Often, I am asked by friends and colleagues within the Cosplay space as to what anime they should check out next. That recommendation has often turned to me being able to solidly recommend one as of late. My Dress-up Darling provides a phenomenal outlook on the cosplay space. It also serves as a wonderfully sweet romance. The anime explores the delicate relationship between creator and cosplayer. It also offers a near perfect window into the space. My Dress-up Darling is a must watch for several reasons!

Before we get into those options, the anime can be enjoyed in full on Crunchyroll. There will be a season 2 due out sometimes this year and I cannot wait for that release! Aside from that the manga is due to receive a spin off series for 2025 as well. One that I look to eagerly! Now without further ado, let’s check out the reasons why YOU should watch, My Dress-up Darling!

An Anime That Respects What it Means To Cosplay

While I cannot speak on behalf of the cosplay community, as I only have a very casual Tombo from Kiki’s Delivery Service & Frankie from Spy X Family; This anime does respect the experience. Anyone who’s ever stepped into cosplaying, no matter the level of proficiency can all attest towards one, universal feeling. Cosplaying is truly freeing and enchanting experience that is rivaled by very little else. Getting to step into the physical shoes of a character that you’ve fallen in love with is something that for many is an extremely special moment. The mangaka for the series, Shinichi Fukuda, herself went to great lengths to properly immerse herself in every aspect of the experience. Something she proudly highlights at the end of each issue, showcasing her resolve to properly showcase the phenomenon as true as can be.

How many other series out there have gone to those lengths? Not many, the fact that the experience portrayed through heroine, Kitagawa Marin is one of sincere relation. Her utter enthusiasm to cosplay a character she admired and loved, regardless of her expertise in making an outfit, shines through. This is exactly how it is for so many first time cosplayers out there. The pure and unfiltered joy of getting to personify that specific character can be rewarding and shared with all around. I personally know quite a few cosplayers who credit their love of cosplay as being able to give fans of the characters a chance to interact with a character they love as well. As having that interaction is often what pushes others to pursue cosplay as well. So, being able to see that represented here is just a win-win!

Beyond its faithful and true representation, the anime is just solid at addressing other aspects of being a cosplayer. From the prep work, towards working with someone on a costume collaboration to even the basics of make-up hacks for a specific look for a character! The mangaka surely thought of it all and for that I am anything but happy for her dutiful work!

A Love Story That is Equal Parts Sweet and Understanding!

We all love a good romance, especially the ones that make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside! Yet, with this series we see a blossoming romance that at first is born of necessity, but one that slowly evolves into something truly beautiful. As an awkward introvert myself, I’ve always found myself drawn to the character of Wakana Gojo (Not that Gojo…) and his introverted tendencies. I often found myself a fan of things that would be considered niche or just, weird. Yet his meeting with Kitagawa Marin couldn’t have been anything but spectacular. A polar opposite and someone with whom Gojo felt he’d never be able to relate, let alone talk to. With his rather, unique, position as a Hina Doll artisan, he is skittish to open up about this interest. That is until Marin finds out and to his surprise is amazed and enthused by his interests!

Their slow burn romance over the course of each episode is just an absolute gem when it comes to its portrayal. Marin being the more forward one of the two, having caught feelings for Gojo long before the shy man himself could realize it. It’s this unique dynamic, this portrayal of the female character taking the first steps towards confessing that I find so enchanting and wonderful to portray! So often we are told of the proper way to go about romance and yet, here it feels so organic, so real. Compared to what we experience in the real world, it’s so refreshing. From his rumblings with his own feelings, to his steadfast determination to never let her down. Gojo is truly a character that isn’t afraid to go above and beyond for the people that believe in him the most. Something I think we all can relate with.

The World Needs More Hobby/Industry Anime!

If you have been a follower of mine, you would know I appreciate shows that can offer an in-depth look into the operations of industries we love. From the portrayal of the animation industry in Shirobako to how a game gets made in New Game. These shows offer an appreciative insight into learning what goes into the industries or hobbies that we happen to enjoy. It’s a small subject of shows that I have an immense love of and I honestly am happy that us within the cosplay space finally have a show to rally behind. Not only because it can help de-mystify aspects of it, but because it can offer such a faithful insight to it all that I cannot help but to feel giddy over it.

Now of course shows are just that, adaptive works that take from an established source and convert it to the big screen. There is sometimes a loss in figurative translation and literal ones. Yet, I feel confident in saying that My Dress-up Darling doesn’t suffer from this. Rather, it strides confidently from each episode, keeping pace with the source material and not losing its footing along the way. As such it has become my favorite within this small group of industry-focused shows. So much so, I have yet to miss a manga release for it!

I do hope that this anime can truly reach so many more individuals out there. The series really comes from a place of love and its attention to detail is really second to none. The fact that we even have a series like this or a manga like this, speaks loudly for all of those passionate cosplayers out there! Now if only we could have a series made that covers the day-to-day lives of bloggers and content creators!

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