An elderly British couple attempts to follow government-issued civil defense pamphlets to survive a nuclear attack. Jim and Hilda Bloggs are retired, optimistic, and deeply trusting of the authorities as they prepare for an impending nuclear strike. They apply naive, domestic logic to the catastrophic reality of fallout, constructing a makeshift shelter in their living room using doors and cushions. The narrative unfolds through a series of sequential panels that contrast the couple's mundane, polite dialogue with the horrific, invisible progression of radiation sickness. The story maintains a rigid, linear progression that highlights the futility of their preparations against the scale of modern warfare.

Readers frequently highlight the stark contrast between the couple's gentle, polite demeanor and the grim reality of their situation. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the graphic novel format in conveying the absurdity of official government advice during the Cold War era. Critics note that the pacing intentionally slows as the characters succumb to their environment, creating a sense of inevitable decline. The work is widely recognized for its ability to evoke a sense of profound unease through its deceptively simple visual style. Many readers find the ending particularly impactful due to its refusal to offer a traditional resolution or comfort.