Seven Seas Entertainment has officially announced the acquisition and upcoming English release of SMELL, a new Boys’ Love (BL) manga by acclaimed creator Nagabe. The furry BL story is slated for an October 2025 release, joining the publisher’s diverse lineup of LGBTQ+ titles.
Unveiling the Scent of Love in SMELL
SMELL delves into a unique romance set within a school for beastmen, where two young pups discover an unexpected connection. The story begins with an awkward yet pivotal encounter between Joseph, a cheerful border collie, and Noi, a shy and quiet bloodhound. Joseph discovers Noi discreetly sniffing his shirt between classes, a moment that could have led to discomfort but instead sparks a budding bond.
Rather than being repulsed, Joseph responds with kindness and understanding, which gradually encourages the timid Noi to open up. It is revealed that Noi is captivated by Joseph’s scent, leading to a profound obsession with each other’s unique aromas. The narrative explores whether this intense sensory connection is merely youthful hormones or something deeper, as the two pups navigate their developing relationship and prepare for their first date.
Nagabe’s Distinctive Style and Previous Works
Nagabe, a bestselling manga creator, is renowned for their distinctive art style and compelling storytelling, often featuring non-human or anthropomorphic characters exploring complex relationships and themes. Their body of work frequently blends fantasy, drama, and poignant narratives, earning them a dedicated global fanbase and critical acclaim, including a nomination at the Angoulême International Comics Festival for other works.
Past successes include The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún, The Wize Wize Beasts of the Wizarding Wizdoms, and Monotone Blue. These titles have cemented Nagabe’s reputation for crafting evocative and visually rich stories that resonate with readers. Monotone Blue, for instance, was serialized after its one-shot appearance in the “Kemono/Jingai BL Special” anthology.
Expanding Nagabe’s BL Portfolio
While SMELL is the latest announced BL title for English publication, Nagabe has previously explored Boys’ Love themes in other works such as EAT and Goat And Wolf’s Table. EAT, a psychological BL manga, explores a strict law teacher’s repressed desires after a student’s aggressive encounter. An Italian special edition of EAT with exclusive illustrations has also been available for pre-order.
The ongoing interest in Nagabe’s work underscores the growing demand for diverse and creatively rich Boys’ Love manga, particularly those that venture beyond traditional human-centric narratives. SMELL is anticipated to be a single-volume edition, available in both print and digital formats as part of the Seven Seas BL Label. Fans can look forward to its release in October 2025.
