idea No. 414 (July 2026 issue)

【Feature】The Graphics of Human Intimacy—Designing Relationships in BL Manga

BL (Boys’ Love) has developed its own distinct cultural sphere, expanding beyond manga and novels into anime, games, and fan-created works. At the same time, BL has largely been discussed through the lenses of narrative, gender, and sexuality. This special feature reexamines BL expression from the perspective of “design,” focusing on how “intimacy” and “relationships” are visualized within it.

Centered on BL manga from the 2010s onward, the feature presents more than 50 cover designs. Through composition, color, typography, and book design that convey the distance between two people, it explores how “intimacy” and “relationships” have been visually represented. It also includes comments from designers, an interview with manga artist Soraimone, and essays by Yukari Fujimoto, Mari Nishihara, Akiko Mizoguchi, and Timon Screech. The feature offers a close look at the richness of BL expression and its appeal as a form of visual culture.

・There are two types: "Digital Version" and "Print Magazine." Please select one from the pull-down menu.

・"Digital Version" Please see below for how to view it.
　View the digital edition with bookend

▼Click here for book details▼
Idea No. 414 (July 2026 Issue) | Seibundo Shinkosha Publishing Co., Ltd. (seibundo-shinkosha.net)