
2025 summer | Episodes: 12 | Score: 8.2 (156565)
Updated every Sundays at 00:00 | Status: Finished Airing
Type: TV
Producers:Aniplex | Square Enix | Movic | Studio Mausu | Tokyo MX | BS11
Streaming: Crunchyroll | Netflix | Aniplus TV | Bahamut Anime Crazy
Synopsis
After Marin Kitagawa introduced Wakana Gojou to the world of cosplay, he has been creating her outfits with ease. Even so, he still has a lot to learn, and every new lesson seems to strengthen his love for sewing and for the hina dolls his grandfather taught him to make. Meanwhile, Kitagawa finds it harder and harder to hide her feelings for Gojou. Friends and strangers alike constantly mistake them for a couple, much to Gojou's embarrassment. After all, in his eyes, their worlds are far too different for anyone to think they could be romantically linked. However, as Gojou spends more time with Kitagawa and realizes that his passions are not ridiculed by other people, a relationship between the two no longer seems so far-fetched. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Voice Actors

Ishige, Shouya

Suguta, Hina
News

08/23/2025, 08:03 PM
The official website for the Sono wa Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru Season 2 (My Dress-Up Darling Season 2) television anime announced three additional cast members on S...

06/29/2025, 06:16 PM
The official website of Sono wa Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru Season 2 (My Dress-Up Darling Season 2) revealed supporting cast, official promo, and main visual (picture...
![Summer 2025 Simulcast List [Update 8/7]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.myanimelist.net%2Fs%2Fcommon%2Fuploaded_files%2F1751059125-efff4fe069143eef7010dc22c8db862b.jpeg%3Fs%3D74c2e6bfebb2cf838b756cdd2051b5d2&w=640&q=75)
06/27/2025, 02:20 PM
In this thread, you'll find a comprehensive list of television anime acquired for simulcast release during the Summer 2025 season. Anime series licensed for hom...

06/18/2025, 12:31 PM
In this thread, you'll find a comprehensive list of Summer 2025 titles with an accompanying promotional video, commercial, teaser, or trailer. This post will be...

05/09/2025, 11:33 PM
The official website of the Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru Season 2 (My Dress-Up Darling Season 2) revealed new staff, the opening theme, and a promotional video on...

09/17/2022, 06:51 AM
The official website of the Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru (My Dress-up Darling) television anime announced a sequel on Saturday, revealing a promotional video. Ori...
Reviews
strqwbrrygirl
I’ve loved my dress up darling since season 1, its honestly one of my favorite guilty pleasure anime. Season 2 kept everything that made the first one so good!! the sweet romance, the lovable characters, and all the charm. I really liked how this season focused more on self expression and accepting who you are, especially through everyones love for cosplay. It also showed some really relatable and real life scenarios. and I dont get why its getting so many negative reviews though. only problem i have ever had with my dress up darling is the fan service but if you have watched s1 itshouldnt be a problem for on s2 lol
Two0ld4this
My Dress-Up Darling season 1 is one of my favorite animes of all time, mainly because it had me literally cracking up in every episode! The story was so well done, it still sets the standard for rom-coms in my book. I still recall rolling in my bed, dying of laughter. The romance was also a nice touch, even if it ultimately ended in a cliffhanger. Well, I just finished season 2, and I'm sad to say I only chuckled out loud once. And the romance? We were given crumbs... and another let down by the end. The main characters feel so different from the firstseason; their chemistry is all over the place. At times, it feels like Gojo has simply been friendzoned. Worse, a lot of screen time was given to side characters for whom I felt nothing. Attempts to make these side characters have their own arc felt rushed and pointless. This is something I've seen happen to other series: the first season is focused on 1 or 2 MCs---you get to know them deeply and get invested in them; then in season 2, they get relegated to observer status. Something like this happened to this season of My Dress-Up Darling. Sure, Gojo and Marin have a lot of dialogue in each episode, but there is no growth in their story. We do not get to know them better. It is baffling how a show that has such high-quality production and had 3 years to prepare a sequel ultimately fumbled so bad. I give it a 7/10 (down from 9/10 in the first season): the art style is pretty, there are some funny moments (not laugh-out-loud moments, maybe a chuckle here and there) and we get to see our favorite couple after a long hiatus. It's mildly entertaining. But boy, the disappointment hits hard when you compare it with what came before. Don't be fooled by the aggregate rating that puts it in league with the first season.
RinLotte
Compared to the first, the 2nd season has been a huge step forward for "My Dress Up Darling". Although the studio and the creators did not change, the art direction and the storytelling got a drastically different approach, and a good one at that! Even if the first season left you a bit cold (me likewise), the new approach of the anime makes this season a nice breath of fresh air, so do give it a watch if you are still contemplating! ------------------- The 2nd season of "My Dress Up Darling" immediately grasps your attention with its new style of animation and storytelling. In alreadythe first episode with a scene depicting an "anime within the anime" which is in a very different artstyle compared to the usual. All characters that are being cosplayed are introduced and explained in their own unique art styles that are originated from the types of their media. An excellent idea on how to connect the premise of a cosplay into the animation. You can tell from each of those scenes the animators had a lot of fun with the variety of animation styles. The characters that Kitagawa cosplays feel more lively and important to the story now, rather than just a cheap excuse for her to wear sexy outfits. Let alone that, the animation in general has upgraded tremendously. With the characters' motions feeling more lifelike and with the complex scenery that was used to emphasize emotions and change of pace in the story, this season had me interested and in awe throughout each episode. The story was overall really well done. Thanks to the animation changes in this season, the story feels more lively and faster paced, which really suits the laid-back romantic comedy story of "My Dress Up Darling". Comedy is actually in many cases relatable and funny. Even if some jokes are a miss, due to the fast pacing of the story, the next joke will most likely make up for it quite quickly. Romance does not feel forced and isn't only revolving around Gojo and Kitagawa. Love is not only in the minds of our protagonists but also shown through their actions towards each other or to the side characters. The intricacies of cosplay are showcased in this anime with a lot of attention to detail, like: how costumes are made, how make-up is done under various circumstances, how to even change your body shape to match the character you want to cosplay as, and why do people want to go through all these efforts to just play dress up. Knowing all of this makes you understand the love for cosplay in each character and the support they give to each other feel more endearing. --Following paragraph may contain some SPOILERS.-- Although it seems they have learned from their mistakes in the 1st season, that felt more like another ecchi anime with a dynamic of a clueless gyaru and a boring guy, who gets embarrassed too easily. There's still some nits to pick from this season. Episode 7 titled: "Capture Those Delicious Memories!" was a really hard watch for me. The premise of that episode had a creepy undertone of a fetish scenario connected to body-shaming that felt very out of place, and it did not get resolved in any meaningful way. Also, the photography sequence at the end made me feel like i was forced into a pov fantasy of me spending time with my imaginary "waifu". Other than that, i don't have much more to pick on, except of course... the last episode. Disappointing, as usual with the last episodes of romance animes. Maybe not a big surprise for more experienced viewers or for those who have read the manga. I still believe building up the tension, expecting a confession, is a bit of a shitty move if you wont deliver in the end. Same story with Akira's whole ordeal. That was very light-heartedly resolved in the last episode, which is fine for a slice of life anime, if only that conflict didn't have FIVE episodes of tension build up. ------------------- Now with all that, the 2nd season is definitely a big hit. Probably my favorite so far in this year's releases. Animation is a 10/10. The story was successful at delivering what it wanted to deliver. Being induced in the cosplay world myself, the depiction of cosplay felt on par with how it really is, or in some aspects, how it should be. Also, i'm always happy to see a queer character not only used as the butt of a joke or main premise in a single episode, but rather a sweet recurring character in the series. I had a blast watching the 2nd season of "My Dress Up Darling" and i hope you do/did as well! Let's take a selfie together! :)

MinheeMiku
I'll start by saying Season 1 was one of my favorite Anime. Season 2 is so disconnected from what made everything good about season 1. The start of season 2 just skips a bunch of chapters and continues to diverge from the main characters and the elements you loved in Season 1. It's becomes a totally uninvolved with the main characters and just a slice of life, uninteresting anime. All the intimate moments you loved between the main characters are gone. In fact you will often be wondering what show you are even watching, many episodes are so derailed with endless annoying side characters that do not matter. I would ofnever imagined watching S2 and thinking to myself "I hope the main characters in this show get some screen time together" They have absolutely ruined this show, Turing it into a souless, heartless shell of what it was. Even the main characters feel like lobotomized versions of themselves. S2 is just skits, it tells no story. They took a show full of heart and intimate meshing of the lives 2 unique people and threw it away. I do not understand how anyone who loves S1 watched this and is giving it high review scores. I'm willing to bet they haven't even watched it yet. I'm aware of who will be the "people" who like season 2. They CLEARLY shifted who their target demographic was, and it's not the people who truly loves season 1. I'm not sure what happen in 2025 but this has to be the worst year for Anime in a long time.
Darksain
I never really write reviews for any anime, although I have been watching anime since 2019 now... but this one is so special to me... every episode in season 2 so far has me giggling and smiling like crazy, just because of how wholesome and cute the show is!! I really hope it gets renewed for a third season, because I cannot wait to see where Gojo and Marin's story goes... also each and every cosplay is such a banger!! Season 2 meandered a little bit compared to the first season, at times the pace was a bit slower, but its nothing to cry over, asthe introduction to a lot of new characters and their backgrounds needed that time for the story to develop. I absolutely loved the animation style, and the ending theme song hits 10/10. Gojo has had so much character development compared to the previous season! his shining moment was so wholesome when he did Marin's makeup for the school event! and Marin is just an wonderful ball of joy to watch, no complaints at all about her character!!
ecktt
TLDR: Yet another highly anticipated let down. How did they drop the ball so badly? This season romance between Marin and Gojou went from the 12KV AC to 1.5V DC. At the same time the cosplay and woke messaging got turned up. The entire season seemed more like an extended OVA. Little....actually no progress between our MCs while we found out way more than necessary about the supporting characters. Even the animation seemed a bit off. The pacing seemed long and unnecessarily drawn out, as the story seemed uninteresting. Marin edgy fortitude was replaced by girly butterflies while Gojou could not be more oblivious. I watchedover S1 to make sure it wasn't garbage and I wasn't being too harsh. In the end it was full of more moments and character charm, which is what this genre lives off of. What we got in S2 was some skin and pointless banter, mixed in with very sparing moments of romantic comedy. The few moments there were seemed forced and contrived. This is an easy skip and wait for S3. You are not missing anything. The only thing that was done right was not being horrendously cringe and Marin discovering some modesty....no wait.....It just took one scene to throw that out the window.
holycheesestick
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 was a major letdown. Gojo, the protagonist, is still painfully timid — like, dude, grow a spine already. After an entire season, he’s still stammering and turning red over basic interactions. It gets old fast and makes it hard to root for him when he can’t take a single step forward emotionally. And don’t even get me started on the relationship. Zero progress between Gojo and Marin in 12 episodes. They tease moments here and there, but nothing ever comes of it. It feels like the show is stuck in the same loop — no payoff, no evolution, just vibes. Ifyou were hoping for real development, skip this one.
torqueofalltime
I am a huge sucker for romance anime and I really, really wanted to like this one. But there is something in me that just can't feel satisfied with this season. I absolutely loved the art and the animation. It was terrific. Each scene felt lively and all the characters felt so full of life and charm. I couldn't help but smile during a good percentage of the show, but after all was said and done I looked back and realized that not much was really done to bring Gojo and Marin together. Sure they express some feelings about each other, but it's all personal- thestuff we've heard before just expressed more intensely. We even get some cute bonding scenes. But that's the thing: just "some," in my opinion, doesn't cut it. I can only recall around 3 or 4 significant scenes where you can say Gojo and Marin really grew and developed their relationship. And sure, it doesn't always have to be about the main duos relationship, but I feel like it almost got washed out by all the cosplay scenes and the side characters that I just couldn't really enjoy the plot alongside the amazing art. In the end, I don't hate it, absolutely not. This is still a great show and this season doesn't ruin it in its entirety, but after coming in with expectations of some major moves and scenes that leave me cheering the two on, I ended up feeling unsatisfied. I still recommend this to those who really loved the first season, but I can understand why some may be left confused or unfulfilled. I ended up picking up the manga where the season ended and I really loved how it was all executed there, so I'd check that out if you end up feeling the same as me (season ends on chapter 86 of the manga, though the final scene of the anime is an original scene and is not from the manga).
Necrozz
Marin, just confess to Gojou already, girl lol. I think this second season actually improved the anime quite a bit. First, they dropped that constant joke about the guy jerking off, and second, I really liked the school dynamic and how they brought in the other cosplayers. Even though there wasn’t as much cosplay, I still loved this season. The characters introduced this season were also great — Akira became my favorite, but honestly, all the others are really good too, there isn’t a single one I dislike. And in terms of technical aspects, I think it kept the same level of quality as the first season. Itjust didn't get a 10 because I was so excited for the ending and I was a little disappointed.
kiyo_seibah
Woah this second season is definitely better than first one. The story getting more interesting as it delve into cosplaying world and giving me more insight about it. I also love how they put effort about the media inside this anime that's being the reference for the cosplay. Really touching too with how the main message of this anime was to enjoy your hobby and be passionate about it, don't listen to others, just have fun. Friendship story also heartwarming as everyone are supporting each others and not being judgemental too, just wholesome. I also like the design character as both male and female charactersare all gorgeous, so i can say this anime is both malegaze and femalegaze ahahhah Production wise, well it's cloverworks so no doubt they give u insane graphics and unique concept in the ending song. Another reason to love this one more than first season is because the amount of "vulgar" kinda fanservice in this season is less frequent and less vulgar too Really love this one definitely an upgrade from first season and i enjoy watching it a lot.
BlueTatamiMats
S1 was fine n all, but S2 is straight up a 256-minute advertisement for the cosplay industry. The anime just decided that for some reason - it is going to sacrifice character development, animation budget and basically all corners of creativity and bloat the season with absolutely useless filler content by trying to flesh out the cosplay industry; something that nobody wants to fucking see. This show is supposed to be about 2 (highschoool) characters and their "relationship", but now this season we got so many unnecessary characters that don't even matter to take up screen time, so much exposition that is not helping to fleshout anyone, not even the useless characters, it is just useless banter/yapping at this point. The show completely gave up on all forms of subtlety the dialogue held and just decided that everything every character says is going to be systematically explained, no room for interpretation. S1 at least stood out in the ocean of romance anime slop, S2 seems to have embraced the slop to become just another drop in the ocean.
Tharr
Oh, boy. "I loved 1st season and couldn't wait for this one". "I fkin' love cosplay, it was an amazin' anime". I'm sure most of the positive reviews have something like this. The same sh***y arguments you find for every title. Instead of thinking for themselves, its easier to copy/paste opinions. God forbid you say that the new stuff sucks... Spoiler alert: even though it has a higher rating, this anime is worse than the 1st season. And that one wasn't that amazing either. Visuals. Funny things. Same art style. A bit worse design, more simplistic, yet better animation. At one point, she's sitting on herbed and then falls on her side. Then, for a split second, she does the natural move of rearranging her hips. I'm weird to notice that, I know, but I was too impressed by their dedication. More so when their general, wide shots gives us legs without any form, roundness... Then, its the cinematography. A bit lacking. I don't know the sauce so I can't say why. Maybe the 1st season made better use and mirrored certain shots, or maybe they deliberately chose to do so, to focus on the story. Bad move as to why, but I'll get there. Still here, the attention for details regarding weirdest things. Like the teeth for a zipper of a pouch thats not even the main focus of one scene. Many times I went "what the fk is going on"? The most possible answer is that they tried a more "serious" approach and so they've cut corners (less time spent) regarding the "main" subjects, but the team responsible for the "simple" stuff, like background and such, did their job as asked. Overall, its gonna be up to you, what do you prefer. Oh, I forgot the best part, I had to come back here. Besides the nice (or great) cinematography, the 1st season had lots and lots of "ecchi" shots (panties, side, weird zoom and angles on different body parts). And yes, that was great, my fellow men. This season is lacking. So, be warned. Just sigh and carry on. Audio. I guess everything is good (or higher). Decent tracks used and the mixing is done ok. The OP and ED are good (both the songs and the visuals), on par with this anime's theme. You could even say that the ED is catchy, if you'll binge the whole season. The VA did good. The pacing was ok, it took its time when it was needed, and it kinda rushed towards the end, but still ok, I guesss. Their focus was elsewhere. The world building is kinda meh, but it doesn't really bother. So, high production value. And now the meh parts. Probably the weak point for the whole season was the so-called character development. Heavy focus on him and whats going on with him, heavy focus on her and whats going on with her feelings. Some might say its the same with the 1st season, why isn't that working now? Because the main difference is that the previous season make that while ALSO giving us their interaction, making them a pair (not lovers, just of characters). Here, the "virtual" separation is too wide. Again, I don't know if the source is the same, I don't really care. Yes, we got some nice arcs, for multiple characters (even supporting cast). Yes, we understand some stuff better. But all of that comes second (or should). We lost the romance. Those cute, funny moments that made us smile and, why not say it, gave us something to look forward to. No matter what the author tries to do, if failed. Yes, we know what the intention was, we're not re****s, we can unite the dots, but the author made a mistake in how to do it. Again, decent work on different segments of the story, those side characters, but I ( and also a lot of you, I hope) kinda liked to get more of the main couple. Plus, I knew how the season will end because there was no other way. The author doesn't have the balls to turn it that way, because it would mean more work for him. Also, side note: the way the season started made me think that I missed some OVA or something, I had no idea who those characters were and why they were there. I had to rewatch the 1st season and realise that it was ok. Also, bad move for me, because all the good stuff from the 1st season became even more clear while watching the 2nd one. So, thats about it. Although it looks the same, the main focus of the story makes it worse. This way of character development would've been good for a 1st season, but that also means that fewer people would've watched it. So, priorities I guess. And I'll stop here because this was its biggest flaw. It gets a rating of 6, with mixed feelings. No rewatch value. More so because no ecchi stuff :) And because the above reasons. Oh, and because the MC is still a loser, even though the author tried to make it look like he's changed, he is still a wimpy loser. So, you might like it or you might not. I consider this season fodder, just a way to pass time until the next one. I'm sure it will. Have a lovely evening.
Ledeu
When I first started watching My Dress-Up Darling, I honestly didn’t expect to be as moved as I was. On the surface, it looks like a lighthearted rom-com anime with cute characters and cosplay themes, but it quickly became much more meaningful for me. What I loved the most was the relationship between Gojo and Marin. It’s not just about romance — it’s about acceptance, encouragement, and finding someone who truly appreciates what makes you unique. Gojo’s passion for doll-making is something so personal and unusual, and seeing Marin not only accept it but wholeheartedly support it was really touching. It reminded me how important itis to have people in your life who push you to embrace your passions instead of hiding them. The anime is also visually stunning. The colors, the details in the cosplay, and the way emotions are expressed through the characters’ faces — everything feels alive and carefully crafted. I often found myself pausing just to admire the art. But what really stayed with me is the chemistry between the two main characters. Their connection feels genuine, full of small, sincere moments that build into something beautiful. It’s not forced or overly dramatic, it’s sweet and authentic — the kind of love story that makes you smile without realizing it. My Dress-Up Darling is more than just an anime about cosplay and romance. It’s a story about passion, acceptance, and finding beauty in being yourself. Watching it left me feeling warm, inspired, and honestly a little nostalgic about my own hobbies and the people who’ve supported me along the way.
Glasglow
3/10, literally just for the fact that they couldn't be bothered to finish the entire show with two seasons. We've had like three or four episodes wasted on filler stuff that could have been cut down and the producers would have been able to recreate the Haniel Arc, which was the most impactful and beautiful volume of the series. Three episodes would have been plenty to wrap up the anime. Instead we literally have a show that was a couple of episodes short from the final conclusion of the manga and it's infuriating because we will never see it animated because it's just a coupleof episodes. Screw them and poor pacing.
ghostly6888
This series is more fitting for an episodic style rather than a serialized one. Like, most of the season was focused on cosplay work, which is what the show is about, I guess. But the focus on our two main characters has basically dwindled, and our attention is brought towards the supporting characters instead. I like the theme of self-actualization and just doing what makes you feel good without worrying about how other would perceive you. I like seeing how it varies from character to character (or, just two characters, at least). These are values that the main character himself could apply. Unfortunately, the show stillfeels directionless story wise due to the lack of romantic development between the two main characters. I can estimate at least two thirds of this season was dedicated to cosplay, and the last third was about the main characters. I don't hate cosplay. I like hearing more about it. But I wish it was better incorporated into the story than it already was. It just didn't feel like the show was going anywhere and it was just showing us a series of different perspectives on cosplay without leading us to any kind of conclusion. You could basically say this season ended the same way the first did. Production value is great. There's no doubt about that. The animation and characters are really expressive. Some of the gags are quite funny. I'm not the type of guy to enjoy fanservice so I'm actually glad there was less of that to some degree, though I do like how Marin's enjoyment of erotica is such a prominent part of her character. Sadly, none of that really helped this show make an impression. It just ended up being a "go with the flow" kind of season. I didn't hate it, but it wasn't anything particularly interesting either.
5iv3_
My Dress Up Darling wraps up its second season full of vigor and energy! It really was such a great season, filled with many fun moments and new characters! I think I enjoyed this season a tad more than season 1 for multiple reasons: One being the plot of this season. I think the arcs covered here were just plainly more interesting than season 1 (season 1 was amazing though so don't take this the wrong way). We got to see these characters further opening up more than how they were in the beginning of the series, and I've really developed a bit of asoft spot for this series because of it! Second, the animation needs to be acknowledged for this season. It was off the charts actually, it's bonkers. It was so fluid and animated, I feel it elevated the overall flow of the show while still keeping its charm from season 1. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with this season! I enjoyed every episode and found myself looking forward to the weeks coming for more episodes! I thankfully didn't have to wait all that long for this season as I only watched season 1 last year. Either way, I hope we get more in the future, it's a lot of fun! <3
griddyweeb
The quality is insanely good, it was a pleasure to watch each episode, really outstanding stuff. But the story it adapted on the other hand... The whole anime is about cosplaying for sure, but the insane focus on cosplaying is inexcusable. No romantic development, no drama, not that much comedy, this felt like an authentic SOL about cosplaying, almost even a CGDCT too if it wasn't for Gojo and the crossdresser. It was just uninteresting. It did go over sensitive topics and real life struggles, but it was so bizarrely unproblematic that it sucked. The class got to know Gojo is the one making Marin's makeup andcostumes and paints hina dolls? Everyone is fine with that, the most natural thing ever, what a progressive class! A crossdresser? That's totally normal, fascinating even. It's as if the anime is set in a universe that's made up with the most accepting and welcoming people. There are literally only a handful of no-name side characters that ever challenged these characters, and it was all through flashbacks. The storylines could've been so much more meaningful if they were presented in a much more realistic way, not in a "best case scenario" way. I'm contemplating if it's even important to watch season 2 in terms of the main (love) story. Nothing of significance happened, just a new set of characters introduced with their backstories, the main story didn't progress at all. It's almost like a filler.
DeetjeMineetje
I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say this was one of the most anticipated romance anime of the season. I personally liked the first season, where Marin—the popular gyaru otaku—and the shy Wakana, who keeps himself busy with his grandfather's traditional doll business, find common ground in cosplay and make a great combo breaking into that scene. By the end of the first season, it became clear to Marin that she had fallen in love with Wakana, and that's where we pick up in this season. Unfortunately, this season starts to focus on a slew of new side characters, completely losing sight of its mainfocus: the feelings the two main characters have for each other. It's still a delight to see Marin on screen. She remains drop-dead gorgeous, a cute and cheerful character. The animation style really emphasizes femininity in each of the female-presenting characters, especially Marin. Meanwhile, Wakana remains uneasy about his attraction to Marin, and he sometimes expresses it in the most cringe-worthy—but relatable—ways, considering they're around 16 years old. The main problem is that their relationship doesn't progress in this season. The show has too much fun with the cosplay theme and the side characters it throws into the mix. These side characters, however, make no meaningful contribution to Marin and Wakana's relationship, which is odd given how many of them there are. In the end, it becomes clear that this anime will likely have another season, considering nothing drives the plot forward in this one—and because of that, it just feels like a waste of time.
dontttt
Let me be as blunt as possible: this season is a complete and utter letdown. The show lost its charm, feels directionless, and doubled down on the very things I already disliked in season 1. The first big issue is the romance being put on the back burner. In season 1, cosplay was important, but it was mainly used as a reason for Wakana and Marin to spend time together and grow with one another. Their relationship was the heart of the show, and that’s why people connected with it. This season flips that on its head, making cosplay the main focus while the characters themselvesfeel secondary. Seems like a common trend with "romance" shows this season, where they decide to remove the romance aspect altogether, and it just doesn’t work. I know some will argue that the series has always been slice of life or that I should just read the manga, but the truth is season 1 didn’t feel that way. To anime-only viewers, it came across as a romance first, and this shift is going to lose a good portion of the audience that season 1 built. Second, the show introduces way too many new characters who don’t do anything to develop Wakana or Marin. A lot of them feel like simple propaganda pieces, here to sell you their morality, and frankly, that has no place in anime. Most of us are just here to have fun, not to have an agenda shoved down our throats. Also let's not forget that there's a complete episode that's basically just an ad for a camera company, which is ridiculous. Third, the portrayal of high school life feels completely unrealistic. Season 1 focused on Marin and Wakana, so it wasn’t really a problem. But this season spends a lot of time in group settings with their classmates, and the writing and portrayal of the characters feels like something out of a fairy tale. High schoolers aren’t perfect little angels who are always nice and supportive, and the show tries to paint them that way. I honestly can’t believe the writers have ever been in high school or spent time with people that age, because if they had, they’d know how different real teenagers are compared to this portrayal. And the thing is, this could have worked if they had introduced a character who reacted negatively to Wakana or something he did and used that to show real growth and understanding. That would’ve felt much more genuine. It’s not all bad, as reflected by the rating, though it’s carried almost entirely by the production side. The animation is fantastic, pure eye candy, and both the OP and ED are hits. Unfortunately, it’s as hollow as it gets in every other aspect and is definitely one of the most disappointing sequels this year.
Stark700
Season 2 of My Dress-Up Darling was destined to happen. Despite the four year gap between the first and second season, fans' support made it happen, like a cult classic reborn. The first season was also well reviewed and with the manga's growing popularity, this was just a matter of time. My Dress-Up Darling has established itself as an iconic anime franchise but does set the standard for today's rom-coms. CloverWorks has been known to produce multiple anime every season in recent years, and it appears to be on a trajectory to establish itself as a powerhouse studio. The first season of My Dress-Up Darling hadits imperfections from time to time but the animation quality was always stellar. Let's be honest, for a franchise like this to succeed, it needed uniqueness, diversity, style, and artistic expression. After all, it's based on a story about cosplaying and any show revolving that theme needs to make a strong impression right out of the park. Season 2 is no different as the first few episodes remind us the colorful cast of character we grew fond of. Anime lover Marin Kitagawa returns as not only the poster girl but continously devote her time into her love and interests. By love, it also reaches to the romantic side when it's obvious she fell for Wakana Gojo. If you remember from the first season, the two built a bond from a common interest that slowly but surely grew into a close friendship. However, Marin wants more than just being friends and the mixed signals she sends to Gojo becomes more and more noticable with every episode. Gojo himself also feels the stress of his work this season. Just from the first episode alone, he deals with multiple problems that stems from Marin's Halloween themed outfit. Indeed, season 2 tests Gojo not just in his skill to make cosplay outfits but challenges of his relationship with Marin. It's tested throughout the entire season ranging from misunderstandings from both sides. Truly, a rom-com like this can't be complete without those. My Dress-Up Daring has a creative character cast that you know would exist in this type of rom-com. Marin's friends are gyarus who shares a common interest of cosplaying. Even though some of their ideals differ from one another (noticably Juju), they are supportive of her. Season 2 introduces Amane Himeno, a character who can be somewhat relatable to Gojo. As a crossdresser, he had to step out of his comfort zone and be who he wants to be rather than feel like being judged. Gojo was in that position before as he felt he couldn't live up to expectations. This season sees his confidence grow more not only through his experience but also because of his commitment to Marin and the world of cosplay. It's inspiring but also slightly sad knowing Gojo overworks himself at times. Because let's face it, his life is far from relaxing with the presence of cosplaying, Marin, and everyday drama revolving around him. Some might call this anime as a cash-in for the popularity based off of the first season. However, My Dress-Up Darling has established itself as its own brand with the diverse range of colorful cosplaying outfits. The show truly respects the world of cosplaying with its vivid details and outfits. Marin is the poster girl and represents the very fabric of cosplaying. There's no better role she'd be in as the main female protagonist as she adds endless possibilities about what its truly like to be a cosplayer. Gojo's character bond with her emphasizes on their importance through that important connection, and potentially developing into something more. Whether Gojo is experimenting with new ideas or remaking projects into something better, the two are the heart and soul of the franchise. With season 2 here, this was the ideal show to put two characters together in a world of cosplaying.