Why do people say not to read Goodnight Punpun?

If you hang out in manga communities online long enough, you’ll eventually see someone warn new readers: “Don’t read Goodnight Punpun.” And yet, the moment they say that, a flood of people show up to argue that you absolutely should read it. So what’s going on here? Why does this manga get such a strong reaction? Let’s talk about it like two friends who just can’t stop thinking about Punpun’s strange little bird-shaped face.

If you haven’t read it yet, you can find the manga here: goodnightpunpun.mobi.

The reputation of Goodnight Punpun

Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano is one of the most talked-about psychological drama manga ever made. It ran from 2007 to 2013 and has a reputation for being heartbreaking, depressing, and brutally honest. While most coming-of-age stories have a mix of light and dark moments, Punpun leans heavily into the darker side of life.

And that’s exactly why people warn against reading it. This isn’t a feel-good slice of life about growing up and finding love. It’s a raw, sometimes suffocating look at depression, abuse, loneliness, and the ugliness people carry inside them.

Why do people say “don’t read it”

The warnings don’t usually come from a place of hate. In fact, they often come from fans who loved the manga but know it isn’t for everyone. Here are the main reasons people say you shouldn’t read it:

1. It’s emotionally heavy

This is not a light weekend read. Goodnight Punpun drags you into the deepest corners of Punpun’s mind and never lets you out easily. Readers often describe feeling drained or even depressed after finishing it. If you’re not in the right headspace, it can hit hard in ways you might not be ready for.

2. It’s painfully realistic

Even though Punpun is drawn like a cartoonish bird, his experiences are very human. The manga deals with broken families, toxic relationships, failed dreams, and mental health struggles. For some readers, that realism is a little too close to home.

3. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything

Many manga balance darkness with hope or redemption. Punpun doesn’t hand out easy comfort. It’s messy, uncomfortable, and at times deeply unsettling. People say “don’t read it” because it’s not the kind of story that makes you feel better about the world afterward.

But here’s the truth

The warnings are part of the reason people end up wanting to read it. Curiosity kicks in. If a manga has this much of a reputation, there has to be something powerful about it, right?

And that’s absolutely true. The very things that make some readers say “don’t read” are the same reasons others call it a masterpiece.

Why do people still recommend it anyway

If you ask fans why they love Goodnight Punpun, they’ll tell you it’s one of the most emotionally impactful stories they’ve ever read. It doesn’t shy away from showing how ugly life can be, but it also captures fleeting beauty in the middle of the chaos.

Punpun himself, despite being drawn so simply, is one of the most relatable characters in manga. His awkwardness, his longing, his mistakes—they all feel painfully human. Reading his story makes you reflect on your own life, your choices, and the people around you.

For many readers, finishing the manga feels like an emotional gut punch, but also like looking in a mirror. And even though it hurts, they wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

So, should you read Goodnight Punpun?

That depends on what you’re looking for.

• If you want something lighthearted and fun, you should probably stay away.

• If you’re in a fragile mental state, it might not be the best time to dive in.

• But if you’re curious about a story that pushes the boundaries of what manga can be, that isn’t afraid to get uncomfortably real, then Goodnight Punpun is absolutely worth your time.

It’s finished in 13 volumes, so you can read the whole story from beginning to end. Just be prepared: this isn’t a safe, cozy ride. It’s a raw, emotional journey that stays with you long after you put it down.

Why the warnings actually help

Strangely, the warnings make Punpun even more appealing. They act like a dare. People say Don’t read it because they know it’s going to leave a mark on you. And if a story can affect people that much, it means there’s something powerful inside it.

It’s not just about being sad. It’s about confronting uncomfortable truths and feeling emotions that most stories don’t even try to touch. That’s why, despite the warnings, so many readers still end up recommending it to their friends.

So, why do people say not to read Goodnight Punpun? Because it’s heavy, dark, and emotionally brutal. But those same qualities are also why it’s remembered as one of the greatest manga of its kind.

Think of the warnings as a heads-up, not a prohibition. If you decide to read it, go in knowing that it won’t always be easy, but it will definitely be unforgettable.

If you’re ready to take that plunge, you can find the manga here: goodnightpunpun.mobi. Read at your own pace, let it sink in, and don’t be surprised if it lingers in your mind long after you finish.