What do you think?
How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction
"Brilliant; at once terrifying and fascinating." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
In a full-color debut, a graphic novelist takes an engrossing, gleefully existential deep dive into the many ways that humanity could—and almost did—meet its end.
Since 99.9 percent of all species that have lived are extinct, it’s bound to be our turn eventually, right? So what’s most likely to kill us? A well-timed asteroid? Some new robot overlords? With wit and dry humor, debut graphic novelist Katy Doughty blends science and history to explore our chances of surviving disasters such as plagues, global warming, and alien invasion. Drawing on interviews with experts in fields like infectious diseases, AI, and interplanetary exploration, she combines cutting-edge research with compelling visuals: mugshots of the deadliest microbes, graphs of the winners and losers of mass extinction events, and a whole lot of dinosaur drawings. For apocalypse aficionados, the morbidly curious, and the just plain curious, this is your antidote to existential dread—a timely, imaginative, and ultimately hopeful take on humankind’s ability to survive the odds.
In a full-color debut, a graphic novelist takes an engrossing, gleefully existential deep dive into the many ways that humanity could—and almost did—meet its end.
Since 99.9 percent of all species that have lived are extinct, it’s bound to be our turn eventually, right? So what’s most likely to kill us? A well-timed asteroid? Some new robot overlords? With wit and dry humor, debut graphic novelist Katy Doughty blends science and history to explore our chances of surviving disasters such as plagues, global warming, and alien invasion. Drawing on interviews with experts in fields like infectious diseases, AI, and interplanetary exploration, she combines cutting-edge research with compelling visuals: mugshots of the deadliest microbes, graphs of the winners and losers of mass extinction events, and a whole lot of dinosaur drawings. For apocalypse aficionados, the morbidly curious, and the just plain curious, this is your antidote to existential dread—a timely, imaginative, and ultimately hopeful take on humankind’s ability to survive the odds.
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Katy Doughty
2 books18 followersI'm a California-born, Texas-bred, New-England-educated designer and illustrator living in Boston. I hold a BFA. in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and am an MPH candidate at Boston University School of Public Health. I’m particularly interested in the intersection between visual communication, research, and healthcare. You can see some of my work in The Nib, Lily Magazine, and in anthologies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 25, 2026
TL;DR It's going to take a while for humanity to cease.
May 27, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book and appreciate the time and energy that author, Katy Doughty, put into it. It is written at a level that middle schoolers would be able to absorb easily. I would love to see this book taught as a special project for middle schoolers!
The book has creative formatting and is a very general overview of ways humans could end.
It is organized into categories:
Plagues and Pandemics
Deadly Blasts (bombs and volcanoes)
Climate Meltdown
Killer Machines
Falling Skies
Cosmic Collapse.
Each section describes what it is, how it could happen, and gives options on actions the reader -- and humans, collectively -- might take to lessen the chances of it happening.
The illustration format is comic book style panels. The colorings are rich yet subdued. They are often whimsical yet always thoughtful, deftly working in political issues that include LGBTQIA+ and all genders, races, and family configurations. Even critters, past, present, and future, are part of the story.
The author pulls in experts from around the globe in each of the categories to weigh in with their educated opinions.
There are ample source notes, ten pages of bibliography, and a page of copyright acknowledgments.
The book has creative formatting and is a very general overview of ways humans could end.
It is organized into categories:
Plagues and Pandemics
Deadly Blasts (bombs and volcanoes)
Climate Meltdown
Killer Machines
Falling Skies
Cosmic Collapse.
Each section describes what it is, how it could happen, and gives options on actions the reader -- and humans, collectively -- might take to lessen the chances of it happening.
The illustration format is comic book style panels. The colorings are rich yet subdued. They are often whimsical yet always thoughtful, deftly working in political issues that include LGBTQIA+ and all genders, races, and family configurations. Even critters, past, present, and future, are part of the story.
The author pulls in experts from around the globe in each of the categories to weigh in with their educated opinions.
There are ample source notes, ten pages of bibliography, and a page of copyright acknowledgments.
May 11, 2026
Well, I guess that I should have figured this was going to be optimistic by the title. I feel like the author tries to look for the most optimistic outcome for things that could make humanity go extinct. She considers plagues and pandemics, deadly blasts, climate meltdowns, killer machines, falling skies, and cosmic collapse and tries to decide when or if they're possible. It's a graphic novel that's meant to be educational and entertaining at the same time. But it's interesting seeing her go off on tangents about saving the world from climate disaster when we're ultimately all doomed anyway as the sun dies. Anyhow, I guess it was interesting enough, but her explanations and conclusions didn't always seem quite right based on things I've read elsewhere. She also states several thing as fact that are theory, but I guess that's okay. Although, maybe it's just because there's not enough space to go into that much detail. And I'm certainly not an expert. I think, though, that we sometimes tend to latch onto the theories that we hear first or the one that suits our narrative. And it's all speculation anyway.
August 31, 2026
Great YA non-fic graphic novel that even-handedly gives out end of the world (or end of the human) scenarios based on current science. Great illustrations, and the vibe is less doomsday and more about what solutions are available to us if we have the collective will
April 28, 2026
Interesting things to ponder. Crucial things to initiate action.
July 15, 2026
A well executed, extremely informative piece of non-fiction chock full of facts. It's hard to make a reader anxiously hypervenilate while giving them at least a sliver of hope at the same time.
Top shelf graphic non-fiction.
Top shelf graphic non-fiction.
May 28, 2026
The book tells you how the world could end but doesn't actually tell you how to survive any of them.
July 24, 2026
I saw How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction by Katy Doughty when I was wandering through my local book store and it looked interesting enough to check out. And I hadn't purchased a new book in a little while so what the hey.
Kate Doughty is a cartoonist and public health researcher and this book seems right up her alley. It examines possible world extinction events using history, science, analysis by experts and also great art work. The book is divided into various possible activities / events that might end civilization; plagues (viruses), nuclear explosions / volcanoes, climate activity, AI, asteroids / meteors and cosmic collapse (the Big Bang in reverse, aka Gnab Gib).
So, as a subject matter, it's kind of depressing subject but Doughty manages to also inject positivity in the story. But that doesn't mean that the subject shouldn't be taken seriously, especially the chapters on Climate Meltdown and Pandemics. Something has to be reversed in our way of treating the planet.
Because it's in a graphic novel format, the subjects are somewhat glossed over, but there is still lots of interesting facts and information. And Doughty does not play down the information, it's very thoughtful and quite scientific at times. Interesting book for dangerous times. (3.5 stars)
Kate Doughty is a cartoonist and public health researcher and this book seems right up her alley. It examines possible world extinction events using history, science, analysis by experts and also great art work. The book is divided into various possible activities / events that might end civilization; plagues (viruses), nuclear explosions / volcanoes, climate activity, AI, asteroids / meteors and cosmic collapse (the Big Bang in reverse, aka Gnab Gib).
So, as a subject matter, it's kind of depressing subject but Doughty manages to also inject positivity in the story. But that doesn't mean that the subject shouldn't be taken seriously, especially the chapters on Climate Meltdown and Pandemics. Something has to be reversed in our way of treating the planet.
Because it's in a graphic novel format, the subjects are somewhat glossed over, but there is still lots of interesting facts and information. And Doughty does not play down the information, it's very thoughtful and quite scientific at times. Interesting book for dangerous times. (3.5 stars)
September 21, 2026
This is an ambitious nonfiction graphic novel about science, AI, humans, dinosaurs, extinction events, and more. The author is one of those folks that knows a little about a LOT. I enjoyed this book as it veered from religious texts, to plagues, to pandemics, to climate changes, to potential future collapse. As I said, this is an ambitious book.
April 7, 2026
All is lost. (This book was great). But humans have really bungled this one.
October 5, 2026
Many people believe the world is getting worse, so let’s just jump to the end—the end of the world. Doughty’s graphic novel walks through many people’s fears: pandemics, asteroid collisions, climate change…etc. and unpacks the likelihood that it could clear us out. It may not be the best descriptor, but this was a “fun” read. I learned a lot and I think it would be widely and quickly consumed by students, even the jaded students. It kind of has something for everyone. Recommended for GR 6 and up.
October 11, 2026
A great nonfiction graphic novel with tons of information on how the world could or maybe couldn't end. Educational, fun and thought provoking.
April 29, 2026
This was not what I expected after picking it up with no more than a cursory look at the cover. For some reason I thought it would be a quirky dystopian graphic novel about surviving an apocalypse. It's actually a run-down of the various ways humanity could be wiped out and if they are unavoidable or not. It presents the science in an easily digestible way for teens (and let's face it, most adults) and explores various disasters from climate change, AI takeover, to a stray meteor or nuclear war. Obviously it's not a light fun read, but the overall tone is hopeful. Just don't read it expecting fiction.
June 15, 2026
It was a very interesting read and the fact that it was more like a graphic novel made it more interesting of a read. I would have liked to see more about stuff other than natural disasters or whatnot. The first couple sections were really good and then I felt like there was a lot of filler or the author went off on a space ramble and the book just wasn't the same 😂 It was worth a read but I wanted a bit more from it.
April 28, 2026
While this book is aimed at teens, I think that anyone with an interest in science and the many different ways in which the world could end will gain a lot from this well-researched and innovatively drawn volume.
Never has the end of life as we know it been depicted in such a warmly realistic manner. Katy Doughty examines all the different science-based ways in which the end of the world has captured the human imagination in recent years -- with a quick nod to the end times prophesied by various faiths and cultures over the centuries -- and discusses their likelihood in a level-headed manner. She not only draws on established research but also consults with various scientists and activists who make excellent cameos here as they talk about their areas of expertise, whether they be in epidemiology, anthropology, climate justice or more.
Critically, Ms Doughty doesn't just talk about a global extermination event for humanity, but also about the kind of rapid, destabilizing change that would mean the death of our old ways of life and the emergence of something new, strange and not necessarily for the better... but also not necessarily for the worse. That said, the interview with Dr Lawrence Gross regarding the trauma of such devastating change is really excellently done, both in how sorrowful it made me feel for the past and how hopeful it made me feel for the future.
And that's basically the thesis of this book, that no matter what happens, human beings have already and always shown extraordinary resilience, and that our history to date is a powerful testament to who we are as a species. We're not perfect, and we have done some truly terrible things to each other. But in a world with no guarantees, the fact that we've also done amazing things and, perhaps even more importantly, that we persist in doing good is perhaps enough, if not to justify our ongoing survival outright, then as an epitaph on a worthwhile existence in the face of inevitability.
Anyway, the bulk of the book is divided into chapters on the main ways in which the world could end. Plagues And Pandemics, Deadly Blasts, Climate Meltdown, Killer Machines, Falling Skies and Cosmic Collapse all get their evaluations, in addition to explanations of how scientists, activists and everyday people are working to prevent these final curtains. For a book on such grim topics -- each scenario is extrapolated and described logically from current events -- it is tremendously upbeat, and neither in a utilitarian nor a cynical manner. It is actually one of the best representatives of the hopepunk movement in non-fiction format that I've ever read, particularly in the way it believes that communities have the power to shape recognizably happy and prosperous continuing futures for all humanity.
I really needed to read this book when I did, and I think it will resonate with plenty of other readers, too. Highly recommended, both for the intellectual content and the humanistic way that Ms Doughty renders it in both text and imagery.
How To Survive The End Of The World by Katy Doughty was published March 31 2026 by MITeen Press and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review first appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
Never has the end of life as we know it been depicted in such a warmly realistic manner. Katy Doughty examines all the different science-based ways in which the end of the world has captured the human imagination in recent years -- with a quick nod to the end times prophesied by various faiths and cultures over the centuries -- and discusses their likelihood in a level-headed manner. She not only draws on established research but also consults with various scientists and activists who make excellent cameos here as they talk about their areas of expertise, whether they be in epidemiology, anthropology, climate justice or more.
Critically, Ms Doughty doesn't just talk about a global extermination event for humanity, but also about the kind of rapid, destabilizing change that would mean the death of our old ways of life and the emergence of something new, strange and not necessarily for the better... but also not necessarily for the worse. That said, the interview with Dr Lawrence Gross regarding the trauma of such devastating change is really excellently done, both in how sorrowful it made me feel for the past and how hopeful it made me feel for the future.
And that's basically the thesis of this book, that no matter what happens, human beings have already and always shown extraordinary resilience, and that our history to date is a powerful testament to who we are as a species. We're not perfect, and we have done some truly terrible things to each other. But in a world with no guarantees, the fact that we've also done amazing things and, perhaps even more importantly, that we persist in doing good is perhaps enough, if not to justify our ongoing survival outright, then as an epitaph on a worthwhile existence in the face of inevitability.
Anyway, the bulk of the book is divided into chapters on the main ways in which the world could end. Plagues And Pandemics, Deadly Blasts, Climate Meltdown, Killer Machines, Falling Skies and Cosmic Collapse all get their evaluations, in addition to explanations of how scientists, activists and everyday people are working to prevent these final curtains. For a book on such grim topics -- each scenario is extrapolated and described logically from current events -- it is tremendously upbeat, and neither in a utilitarian nor a cynical manner. It is actually one of the best representatives of the hopepunk movement in non-fiction format that I've ever read, particularly in the way it believes that communities have the power to shape recognizably happy and prosperous continuing futures for all humanity.
I really needed to read this book when I did, and I think it will resonate with plenty of other readers, too. Highly recommended, both for the intellectual content and the humanistic way that Ms Doughty renders it in both text and imagery.
How To Survive The End Of The World by Katy Doughty was published March 31 2026 by MITeen Press and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This review first appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Even if it will end, ours is a world that calls for living.”
Because of humans, many forms of life have become extinct; yet someday, we too will share this fate. This morbid thinking begs the question: what exactly would this extinction look like? Using expert interviews, facts, and a keen sense of humor, Doughty paints us detailed pictures of this cataclysmic reality. This graphic novel takes the reader on a journey through time, showcasing all the possible—and impossible—doomsday scenarios for the world we call home. From pandemics to volcanoes, nuclear blasts, climate calamities, artificial intelligence, falling space rocks, or the universe’s total collapse, this graphic novel captures all the various ways we can meet our end. Even so, humanity’s ending isn’t set in stone. Doughty’s novel remains resiliently hopeful: a call to action for what we can do about what happens next.
While we’ve all personally experienced the signs of this end-of-the-world future with climate change and the tragedy of COVID-19, our imagining of this reality remains ever-shifting and uncertain. Understandably, this can be overwhelming; I know it has been for me these past couple of years. So what Doughty does in this graphic novel is illuminate all these different possibilities through insightful research as well as compassionate wisdom. It’s evident throughout the novel that Doughty has a deep love for humanity, whether it's our shared history or the legacy we leave behind. Despite the existential dread this particular subject matter inspires, I appreciated how the novel reinforces the ways in which we can positively change or come to terms with these endings. It illustrates how powerful hope, courage, and resolve are when facing these doomsday futures, but also that some concerns are, frankly, inevitable. In this respect, Doughty deftly balances care with seriousness. Not only does she explain scientific concepts and histories in an accessible way for the curious layman, but she also captivates readers with bold, colorful illustrations to supplement the nonfiction. Ultimately, this graphic novel was an enlightening read—perfect for anyone who’s anxious about the end of the world.
How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction releases on March 31st, 2026.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and MITeen Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Because of humans, many forms of life have become extinct; yet someday, we too will share this fate. This morbid thinking begs the question: what exactly would this extinction look like? Using expert interviews, facts, and a keen sense of humor, Doughty paints us detailed pictures of this cataclysmic reality. This graphic novel takes the reader on a journey through time, showcasing all the possible—and impossible—doomsday scenarios for the world we call home. From pandemics to volcanoes, nuclear blasts, climate calamities, artificial intelligence, falling space rocks, or the universe’s total collapse, this graphic novel captures all the various ways we can meet our end. Even so, humanity’s ending isn’t set in stone. Doughty’s novel remains resiliently hopeful: a call to action for what we can do about what happens next.
While we’ve all personally experienced the signs of this end-of-the-world future with climate change and the tragedy of COVID-19, our imagining of this reality remains ever-shifting and uncertain. Understandably, this can be overwhelming; I know it has been for me these past couple of years. So what Doughty does in this graphic novel is illuminate all these different possibilities through insightful research as well as compassionate wisdom. It’s evident throughout the novel that Doughty has a deep love for humanity, whether it's our shared history or the legacy we leave behind. Despite the existential dread this particular subject matter inspires, I appreciated how the novel reinforces the ways in which we can positively change or come to terms with these endings. It illustrates how powerful hope, courage, and resolve are when facing these doomsday futures, but also that some concerns are, frankly, inevitable. In this respect, Doughty deftly balances care with seriousness. Not only does she explain scientific concepts and histories in an accessible way for the curious layman, but she also captivates readers with bold, colorful illustrations to supplement the nonfiction. Ultimately, this graphic novel was an enlightening read—perfect for anyone who’s anxious about the end of the world.
How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction releases on March 31st, 2026.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and MITeen Press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, I don't care for graphic novels, etc. As a child I did love the comic books and the Sunday newspaper comics section. But those days are past. However, I do concede that there is a certain attention-grabbing quality to a graphic book or story, and I also acknowledge that the genre is actually "genre spanning" and can be a useful tool to get reluctant readers to read or to educate interestingly about the mundane.
So where does How to Survive the End of the World......" fit into the mold of genre, interest, educate, or entertain? This quality hardcover book begins with early Earth's existence and events that geology has preserved. A look at plagues that nearly wiped out broad swaths of mankind and onto modern man's creation of tools that could potentially destroy mankind and any form of life on Earth. So the book has a bit of history, and bit of education, a lot of caution, some encouragement, and tid-bits of "how to survive" tucked into the pages.
The comics, or should I say "illustrations," are done creatively and will forge images in the reader's mind without terrifyingly raw reality.
A product of MIT Teen Press, the intellectual quality of content promises to be worth delving into and is such that will engage children with bright, questioning minds.
Having recently experienced the Covid Pandemic and the isolation, fear, alarm that ensued, readers will appreciate the part of this book that covers pandemics and plagues throughout history and how mankind survived - often with great loss. They'll get a glimpse into solutions and pros and cons of fighting disease.
Readers will take a look at current concern many have of machines, technology, robots taking over mankind. Then there is a look at present fears and past events of when huge chunks of rock (meteors and meteorites) fall from the sky and devastate the land. These are very present fears and the book takes a reassuring look at such.
"It takes courage to imagine the end of the world--an even more courage to try to change the ending." [pg. 224, How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction]
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
So where does How to Survive the End of the World......" fit into the mold of genre, interest, educate, or entertain? This quality hardcover book begins with early Earth's existence and events that geology has preserved. A look at plagues that nearly wiped out broad swaths of mankind and onto modern man's creation of tools that could potentially destroy mankind and any form of life on Earth. So the book has a bit of history, and bit of education, a lot of caution, some encouragement, and tid-bits of "how to survive" tucked into the pages.
The comics, or should I say "illustrations," are done creatively and will forge images in the reader's mind without terrifyingly raw reality.
A product of MIT Teen Press, the intellectual quality of content promises to be worth delving into and is such that will engage children with bright, questioning minds.
Having recently experienced the Covid Pandemic and the isolation, fear, alarm that ensued, readers will appreciate the part of this book that covers pandemics and plagues throughout history and how mankind survived - often with great loss. They'll get a glimpse into solutions and pros and cons of fighting disease.
Readers will take a look at current concern many have of machines, technology, robots taking over mankind. Then there is a look at present fears and past events of when huge chunks of rock (meteors and meteorites) fall from the sky and devastate the land. These are very present fears and the book takes a reassuring look at such.
"It takes courage to imagine the end of the world--an even more courage to try to change the ending." [pg. 224, How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction]
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
November 16, 2025
How to Survive the End of the World by Katy Doughty hits just the right mix of informative, panic-reducing, and call to action. Ideal if you feel a little overwhelmed at times.
What worked for me was the way she didn't downplay some of the major concerns many people have but placed them in perspective. Some of the things that can worry people excessively both have slim odds and are mostly out of our control, so be aware but don't over-stress over them. Some things (such as climate change and potential future pandemics) are more likely but are also things we can actually do something about. By helping to educate readers and offer directions for any activism and/or beneficial actions, Doughty has given us a book that can help us feel just a little less like the end of the world (as we know it) is right around the corner and a little more empowered to do what we can about the things we might actually be able to have some impact.
I also think this would be a good book for parents to discuss with their children. I won't venture a guess at what age, you know your child's stress and knowledge level better than I do, but a conversation that would help them to not be spooked when alarmists are shouting their end-of-times predictions (which seem to keep being wrong but their flocks keep buying into their lies) can only help.
Recommended for those readers who find themselves periodically overwhelmed by multiple seemingly unavoidable existential crises even though they know that even as bad as it is it isn't quite that bad (yet).
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
What worked for me was the way she didn't downplay some of the major concerns many people have but placed them in perspective. Some of the things that can worry people excessively both have slim odds and are mostly out of our control, so be aware but don't over-stress over them. Some things (such as climate change and potential future pandemics) are more likely but are also things we can actually do something about. By helping to educate readers and offer directions for any activism and/or beneficial actions, Doughty has given us a book that can help us feel just a little less like the end of the world (as we know it) is right around the corner and a little more empowered to do what we can about the things we might actually be able to have some impact.
I also think this would be a good book for parents to discuss with their children. I won't venture a guess at what age, you know your child's stress and knowledge level better than I do, but a conversation that would help them to not be spooked when alarmists are shouting their end-of-times predictions (which seem to keep being wrong but their flocks keep buying into their lies) can only help.
Recommended for those readers who find themselves periodically overwhelmed by multiple seemingly unavoidable existential crises even though they know that even as bad as it is it isn't quite that bad (yet).
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 30, 2025
We became a post-apocalyptic people...the post-traumatic stress disorder can become intergenerational.
Despite being eternally fascinating, there's a pretty stark truth in the fact that science is inherently extremely capable of creating existential crises. Much as I love to learn about this topic, there's a deep discomfort I feel in some of the knowledge that this topic imparts. And while I know I will be long gone by the time many of the events described as "the end of the world" occur, it's still rather terrifying to me.
How to Survive the End of the World is one of those books that promotes intense exploration of thought, calculated interest in different types of analysis. It's also extremely depressing, as far as I'm concerned. I think there are a lot of people who can look at this information and find it unceasingly beautiful and fascinating—and to some extent, I can definitely agree—but I cannot help feeling some form of despair at all the endings.
Even with this personal feeling of mine, though, I find the information in this book to be incredibly important. And while, perhaps, it may not be important to my generation in the sense of it all having an integral impact on us, but the knowledge we gain today is the knowledge that may one day help those of the future. I think this is definitely a book worth picking up.
It takes humility to admit when you can't control the ending. It takes resolve to try to understand it anyway, even if the end is very far off.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
How to Survive the End of the World.
How to Survive the End of the World is a sobering yet humorous look at the end of the world, blending science and history to explore the various ways humanity may face extinction.
As a person with an overactive imagination, none of these scenarios were new to me, though it did heighten my doomsdays thoughts.
The author handled topics like plagues, global warming, and the possibility of alien life, honestly and scientifically, presenting a comprehensive overview of our survival odds.
I really appreciated the interview excerpts from experts in various fields and found their perspectives enlightening.
These insights add a rich layer of sincerity and depth, grounding the narrative in real-world science while making tough topics accessible for readers.
I found myself learning new concepts and terms, which the chapters clarified well.
I didn't like the artwork much but I enjoyed the content very much.
In today’s political and social climate, this book addresses the existential dread many of us feel about the future.
For those who are intrigued by apocalyptic scenarios or just curious about how we're all going to go the way of the dinosaurs, this graphic novel may help alleviate your worries. Or not.
Knowledge is power!
This is a great read that encourages humanity to reflect on our global challenges but reminds us there is optimism and hope about what the future can hold if we all work together to protect our world and ourselves.
To paraphrase a line from the end of the graphic novel, how to survive the end of the world is worth telling.
How to Survive the End of the World is a sobering yet humorous look at the end of the world, blending science and history to explore the various ways humanity may face extinction.
As a person with an overactive imagination, none of these scenarios were new to me, though it did heighten my doomsdays thoughts.
The author handled topics like plagues, global warming, and the possibility of alien life, honestly and scientifically, presenting a comprehensive overview of our survival odds.
I really appreciated the interview excerpts from experts in various fields and found their perspectives enlightening.
These insights add a rich layer of sincerity and depth, grounding the narrative in real-world science while making tough topics accessible for readers.
I found myself learning new concepts and terms, which the chapters clarified well.
I didn't like the artwork much but I enjoyed the content very much.
In today’s political and social climate, this book addresses the existential dread many of us feel about the future.
For those who are intrigued by apocalyptic scenarios or just curious about how we're all going to go the way of the dinosaurs, this graphic novel may help alleviate your worries. Or not.
Knowledge is power!
This is a great read that encourages humanity to reflect on our global challenges but reminds us there is optimism and hope about what the future can hold if we all work together to protect our world and ourselves.
To paraphrase a line from the end of the graphic novel, how to survive the end of the world is worth telling.
August 29, 2026
Do any of you experience eco-anxiety or know a friend who does? This is an ever present fear over climate change and permanent environmental damage. There is a lot of research that suggests many teens do worry about the changing climate. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...)
If you or your friend identify with this, this book is the perfect book for you! Katy Doughty, who holds a master's in public health and a batchelor's of fine arts in illustration, decided to combine her knowledge to create this book. In it, she explores all the different ways the world could end like a massive pandemic, nuclear war, climate change, AI taking over, asteroids, and black holes. In each chapter she interviews a scientist who is an expert in the field and gets their take.
I know it may sound odd but this is a pretty cathartic book! Turns out while the world may end in a several different ways some of the chances of things aren't as high as you might think.
---
I read this to see if I could put it in a middle school and I would say yes. I think my students who love science and Randall Munroe's books will eat this up!
---
Content Notes:
FYI--this book begins with a kitten killing but it's absolutely essential to the plot.
Content Notes:
Sex/sexual references: None
Profanity/swearing: None
Religious references: Yes, at the beginning it mentions all the ways the world ends according to different religions and traditions
Violence? Yes, it is about the end of the world
Does an animal die in this? Yes, it's not too graphic but the dinosaur extinction is depicted
LGBTQIA+ rep? Not specified
If you or your friend identify with this, this book is the perfect book for you! Katy Doughty, who holds a master's in public health and a batchelor's of fine arts in illustration, decided to combine her knowledge to create this book. In it, she explores all the different ways the world could end like a massive pandemic, nuclear war, climate change, AI taking over, asteroids, and black holes. In each chapter she interviews a scientist who is an expert in the field and gets their take.
I know it may sound odd but this is a pretty cathartic book! Turns out while the world may end in a several different ways some of the chances of things aren't as high as you might think.
---
I read this to see if I could put it in a middle school and I would say yes. I think my students who love science and Randall Munroe's books will eat this up!
---
Content Notes:
FYI--this book begins with a kitten killing but it's absolutely essential to the plot.
Content Notes:
Sex/sexual references: None
Profanity/swearing: None
Religious references: Yes, at the beginning it mentions all the ways the world ends according to different religions and traditions
Violence? Yes, it is about the end of the world
Does an animal die in this? Yes, it's not too graphic but the dinosaur extinction is depicted
LGBTQIA+ rep? Not specified
xx-dnf-skim-reference
April 15, 2026April 2026. Only skimmed - so much non-narrative graphic-ness is more than I'm up to atm.
Seems like another plea to young people to plan for the future, because the majority of adults clearly can't be trusted.
"If you plan it right, 98 people would be enough to keep a space crew going for the 6300 years it would take to reach Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our sun." (Without planning, it's more like 1K people would be needed to repopulate w/ enough genetic diversity etc.)
In the section on AI, the expert Thomas Arnold helped the author write this:
"Powerful predictive algorithms analyze data from the past and attempt to guess at the future. 'If you go purely on the data. You're reinforcing something that the past has given us.' It means that criminal justice isn't about crime and punishment. It's a game of statistics. Courtrooms use AI risk assessments to forecast who might reoffend. These assessments find black defendants much riskier than white defendants with the same criminal history. Financing isn't about how much money you need. It's about how much money people like you were allowed in the past. Here again, racial minority applicants are denied at higher rates than their white counterparts."
"The end of humanity doesn't erase the fact of our existence, any more than this last chapter erases this whole book, any more than a period erases a sentence."
Seems like another plea to young people to plan for the future, because the majority of adults clearly can't be trusted.
"If you plan it right, 98 people would be enough to keep a space crew going for the 6300 years it would take to reach Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our sun." (Without planning, it's more like 1K people would be needed to repopulate w/ enough genetic diversity etc.)
In the section on AI, the expert Thomas Arnold helped the author write this:
"Powerful predictive algorithms analyze data from the past and attempt to guess at the future. 'If you go purely on the data. You're reinforcing something that the past has given us.' It means that criminal justice isn't about crime and punishment. It's a game of statistics. Courtrooms use AI risk assessments to forecast who might reoffend. These assessments find black defendants much riskier than white defendants with the same criminal history. Financing isn't about how much money you need. It's about how much money people like you were allowed in the past. Here again, racial minority applicants are denied at higher rates than their white counterparts."
"The end of humanity doesn't erase the fact of our existence, any more than this last chapter erases this whole book, any more than a period erases a sentence."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less." - M. Curie
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the sharing the digital ARC of this title for an unbiased review.
In How to Survive the End of the World, Doughty patiently lays out the entire human tapestry of scientific discovery to answer the question of how things can end (whether it be human civilization, the planet, or the universe itself). And sometimes she talk about how we can skirt it (if it is not already too late).
Definetly for fans of Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything, however I will say not as comical as I expected such a book to be based on the description (I was expecting Allie Brosh levels of humor to accompany the Allie Brosh artistry)
One thing I appreciated about how Katy Doughty presented her argument is the use of 'talking head' sections of people currently in the field - it definetly contributed to my list of authors to look for in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the sharing the digital ARC of this title for an unbiased review.
In How to Survive the End of the World, Doughty patiently lays out the entire human tapestry of scientific discovery to answer the question of how things can end (whether it be human civilization, the planet, or the universe itself). And sometimes she talk about how we can skirt it (if it is not already too late).
Definetly for fans of Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything, however I will say not as comical as I expected such a book to be based on the description (I was expecting Allie Brosh levels of humor to accompany the Allie Brosh artistry)
One thing I appreciated about how Katy Doughty presented her argument is the use of 'talking head' sections of people currently in the field - it definetly contributed to my list of authors to look for in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
What a thought provoking and informative read!
For a graphic novel, this book really packed a punch. The book explores different ways humans could potentially go extinct (examples include plagues, climate change, robots, and asteroids). It then explains how likely each event is to happen and how to possibly avoid it.
The book is thoroughly researched as evidenced by its lengthy bibliography. The author even included interviews with experts in each chapter. I learned so much!
The book is aimed at a young adult audience so all the information is presented in an accessible way. Complex ideas are easily broken down into digestible parts. Plus, since this is a graphic novel, the illustrations are enormously helpful.
I enjoyed the art style. It was very vibrant and colorful but very clear in what it was depicting.
I did find the book to be slightly depressing at times. Contemplating the end of the world filled me with existential dread. The book does offer glimmers of hope though, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone (young adult or adult) who wants to learn more about the various ways humans can go extinct. It’s a great starting point for the topic!
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
What a thought provoking and informative read!
For a graphic novel, this book really packed a punch. The book explores different ways humans could potentially go extinct (examples include plagues, climate change, robots, and asteroids). It then explains how likely each event is to happen and how to possibly avoid it.
The book is thoroughly researched as evidenced by its lengthy bibliography. The author even included interviews with experts in each chapter. I learned so much!
The book is aimed at a young adult audience so all the information is presented in an accessible way. Complex ideas are easily broken down into digestible parts. Plus, since this is a graphic novel, the illustrations are enormously helpful.
I enjoyed the art style. It was very vibrant and colorful but very clear in what it was depicting.
I did find the book to be slightly depressing at times. Contemplating the end of the world filled me with existential dread. The book does offer glimmers of hope though, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone (young adult or adult) who wants to learn more about the various ways humans can go extinct. It’s a great starting point for the topic!
November 25, 2025
This is a graphic novel that discusses the end of the world and the various ways this can happen. It blends facts, history, and future scenarios to give you a general overview of what might happen. So while a bit depressing at times, this gives a great overview of the state of the world and its future, without overwhelming the reader too much.
I found this book informative, easy to read, nicely illustrated, and it had just the right amount of panic-inducing information without causing a panic-attack from what might happen. The author does a great job at placing all concerns in perspective of the reader's control. Some things are completely out of our control but are a possibility but others are within our control and we can fight for change to happen in those areas. It was just a great blend of scientific facts and calls to action to get the reader motivated to do something to save our future.
Overall, this book is the perfect mixture of upsetting information about the potential ends of the world, history, mitigation steps, and a call to action.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
I found this book informative, easy to read, nicely illustrated, and it had just the right amount of panic-inducing information without causing a panic-attack from what might happen. The author does a great job at placing all concerns in perspective of the reader's control. Some things are completely out of our control but are a possibility but others are within our control and we can fight for change to happen in those areas. It was just a great blend of scientific facts and calls to action to get the reader motivated to do something to save our future.
Overall, this book is the perfect mixture of upsetting information about the potential ends of the world, history, mitigation steps, and a call to action.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press | MITeen Press for the digital ARC for review.
This was a fantastic resource for learning about the past and present of humanity. It had an interesting premise and title, that immediately drew me in and inspired me to request the ARC. It is written and illustrated in a way that is interesting and also easy to follow. I learned so much that I never knew and have a different perspective on many ideas.
I love how this book uses language in a way that I never thought of before. A perfect example of that is the use of the word “apocalypse.” Apocalypse is typically used in a way to describe the end of the world as a whole by some terrible means. I love the way it was used in this book as the end of a people and not all of humanity. Examples of this are the colonization of Native Americans and the Japanese citizens affected by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Scariest things: Cosmic collapse & climate change
Most interesting: killer machines and space travel & colonization
I highly recommend you pick this up if the title sounds interesting to you, as this was way better than I could have ever expected.
This was a fantastic resource for learning about the past and present of humanity. It had an interesting premise and title, that immediately drew me in and inspired me to request the ARC. It is written and illustrated in a way that is interesting and also easy to follow. I learned so much that I never knew and have a different perspective on many ideas.
I love how this book uses language in a way that I never thought of before. A perfect example of that is the use of the word “apocalypse.” Apocalypse is typically used in a way to describe the end of the world as a whole by some terrible means. I love the way it was used in this book as the end of a people and not all of humanity. Examples of this are the colonization of Native Americans and the Japanese citizens affected by the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Scariest things: Cosmic collapse & climate change
Most interesting: killer machines and space travel & colonization
I highly recommend you pick this up if the title sounds interesting to you, as this was way better than I could have ever expected.
April 14, 2026
How to Survive the End of the World is a fascinating, witty, and highly engaging exploration of one of humanity’s biggest questions, how long can we really last? Katy Doughty combines science, history, and humor in a way that makes complex and sometimes unsettling topics feel accessible and even entertaining.
What makes this book stand out is its balance. It dives into serious subjects like pandemics, climate change, and technological risks, but does so with a tone that is both curious and approachable. The blend of expert insights and visual storytelling creates an experience that is as informative as it is enjoyable.
The graphic format adds another layer of engagement, helping to break down complex ideas while keeping the narrative lively and visually interesting. It’s clear that a lot of thought and research went into crafting something that is both educational and compelling.
A smart, creative, and thought-provoking read for anyone curious about the future and humanity’s chances of surviving it.
What makes this book stand out is its balance. It dives into serious subjects like pandemics, climate change, and technological risks, but does so with a tone that is both curious and approachable. The blend of expert insights and visual storytelling creates an experience that is as informative as it is enjoyable.
The graphic format adds another layer of engagement, helping to break down complex ideas while keeping the narrative lively and visually interesting. It’s clear that a lot of thought and research went into crafting something that is both educational and compelling.
A smart, creative, and thought-provoking read for anyone curious about the future and humanity’s chances of surviving it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and Candlewick Press for the ARC!
A wonderfully written graphic novel that examines the many possible ways the world could end. It explores both scenarios beyond human control and those influenced by human actions. While the subject matter could easily feel overwhelming, the author presents it with care, clearly outlining the realistic likelihood of each scenario without minimizing the seriousness of the concerns.
As a history major, I found the book's initial exploration of plagues and pandemics particularly compelling. It provided a chilling look at how rapidly silent killers can devastate entire populations. While I have always been fascinated by the history of disease and it's deadly effects on communities, this narrative shifted my perspective on how such outbreaks possess the potential to end the world.
A must read for teens seeking a compelling and easy to digest read on how the world could end.
A wonderfully written graphic novel that examines the many possible ways the world could end. It explores both scenarios beyond human control and those influenced by human actions. While the subject matter could easily feel overwhelming, the author presents it with care, clearly outlining the realistic likelihood of each scenario without minimizing the seriousness of the concerns.
As a history major, I found the book's initial exploration of plagues and pandemics particularly compelling. It provided a chilling look at how rapidly silent killers can devastate entire populations. While I have always been fascinated by the history of disease and it's deadly effects on communities, this narrative shifted my perspective on how such outbreaks possess the potential to end the world.
A must read for teens seeking a compelling and easy to digest read on how the world could end.
June 2, 2026
Complimenting other stories in this vein (one of my favorites End Times: A Brief Guide to the End of the World: Asteroids, Super Volcanoes, Rogue Robots, and More) this graphic novelization of ways in which the world might come to an end and how humans might choose to carry on by colonizing another planet for instance.
Ways in which the world has come close and will come close again- topics like pandemics and plagues, volcanic eruptions, asteroids, climate change, etc. are all given space and in many instances a quick explanation from a graphic novelized version of a scientist/researcher will provide additional details. It's organized well and is cleanly laid out that makes it easy to understand the concepts presented through the explanations.
Ways in which the world has come close and will come close again- topics like pandemics and plagues, volcanic eruptions, asteroids, climate change, etc. are all given space and in many instances a quick explanation from a graphic novelized version of a scientist/researcher will provide additional details. It's organized well and is cleanly laid out that makes it easy to understand the concepts presented through the explanations.
July 14, 2026
How will the world end? What will take humanity down? What will take the universe down? This methodically explores the different ways the earth, or humanity, or even the universe as a whole could end. For some, the worst has already happened: eg, disease and colonization took out 80-90% of Native American populations. But for most scenarios, there is hope: Native Americans survived, and are beginning to thrive again. Climate change could destroy us, but we can take action to stop it. NASA has ways to change the trajectory of asteroids heading towards us. There are different ways that AI could be incorporated into human societies (or into humans themselves): we could muddle through like we always have in the face of huge technological change. Some teens are anxious by nature, and by actually facing the worst that could happen and walking through the options, it could actually alleviate that anxiety.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews