Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato & Kanato Abiko

[Review] Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato (Story), Kanato Abiko (Illustrator), & Yuki Tejima (Translator)

Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato (Story), Kanato Abiko (Illustrator), & Yuki Tejima (Translator) is a Japanese anthology manga that was serialised in Kodansha’s Comic Days in May 2024. Set to release as a collected volume on October 7, 2025, this anthology features anthropomorphic animals musing over their extinction and the purpose of life.

First, the cover caught my attention. But then, I read the title and description, and that’s what really prompted me to pick it up. This felt like the perfect blend of a cozy comfort read that could also maybe push me into an existential crisis. Yes, I like to dabble when I’m in the mood for it. And, I was.

So, did the manga live up to my expectations? Read and find out!

Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato (Story), Kanato Abiko (Illustrator), & Yuki Tejima (Translator) | Synopsis

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.

Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato (Story), Kanato Abiko (Illustrator), & Yuki Tejima (Translator)

Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato (Story), Kanato Abiko (Illustrator), & Yuki Tejima (Translator) | Review

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.

Besides, it takes a moment to really understand what the manga is about. At first, I thought it was about endangered animals and climate change. But then, it became apparent that it’s more about mortality, and humanity’s attempts to find ways to pass its limited time alive. Frankly, the use of a very serious environmental issue like extinction as a stand-in for an equally if not more daunting issue of human mortality felt a tad odd to me. It’s absurdly profound, but the actual inclusion of endangered-species and their real reasons make you wonder what exactly the manga is trying to say. At times, it feels a little too complex, and I’m sure some readers will not appreciate it. Unless, you tell me that I was overthinking, in which case… damnit. Look past the complexity and try to find the simplicity that life demands if you really want peace.

Wait, is that what that manga is trying to tell us? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Also, I have to add here, there were some panels and scenes in the middle chapters too that were a tad bit confusing. I don’t know if it’s the quality of the pdf, but some of the illustrations made it hard to differentiate between characters. That meant I had to re-read some panels just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

These are, however, minor complaints compared to the profound, thought-provoking reading experience that this manga offers.

Conclusion:

Before You Go Extinct is a dark yet cozy read. Kanato Abika’s cute illustrations beautifully balance Takashi Ushiroyato’s story. The dark comedy and profound philosophical musings make for quite a splendid reading experience.

Also Read:

Have you read Before You Go Extinct by Takashi Ushiroyato (Story), Kanato Abiko (Illustrator), & Yuki Tejima (Translator)? What did you think about it? Let me know in the comments below.

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ronitjauthor

September 26, 2025