Jan 16, 2026
To start, "Smell" has the most furry art style out of all of Nagabe's works which aligns with the tone of the manga, as it is the most lighthearted one to date. It makes the characters more expressive as well, drawn with bigger eyes and stylized proportions. It is also the most spicy of his works, not necessarily a smut comic but I need to establish it before delving any deeper, I cannot recommend this comic to anyone underage.
When it comes to similarities, in true Nagabe fashion the story explores a fetish prevalent in furry spaces. Once again the choice of
...
main characters' species is strictly tied to the theme of the story. It does not use anthropomorphic animals for the sake of aesthetics, on the contrary, the species choice amplifies the theme.
The designs are fun and compliment each other well, a pleasant fusion of similarities that make the characters not clash while interacting (floppy ears, similar color palettes, same species) while still keeping them distinct and implying personalities through visual cues (more "droopy" fur and hair-covered face for a shy introverted character, upward-curling fur and pointy hair tuft for the loud extraverted character). Their body shapes differ as well, Noi being more chubby than a stereotypical BL protagonist. This is not fetishized or mocked in any way throughout the story which is really refreshing, especially for a manga.
When it comes to their personalities however, well... there really is none. Everyone can be described with a single adjective, the main duo is essentially just vessels for the kink being explored. The story is simple and world building scarce but such are the limitations of the one shot formula. Tension here is non-existent. Even when the writer attempts to create a misunderstanding, the tropes are so overused I doubt one would experience even a sliver of anxiety. For some this will make it boring furry slop, for others something silly to take the edge off after a stressful day.
In conclusion, "Smell" is a simple puppy love story, both in a literal and figurative sense, blurring the line between sexual and non-sexual desire. It caters to a specific niche and advertises itself for what it is. If you wish to simply watch a pair of silly dog boys explore their sexuality together with a tinge of humor, this might be a story for you.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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