My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 4

その着せ替え人形は恋をする [Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru] #4

by Shinichi Fukuda, Taylor Engel (Translator)

A loner boy and a flashy girl find common ground via cosplay in this sweet and spicy romcom!

The preparations for Marin and JuJu's group cosplay steadily advance...until at long last, the costumes are complete!!
That should just leave the photo shoot...but Wakana has a secret plan the other two don't know about!!

Genres: Manga, Romance, Slice Of Life, Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels, Seinen

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2019

Reviews

[Mina ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm felling kinda sick of this series. I'm tired of the way that this series is going on.

Although I liked the main characters and the story, the romance between the protagonists is SUUUUUUUUUPER slow!

And more Fukuda brings A LOT ABOUT COSPLAY. Which isn't bad right? But the way that she is explaining each ''level'' of cosplaying is boring.


___ 2025 re-review ___

So I'm redacting what I harshly sayed when I first read this volume (in 2022). I think I was just, at the time, under the weather or close to a reading slump or not in the mood for this kinda of manga. But now? After rereading? I'm liking it so much. Even the parts I criticized before I'm enjoying. Seeing the cosplay... I'm for it. Seeing this slow romance... I'm here for it. So yep.

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues to be cute, charming, and mildly racy. Right now, it has hit the sweet spot of one full arc per two volumes, and it continues here, with volume four continuing from volume three.

[Mizuki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review for vol. 2: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for vol. 5: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The characters in this series and their behaviours continue to make me feel uncomfortable.

For example, does anyone mention the fact that for most of time what the heroine had done with the male lead is mostly without his consent?

You know, consent is important to boys too. Not every single teenage boy enjoys having a half naked girl pressing up against them, lifting their skirts and flashing their bikini bottoms at them out of the blue, without their consent, without even asking the boys whether they like it or want to see it or not!? Some boys would feel highly uncomfortable and embarrassed by such behaviours from a girl.

Plus, the original Japanese title of this series calls the heroine as a "Dress-up Doll", so does it mean the heroine is viewed as a doll to dress up with more than a human being? Sorry, this is getting even more uncomfortable for me.

I know, sex and the half naked bodies of girls are used merely as gimmick and jokes in this series, but still.

I will try one more volume but I am not putting my hope up.

[Rereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to be adorable, sweet, and a blast to read! I love how passionate the characters are about their hobbies (gives me serious Wotakoi vibes) and seeing the characters (usually Marin) fangirl/boy makes me smile. The art is absolutely stellar and the photo shoot scenes were BREATHTAKING. Seriously, Fukuda has blessed the world with their beautiful art and I cannot be more grateful.

Something else that I love is how it never feels like the story is ticking boxes for cosplay ideas. Readers have seen both anime and video games represented, and a fighting game and a eroge at that! I had thought it would be purely anime that was represented, but I'm grateful that all kinds of entertainment media are getting time to shine. And of course, Wakana and Marin continue to be the absolute cutest, most precious love-struck idiots and I love them!

This is such a fun, engaging, and adorable series. I hope the next volume comes out soon!

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 4 (My Kindle Review)

Wakana’s cosplay collab with Kitagawa and fellow cosplayer Sajuna is a great success and he secretly also helps Saujna’s “big” little sister Shinju with her own cosplay. Later as summer vacation arrives, the two’s next cosplay protect gets a lot more sultry. A (100%/Outstanding)

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

When watching the anime this was the weakest part for me too. The younger sister wanting to cosplay too never interest me and went on too long on how to get her dressed as a man and lose her boobs. But besides that arc the cuteness is still there. Find it funny the cover art is literally just thr last couple of pages haha

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

My, that was a lot of technical information. I have to admit that I didn't expect the b-holder to work for someone as buxom as Shinju, though.

[⋆ ࣪˖ ִֶָ sel ་༘࿐]

I like it when Gojo doesn't understand shit.

[Do · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this series but I marin didn't have much screen (paper?) time so that's why it's not 5 stars.

[cynthia ☆ﾐ · Rating 2 out of 5]

sorry, i was liking the series but i have to stop here. the whole blackface thing doesn’t sit right with me and it’s seen as a cool cosplay trick to get to look more like a character than being actually offensive. and for gojou to make a comment that she’s “pitch black” when she was barely even tan. cmon now. okay

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marin and Wakana finally make it to their group photo session with JuJu and her sister, but Wakana has a surprise ready for them. All this and all the missed signals, breast smoothing, and technical background you can stand.

I mean, it was bound to happen, but this volume is the one that finally goes completely overboard on the technical details at the expense of the story. There’s waaaaaay too much here and if I never hear about eye shaping tape again I will be just fine.

Which is a bummer because when JuJu’s sister decides to get in on the act in a very, very long flashback and she wants to portray a guy, it’s fascinating stuff. Beyond the expected goofball antics, there are some interesting notes here about the way Wakana pulls it all together AND on a shoestring budget no less. I mean, no doubt some of this is exaggerated, but I imagine the theory of what he’s doing is sound.

It really hits home how good at this Wakana is and how much Marin has opened him up to new things. He makes a very obvious, but appreciated, point that you can’t just assume somebody wouldn’t appreciate your efforts because you can’t really know what anybody is thinking.

Which is fair enough as the overly earnest (and amusingly horny - the first chapter is full Marin/Wakana dynamic and it’s great) creator continues to miss every possible signal from Marin, who’s not really much better at being up front with him. I did appreciate the very on-the-nose anime playing in the background during one of their later scenes (oh Wakana, too pure for this world of ribald cosplay).

So there are some fun bits, plus some random storm clouds from JuJu, who clearly isn’t a fan of Marin and clearly IS a fan of Wakana’s. I just wish it wasn’t so bogged down in the minutiae of the costume designs. If you are here for those moments, you will actually find this more interesting than I did.

3 stars. I still truly adore this series, but this definitely wound up being the weakest volume of it to date. More character interaction, less technical breakdown next time and I’ll be happy.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing on to Volume 4.... starting to wonder if these are really actual cosplay techniques that Wakana is using. With the added stories about the author's research at the end of the Volumes, I don't see why it shouldn't be... Not only an entertaining story, but also informational about cosplay!
Highlights:
- Wanaka works on and finishes the Black Lily costume for Juju and the Black Lobelia costume for Marin. They both really love them and are looking forward to their upcoming group photo shoot.
- Juju's sister Shinju admits that she would like to try it too, but she wants to cosplay as a guy, Soma, from the same anime that the two girls are cosplaying from. Wakana makes the cosplay in secret, as a surprise for Marin and Juju. There is quite a lot of time discussing and figuring out how to hide Shinju's ample chest, but the body shaping that Wakana is able to do really makes her look like the male Soma
- They have a very successful photoshoot.
- Marin and Wakana continue to hang out and she announces her next cosplay: Veronica Tya, a barely clothed feral girl from a fighting game. Wakana makes the costume very fast, but reflects on how much his skill with Hina doll making has increased due to his new skill from making costumes.
- Cliffhanger teaser for next time: Marin shows up with a dark tan! (Probably spray, to better be Veronica...)

Though I know the love story is still there and growing, it was nice to see Wakana get a chance to show off his nice non-focused-on-Marin side. I am kind of waiting for the first drama of having to pick between careers, but I hope that's still a bit far off.

Recommend. This romance is sweet and kind.

[Syki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ačkoliv se příběh točí převážně okolo cosplayování, přiznám se, že v tomhle volume toho vysvětlování na mě bylo až moc a docela mě nudilo. Je to sice zajímavé a týká se to příběhu, ale tak nějak mi toho přišlo už moc.

A tentokrát se Wakana staral o cosplaye hned tří holek, což teda neuvěřitelný výkon, což mu občas činilo jisté útrapy a divím se, že se jako dospívající kluk už úplně nezbláznil z toho, čeho všeho už byl svědkem.

Ale Wakana je dobrák od srdce a je vidět, že to opravdu dělá rád. A že to dělá rád hlavně pro Marin. Tahle jejich slow burn romance mě baví, i když bych třeba uvítala i jiné interakce. Ale z anime už vím, že to ještě nějakou dobu potrvá.

Každopádně ani v anime se mi nelíbila úplně ta část o cosplayování Veronicy a celkově vibe tohoto volume mi tak úplně nesednul, takže se spíš těším na to další.


-----------Reakce po dočtení knihy-----------
Tohle byl zatím nejslabší díl.

[Genres and Journals *Tia* · Rating 3 out of 5]

These characters are still adorable but if this series continues on in this manner, I can see it getting very repetitive and boring. Hoping that the next volumes offer something new in the storyline…because we truly can’t have 12 volumes of this guy making different costumes for Marin can we??

Anyway, like all the other volumes…I don’t recommend this series. Don’t read it based on my review. K bye.

[Jassonn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting on volume 5

Super Kute! Please don't let this be the end of it! The love triangle harem is not done! there's so much more room to grow! The cosplay and cultural tutorials are helpful. The art is well done.

[Jadzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that volume very much and i wasnt bored marin x gojo for life its not gonna change in my mind never

[☕️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

True rating 4.3

[allie (▰˘◡˘▰) · Rating 4 out of 5]

these are some of my fav manga covers

[Miss Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

bro the way i was taking notes this volume. and when i put together a kickass crossplay? what then???

also the bi marin agenda is strong in this volume :D

4 stars

[lily k · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love that wakana helped juju’s sister cosplay while she’s just known as the photographer, it was so cute
also marin & wakana need to be together NOW

[Azori Blomkvist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Segundo cosplay de Marin y se suman nuevos amigos para Gojo :)

[Душкицаа · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[kakulya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Потужно

[Gabcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miałam w planach czytać inne książki, ale lecę z tą serią i nie żałuję

[Afifahcookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story & Plot: 4 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Writing: 4 ⭐
Art: 5 ⭐

We got TWO outfits from Gojo & Marin!

The tension between our two characters was sizzling hot, I doubt they can remain clueless about each others' feelings now.

[Sarah ♡ (let’s interact!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

”The cosplay team that started out with a bewildered Wakana and a passionate Marin has itself a new collaborator, the legendary JuJu! As the preparations for Marin and Juju's group cosplay steadily progress to completion, the team gears up for their photoshoot...but before that can get underway, Wakana must let the cat out of the bag about the big secret he's been keeping from the girls; another cosplayer wants in on the action!”
”What did you do with your boobs?! It’s a friggin’ mystery!”

Even though the storyline can get repetitive, I’m finding My Dress Up Darling cute and fun! I love the art style, all the main girls are so cute but especially Marin 🥺 I’m sure it progresses to more as the series goes on, but it does really inspire me to want to start cosplaying. It’s fun to see how they transform their looks into their favourite characters, the author clearly has done their research into all the different steps needed.

[Mert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars (%75/100)

This was a sweet volume overall. Gojou finishes the costumes for Marin and Juju so that they can cosplay together. It is great to see Gojou enjoy making costumes for people, not only hina dolls. In the future, I want him to continue this craft along with hina dolls as it is his dream. It is also great to see him develop friendships with other people like the Inui sisters. Speaking of them, the sisters are a great addition and the interaction between them and our duo (Gojou and Marin) is super fun.

[鯊 · Rating 5 out of 5]

這集對我來說是目前賣肉場景最少的所以就來給高評了😝 然後我閱歷淺薄，真的覺得劇中劇角色很桃矢跟雪兔哈哈😅

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the ladies love Wakana.

To be sure, the young man's sewing skills are off the charts and his tendency to smooth over the thorniest of outbursts with a cool smile is unparalleled. Wakana Gojo, a loner and a high schooler without many hobbies, has suddenly found himself a necessity for a handful of cosplay goddesses who couldn't survive without him. MY DRESS-UP DARLING #4 wraps up the cosplay collab between the ever-ebullient Marin Kitagawa and the reluctant tsundere Sajuna Inui. Will this new team of unlikely friends find its way toward something more?

This volume views the comical streamlining of cosplay chaos largely through the eyes of Sajuna, a girl whose solitary gaze and firm sense of self feel exclusory even when it's not. Sajuna enjoys the sensory exploration that cosplay permits. She and her little sister, Shinju, together explore the interplay of real and imaginary with top-notch photography and knee-deep research into fantasy worlds hitherto uninvestigated. It's a detailed, invested, at times cerebral appreciation for the difficulty of the art.

Which is probably why Marin's emotional sincerity feels so alien to the girl. Which is why Wakana's kindness feels so out of place to the girl. Which is why, when these foreign elements clash and combine and invade her sacred space, Sajuna feels frazzled.

However, as readers are well aware by now, jealousy and uncertainty frequently yield to wonder and curiosity. MY DRESS-UP DARLING #4 maintains the manga's close affection for inheriting self-discovery as a byproduct of unfurling increasingly newer and complex relational dynamics. The more Wakana involves himself with Marin, Sajuna, and Shinju, the more clearly he discerns the importance of the courage required to be oneself under difficult or strenuous conditions.

The manga continues to serve as a solid introduction to the engagement and diversity at the heart of cosplay. Cross-dressing. Modifying off-the-rack clothes. Discussing eye shapes. Sculpting and contouring the face with contrast and shadow. Styling wigs for beginners. For readers addressing cosplay from every angle possible, this manga might serve as an enlightening addition to the home catalogue.

This volume focuses on successful cosplay more so than acquiescing to the ecchi subplots that run parallel to the greater narrative. There are some glorified panty shots and busty close-ups, but that's all. It's somewhat baffling for the publisher to have rated this comic book "M" (mature) when it hews so closely to traditional ecchi tropes (that is, no vulgar dialogue and no nudity, only the suggestion of possible impropriety, which never actually occurs). Whatever the case, the book's simmering romantic drama takes a backseat. Although Marin's sulky face in the book's final chapter, when she learns Wakana invited another girl to his home to chat about cosplay, totally makes up for it.

[Albert Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Copia desde mi Instagram @agamundisr_escritor / @leyendoconalice)

Konnichiwa a todas, lectoras 🌸
Hoy os traigo la reseña del cuarto volumen del manga «Sexy Cosplay Doll» de Shinichi Fukuda. Dicho esto, empezamos:
💝El capítulo inicia con Gojo y Marin realizando sendas compras para elaborar los cosplay en los que están trabajando actualmente. Tras algunas situaciones cómicas para adultos y algunos consejos de maquillaje, la trama nos regresa al estudio en el hospital abandonado.
💝En los capítulos centrales pasamos a una reminiscencia en la que se desarrolla la relación entre Shinju, la fotógrafa, y Gojô en los que se produce un interesante desarrollo de personaje para la artista gráfica, quien decide dar el paso y costear un cosplay enfrentándose a sus inseguridades.
Como uno de los elementos más llamativos, el autor pone sobre la mesa el dilema de si interpretar a un personaje del sexo opuesto, siendo la dama quien se decide por dar vida a Sôma de la princesa feroz de las flores. Empero, lo que me ha parecido más interesante han sido los elementos empleados para disimular la anatomía femenina y reforzar la idea de que interpreta a un hombre. Tras la revelación del disfraz, Marin muestra su entusiasmo y, finalmente, tiene lugar la sesión fotográfica.

💝En los últimos capítulos del volumen, las dos hermanas reflexionan acerca de su afición, en especial de lo costosa que resulta mientras revisan las fotos. Aunque lo más interesante resulta ser la reflexión acerca de compartir con el mundo las cosas que amas o reservártelas para ti. Finalmente, Gojô recibe las fotografías de la sesión y Marin se pone en contacto con él para comentarlas.

🌸El volumen cierra con los primeros pasos de Marin hacia su próximo cosplay, el de Verónica, una sexy y violenta luchadora de un videojuego. Lo que impulsa a Marin a broncearse para asemejarse más a ella. El sastre, por su parte, reflexiona sobre su evolución como cosmaker.
Valoración: 5🌸

Arigato gozaimasu por vuestro tiempo 🌸