8Bit/Digi

New Season, New Cosplay

My Dress-Up Darling quickly won me over because it’s a relatable rom-com set in the cosplay community. At one point or another, we’ve all seen ourselves in Marin Kitagawa or understood how Wakana Gojo feels. Beyond the story, we’ve built communities in our own world that bring us together through our shared love of cosplaying and the works that inspire us. All of that continues in Season 2.

Season 2 of My Dress-Up Darling continues the journey of Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa, two unlikely high schoolers brought together through the cosplay community. The season follows their growth as they face unique challenges from new projects while navigating and developing their interpersonal relationship. It also lays the groundwork for their romance to progress in the coming season.

It should be noted that I’m anime only regarding My Dress-Up Darling. Hence, this review will not compare the events in Season 2 with its description in the manga. Instead, my critique will be based on the anime adaptations’ own merit.

I Don’t Intend to Sleep Tonight

Wakana Gojo is a shy high schooler with a passion for crafting hina dolls, though he mostly keeps to himself and struggles with confidence. His life changes after an unexpected encounter with Marin Kitagawa, an outgoing and popular classmate. Kitagawa dreams of becoming a cosplayer but lacks the skills to design her own outfits. Impressed by Gojo’s artistry and sewing experience, she asks him to help. Together, they embark on a series of cosplay projects that combine creativity and dedication. As their friendship grows, Gojo gradually emerges from his seclusion, finding both purpose and a newfound sense of self-worth.

Season 2 begins with the Arisa Izayoi Arc and concludes with the Coffin Arc. It introduces new characters like Amane Himeno, who guides Gojo and Kitagawa in refining their craft while encouraging them to feel comfortable with themselves regardless of others’ opinions. At the same time, we become more acquainted with their classmates, which plays a crucial role in the Rei Kogami Arc. Here, Gojo must create the perfect cosplay for Kitagawa so their class can win first place at the school’s cultural festival. Following its success, they meet other cosplayers eager to participate in a shoot inspired by a popular game. During the preparations, Kitagawa begins to realize she has romantic feelings for Gojo.

I’ll Make It Happen

A key plot point of Season 1 was Gojo being pulled out of his shell by Kitagawa’s outgoing personality. This allowed him to expand his social circle with other cosplayers and members of the community. In Season 2, this development goes a step further as he begins opening up to his classmates, who are also starting to recognize his talents. This growth becomes a central element as he transforms from a complete unknown into the most important figure in helping the class win the beauty pageant at the cultural festival. At the same time, he feels an intense sense of pressure, knowing everything hinges on his talents.

For Kitagawa, Season 2 focuses on her growth as an emerging cosplayer while learning to balance school and work. Her rise is far from easy, as she still has much to learn about different methods and techniques for bringing her favorite characters to life. At the same time, she faces a variety of interpersonal conflicts, from her feelings for Gojo to her relationship with Akira Ogata.

The tipping point comes during the Rei Kogami Arc, as both face immense pressure to pull off the impossible. Gojo is pushed out of his comfort zone, with all eyes on him, as he works to physically transform Kitagawa into Rei Kogami from The Student Council President is the No. 1 Host. Kitagawa, on the other hand, must fully embrace the character and adapt its masculine side to bring it to life for the audience. The success of this project changes both of them for the better and prepares them for what is to come.

I’m Your Best Girl

My Dress-Up Darling’s appeal lies in how relatable Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa’s journey in the cosplay community is. Anyone who cosplays has struggled at first but begins to grow when they get out more and meet others in the community. For introverts, going out and making new friends can be a challenge. Yet it’s during these moments, and through what we learn from them, that we grow not only in our craft but also as people. Season 2 continues this story while expanding the circle of people they meet, better reflecting the community. Anyone who has cosplayed has likely met someone like Gojo or Kitagawa, as well as cosplayers like Chitose Amano, Akira Ogata, and Sajuna Inui.

Bringing this story to life is the stunning animation, which creates a vivid world while highlighting even the smallest details. Colors are vibrant and carefully chosen to set the emotional tone, whether for humor, excitement, or tension. The animation shifts thoughtfully to match each scene and the emotions of the characters, from whimsical, lighthearted moments to introspective or tense ones. Slapstick moments are rendered with precise attention, making every scene dynamic and engaging. At the same time, it experiments with different artistic styles to convey the right emotions, ensuring that every feeling resonates with the viewer.

Finally, the opening and closing songs of the season cannot be overlooked. Especially “Kawaii Kaiwai” by PiKi, a catchy track accompanied by a music video that perfectly highlights the series.

You Goober

My only issue with Season 2 is how it concluded. When it comes to the ending, I have mixed feelings. I can’t stand when stories drag things out, and I really dislike cliffhangers. Unfortunately, too many rom-coms rely on this approach, with Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! being one of the worst offenders due to its lackluster conclusion. Such storytelling feels like a weak attempt to preserve the status quo a little longer before the turning point in the narrative direction. To its credit, My Dress-Up Darling avoids that cowardice tactic. Instead, it acknowledges the mutual feelings between the two characters, with one determined to eventually confess. How that moment unfolds remains to be seen.

Kawaii Kaiwai

Season 2 of My Dress-Up Darling continues the journey of Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa with new challenges while expanding their inner circle. It captures what it’s like to be part of the cosplay community, with new characters and situations that highlight this even more. Plus, the ending credits featuring “Kawaii Kaiwai” by PiKi provide a perfect way to close each episode.

Disclaimer: I watched the entire season on Crunchyroll, which I pay for myself.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.

My Dress-Up Darling (Season 2)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It’s a series that captures what it’s like to be in the cosplay community.
• New characters that also better showcase the cosplay community.
• New challenges and strong character development.
• Ending credits with “Kawaii Kaiwai” by PiKi is a perfect match.

Cons

• Cliffhanger ending has been played out, but this is not the worst example of it.