REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 3 — “I Wuuuuv Slice-Of-Life Scenes!”

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 3, “I Wuuuuv Slice-Of-Life Scenes!,” sees Gojo (Shoya Ishige, The Grimm Variations) and Marin (Hina Suguta, Unicorn Overlord) spending more time with Himeno (Ayumu Murase, Ragna Crimson) at the cosplay event. As they spend time together, they learn about Himeno’s past and the ever-expanding world of cosplay.

Following up where episode two left off, the narrative joins Marin, Gojo, and Himeno at a local cosplay specialty shop, where they explore various elements of the craft that are new to both protagonists. This sense of discovery brings fun, but woven into the sequence are some more subtle comments about cosplay and how it’s for everyone. 

During a private moment between Gojo and Himeno, the former learns that the shop sells wigs and outfits designed to match certain characters. Allowing people who lack the skills, or a Gojo of their own, to cosplay and look great doing it. What makes this moment awesome is Gojo’s reaction to this discovery. Or more accurately, his lack of one. 

Himeno opens up about his past in My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 3.

In many cases, having someone who makes costumes themselves learn that others buy costumes would bring some condescending comment about how such options cheapen the effect or undermine the craft. Of course, that is not the case with Gojo. Rather, he looks with eyes full of wonder as he learns about all the ways people can engage with this hobby that has brought so much into his life. 

Once the trio finishes at the cosplay shop, My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 3 finds Himeno opening up to Marin and Gojo about his past. He tells them about how cosplaying female characters brought him joy and confidence, and the setbacks he faced when other, less open-minded individuals learned of his passion.

This story is balanced wonderfully. It allows for struggles that give Himeno an air of determination and strength, while not making the tale depressing, which would clash with the tone of the rest of the episode. He receives a great deal of support from many people in his life, making his story one that features both highs and lows. 

Marin is replaced with a cooler, more collected version of herself in My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 3.

A fantastic visual element of Himeno’s tale is the choice not to show his face. Always shaded out, even when no shadow should be present, this feels like a meaningful choice by the presentation to reserve showing Himeno’s face out of cosplay until he chooses to reveal it. 

Once the starring duo parts ways with Himeno, Gojo attends a photo shoot for Marin, as they have plans together afterwards. While there, Gojo sees a new side of Marin, as the geeky and often frantic Marin is replaced with a cooler, more collected version of herself, one that easily wins over the camera. 

This coolness doesn’t last long, however, as My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 3 closes off its narrative with the two celebrating the birthday of one of Marin’s favorite characters. Gojo’s observations about his friend and her multifaceted nature send the episode off with a final introspective moment. 

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Episode 3 brings deep thoughts and a sprinkling of laughter as the world of cosplay and the variety of those who participate in the hobby expand within the narrative. The blending of heartfelt emotion and ever-present charm creates a perfect tale, one that delivers on everything it sets out to achieve. 

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

Previous Episode | Next Episode