recs: BLACK BLOOD Hayate Kuku

BLACK BLOOD (links to MyAnimeList)
by Hayate Kuku
(18+, jap. 2023, eng. 2025)
one-shot volume

cole's blurb: "this one is for the robot fuckers who like a damaged synth-man finding love in a human's sweet touch"

in this human x synth first love story, written from the cyborg's perspective, the story starts as Ethan, a retired cyborg solider, is stationed at a secluded research base as part of the security team. he meets the botanist Mihail, and the two start going on research missions together. Mihail is enchanted by Ethan’s kindness toward him, and Ethan starts having fluid leaks whenever Mihail gets to up close and personal.

the setting is a cyberpunk-like future, but the tone is much more romantic comedy with some existentialism found in Ethan struggles with being a veteran and former organic human. i found the descriptions of touch between human and synths to be incredibly alluring, and this manga is not afraid to get graphic.

while i was doing some research for this manga, i found this French site that has cover illustrations for each chapter! aren't they just so captivating? you may have noticed i used one for this work's icon on the recs page!