To Strip the Flesh by Oto Toda is a collection of manga short stories, leading with the titular (and longer) first story before continuing into smaller ones. To Strip the Flesh focuses on the interwoven threads of Chiaki’s transition and his relationship with his father, and ultimately reaches an emotionally satisfying conclusion; the art at points is visceral without being gratuitous and a resonant depiction of what gender dysphoria can be like.

I really wish the whole volume was dedicated to the titular story. The rest of the stories in the collection, while interesting, didn’t hold my attention as much or feel as impactful. Overall, I’d recommend it to manga fans interested in a more realistic depiction of LGBTQIA+ issues or who are fans of manga anthologies.

Thank you to VIZ Media and NetGalley for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.