I've almost completed the manga and it's really good. The story is simple but heartwarming and the characters are really likable particularly Marin & Wakana. The cosplaying cloths are superb. 8.3/10.
57 Reviews
You'll like it
marveller-6619 January 2022
Boy Meets Otaku
robinsonaustin-0749027 February 2022
Story: It is a pretty basic premise: a loner boy with a fascination for designing Hina dolls, meets a gyaru who wanted him to make her a cosplay outfit of her favorite character from an eroge video game series. Besides that, I really love the interactions between the two main characters, and I find some of the information on clothing and textiles interesting. With both characters being so likable, you'd want them to both succeed in their goals.
As for fanservice. It's definitely there considering the premise, but I'm not really too bothered by it. In fact, the fanservice goes hand in hand with Marin: she is depicted as a free spirit who does not care what others think about her and demonstrates clearly her passion for what she loves. But I also love the show because of how Gojo feels like a fish out of water. You can easily tell he was never exposed to anything like anime or pop culture which makes Marin the perfect outlet for Gojo to see through. For a story about an eccentric girl gradually pulling a boy out of his comfort zone, I think it is purely wholesome.
Characters: The characters are portrayed as being people instead of filled with anime rom-com clichés. Gojo starts off as being awkward and introverted, but there is nothing creepy about it. On the contrary: Gojo is a very endearing character who at first did not want to be despised for his interest in Hina dolls due to some traumatizing experience from his past. Because of Marin, he is able to feel validated in what he loved and open up more. I also commend him for being a true goat when he thought that the deadline for Marin's outfit was coming soon. He can be very determined when he wants to be.
Marin, to be frank, is the main reason I can see why several people watched the anime. Far from being a stereotypically cruel popular girl, she is instead kind and understanding not to mention patient with Gojo even when he tried avoiding her in one episode. She was fascinated by Gojo's hobby rather than creeped out by it and is so contagiously optimistic and preppy, it will rub off on you.
Supporting characters are also pretty good for the most part. I love Gojo's Grandpa and his reactions are hilarious. Sajuna, another cosplayer who is Marin's idol, off the top of my head, I do not like her. She establishes herself as bratty and even resorts to trying to blackmail Gojo in order to get a cosplay outfit off him. Normally in a lot of these shows, what keeps them from being masterpieces to me is when a third wheel is introduced oftentimes to combat with the other potential love interest in a Betty v. Veronica fashion a cliché that is overused and should die in a fire.
Animation: I love the attention to detail when it comes to designing the clothes or gathering the materials needed. The shading is also vibrant and lovely. The only minor nitpick I had come with a frontal view of a character: they have a noticeable black spot in the middle of their face. It is there to represent the tip of the nose, obviously, but it is distracting.
Sound: The opening and ending themes are bops, and everyone does a good job with the material they are given.
Ultimately, if you like anime about cosplaying and cute character interactions, this could be a show for you.
As for fanservice. It's definitely there considering the premise, but I'm not really too bothered by it. In fact, the fanservice goes hand in hand with Marin: she is depicted as a free spirit who does not care what others think about her and demonstrates clearly her passion for what she loves. But I also love the show because of how Gojo feels like a fish out of water. You can easily tell he was never exposed to anything like anime or pop culture which makes Marin the perfect outlet for Gojo to see through. For a story about an eccentric girl gradually pulling a boy out of his comfort zone, I think it is purely wholesome.
Characters: The characters are portrayed as being people instead of filled with anime rom-com clichés. Gojo starts off as being awkward and introverted, but there is nothing creepy about it. On the contrary: Gojo is a very endearing character who at first did not want to be despised for his interest in Hina dolls due to some traumatizing experience from his past. Because of Marin, he is able to feel validated in what he loved and open up more. I also commend him for being a true goat when he thought that the deadline for Marin's outfit was coming soon. He can be very determined when he wants to be.
Marin, to be frank, is the main reason I can see why several people watched the anime. Far from being a stereotypically cruel popular girl, she is instead kind and understanding not to mention patient with Gojo even when he tried avoiding her in one episode. She was fascinated by Gojo's hobby rather than creeped out by it and is so contagiously optimistic and preppy, it will rub off on you.
Supporting characters are also pretty good for the most part. I love Gojo's Grandpa and his reactions are hilarious. Sajuna, another cosplayer who is Marin's idol, off the top of my head, I do not like her. She establishes herself as bratty and even resorts to trying to blackmail Gojo in order to get a cosplay outfit off him. Normally in a lot of these shows, what keeps them from being masterpieces to me is when a third wheel is introduced oftentimes to combat with the other potential love interest in a Betty v. Veronica fashion a cliché that is overused and should die in a fire.
Animation: I love the attention to detail when it comes to designing the clothes or gathering the materials needed. The shading is also vibrant and lovely. The only minor nitpick I had come with a frontal view of a character: they have a noticeable black spot in the middle of their face. It is there to represent the tip of the nose, obviously, but it is distracting.
Sound: The opening and ending themes are bops, and everyone does a good job with the material they are given.
Ultimately, if you like anime about cosplaying and cute character interactions, this could be a show for you.
Sweet, innocent yet saucy. Two naive souls in love with their interests and unashamed to speak
amuru-8110518 February 2022
Goji is extremely talented but lacks self esteem. Kitagawa is extremely beautiful but is also kind and empathic. Throw into the mix their respective obsessions and you have a heart warming tale, sure to make you laugh, and nod sagely at the deeper undercurrent of two kindred souls learning to see that which lovely and wonderfull in each other.
My Dress-Up Darling
Tweekums27 March 2022
High school student Wakana Gojo is an orphan who is being raised by his grandfather who makes traditional Japanese hina dolls. He works in his grandfather's shop and is learning to make the dolls himself. At school he is shy and doesn't advertise the fact that he is involved with the dolls. One day Marin Kitagawa, an attractive, popular, extrovert, who he rather fancies, learns what he does... he expects to be teased but instead, having seen the doll dresses he makes, she asks him to make her a cosplay costume. He agrees and they become friends and makes more costumes for her; she starts developing feelings for him but will either of them pluck up the courage to tell the other how they feel.
When I started watching this I didn't know what to expect; I certainly didn't quite expect what I got. The hina dolls don't take up too much of the plot; the making of Marin's costumes is far more important. While there is some fan service it isn't offensive as it doesn't feel unjustified. The characters are a lot of fun and the series looks great; especially the costumes Wakana designs. The romance is gently played out in a way that has one rooting for Wakana and Marin; while there are other important female characters the series never feels as though it might stray into the cliché of becoming a harem show. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to any anime fan looking for something sweet, romantic and genuinely amusing.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
When I started watching this I didn't know what to expect; I certainly didn't quite expect what I got. The hina dolls don't take up too much of the plot; the making of Marin's costumes is far more important. While there is some fan service it isn't offensive as it doesn't feel unjustified. The characters are a lot of fun and the series looks great; especially the costumes Wakana designs. The romance is gently played out in a way that has one rooting for Wakana and Marin; while there are other important female characters the series never feels as though it might stray into the cliché of becoming a harem show. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to any anime fan looking for something sweet, romantic and genuinely amusing.
These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.
Just breath taking till the end
Sh31kh_H0kv530 March 2022
Heartwarming
joseesandra8 July 2022
I enter in this anime with no expectations and, ended with one very cute romance.
The high of this series os the chemistry between the two main characters, and I really like the Gojo development, the animation is beautiful above the standard and the voice acting is great too.
The high of this series os the chemistry between the two main characters, and I really like the Gojo development, the animation is beautiful above the standard and the voice acting is great too.
Very good romance
daltonmegan23 February 2022
Amusing predictable fun
bill_allison19 January 2022
After watching the first two episodes, I find it a guilty pleasure. The story is the common concept of a shy socially awkward person becoming friends with a good-looking popular person. The guy is a shy doll-maker and the girl wants to cosplay, so she recruits hm to make costumes for her. There are plenty of opportunities to show her body and for them to get embarrassed. The artwork is good and it has the potential to be very popular.
BEST ROMANCE ANIME FOR WINTER 2022
ebubenwabueze26 March 2022
Honestly, My Dress Up Darling took me by surprise. Interesting premise, Likeable main characters which their relationship blossoms from mutual friendship into love, Amazing animation by Cloverworks. Though Fanservice is unavoidable, I'm not bothered by it and above all Beautiful ending. I just hope that there will be a Season 2 of this very soon.
What a feel good anime this was, unbelievable. LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!
Albi72973 April 2022
I don't think I have ever spent so much time screenshoting and screen recording an anime as much as I have spent on My Dress-Up Darling.
A album was created on my phone library just for this goated anime.
What a wild journey full of laughter and emotions🖤 Marin is and will be our best girl in anime history.
We are people of culture and we are not ashamed.
Thanks 🙏🏼
A album was created on my phone library just for this goated anime.
What a wild journey full of laughter and emotions🖤 Marin is and will be our best girl in anime history.
We are people of culture and we are not ashamed.
Thanks 🙏🏼
Wholesome
shahriarislamsheikh9 July 2022
This is a wholesome and lovely anime , absolutely love it . Every characters in this anime are very well presented. Specially Marin she is the best :) she is perfect in every way, absolutely worth watching it.
Looking forward for a new season so we can see them together officially, it's okay if we have to wait a year or two cause it takes time to make good anime but seriously this anime is really wholesome.
Looking forward for a new season so we can see them together officially, it's okay if we have to wait a year or two cause it takes time to make good anime but seriously this anime is really wholesome.
Peak?
Movi3DO27 March 2022
Is this peak romance?
Another season another romcom to put a smile on my face every week. Although it's not the best that I have watched, My Dress-Up Darling still shows why romcom is one of the best anime genres.
The relationship between two main characters with completely opposite social personalities was adorable. The unique element of this show was beautifully mixing cosplaying and making hina dolls, two seemingly unrelated hobbies. And just like other romcom, the more I watched the more I'm dying to see that peak romance moment. The show did a great job at making you excited while teasing you at the same time. There were a good deal of moments that became heated very fast.
Overall, a hilarious and adorable romcom. 8-8.5/10.
Another season another romcom to put a smile on my face every week. Although it's not the best that I have watched, My Dress-Up Darling still shows why romcom is one of the best anime genres.
The relationship between two main characters with completely opposite social personalities was adorable. The unique element of this show was beautifully mixing cosplaying and making hina dolls, two seemingly unrelated hobbies. And just like other romcom, the more I watched the more I'm dying to see that peak romance moment. The show did a great job at making you excited while teasing you at the same time. There were a good deal of moments that became heated very fast.
Overall, a hilarious and adorable romcom. 8-8.5/10.
Surprisingly Enjoyable
RebelPanda20 July 2022
My Dress-Up Darling is just the right amount of sentimental to warm my heart. The romance feels organic and rarely forced. The animation, storyboards, lighting, acting, sound effects, and music came together so elegantly I was stunned. Both main characters, male and female, respect each other and are treated as equals. Their emotional intelligence, ideals, and motivation grow through their interactions, and that's a beautiful thing to see. However, I cannot recommend it to everyone due to the excessive fanservice, repetitive humor, and lack of character development of its female main character. Give it a shot for those patient enough to see the wholesome romance and thoughtful approach to cosplay. You might just be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
Average and unrealistic
ADI-000424 November 2022
My Dress-Up Darling is an average 'feel good' rom-com with good animation and a decent background score. Almost all the characters are totally unrealistic except for Gojo who stands for all introverts who are afraid to speak of their interests. The main theme of the show is a good one - valuing and respecting others interests but the useless fanservice-humour devalues the main theme.
The one thing that stands out in the show is that Gojo and Marin actually have a reason to like each other and are not just attracted to each other (although I am very disappointed with the fanservice which seriously destroyed what could have been a very good show)
The one thing that stands out in the show is that Gojo and Marin actually have a reason to like each other and are not just attracted to each other (although I am very disappointed with the fanservice which seriously destroyed what could have been a very good show)
WHOLESOME 💯✨
arunabhmitra9926 March 2022
NEEDS A SEASON 2
andrewtsimas20 May 2022
I have no words to this
aliceveiak6 July 2022
OK, I started this show because the trailer looks gorgeous, and I ended with one great romance.
The two main characters are adorable, their chemistry is amazing, the comedy is really good but can be a little repetitive, and the animation is on point.
My dress up Darling is a very good show and very enjoyable, and can really surprises you.
The two main characters are adorable, their chemistry is amazing, the comedy is really good but can be a little repetitive, and the animation is on point.
My dress up Darling is a very good show and very enjoyable, and can really surprises you.
A Realistic Feel Good Show
ACollegeStudent12 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Rating: 7.1
Favorite Episode: I Am Currently at a Love Hotel
A realistically wholesome anime rom-com, with no obnoxious 'dere tropes. (The protagonists actually have a reason to like each other besides physical appearance). The presentation was great, the realism with the process of cosplaying and photography was a nice touch. Gojo constantly being flustered by Marin was irritating (though in character), and since the subject matter was very feminine it didn't personally grip me into the narrative. There are some lingering questions to be answered such as: who was that girl who emotionally scarred Gojo as a child, why Marin is so nonchalant with her body (literally went to Gojo's house alone in a swimsuit 1 day after meeting him) etc.. But the series isn't complete @ the time of writing (05/2022).
Favorite Episode: I Am Currently at a Love Hotel
A realistically wholesome anime rom-com, with no obnoxious 'dere tropes. (The protagonists actually have a reason to like each other besides physical appearance). The presentation was great, the realism with the process of cosplaying and photography was a nice touch. Gojo constantly being flustered by Marin was irritating (though in character), and since the subject matter was very feminine it didn't personally grip me into the narrative. There are some lingering questions to be answered such as: who was that girl who emotionally scarred Gojo as a child, why Marin is so nonchalant with her body (literally went to Gojo's house alone in a swimsuit 1 day after meeting him) etc.. But the series isn't complete @ the time of writing (05/2022).
Marvelous Romance Anime
satyam-407859 February 2022
After watching first 2 episodes my heart literally starts beating faster whenever I watch new episode.
Reactions Of female protagonist is just too much for me to handle. I'm in love with this anime. It can easily compete with Horimiya, Maid - Sama, Kamisama and other top romantic animes.
If You are Searching For a romantic anime just watch this anime and I'm sure it will Become One of your favourites only after 2-3 episodes.
Each episode packs its own punch. Just Watch this.
Reactions Of female protagonist is just too much for me to handle. I'm in love with this anime. It can easily compete with Horimiya, Maid - Sama, Kamisama and other top romantic animes.
If You are Searching For a romantic anime just watch this anime and I'm sure it will Become One of your favourites only after 2-3 episodes.
Each episode packs its own punch. Just Watch this.
Sweet and Saucy
Randell_2010-100-11544829 August 2022
If you are looking for a good rom com this is pretty much for you. It's definitely a little spicer than what I normally watch but I ain't mad at it. Most romance anime has the slowest build up and you have to wait foreverrrr for anything to happen so this was a breath of fresh air in that sense but you will still run into wanting more progression between the leads as per usual with romance anime. It's also a nice newer take on a classic concept we see over and over again (awkward/shy/loner boy gets beautiful popular girl) I would definitely recommend it if you are open to a little sauce and fan service however if you like wholesome this isn't for you.
Be yourself!
pranitpawar-1802222 March 2022
This anime is about admiring and pursuing something you love in your life and following your dreams with your head held high, it teaches about respecting other's beliefs and personality, it's about a bond between two souls like two poles of a magnet and in the end it's about being a decent human being.
Buena animación, un poco alejado de nuestra realidad.
rodolfohernandez-2684428 March 2022
Cuando vi el anime, quede fascinado al ver esa asombrosa animación por parte de Cloverworks , Sin embargo no sentí nada que me hiciera dar la impresión de que era una historia magnifica ni nada por el estilo, Esta bien... Hay que reconocer que su animación es casi excelente, pero me sorprende de que el anime no este en categoría Ecchi, Ademas de que los personajes no fueron nada del otro mundo para decir que es "El mejor anime de romance" Como critico de animes/mangas, Puedo decir que no es nada del otro mundo. Y un poco alejado de la realidad,
The Opposite of Wholesome
pascalbossert1 November 2022
I seriously can not understand how most people fail to see the obvious:
I feel so bad about the Gojo. He gets ab/used by Marin like her personal servant/ATM.
It doesn't get better when other girls start treating Gojo the same way for reasons you'd have to watch the series for.
This anime isn't even Waifu-Bait. It's worse. It's a simp-self-insert, the likes of which I've never seen/had to endure.
- Dude likes to makes dolls
- Chick pressures him to get into cosplay
- Dude becomes ultra-simp, pretends to like anime and cosplay and pays for all her cosplay needs
- Dude wastes his time to support her doing her hobby (making himself look like a cuck)
I feel so bad about the Gojo. He gets ab/used by Marin like her personal servant/ATM.
It doesn't get better when other girls start treating Gojo the same way for reasons you'd have to watch the series for.
This anime isn't even Waifu-Bait. It's worse. It's a simp-self-insert, the likes of which I've never seen/had to endure.
Awesome, want to see another seasom
bjsupaul1 April 2022
This is truly a great anime, I loved it. Alot of new animes have kind of lost their touch by just going along with the cliches, but although this one does do that, it does it subtly. The thing I liked the most is that it was balanced. Cause although Marin was kind of lewd, she still had her shy moments and embarrassing moments because she fell in love with Gojo and I appreciate that cause I don't like animes with a very lewd female main character and a too innocent and bashful male protagonist like Miss Nagatoro anime. So I liked the balance the writers made with this anime. Over all I loved it, if a season 2 would be officially announced and the romace plot continues to evolve, nothing would make me happier. Thumbs up to the studio. I'm very much looking forward to more of My Dress up Darling.
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