Next up for Marin and Wakana and their new friends is a group cosplay for a horror game. Except they’re two people short… which sounds like a great excuse to bring Juju and Shinju back. Plus, the usual tropes pop up for a change.
Any manga that is about the long-festering affection between its leads tends to hit a point where it should just get them together already and deal with it, though most of them like to dither more than they should, case in point.
This is a really good volume of My Dress-Up Darling, filled with the same adorable art (this has some of the strongest chibi game of any series) and silly fun and some nice brewing drama behind the scenes. Along with the usual technical bits for the crafters at home.
Ten volumes on, however, it really would be nice if the story had the confidence to let Marin and Wakana get together. I get that the point here is that Marin cares a little too much now and can’t bear the thought of wrecking the friendship, but this is Marin we’re talking about. It doesn’t quite ring true.
Things are not helped when Wakana ends up staying the night at Marin’s and everybody gets the wrong idea about intent and Wakana’s supposed solution to everything just makes things worse for Marin. It’s really cute, but it’s more by-the-numbers than I typically see from this series.
I’m probably just being too mean because the way it plays out, predicable as it is, ends up being pretty funny - confident and suave Wakana is a great change of pace - and Marin manages to keep making things worse via memory for days afterward and that’s fairly amusing too.
The background stuff is, frankly, more interesting, that all being said. Juju does not handle horror well, but she is caught between her desire to not do group anything ever and Shinju’s adoration for her big sister and love of the game. It remains to be seen how she’ll be able to deal with all this next time.
And one of the cosplayers, Ogata, just cannot stand Marin, for undisclosed reasons, but she and Wakana really hit it off despite that and it’s cool seeing that friendship blossom despite the fact that Wakana and Marin are thick as thieves AND Wakana knows how Ogata feels.
Seriously, Ogata and Wakana do have a great vibe together. They hang out at Wakana’s and she shares her backstory and it’s the usual story of overbearing parents trying to curate a child’s tastes but inadvertently making them more intense.
We end with a really sweet moment for Juju, even if boob adjusting is involved, that also gets across the idea that some people just don’t want to be surprised (hello) and you need to watch your good intentions. Still, the lengths the group goes to for Juju are really sweet.
The volume sort of winds down on a reveal and we haven’t gotten to the big shoot yet, so there’s still time for more drama and misunderstanding at least. I don’t want to imply this volume is bad - I love this series and everything I love about it is here.
However, this has been so consistently strong and well-written that when it dips into more well-worn tropes and tries to justify keeping its leads apart for mostly narrative reasons rather than character ones, I have to call that out too. Also, a group cosplay entirely of nuns seems really… chaste… for this series, just saying.
4 stars - a delightful series that is still delightful, just not AS delightful in this one volume as it has been in others.
Marin manages to get the Inui sisters, the serious Juju and bubbly Shinnju, to be part of her big group cosplay project while Wakana stays at her place for the night to study the game the cosplay’s from and both get worrisome jitters but leaves Marin sadly spurned. As the project prepping progresses, we get a look at Marin’s early childhood and even Ogata’s past of how she had to closed off her love of manga.
One thing’s for sure, it looks like Marin’s feelings for Wakana have shown and might soon open up. A (100%/Outstanding)
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 10 is another cute installment that balances out the story pretty well. The first half is really good, focusing on Marin as she tries to assemble a group of friends to cosplay characters from a horror video game called "Sepulcra."
The volume also has a fantastic comedic and romantic scene when a misunderstanding occurs. With the trains down for the night, Marin asks Wakana to stay over. Due to the miscommunication, she hilariously thinks she's about to ride the Gojo Train (That means his dick) which makes for a pretty funny and cute moment.
Overall, it's a very enjoyable volume, as always, and the chemistry between Wakana Gojo and Marin is truly off the charts.
Una cosa que me encanta de este manga es que bajo la apariencia de una comedia romántica picante se atreve a tratar algunos temas bastante más profundos de los que uno esperaría. En este volumen: las expectativas que tenemos de los demás, el miedo a ser diferentes, la familia disfuncional. Si algo te gusta, hazlo aunque se te dé fatal.
When misunderstandings are common, common sense often vanishes. Regardless of one's intentions, perceived context often defines one's capacity to navigate the maze of uncertainty that rests ahead. In MY DRESS-UP DARLING v10, Marin and Wakana join another group cosplay effort, but this time, not everyone has the same level of enthusiasm.
As with before, the manga does a spectacular job addressing odd, awkward, or outright difficult social and cultural topics adjacent to cosplay and fandom in general. Of note here: commentary on body dysmorphia, gendered currency of pop success, and hard-work validation. Sajuna and Shinju Inui (Juju-san and her big, little-sister photographer) step in to help, but Juju-san is equally petrified she's not a good fit for a certain character in addition to being scared she'll let down her overeager sister. Akira Ogata, the prop-maker, doesn't mix well with those whose confidence could easily be construed as egotism. Meanwhile, outside of cosplay, Marin has convinced herself it's time she confessed her affections for Wakana . . . only to misread the motions and accidentally plot to give her body to the young doll-maker on a random night.
MY DRESS-UP DARLING v10 isn't a particularly engaging volume, but it is fun. Perhaps this is what happens when a comic book hits its stride and possesses no real pressure to meander toward a concrete conclusion. For example, Akira's anxiety is an interesting subplot, and could well manifest into genuine disinterest (e.g., Akira can't stand being in the same room with Marin), but readers aren't provided any clues as to whether the author plans to pursue this angle in future volumes. Amane, the crossdresser, smooths things over, but it's very clear that Akira is highly selective about who she trusts and why. Most interestingly, Akira and Wakana get along just fine.
The manga's constant teasing of a legitimate Marin-Wakana relationship gets a punch in the stomach when the young man is forced to spend the night due to delays at the local train station. Marin's hyperactive tendencies send her mind into overdrive when, at the store, she sees Wakana sorting through assorted late-night accoutrements (e.g., energy drinks, which are shelved next to boxes of deluxe-branded condoms). Ah, to be young and stupid. And yet, a day or so later, Marin's emotional breakdown over how she'd feel if Wakana rejected her is an earnest contrast to the book's generally unassuming, teasing nature.
The current volume does include a few misfires. The constant integration of secondary characters without a formal introduction or casual reminder as to who they are is troublesome. A character sheet or inset panel reiterating quick-tips would greatly improve the manga's readability (read: Miyako, ponytail, is gregarious and does make-up; Suzuka, mid-length bob, is another cosplay friend of Marin's). Speaking of which, a scene in which Suzuka repeatedly eggs on Wakana to tell her what he thinks about the game they're cosplaying, after he clears it, is broadly, and almost incomprehensibly awkward. One truly can't tell if the woman is being rude, creepy, or hunting for innuendo.
MY DRESS-UP DARLING v10 is another simple, casual read. The cast of unique personalities is fun, if underdeveloped, and the burgeoning dynamic between Marin and Wakana is entertaining, if still unfulfilled (e.g., Wakana still hasn't met Marin's father).
(English copy from my Instagram @agamundisr_escritor / @leyendoconalice)
Konnichiwa to all readers🌸
Today I bring you the tenth installment of the manga “Sexy Cosplay Doll” by Shinichi Fukuda in an intimate installment. With that said, we begin:
💖This chapter begins with Lady Juju's specific refusal to join the joint cosplay project, however, Shinju, who is a big fan of "The Sarcophagi", gets her sister to end up accepting the offer of the project.
After distributing the different tasks of the session, Akira and Amane talk privately about the discomfort of this first one in the presence of Marin, this being an interesting aspect.
💖The next scenario presented to us focuses on adult humor, since the premise is about Gojô spending the night at Marin's house.
Because they are both alone, she becomes psyched that they will be lying together for the first time, while he tries to avoid sleeping with Marin by buying several energy drinks and playing the video game that will inspire cosplay all night long.
After the humorous situations, once Gojô has left, Marin begins to cry alone, reaffirming herself in the comments and actions of her Romeo, who has managed to hide his reciprocated infatuation from her.
This situation is apparently softened by the following appointment at the cosmaker's house. Although Marin tries to leave clues about what she feels, her interlocutor does not pick up the signals, leading the lady to make the decision to declare herself.
💖In the last chapters the action focuses on preparing for the photo shoot.
On the one hand, Akira and Gojô meet to prepare the props, a situation in which we learn about the artist's stigmatized past, while on the other, the rest of the girls work on other details such as the stage or the costumes.
🌸Conclusion: The tenth volume especially develops Marin, showing how her apparent physical perfection takes its toll on her, both for not feeling desired by the one she loves, and for Akira's discomfort.
I judge that this approach enhances the protagonist.
The group prepares for the Coffin cosplay shoot, and the mystery around why Akira doesn't want to be around Marin deepens. I was seriously stumped about what her deal could possibly be, since everyone likes Marin.
Wakana stays too late at Marin's apartment and ends up having to spend the night, since the trains stop running. The poor guy is so nervous about staying with her that he ends up drinking too many energy drinks and stays up the entire night. He's just trying to be a gentleman, but when he declares that he intends to stay up all night, since he thinks it wouldn't be proper to sleep alone in the same apartment with Marin, she gets the wrong idea and thinks he intends to make a move on her and gets super nervous. When she realizes that he just stayed up all night playing Coffin and chugging energy drinks, she's actually a bit disappointed.
Marin decides that she needs to tell Wakana that she has feelings for him, but she needs the right time to do it. Meanwhile Wakana and Akira start to work on the modeling pieces they will need for the Coffin shoot.
I love these two so much, and I really hope that they become a couple eventually. Wakana definitely deserves to be happy.
Romance is blooming... but will it ever happen? This Volume basically covers two plots: 1) The setup for the Coffin group cosplay. They work on costumes and scout locations. And again, Marin is somehow able to rope Juju into participating! Definitely Shinju helping, but still... LOL 2) As part of prep for making props for the Coffin shoot, the group gets Gojo to play through the Coffin video game, so he can get a better grasp on it. He ends up staying too late and missing the last train home, so Marin offers to let him stay over. The language is constrewed in a way so that Marin thinks they might have sex, and Gojo doesn't want to be improper and so drinks an energy drink to be able to stay up all night. Gojo finishes the game, but Marin finds that she is actually upset that he didn't make any moves. She resolves to tell him she likes him after the Coffin shoot.
This manga, though with fan service, is actually quite innocent. Fukuda-san strikes a great balance with the story, and will create a very strong moment once Marin and Gojo are finally together.
Things are picking up. The previous volumes felt like they were repeating but it’s starting to change. Marin is on a diet 😩 and now doing another group cosplay. So far everyone Gojo and Marin have met will be apart of it which makes it fun. Now the focus is not just on them. We do get some bits where Marin thinks Gojo wants to sleep with her and she turns out to be wrong. 😅 She was surprisingly disappointed and told herself that she was going to tell him her feelings after the group cosplay. Finally some movement on the romance front. Hopefully a bit more drama on that end with the next volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shinichi plays with the costumes we wear in life to tell a heartwarming nostalgic story of young budding love, friendship and passion for art expression. In doing so, she actually delves into identity, self acceptance and growth by collaboration.
I only read this manga series because I first fell in love in the anime. It starts slow and really doesn’t promise much, but it builds slowly and by the end, it’s such an earnest and wholesome story. It transported me back to how it felt being young and in love, decades ago.
To the author, I saw how much care, heart and effort you poured into Marin and Gojou; ありがとう 🙇🏽♂️
The male lead of this manga, Wakana Gojo, is currently my favorite rom-com male lead. Just like his Gojo namesake from a popular shonen battle manga, this Gojo has overpowered skills, but not the abilities one might usually consider.
Wakana can sew, use a sewing machine, apply make-up, and cook; skills an up-and-coming cosplay model could use on her side, to further her own passion in cosplay. He is definitely boyfriend material, and I hope the manga author can resolve this romantic detente because the "will they, or will they not" situation can get boring very fast.
My babiessssssss I love them so much!!! The slow burn is slow burning but I think we may finally get somewhere!! Marin may finally tell Wakana that she likes him! I’m rooting for her 🥹 it seems, though, that Akira-San may be into Wakana PLS I just want him and Marin to kiss I don’t want drama. They did have a bit of a risqué moment ala the hotel scene from the Rizu Kyun cosplay. it’s also so cute and fun all the gals getting together for their group cosplay. And Miyako and Suzuka helping Juju realize her Black Lobelia cosplay…. Just gals being girls I love them all.
Me gustan mucho los nuevos personajes son muy divertidos y apoyan muy bien a los demás personajes. El malentendido de Marín fue muy divertido, pero aún así los dos pasaron una velada muy divertida y se conocieron más. Lo que le hicieron sus padres a Akira me parte el corazón, fue muy triste, pero que bien que ahora encontrará amigas con las que se entiende por completo. Lo que me e gusta mucho en este manga es como los personajes encuentran a personas que los apoyan y les ayudan a seguir creciendo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As Gojo and Kitagawa work towards doing a cosplay group with some friends, other elements are introduced on the side. It mainly focused on Kitagawa worring about getting Gojo's attention and revealing how she really feels about him. There is a lot of real emotions here with Kitagawa worrying about being rejected and being afraid how this would change the relationship between her and Gojo. Still, it remains an incredibly entertaining series and finds you routing for this two to be honest with their feelings.
More of a 3.5 star rating; It was very interesting and cute seeing everyone interacting and planning a group cosplay for a horror game. It was precious seeing everyone going to the lengths that they have to make sure Juju also is involved in the cosplay. Something else that was pretty adorable was seeing the Marin flashbacks with her father, along with, Wakana and Akira’s blooming friendship. Overall, I’m very curious going into the next volume since I was to see the results of the group cosplay.
It was a fun volume full of hilarious misunderstandings and a good ending.
The whole volume is mostly around the group cosplay and preparing for that. While that was happening, Wakana was playing the coffin game, and man, he was hooked. The misunderstanding of Marine was hilarious.
The interesting thing is that both Marin and Gojo are super insecured, they don't want to ruin what they have, and yet sometimes they get flustered, really waiting to reach chapter 107!
Liked how Juju finally got to cosplay the character she wanted all this time. It was a happy ending.
Ormai quasi un anno fa avevo smesso di leggere questa serie semplicemente perché dovevo aspettare l’uscita dei volumi successivi. Ora che sono usciti un paio di volumi ho scelto di riprendere la lettura!
Devo dire che il romance tra Marin e Gojo sta facendo piccoli passi ma ho paura che non possa mai sbocciare definitivamente. Sinceramente ho perso un po’ le speranze ma sento che nei prossimi volumi ci sarà qualcosa di importante tra loro!
Come sempre lettura molto piacevole ed interessante! Domani correrò a prendere altri volumi!