This time I watched episode 2 of My Dress-Up Darling pretty much as it aired. So I don’t know what my fellow bloggers think about it. I do know that those who thought there was a bit too much fanservice in episode 1 probably weren’t that crazy about it. I liked this episode though.
In fact, I’m going to go so far as to say that I might like the anime more than the manga. Time will tell but I’m enjoying this adaptation so far.
I said it before but let me just say it again. Gojou is just so perfectly relatable. Well to me. I do realize that this is entire series was written by a lady that has a few things in common with me so the character might just be relatable to me. Like a vision of a likeable young man from a woman’s point of view that would be unrecognizable to actual young men. That’s o.k.! Fantasies are fun!
There is one thing I really enjoy about the messaging in My Dress-U Darling. It really constantly enforces the point that gender norms are silly and people should not be ashamed of what they like. That is of course the whole point of Gojou’s character. Yes, boys can like dolls and enjoy making beautiful intricate objects that require minutes. That’s a good message.
But I personally appreciate how it normalizes women and girls being comfortable with sexuality. It’s sad that there are still people that think that women in general either don’t like sex or that there’s something wrong if they enjoy sexuality. Heck, there are even women who think that way.
And if you are a woman who does not like sexual themes, that’s perfectly fine. It’s perfectly fine if you’re a boy who doesn’t like them as well. But I think it’s time we saw more female characters that have sexual curiosity without being portrayed as deviants or specifically promiscuous. You know, just normal. I appreciate that side of Kitagawa’s character. I also liked that the show portrayed it with no judgement.
As for what happened during the episode. Well, it ramped up the fanservice a bit. This is the type of fanservice I tend to enjoy. It makes perfect sense within the context of the story. The agency remains with Kitagawa the entire time. And I for one never really felt her character reduced to a simple vehicle for that fanservice. It was generally well-executed in my opinion, and I enjoyed it.
Am I the only one who finds blushing ears particularly cute? I dunno, it just gets me every time. Oh, and while I’m admiring, I should say that I also really liked the scene of Kitagawa’s back when she got her hair out of the way. I guess we don’t see full-backs that often and with her hair getting tucked in front of her shoulders. I thought the image was striking.
It does help that Gojou stays sweet and respectful the entire tie. As the pov character for those scenes, if he had been more aggressive I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed them as much. As it was, I thought it was a great episode 2 and I’m starting to get really excited about seeing the finished costumes. I hope he doesn’t have too tough a time with it.
The last scene with Gojou’s grandpa was hilarious. It was kind of sweet as their family dynamic is nice but also just fun to see the eternally flustered Gojou being so fine with what should be a super embarrassing situation. Did I tell you guys that I once was late to Christmas dinner with the family because I was playing a naughty game and just couldn’t bring myself to turn it off? Thankfully I don’t live with them but still…
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That was a great review, I enjoyed Marin’s joyful personality. This show is really adorable.
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it. I saw a few bloggers and fan not like episode 2 that much
I felt the pantyshot last week was a tad gratuitious, but this week it’s all in the tale, so I’m fine with it. I’m lately getting a little tired with over-the-top embarassment (it got on my nerves in this weeks Sasaki to Miyano, too, so it’s more my current mood than the show). There were signs that Kitagawa was also embarrassed, but she was aware what she was asking of him so she made a brave face (the scene was bookended by “I thought that might fluster you, so I wore a swimsuit,” and that embarrasment near the end, which – coincedently or not happened when he wasn’t looking. That’s the thing: embarrassment is natural, but to be constantly overwhelmed by it when you’ve already decided to deal with it is… annoying – and in the metagame it feels like some kind of virtue signalling: see he’s turned on, but he’s not dangerous. I’m normally fine with it, but for some reason, lately it’s come to annoy me a little.
I still quite liked the episode. I’m already curious how further characters will impact the social dynamics here. (Also it seems last weeks comments got attached to this weeks post?)
I screwed up the posting a bit.
“But I think it’s time we saw more female characters that have sexual curiosity without being portrayed as deviants or specifically promiscuous. You know, just normal.”
Thank you.
Thank you for so succinctly saying what I’ve been trying to put into words about this show. It just feels so normal and wholesome, and I think you’ve just said why.
So thanks!
I’m gald I’m not the only one that enjoys that aspect
I liked this episode. Oddly, I didn’t notice that much fanservice, just the obvious scene. This is especially odd since I noticed a lot of it in other shows. Maybe my anime filter works better for shows I enjoy.
Yeah, Marin being hauled backwards like that was painful to watch. I expected her to split open her head because she hit the edge, so he’d have to spend a while with blood on the table. (Obviously he can’t sew her up with a machine…)
I don’t think there was that much fanservice either.
Just because I’ve just come off of it: Watch Tribe Nine. High-tech extreme street-baseball, with Danganronpa-style character designs. Lots of fun.
It’s already in my to watch list!
I love the GIF you chose!
It took me a while to make it. I had to find the perfect moment
What on Earth did Marin do to fly back and hit her head like that? She also has Tanjiro-level hardheadedness.
I just hope the fanservice isn’t excessive. I am now worried since you mentioned the fanservice.
Honestly! When I saw it I was like, whelp, she’s dead. This is going to take a turn! The manga was not hentai but max lewd. I’m not sure how the anime will go…
Marin had the power of being an anime character and plot on her side. If she were a side character or a real person, she’d be hospitalized and the story wouldn’t happen at all.