Vol. 2 (Sep. 2026)Kotaru Kashima Spotlight

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I was perusing our BL (as one does) and I came across these two works by Kotaru Kashima! Now usually they say don't judge a book by its cover, but just the covers alone drew me in. Sometimes you just know deep in your heart of hearts that a manga will be good just from the cover art lol. Anywho, enough blabbing! On to the BL!

A Beautiful Body
I Know You're Dirty

A Beautiful Body

Author

Kotaru Kashima

Status

Complete

Publisher

ShuCream POP

(Potential TW: scars)

So, as I previously said, the cover art drew me in, and the rest of the manga did not disappoint! The art is GORGEOUS. The story is about a tattoo artist named Yuki. He gets a new client named Michiru, a model for Taisen Hanada, a famous contemporary artist. Taisen wants Michiru to be a vessel for his art and wants Yuki to tattoo his work on Michiru's back. The relationship that develops between Yuki and Michiru is oh-so tender, and the two battle with the consequences of crossing the line of artist and client. Something that resonated with me was Michiru's experience as a vessel. It was like he was teetering on the edge of going so hard for the art. He produced bangers, but it felt like one misstep and he might end up losing himself in the creative process. I liked how this manga showed that struggle and how to overcome it to know your self-worth.

I Know You're Dirty

Author

Kotaru Kashima

Status

Complete

Publisher

ShuCream POP

Naturally, after finishing A Beautiful Body, I had to read Kashima's other work! This one is about two cops, Munakata and Toru, who work together on the force. The catalyst for their relationship is a wild one. Toru thinks he hears Munakata's cries for help in the bathroom, but they were a different type of cry...
Toru convinces Munakata to let him "help," since he is willing to do anything to help out someone he looks up to so much.
Now, Toru may seem like your happy-go-lucky kind of guy, but when it's time to get in between the sheets, his switch is activated! Bring a fan because the love scenes are hot! But to get a little serious, this one hurt a bit😭
Munakata's past with relationships really affects how he views sex and intimacy, and it plays a big part in the story. So not only is the art amazing, but the story also keeps you hooked. I wish this one had a spin-off!

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