A high school student on a remote island discovers the intensity of creating manga.
In short: Draw This, Then Die! is a celebrated Japanese manga series by Minoru Toyoda that captures the profound joy and inevitable pain of artistic creation. Following a high schooler named Ai Yasumi on Izu Oshima, the story explores the transformative power of storytelling and the dedication required to bring art to life.
Serialized in Monthly Shonen Sunday since November 12, 2021, the series has garnered significant critical acclaim. It secured the 16th Manga Taisho in 2023 and was one of the winners of the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2024, sharing the honor with titles like Burning Kabaddi and Puniru Is a Cute Slime. By July 2026, the manga had expanded into ten collected tankobon volumes, with English-language publication licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment.
The narrative centers on Ai Yasumi, a first-year student living on the island of Izu Oshima, part of the Tokyo Metropolis. After a pivotal event shifts her perspective, she begins her journey into manga creation. The series is noted for its honest portrayal of the creative process, balancing the emotional weight of artistic expression with the technical demands of the medium. It has also received recognition in industry rankings, including a sixteenth-place finish in the 2022 Next Manga Awards and a sixth-place ranking in the 2023 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list.
The success of the manga led to an anime adaptation produced by Shin-Ei Animation, directed by Hiroaki Akagi. The anime aired from July 3 to September 25, 2026, on Nippon TV. Following the conclusion of its twelve-episode run, a second season was officially announced. The production features music by Hiroaki Tsutsumi and theme songs by Tatsuya Kitani and Regal Lily. As the franchise continues to grow, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of stories about the pursuit of creative excellence.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Draw This, Then Die!
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