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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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57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
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……
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
September 21, 2025
This hurt.
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.
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)
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!
September 19, 2025
A short, stand-alone manga with lasting impact. Before You Go Extinct tells the story of two anthropomorphic penguins who are reborn as different animals after their deaths, musing on life, nihilism, and purpose.
Beautifully drawn, I love media that challenges you to contemplate philosophy and your own life, and this gave me exactly what I wanted while still managing to appear somewhat 'lighthearted' through absurdist imagery of animals with guns — a very necessary balance to the heavy themes.
Although like others I found it tricky to distinguish the two main characters from one another at times, I actually liked this as it made them both feel three-dimensional with realistic doubt and fear, rather than one always being the 'happy-go-lucky idealist'. The ending felt a tad weak compared to some of the exceptionally hard-hitting lines delivered throughout but nonetheless, the message is clear, hopeful, and compassionate.
Having lived for all my young-adulthood with deep depression and anger at the 'futility' of life, this struck a chord, and felt like a comfort all at the same time. I think this will be exactly the book that people need and keep returning to time and time again; especially poignant given our current times.
Thank you to Kodansha Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I am delighted to have been able to read this before publication!
Beautifully drawn, I love media that challenges you to contemplate philosophy and your own life, and this gave me exactly what I wanted while still managing to appear somewhat 'lighthearted' through absurdist imagery of animals with guns — a very necessary balance to the heavy themes.
Although like others I found it tricky to distinguish the two main characters from one another at times, I actually liked this as it made them both feel three-dimensional with realistic doubt and fear, rather than one always being the 'happy-go-lucky idealist'. The ending felt a tad weak compared to some of the exceptionally hard-hitting lines delivered throughout but nonetheless, the message is clear, hopeful, and compassionate.
Having lived for all my young-adulthood with deep depression and anger at the 'futility' of life, this struck a chord, and felt like a comfort all at the same time. I think this will be exactly the book that people need and keep returning to time and time again; especially poignant given our current times.
Thank you to Kodansha Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I am delighted to have been able to read this before publication!
October 12, 2025
Before You Go Extinct instantly grabs you with its main idea, and the best part is absolutely the cute art style. It's super charming, and I loved how it deliberately goes against the dark subject matter of the book. That intentional clash, cutesy visuals paired with deep themes like mortality and loss, is the most interesting thing it has going on. It sets up this expectation for a poignant and unsettling ride, and for a bit, that tension totally works. Honestly, the book's main strength is that great core idea of the dark subject matter mixed with the cute art style. The problem is, that cool concept wasn't enough to hold the actual story together across the whole volume.
Where the book starts falling apart is the structure. The individual stories felt like barely connecting chapters, and I never got the sense that the bigger ideas behind the book were fully connecting. It felt like Ushiroyato introduced a bunch of interesting standalone moments but just couldn't tie them into a unified, satisfying whole. This lack of narrative momentum meant the story eventually concluded on a real dud. It just didn't stick the landing for me. So, despite having a genuinely interesting idea, Before You Go Extinct is a disappointing 2 out of 5 because the execution simply didn't live up to the concept.
Where the book starts falling apart is the structure. The individual stories felt like barely connecting chapters, and I never got the sense that the bigger ideas behind the book were fully connecting. It felt like Ushiroyato introduced a bunch of interesting standalone moments but just couldn't tie them into a unified, satisfying whole. This lack of narrative momentum meant the story eventually concluded on a real dud. It just didn't stick the landing for me. So, despite having a genuinely interesting idea, Before You Go Extinct is a disappointing 2 out of 5 because the execution simply didn't live up to the concept.
October 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
This stunning manga collection doesn’t take itself too seriously while tackling the serious issue of modern existence. Modernity is full of strife and woe, as well as, the seemingly inescapable dread of continuation into the unknown. Things are bad, so bad in fact, that fixing them seems impossible. But there is hope and ways to endure, shifting gears from survival to thriving.
By using cute little animals and over-the-top bouts of violence, these stories encourage readers to look at some of these plights in a different light. If you're on the fence if you can handle the surrealist violence found within these pages, know we begin with a serial killer penguin who has an armory of firearms with which to slaughter fellow flightless birdies. Do with this knowledge as you will...
Reading this filled me with the same glee as my first time with Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto. If you enjoyed his works, I think this set of stories will be a good fit. More of a focus will be placed on existential dread and the pursuit of meaning than on other themes, yet there are certainly some similarities.
I had an absolutely stupendous time!! I really needed this and am so delighted the publisher provided me with a copy, thank you again!!!
This stunning manga collection doesn’t take itself too seriously while tackling the serious issue of modern existence. Modernity is full of strife and woe, as well as, the seemingly inescapable dread of continuation into the unknown. Things are bad, so bad in fact, that fixing them seems impossible. But there is hope and ways to endure, shifting gears from survival to thriving.
By using cute little animals and over-the-top bouts of violence, these stories encourage readers to look at some of these plights in a different light. If you're on the fence if you can handle the surrealist violence found within these pages, know we begin with a serial killer penguin who has an armory of firearms with which to slaughter fellow flightless birdies. Do with this knowledge as you will...
Reading this filled me with the same glee as my first time with Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto. If you enjoyed his works, I think this set of stories will be a good fit. More of a focus will be placed on existential dread and the pursuit of meaning than on other themes, yet there are certainly some similarities.
I had an absolutely stupendous time!! I really needed this and am so delighted the publisher provided me with a copy, thank you again!!!
August 30, 2025
It's possible that there might be a little lost in translation or a little lost due to cultural differences. As best I can tell, this is a collection of various cute and anthropomorphized animals engaged in philosophical existentialism. Asking themselves what the point of life is? Whether it's better to have been born than not? How we should best deal with existential dread. The animals deploy various strategies to deal with the finite nature of their existence: genocide, homicide, learning cultural tradition, incubating stones rather than chicks, protest, eating, juggling, pursuit of world records, etc. The animals also heavily question whether or not reproduction is a good thing. One strategy not mentioned in the book: antidepressants. Because sometimes questioning whether it's good that you were born is "philosophy" and sometimes it's just "clinical depression."
This comic is definitely for adults rather than children because there's a lot of violence. It'll stick with you. The appropriate audience is someone who wants to spend an hour grappling with the meaning of life.
The pictures are very cute. The story is disturbing.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
This comic is definitely for adults rather than children because there's a lot of violence. It'll stick with you. The appropriate audience is someone who wants to spend an hour grappling with the meaning of life.
The pictures are very cute. The story is disturbing.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
September 9, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Before You Go Extinct is a thought-provoking manga made up of short stories that follow adorable animal characters as they wrestle with life’s biggest question: what does it mean to live when death is inevitable?
The story sets up two contrasting perspectives through its main characters: one who finds joy in the little things and embraces life simply for the sake of living, and another who cannot quite understand the point of it all. At times I found myself mixing up who was who in their different lives, but the overall message still shone through beautifully. Watching a character learn to appreciate the simple act of existing, even without all the answers, was genuinely heartwarming.
The art style added so much charm and atmosphere to the experience, making even the heavier themes feel accessible and impactful. It is the kind of story that quietly lingers with you after you finish, nudging you to reflect on your own life.
Overall, this was a quick, lovely and meaningful read that balances cuteness with existential themes in a surprisingly effective way.
Before You Go Extinct is a thought-provoking manga made up of short stories that follow adorable animal characters as they wrestle with life’s biggest question: what does it mean to live when death is inevitable?
The story sets up two contrasting perspectives through its main characters: one who finds joy in the little things and embraces life simply for the sake of living, and another who cannot quite understand the point of it all. At times I found myself mixing up who was who in their different lives, but the overall message still shone through beautifully. Watching a character learn to appreciate the simple act of existing, even without all the answers, was genuinely heartwarming.
The art style added so much charm and atmosphere to the experience, making even the heavier themes feel accessible and impactful. It is the kind of story that quietly lingers with you after you finish, nudging you to reflect on your own life.
Overall, this was a quick, lovely and meaningful read that balances cuteness with existential themes in a surprisingly effective way.
September 21, 2025
Before You Go Extinct is a short, stand-alone manga that really sticks with you. It follows two anthropomorphic penguins who, after dying, are reborn as different animals, exploring life, purpose, and the occasional existential crisis.
The art is gorgeous, and I love when a story makes you actually think about philosophy and your own life. Somehow, this manga pulls it off while staying lightly absurd—there’s something about animals wielding guns that somehow makes nihilism feel fun.
I will admit, sometimes it was tricky to tell the two main characters apart—but honestly, I kinda loved that. It made both feel fully human (or penguin?) with real doubts and fears, instead of one always being the cheerful idealist. The ending wasn’t as punchy as some of the heavier lines throughout, but the overall message? Hopeful, compassionate, and still haunting.
This one-shot tackles big ideas—nihilism, culture, capitalism, the pressure to produce—through the most charmingly bizarre cast of penguins, otters, and crows. Highly recommend if you like short, thoughtful manga that sticks in your brain long after you finish it.
The art is gorgeous, and I love when a story makes you actually think about philosophy and your own life. Somehow, this manga pulls it off while staying lightly absurd—there’s something about animals wielding guns that somehow makes nihilism feel fun.
I will admit, sometimes it was tricky to tell the two main characters apart—but honestly, I kinda loved that. It made both feel fully human (or penguin?) with real doubts and fears, instead of one always being the cheerful idealist. The ending wasn’t as punchy as some of the heavier lines throughout, but the overall message? Hopeful, compassionate, and still haunting.
This one-shot tackles big ideas—nihilism, culture, capitalism, the pressure to produce—through the most charmingly bizarre cast of penguins, otters, and crows. Highly recommend if you like short, thoughtful manga that sticks in your brain long after you finish it.
August 29, 2025
Wow! Before You Go Extinct is a manga that follows a rock among different species on the brink of extinction. These different species discuss the meaningless and meaningful moments of life. They talk about love, family, culture, and death.
At first I was confused with the penguicide but as the story went on, I started to see what this manga was all about. The story with the crows was a tearjerker and my favorite! Loco, the MC crow, did not find meaning in life and cultural rituals. I really enjoyed the crow story.
It can be dark at times, with death being a topic heavily present. I enjoyed the illustrations but at times I did find it hard to distinguish the characters. It's a very nihilistic manga but I really enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha | Vertical Comics, for the ARC.
At first I was confused with the penguicide but as the story went on, I started to see what this manga was all about. The story with the crows was a tearjerker and my favorite! Loco, the MC crow, did not find meaning in life and cultural rituals. I really enjoyed the crow story.
It can be dark at times, with death being a topic heavily present. I enjoyed the illustrations but at times I did find it hard to distinguish the characters. It's a very nihilistic manga but I really enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kodansha | Vertical Comics, for the ARC.
October 5, 2025
Before You Go Extinct is a thoughtful manga that broods on what it means to be dying out.
There are six chapters with a common thread running through them, but they are different in tone. There is the surrealism of a penguin using mass weaponry, or a lonely kakapo with a stadium singing career, but there is also the gentle minimalism of crows living wild and learning to mourn their dead. The book can be read in a sitting or two, although it may take some time to digest and would probably reward a reread. While it starts with heavy nihilism, the characters in their different incarnations find meaning in different ways.
The art is less cartoonish than the cover suggests and generally compliments the text quite well. The quest for answers in the face of extinction is a heavy theme but the six vignettes each have something different to say and they come together to give a little quiet hope. Overall this is a worthwhile read with some lingering messages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a free ARC.
There are six chapters with a common thread running through them, but they are different in tone. There is the surrealism of a penguin using mass weaponry, or a lonely kakapo with a stadium singing career, but there is also the gentle minimalism of crows living wild and learning to mourn their dead. The book can be read in a sitting or two, although it may take some time to digest and would probably reward a reread. While it starts with heavy nihilism, the characters in their different incarnations find meaning in different ways.
The art is less cartoonish than the cover suggests and generally compliments the text quite well. The quest for answers in the face of extinction is a heavy theme but the six vignettes each have something different to say and they come together to give a little quiet hope. Overall this is a worthwhile read with some lingering messages.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a free ARC.
September 7, 2025
These stories were way more chaotic than I thought they were going to be. I went into this thinking it was going to be stories about animals fighting extinction… and I suppose they were but not in the way I was expecting. All this to say, I actually really enjoyed the stories and the crazy plots. It makes you question “What does it mean to be alive and what makes life worth living?” but through the eyes of a murderous penguin. If you want to read a dark yet wholesome collection of stories about animals who are—
1. facing extinction (some of which caused by a homicidal penguin)
2. contemplating life/death
3. trying to keep traditions alive and wondering why certain traditions were created/what its purpose is
and/or you just really wanna read a manga that has penguins with guns and explosives because it was awesome! Then pick up this manga!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha USA for sending me an e-arc of this manga to read and review!
1. facing extinction (some of which caused by a homicidal penguin)
2. contemplating life/death
3. trying to keep traditions alive and wondering why certain traditions were created/what its purpose is
and/or you just really wanna read a manga that has penguins with guns and explosives because it was awesome! Then pick up this manga!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha USA for sending me an e-arc of this manga to read and review!
September 8, 2025
Dark, contemplative, life-affirming.
A collection of interlinked short stories centering two antropomorphic characters in reincarnations of various species as they are facing extinction. Depressed crows, homicidal/genocidal penguins, enslaved and hunted otters, they are all wringing with the big question: What is the meaning of our existence?. Why bother with life? What truly matters?. Might sound silly, and in parts it is, but it's mostly bittersweet, heartwarming, and hell, relatable.
The art style and depiction of the characters is truly endearing. It both contrasts and enriches the darker themes & tone presented to us, and the message it is trying to convey. As you may have gathered, this isn't a plot heavy story, but rather a quiet, slightly absurd, contemplation of and on life. If this sounds appealing to you, do give it a try. I can only recommend it.
ARC provided by Vertical Comics via NetGalley.
A collection of interlinked short stories centering two antropomorphic characters in reincarnations of various species as they are facing extinction. Depressed crows, homicidal/genocidal penguins, enslaved and hunted otters, they are all wringing with the big question: What is the meaning of our existence?. Why bother with life? What truly matters?. Might sound silly, and in parts it is, but it's mostly bittersweet, heartwarming, and hell, relatable.
The art style and depiction of the characters is truly endearing. It both contrasts and enriches the darker themes & tone presented to us, and the message it is trying to convey. As you may have gathered, this isn't a plot heavy story, but rather a quiet, slightly absurd, contemplation of and on life. If this sounds appealing to you, do give it a try. I can only recommend it.
ARC provided by Vertical Comics via NetGalley.
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