My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 review: CloverWorks highlights Marin’s creative eye and Gojo’s passion while setting up Akira’s cliffhanger

My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 captured Marin as she hones her photography skills at a cosplay event, while she witnessed how camera placements changed the energy of the shot. Meanwhile, Gojo meets up with Akira, a prop maker who lacks confidence in the face of other people's talent but admires her all the same.

Their stories highlight how both artists and observers view creativity differently. The episode concluded at an afterparty where a group cosplay scenario lit excitement in everyone except for Akira's uncomfortable response to making things official. Officially released on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 12:00 am JST, My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 was titled The Only Way I Can Think of to Express That Gratitude Is with Money.

Disclaimer: The article reflects the opinion of the writer and includes spoilers from the My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8.

My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 shows Marin exploring cosplay photography while Gojo meets Akira

A brief synopsis and narrative criticism of My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8

Gojo finds out about Akira being a girl (Image via CloverWorks)

My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 begins with Marin and Gojo finally attending the cosplay event they had been anticipating. With her new camera in hand, Marin is also enjoying a new activity: taking pictures of cosplayers using her camera. She is eager to try her newfound skills.

She runs into Suzuka Itou, and the two start bonding over having the same cameras. Amane Himeno, dressed in perfect Hokuto-san cosplay, is surrounded by cameramen until Marin and Suzuka come to his rescue.

Later, the group encounters Miyako, yet another cosplayer whose male-character costume leaves everyone in awe due to its realism. Marin watches closely as Suzuka shows how such small alterations in camera angles can greatly enhance a photo. It demonstrates that, although subtle, this episode's creativity and perspective lesson will be hidden amongst the complexities of character design.

Marin shows her photography skills in My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)

Meanwhile, Gojo anxiously awaits encountering Akira, a prop designer whose work has greatly influenced him. To his surprise, Akira is a girl, and there is a comedic misunderstanding between them. Their encounter turns into something substantial as Gojo becomes exposed to the culture of original cosplays. It also inspires Akira, who has self-doubting tendencies about her artwork.

The parallel between Marin's photographic journey and Gojo's admiration for Akira's artwork indicates that there is something to be said about the world of creativity, including how it is perceived and represented.

Marin finds out camera tricks in My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)

At the conclusion of the episode, fans see everyone going to a café for an afterparty. In costume, the group relaxes and talks about their eventual cosplay. Despite one member pulling out because of work, Amane offers to substitute in, while Marin is also invited to participate. At first reluctant, Marin agrees, and with her suggestion to include Sajuna Inui (Juju), the group cosplay project is given new life.

Narratively, episode 8 balances lighthearted amusement with thematic weight. Marin's photography lessons highlight the unseen work that goes into art. Meanwhile, Gojo's encounter with Akira delves into how creators always downplay their own craft in light of the inspiration they help others achieve.

Though the episode sometimes faces excess explanatory cutaways, it continues to manage to integrate its central theme into emotionally affecting character scenes.

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My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8: An overall criticism

Suzuka reacts to Gojo and Marin (Image via CloverWorks)

My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 deals in art both as perspective and as self-expression, but it also lags in ways that make it harder for those moments to achieve their full potential narrative and emotional breadth. The show's charm lies in its ability to embed heartfelt takeaways in stories that present as light encounters; this episode feels unbalanced in its attempts to give that intimacy with pace.

One of the most obvious concerns here is structural. By dividing so much of the runtime between Marin and Gojo's individual experiences, the episode sacrifices some of the natural chemistry that makes them as great a duo as they are.

Amane and Gojo at the afterparty in My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 (Image via CloverWorks)

Their dynamic has always been the core of the series, but here the choice to isolate them blunts the emotional impact. Each plot individually is worth it, but when concurrently executed, they are less effective than if the two had somehow managed to touch base or share a moment together.

Another weak link is the overprecision of the show. Perhaps these were meant as comedic break-ins, but in practice, they are felt as filler. At worst, they come across as shallow efforts to keep the viewer engaged with visual jokes; at best, they derail viewers from otherwise compelling character moments.

Final thoughts

Juju was seen at the end of the episode (Image via CloverWorks)

My Dress-Up Darling season 2 episode 8 manages to highlight that creators and viewers view works of art differently; the message is made clear, but the directness may come off as too heavy-handed.

Gojo's endorsement of Akira is poignant, but the episode leaves insufficient space for that concept to exist naturally; instead, it's told, not revealed. Similarly, Marin's photography journey is valuable but educational, sacrificing emotional revelation for purely technical illustration.

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About the author

Mudassir Kamran is an Anime Journalist at Sportskeeda and has over four years of experience covering the anime and manga industry. With a degree in Data Science, he brings analytical precision and structured research to his writing, ensuring factual accuracy and thoughtful insight in every piece.

His passion for anime was sparked by Death Note, whose psychological depth and gripping narrative inspired him to dive deeper into the medium. Over time, Mudassir developed a strong admiration for creators like Isayama sensei, Oda sensei, and Toriyama sensei—praising their visionary storytelling and global influence.

Mudassir maintains high standards in his journalism—cross-referencing Reddit discussions, official updates, and credible sources to provide clear and objective reporting. He respects reader privacy, avoids speculative claims, and strives to maintain a balanced perspective in all his coverage.

Outside the anime world, he enjoys non-fiction books, gaming, and spending time outdoors exploring new places.

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Edited by Mudassir Kamran