisis. Throughout each of their lives, a stone seems to be important. It also seems to be the SAME stone.
The soul in crisis sees quite clearly that death is on the horizon (they're being hunted, there are no females around, etc) and questions "What is the point" in various ways.
What is the point to passing on our culture if we are dying? What is the point of singing (the mating song) if there are no females? What is the point in juggling/having fun if it draws the hunters' attention to us?
Fundamentally: What is the point of living, of enjoying life, if bad people could hurt us for what we enjoy? What is the point of living if I'm not starting a family? What is the point of partaking in my culture if there's nobody else to share it with, or if they were raised differently from me?
And what is the point, indeed. This is where I might fumble. For me, my takeaway is that the point of ANYTHING is for us to do what makes us happy, for us to enjoy life as best we personally can. It's not for us to measure our life based on family growth or productivity or usefulness. It's for connection. It's for us to share our experiences, our cultures, our hobbies, and hope that our connection can help create a meaningful existence. We all have that one perfect rock, our comfort to lean on in trying times. Who cares when we might die or what society expects from us? Let's just enjoy life and take that rock out when we need to.
"Before you go extinct", make sure you've taken stock of the present and enjoyed yourself.
Thank you, NetGalley! This was more than I was expecting it to be.
We experience two souls go through 5 or 6 lives, across several different species that are all endangered or on the verge of it. One soul is always more philosophical and the other is lowkey having an existential crisis. Throughout each of their lives, a stone seems to be important. It also seems to be the SAME stone.
The soul in crisis sees quite clearly that death is on the horizon (they're being hunted, there are no females around, etc) and questions "What is the point" in various ways.
What is the point to passing on our culture if we are dying? What is the point of singing (the mating song) if there are no females? What is the point in juggling/having fun if it draws the hunters' attention to us?
Fundamentally: What is the point of living, of enjoying life, if bad people could hurt us for what we enjoy? What is the point of living if I'm not starting a family? What is the point of partaking in my culture if there's nobody else to share it with, or if they were raised differently from me?
And what is the point, indeed. This is where I might fumble. For me, my takeaway is that the point of ANYTHING is for us to do what makes us happy, for us to enjoy life as best we personally can. It's not for us to measure our life based on family growth or productivity or usefulness. It's for connection. It's for us to share our experiences, our cultures, our hobbies, and hope that our connection can help create a meaningful existence. We all have that one perfect rock, our comfort to lean on in trying times. Who cares when we might die or what society expects from us? Let's just enjoy life and take that rock out when we need to.
"Before you go extinct", make sure you've taken stock of the present and enjoyed yourself.
Thank you, NetGalley! This was more than I was expecting it to be.
September 3, 2025
I haven’t read manga lately, but the cute penguin paired with that title and the horror tag intrigued me. Before You Go Extinct is a charming and emotional look at the ever-present philosophical question “What is the point of living?” through the eyes of a murderous penguin (who wields a gun and explosives) hell-bent on the idea that without a future for the species, there is no reason or way to live. As we follow the penguin through their journey in this life, and others, the manga provides a thoughtful, if occasionally stumbling, response to a common question with the added detail of framing it around ideas of procreation and species perpetuation.
As a woman in modern western society today, I often face a constant conversation around children and choice. Should I have children? Is it my duty? Who am I, if I don’t? Is it more selfish to have kids, or to not have kids? Is it okay to want them, and not have them? Add in more recent pressure of falling birthrates both world-wide and in western countries, looming climate change, and I feel a constant weight on both sides, especially as I get older.
This book felt unburdening. It doesn’t provide concrete answers, but seeing these cute animals face death, both of themselves and of their species, cycling through feelings of nihilism, hope, and community? It was healing. The absurdist tone adds some necessary laughs to what is a heavy, personal topic.
This is a unique manga with the ability to resonate and stick with you, and a prime example of how graphic mediums can provide novel ways of talking about esoteric and emotional topics. If you like philosophy, or have just lately felt a little lost on your path, I’d recommend giving this a read. (Though maybe not on the train, thank god for NYC’s ‘don’t bother crying strangers’ rule)
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC!
As a woman in modern western society today, I often face a constant conversation around children and choice. Should I have children? Is it my duty? Who am I, if I don’t? Is it more selfish to have kids, or to not have kids? Is it okay to want them, and not have them? Add in more recent pressure of falling birthrates both world-wide and in western countries, looming climate change, and I feel a constant weight on both sides, especially as I get older.
This book felt unburdening. It doesn’t provide concrete answers, but seeing these cute animals face death, both of themselves and of their species, cycling through feelings of nihilism, hope, and community? It was healing. The absurdist tone adds some necessary laughs to what is a heavy, personal topic.
This is a unique manga with the ability to resonate and stick with you, and a prime example of how graphic mediums can provide novel ways of talking about esoteric and emotional topics. If you like philosophy, or have just lately felt a little lost on your path, I’d recommend giving this a read. (Though maybe not on the train, thank god for NYC’s ‘don’t bother crying strangers’ rule)
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews