The question of why the heck Gojo and Marin aren’t dating gets answered - it’s Gojo by the way - and then Marin gets brought low by the Dreaded Manga Cold (tm). Then it’s time to enter the world of crossplay and Gojo might finally get it through his head that the person most holding him back… is himself.
Whatever the opposite of death by a thousand cuts is, it is probably this volume of manga, which does not feature an especially mind-blowing ‘wow!’ moment (and shockingly little fanservice for the series), but rather builds to its perfection by artfully doing so much with what it has built up to.
The weakest bit is the wrap-up of the whole karaoke group visit where Gojo is put on the spot and vehemently denies, because Gojo, that he’s dating Marin. Of course, the problem isn’t the denial, it’s the vehemence, since it’s not because he doesn’t want to. No, Gojo’s brutally bad self-esteem thinks that he’s not on Marin’s level, even though they’re such perfect partners.
When combined with Marin’s misinterpretation of his words and her incredible (and atypical) bashfulness around her feelings, it’s not especially surprising that the two of them are glacial at acknowledging things between them. Even Marin’s later, uh, attempts at bento are merely closer to the mark than on it.
Of course, Gojo gets to save the day (sort of) and prove his devotion, if not his affection, so no worries about the ending, just enjoy the ride or something. The story does make the typical wait for people to get their act together far more fun than I usually find these scenarios. Probably because the character work has been so strong - these people are acting very true to themselves at all times.
In fact, I am going to put it to the reading audience: this may be the best ‘taking care of somebody with a cold’ story that I have ever read and I have read, charitably, a ton of these. My Dress-Up Darling has always had good art, but the way it draws poor Marin as this super-deformed waif during this chapter is both funny and adorable.
There are a surprising number of laughs in this section, from what Gojo discovers in her laundry (not what you think) to her ridiculous crying jag when Gojo is looking after her. Of course, Gojo just has to be awkward again about making sure people don’t misinterpret his relationship, but karma gets him for that one.
The back half involves a new series that feels like the yuri version of Ouran High School Host Club and the revelation that the upcoming school festival that will be featuring a male in female clothing and vice-versa pageant. It’s on point from the start: this new series-in-the-series is hilariously reflective of the current status of the actual manga and people not admitting feelings or just missing the vibes. It also features a whole new challenge for our duo.
What it really pays off, however, is showing Gojo that nobody thinks he’s a weirdo except for, well, him (and that one girl from his past who wrecked him for years after). The whole class learns that he’s the brains behind Marin’s costume and they are all supporting his ability.
It’s a ton of fun to involve the class more and the way they react when it turns out Marin’s trying to do the shopping is a riot. There’s an unbridled sense of joy in Gojo throughout that’s really nice to see. He’s come such a long way and it’s very evident here. He can just be himself and have worth, what a concept.
Everything here doesn’t wow, but it doesn’t have to. It all just works in these quiet moments and it keeps the story moving and being adorable. Gojo and Marin bond over this new series for the competition. Marin keeps showing up and eating supper with Gojo and his grandfather like they’re all family, which is super adorable (the panel of the two men laughing at something Marin said is just joyous). It just gets it right way more often than not.
5 stars - sometimes you can make a very good mountain from enough delightful molehills and that’s what this volume does. It’s not as flashy as Marin, but it’s as dependable as Gojo, so, much like the story, it works just as well.
Wakana's feverish insecurity over the plausibility that he and Marin might somehow be viable partners is growing more and more obvious to those outside of their little two-person bubble. So, when Nowa and the gang don't flinch at the supposition that Wakana and Marin are dating, the group of handsome and attractive teenagers merely shrug their shoulders, figuring the inevitable shall come to pass. MY DRESS-UP DARLING v7 may well succumb to the relational dynamics of all romantic-comedy manga. But when readers watch third parties like a textile shop worker or a fashion magazine editor muse on the wonders of youth and the apparently perfect compatibility of the doll-maker and the gyaru — when readers witness so many secondary characters cheering these kids on, one cannot help but realize it's going to take a while for these two to hitch their wagons the same star.
The current volume frames Wakana Gojo's inadequate social skills for the better. The boy lacks grace, stumbles over his words, and has trouble reading the social cues of others. Will things work out? When Wakana interrupts a duo of exquisitely handsome folks shouting at Marin while they're out for karaoke, will the humiliation over his wrongful interpretation of their relationship ruin his own dynamic with Marin? When Wakana struggles to balance the responsibilities that come with Class 1-5 preparing for the school's culture festival, will the young man's exhaustion wear him down before he bothers asking for help?
Elsewise, MY DRESS-UP DARLING v7 pivots the secondary cast into greater focus, with moderate success. On the one hand, Marin's group of friends, equal parts charitable loud-mouths and mysteriously silent beauties, are supportive and diverse. Regrettably, only one or two of them are named, and with Wakana as the comic's point-of-view character, readers never encounter them anywhere except where Marin is also already (prominently) in picture. One imagines it shouldn't have taken this long for the cast to grow this much, but the growth nevertheless opens the narrative to deeper and stronger dynamics.
The manga also goes hard on the otaku front, too. Marin's next cosplay is of a cross-dressing stoic from a series called, The Student Council President Is the No. 1 Host. This volume includes roughly 10 pages of meta-manga, further ensconcing readers in the valley of anime/manga as literary discourse. Of concern here, Wakana gets a crash course in how anime and manga serve as exquisitely proficient variables of emotional vulnerability for socially inadequate youths. The character relationships in Prez-Host are not about something as trite as unrequited affection; rather, they're about observing the flaws in oneself and daring to ask others to help fill in the gaps. Anime and manga can do that. And quite well, too.
As Wakana learns more about the intricacies of the stories Marin's cosplay seeks to tell, so, too, does he learn how he might navigate his own youthful insecurities.
Goju and Kitagawa both get a storm of fluster when they’re asked if they’re in a romantic relationship while they each reflect on each other and ponder on their own feelings. Later, their school’s cultural festival is coming up that includes a special cosplay event with an interesting catch. So the two go with a tomboy character from an “Ouran Host Club”-like show and we even see Kitagawa learn how to set up her outfit. A (100%/Outstanding)
After the crazy "Are you two going out?" question posed at the end of Volume 6, I knew this one would definitely begin with the aftermath of that. (Remember that Marin has already confessed to herself (and us readers) that she loves him) Highlights: - In response to the question, Wakana (also called Gojo-kun) denies going out with Marin (Kitigawa-san) to such a degree that she is slightly offended, thinking she might not have a chance... when really he doesn't think he has a chance with her. - Marin gets very sick and Wakana comes over and helps her out. With his tenderness, he's able to get her much better, but hides on her porch when her friends come over as to not lead to more "going out" discussions - After a model photoshoot, where Wakana gets mistaken as her boyfriend again, he and Marin throw a birthday party for Shizuku, even though she isn't there (LOL kind of a weird scene) - The big story in this Volume (continued into Vol 8) is that there will be a cultural festival at school. One part is a gender-swapped cosplay competition. (They do say but glaze over that the judging will involve flirting with a member of the opposite sex.) The class unanimously votes that Marin should crossplay the male cosplay. - She picks Rei-Sama, a host from a manga she loves and so does much of the class. There is a particularly romantic scene involving a bento box (this will come into play later on). Wakana is tasked with making her costume. - As they work on obtaining supplies, Marin realizes that Wakana might not have time to be able to eat, so... just like the character in the manga, she makes him a bento box meal. (SO SWEET!.... but he doesn't react as she thought he would.)
As the Volume finishes up, I wonder if we are headed to possible cross play for Wakana as the female. The class never decided and it would definitely allow Marin to help like she seems to be wanting to. PLUS, it would be hilarious!!!
Really enjoying this mostly wholesome manga. Can't wait till the next Volume. Recommend.
OMG, this was the best yet!! I love how Gojo-Kun gets so much support but really he finally learns that it's okay to say no and no one is going to be mad at him for it. No one in the class thinks it's weird that he makes Marin's cosplays either. He just gets so much love and support in this volume and it's so very much deserved.
I need to see the Rei-Sama cosplay though stat!! I am so hyped about this one and look someone needs to make this Host Club story into a real manga/anime immediately!
I'm really loving this series, I'm not sure what else I can say! I just look forward to each volume. Gojo and marin are great, and I love watching there relationship, I wonder if anything will happen soon between the two of them!
This is a wrapped manga rated R. And it has absolutely nothing even remotely explicit in it. Hardly any of the books in the series do and they’re all wrapped. Now don’t get me wrong I absolutely love this series, but it being wrapped is off-putting, makes it seem like it’s somthing that it’s not.
“You can’t do everything by yourself. You’ll hit the end of your rope fast. It’s easy to lend other people a hand, but asking for help is pretty tough. You need to learn to lean on people too.”
i’m so happy to be caught up with this series, i love it so much it’s so damn wholesome especially when wakana left school early to take care of marin while she was sick, i thought that was so cute
(English copy from my Instagram @agamundisr_escritor / @leyendoconalice)
Konnichiwa a todas, lectoras 🌸
Hoy os traigo la reseña del séptimo volumen del manga «Sexy Cosplay Doll» de Shinichi Fukuda. Dicho esto, empezamos:
💖El volumen inicia con el desarrollo y la cúspide de la incómoda pregunta de Nowa. Desmentida la relación por parte de ambos, Marin termina en una situación en la que Gojô deja a entrever su interés por ella.
Sin embargo, los supuestos molestadores no eran más que sus compañeros de trabajo, reprendiéndola por llevar un traje con el que se podría resfriar. Este acontecimiento termina dándose e inspira que Gojô cuide de ella, aun bajo el riesgo de ser considerados pareja.
💖Pasando a un nuevo escenario, Marin se muestra especialmente entusiasmada durante una sesión de fotos, puesto que posteriormente descubriremos que simplemente quería festejar el natalicio de Shizuku, el primer personaje del que hizo cosplay.
Empero, el nuevo reto principal para los protagonistas llega con el festival escolar. Durante esta competencia entre clases, se dará un concurso de belleza en el que los representantes deberán lucir como el sexo opuesto, siendo Marin la elegida para lucir como un varón.
Una vez más, la dama pondrá sobre la mesa sus deseos de hacer interpretar a otro personaje, en este caso, un azafato. Como elemento clave, cabe destacar que Marin se ha decidido a hacer la ropa ella misma.
💖En los últimos capítulos del tomo vemos como los compañeros de clase de Gojô le derivan el trabajo de ayudar a Marin con el traje simplemente para ganar la competencia, refrescando patrones ya establecidos en la elaboración de los cosplays.
Paralelamente, conocemos los detalles del concurso de belleza, el cual debe tener una brevísima actuación musical y vemos como la protagonista sigue siendo un desastre en la sastrería.
🌸Conclusión: Este volumen se centra más en el romance que en la comedia, aunque sin renunciar a esta y demuestra una evolución proactiva en la personalidad de Marin.
This volume picks up on Halloween after Wakana and Marin get interrogated about whether or not they are dating by Marin's friends. The two talk it out, and Marin even gives Wakana a kiss, but he has no idea she did it because he can't feel anything through his bunny mask. Marin is wearing her skimpy bunny girl costume and so she winds up with a cold, and that's when Wakana goes to her apartment to take care of her.
I don't know why, but I love it when a character in a manga gets a cold, and their boyfriend/girlfriend/crush goes over to their house unexpectedly and takes a bunch of groceries and medicine, and helps take care of the person who doesn't feel well. It's such a sweet and cozy gesture, and often the person who is sick lives alone, so they are pretty much helpless if no one shows up to take care of them. It happens a lot in manga, and I never get tired of it.
After Marin recovers she takes Wakana to one of her magazine shoots, and everyone thinks he is her boyfriend. The rest of the volume pretty much involves their high school's cultural festival, and everyone votes for Marin to represent the class in a crossplay competition. Marin instantly picks a super popular character, and of course Wakana will be making her costume and doing her makeup for the competition. Everyone in their class learns that Wakana is the one who has been making Marin's costumes, and they are really excited to see what he comes up with. But Wakana is so pure and sweet that he mistakenly thinks he has to help the boys for the festival, when he should be out buying the materials for the costume. Once the class finds out that he sent Marin out on her own to buy everything they send him to immediately intercept her, and the two of the buy everything they need together with no issues.
Now the class is super excited for the festival, and it's time for Wakana to do his thing and pull off an amazing look for Marin to win.
My Dress-up Darling volume 7 I picked this one up after watching the anime’s first season, because I wanted to experience the source material. I’m glad I did.
This is cute art, and I like seeing new stories. There is a classic “Sick Episode” starting off and a rather funny incident after that where someone assumes that Marin and Wakana are dating, and Wakana is just too shy to talk about their relationship in public. Given the situation at the time, it is hard to blame her for misunderstanding (sort of).
But the main attraction is the cultural festival, which appears to be the next major arc. There are many things I could say about that, but I’ll only mention two things to keep this from getting long. The first is that Marin offers to make the next cosplay outfit on her own so Wakana can focus on classroom duties, and the classroom turning around saying, to paraphrase, “your festival duty to the classroom is helping Marin make that cosplay outfit; we’ll take care of the rest”.
That scene is a major emotional event. The way it is staged and executed payoffs a character arc that started for Wakana back in volume 1. It is a premier heartwarming event, and it is allowed to land: no jokes, no gotchas, no dramatic reversal, none of that.
Trickster Eric Novels gives “My Dress-up Darling volume 7” an A+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The cosplay manual continues with how to turn a shapely young woman into a stunning young man (or into a young woman pretending to be a young man).
The romance angle of this manga is tending to flow into the stereotypical 'misconceptions ruin everything' thing which romance manga/anime tend to follow in order to span out the run time. And yet... Somehow it seems more realistic in this one. The misconceptions are ones anyone might have instead of being the result of contrived circumstances. Insecurities surface, even in the eternally confident Marin. It's amusing to see that while her classmates see her as something very special, she's not a goddess like some of her fellow manga princesses. She has her flaws, and her friends know about them.
Also, it's delightful to see the class recognise Wakana's talents. He sees himself as an outcast because he likes making dolls. They see him as the quiet kid who just so happens to be the secret behind Marin's amazing cosplays. That's maybe a little fantastic; teenagers can be pretty self-centred (as can adults). Still, it's nice to see things play out that way, especially since it goes against Wakana's expectations.
All in all, a good episode. Can't wait to see it animated. Now to wait for the next issue to drop.
Focusing more on the school side of things, we haven't really had much time spend there in the seires, so this felt a little weird. There was a class project where Marin and Gojo are tasked with creating a drag cosplay and being that Gojo is overworked she tries to help him out in little cute ways like making him food. I like how flusted he is in this volume, he's clearly thinking that he's not good enough for her whilst she is clearly smitten with him. There are a lot of moments where people ask if they are dating and he jumps, stating they aren't, it's an interesting take for a manga to take.
Ending the party at the beginning with a stylist talking to Marin and Gojo running to save her, thinking he was trying to pick him up. Was a perfect way to not rush the reveal of how they feel about each other, it was also quite amusing to read. The school plotline is fine but there wasn't any cosplay in this just build up and a lot of the students interacting with our main charcters, it was decent but it just felt like filler.
4/5🧵 Moolto bello questo volume! Voglio solo puntualizzare il fatto che Gojo si fa troppe pippe mentali, cioè anche meno… troppo insicuro e troppo spaventato da tutti e tutto. Poi sappiamo tutti che ti piace Marin, quanto ci vuole per aprirti anche solo un pochettino :) Comunque sono mooolto curiosa di vedere come uscirà il cosplay di Marin nei panni maschili! - 4/5🧵 This volume is very cuuute! I just want to point out the fact that Gojo have too much mental problems... too insecure and too scared of everyone and everything. Then we all know that you like Marin, how long does it take to open up even just a little :) However, I'm very curious to see how Marin's cosplay as a man will come out!
I love how nice and understanding their classmates are (obviously part of it is because they want to win first place), they're kinder than I thought they would be, it’s so wholesome and I had a big grin on my face throughout this volume😊 Marin really helped Gojo get out of his comfort zone. This is such a good and well needed read after Remnants of Filth vol. 1 where most of the characters were horrible (I understand why they were but I still hated them).
I only have vol. 1-7 (I wanted to make sure I'm actually enjoying the series before buying all of the volumes first) and since I'm finished vol. 7 and am really enjoying this series, I need to order the rest of it.
Marin is still trying to work up the courage to state her feelings, even after convincing Wakana to dress up for Halloween with her group of friends. He stands up for her, thinking she is being picked up by nasty individuals, only to find out they're her friends. So embarrassed for trying to be brave, and yet feels like a fool. Marin gets the courage to kiss him on his "rabbit head's" cheek. But he thinks she's irritated with him, and is even more miserable. Will she ever get him to understand her feelings? She needs to find the courage first, but she keeps finding reasons to keep putting it off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
En esta ocasión no nos presentan todavía ningún cosplay, pero Gojo y Marín están trabajando en uno para ganar un concurso escolar.
Es la primera vez que ellos van a realizar este tipo de cosplay que requiere un cambio de género, ya que las chicas deben vestirse de chicos y viceversa.
Y aunque Gojo ya trabajo con la hermana de Juju, el físico de Marín tiene más curvas, además de que la ropa es más complicada.
Me gusta las escenas en qué Marín muestra sus sentimientos por Gojo y el sigue tan despistado como siempre.
Relajante, cero dramas. Marin y Gojo son super monos los dos y te puedes pasar horas leyendo lo que les pasa. En este tomo, cuando Gojo piensa que sus compañeros de clase se van a meter con él porque sabe coser, ocurre todo lo contrario: todos piensan en él cuando hay que hacer un traje para una actividad escolar. Este señor tiene el peor síndrome del impostor de la historia del manga, pero poco a poco se le irá quitando...
Esté tomo fue ✨lindooooou✨ me encantó como Gojo cuidó y se MEGA preocupó por Marin, siento que fue muy boyfriend energy and i'm here for it. ❤️❤️❤️ Oh y cuando tiene un ataque de celos y defiende a Kitawaga de...su estilista? That's My maaaaan, ugh SO cute. Diablos, necesito uno de esos, lol. Y otra cosa que destaco de esté tomo fueron las veces en las que todos apoyaron a Gojo, con lo de hacer muñecas Hina y con el tema de la carga de trabajo, mi bebé merece ser tratado así, dignamente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was boring. It seems the anime covered the best parts of it. At least so far. The series has definitely dropped in quality. I hope it gets better though. The cosplay parts of it is boring for me now. I just don't care at all. All I want to know is where the romance goes. But it would probably get dragged until the end of the series so I guess if the manga doesn't improve I am gonna be bored and may have to drop this or something.