SMELL

Sensual, Intimate, and Masterfully Atmosphere-Driven

Nagabe once again proves why they are a master of using non-human character designs to explore tender, deeply human emotions. In SMELL, the story centers around two beastmen high schoolers—Joseph, an outgoing border collie, and Noy, a quiet, reserved bloodhound—whose dynamic spark begins with a single, lingering sniff. 
What makes SMELL work so brilliantly is how naturally it uses animal instincts (specifically a canine's heightened sense of smell) to drive a grounded exploration of teenage desire, curiosity, and intimacy. Rather than relying on heavy dialogue—Noy speaks barely a handful of words throughout the entire book—Nagabe relies on body language, expressive visual pacing, and subtle gestures to build an intense atmosphere. 
Joseph’s internal monologue guides the narrative as he navigates his growing attraction, transforming what could have been a quirky premise into an surprisingly gentle, consent-focused, and deeply captivating romance. The art style hits the perfect sweet spot between charming expressive character design and tactile, evocative line work. An absolute must-read for fans of Nagabe's other beastmen/BL titles like Monotone Blue.