Kana Moves Inio Asano’s Before Dawn and the End of the World to March 4

Abrams ComicArts’ Kana imprint announced Friday that it has moved Inio Asano’s Before Dawn and the End of the World (Sekai no Owari to Yoake Mae) to March 4. The short story manga collection was previously scheduled for November.

Kana describes the anthology as an inspiring yet melancholy collection of ten early stories, previously unpublished in English, that showcase Asano’s creative talent.

Its description centers on the idea that morning arrives for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. The stories offer glimpses into other people’s lives, their struggles, and what helps them face another sunrise. They explore the balance between weariness with daily life and the small bright moments that break through.

The collection ran in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Spirits magazine from 2005 to 2008. Shogakukan published its single collected volume in October 2008. “Before Dawn” opens the book, while “The End of the World” closes it.

Asano’s Dead Dead Demon’s Dededededestruction ran in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits from April 2014 to February 2022. Its 12th and final collected volume shipped in March 2022. Viz Media published the manga in English.

The manga received a two-part anime film adaptation in 2024. The first film opened in Japan in March 2024. The second followed in May 2024 after a delay from April.

A television version debuted in May 2024, with Crunchyroll streaming its 18 episodes weekly.

Other English releases of Asano’s work include:

• Viz Media’s editions of his earlier series Solanin, What a wonderful world!, Downfall, and Goodnight Punpun.
• Fantagraphics Books’ 2014 release of his horror manga Nijigahara Holograph.
• Vertical Comics’ 2016 release of A Girl on the Shore.

Solanin, A Girl on the Shore, and Downfall each inspired a live-action film.