Sep 8, 2022
I went into this expecting hot trash fanservice (and the fanservice part I definitely got - gotta appreciate the budget that went into this XD). In addition to that, however, I got a delightful show about how non-problematic people with a passion for a craft can bond and have (somewhat)healthy interactions. As a sewist I really appreciate the respect and attention this show gives the craft, as well as cosplay, not to mention actually valuable insights on how to make cosplays and the world of hina dolls (though there's less of that, I wish there was more, considering how much of Gojo's life is dedicated
...
to this).
There's also the really refreshing NOT having of silly drama just for the sake of plot - instead, we are shown the power of communication ✨✨✨ which manages to resolve what-could-be misunderstandings like any actual, functioning friends / partners would. You know. By talking about it. Like the time Gojo just assumed that he is damaging Marin's image somehow (this particular plot point is really, really tired and immature, and I was afraid they're going down the same road), started avoiding her (about the worst thing you can do to a friend), only to be confronted by Marin and, through a short conversation, entirely resolved. Yay for healthy friendships!
I also really enjoy that, finally, we are not looking at female characters as one-dimensional beings. Yes, absolutely, there is a Matterhorn-level of fanservice, but Marin is portrayed as having BOTH a girly, fun-loving personality AND being a nice person, AND, could you believe it, having actual interests (those who could even be considered, GASP, not cool?!).
Her appreciation of Gojo's personality, passion for hina dolls and, once she starts to fall for him, just his existence is just beautiful to behold. Again, when they went to shop, I was scared they are going to do a makeover for Gojo to make him more 'normal', but nope, we got to see Marin googly-eyed at Gojo in all the ugly t-shirts, and readily admit that he is most himself in a jinbei or a samue, and that's great! Yay for encouraging your friend or partner to just be themselves!
I also just love how entirely absorbed into their interests they can be - without a single thought that it's weird on inappropriate until (if) brought to reality by something outside of the bubble. Yes, discussing hardcore hentai scenes outside of a restaurant will get you some looks, but it really doesn't matter what people think (or say), if you and your friends find it interesting 😂😂😂
The few things that I did not like is that the show does not show as much from Gojo's perspective toward Marin, other than his insecurity about having 'weird' interests. Yes, the fanservice, and it's clear that he cares about her, and her interests, but there could be more perspective shift (although I get what they're doing, we don't often get a genuine girl-is-interested-in-a-guy perspective).
Also, they just couldn't resist throwing in harem elements...and why use the child-like appearance for (who is the oldest character among the friends) Sajuna?... creepy and distracting.
Oddly, the fanservice does not distract as much after the first few episodes, once you get used to the nature of the show 😂
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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