The last few years have seen an explosive gyaru trend in manga. Why? I have no fucking clue. This 90s born trend has apparently been on the decline in the past decade, but its relevancy in animanga is just the opposite. Recent and popular series like Komi-san wa Komyushou Desu, Gal Gohan, Yancha Gal no Anjou-san, Hajimete no Gal, among many others, feature some variant and substyle of gyaru, making this otherwise esoteric and fading trend known outside its mother country. Perhaps its appeal lies in the usual moe trope, where it writes the gyaru character sometimes behaving in an innocent manner directly contradicting the flirtatious, loose stereotype they possess.
Well, anyways, this is all just a skippable preface. Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru features one such character with gyaru roots and is currently my favorite gyaru manga.
Don't ~~Fetish~~ Hobby-shame
Sono Bisque almost immediately captured its bestowment as my favorite gyaru manga with its unique and interesting premise. That is, the cosplayer-tailor relationship between two otaku. The first few chapters intrigued me, curious to find out what would conspire out of a semi-casual, semi-professional, semi-??? relationship between two individuals with a massive personality and social gap. Needless to say, it's been an entertaining one and fulfilling to see how it's affected both parties.
Gojou is, evident from the get-go, a doll otaku. The first chapter alone paints how socially reclusive he is due to his sole interest in something as esoteric as doll-making. Despite his huge physical stature, Goujou is quite emotionally fragile and soft-spoken. He can't assert himself in social situations, stammers in front of Marin and sweats profusely in straining situations. Needless to say, Gojou was unable to open his heart up to anyone besides his fellow doll otaku grandfather. That is, until he has a chance encounter with Marin and the two learn of each other's unique hobbies. From there on, their strangely wholesome relationship and the world of cosplaying changes Gojou from the root up. While he learns explicit and new things, primarily relating to cosplaying, Gojou's implicit growth is the highlight of his character. This new world that Marin guides him by the hand into, shows Gojou what else there is besides dolls. New experiences gather under his belt that he wouldn't have an inkling about had he continued to reside in the doll workshop. His character takes leaps of determination when it comes to supporting Marin and learning more about cosplaying. Though his fragile personality and doll otaku-ism still haven't budged a bit, it's part of what gives his relationship with Marin charm.
Marin is, on the other hand, a cosplay and anime otaku. However, her assertive, social and strong-willed personality depict a very different character narrative from Gojou's. Her social circle has the width of Mars, almost always garnering a small crowd of friends and curious bystanders whispering about her doll-like looks. Though she has no one to talk to about her interests, Marin still manages to talk freely with just about anyone she bumps into. Add on top of that, a comfort in her otaku nature and interests. Contrastive to Gojou, who'd choose death than revealing his doll-making interest to anyone, Marin is open about her interests and even reprimands those who jokingly mock her for them. Even more than that, Marin empathizes with other otaku, such as Gojou. She's the first to know about his doll obsession, besides his grandfather, and proves to be the best one to confide his secret. Though she knows next-to-nothing about doll making, Marin understands Gojou's undying love for it and helps him understand that it's something he shouldn't be ashamed about through her strong will and determination in cosplaying. Perhaps their relationship sounds somewhat one-sided in favor of Gojou, but Marin also benefits from it. In that, Gojou helps her realize and brings her cosplaying dreams to life. Even though cosplaying is her hobby, Marin takes the same newborn steps into the cosplay world as Gojou thanks to him. And not just through his custom tailored outfits, Gojou reciprocates her support by giving his all in whatever they do.
Informative
An interesting supplement to the otaku-centered premise is the technical explanations. Tidbits of cosplay information spring up time to time, though generally unnecessary to read for those who aren't interested. From make up techniques to cosplay convention necessities to photographer and cosplayer etiquette, it came as a bit of a surprise of the extent of cosplaying. I certainly wouldn't go as far as saying the author's primary goal is teaching the foundation of cosplaying, but these informative tidbits are often great detailing and illustrate that the author has gave in effort.
Doll-Like
I mistook this series as shoujo upon first glance, from how pretty and glamorous the character designs were. Fitting in with the doll motif, the characters are all very beautified and smooth. Females and males alike have a blushing sheen on their faces, luminous eyes with beautiful luster and a soft yet shape facial structure. Their faces often pop with vivid expression, most frequently seen with Marin's blinding smile and Gojou's comedically distressed face. Considering the cosplay premise, something often and strongly associated with beauty, this art-style works perfectly. Marin's cosplay outfits are crucially detailed and joyous to see, making Sono Bisque a great fashion series, as well. Going off that tangent, take note of the ecchi tag. Though there's nothing extremely explicit or any nudity, Marin's cheeky gyaru side is brought out with loose clothing/outfits, large skin exposure, etc. The fanservice definitely lends itself to a wink, wink nudge, nudge nature, more so than sexual.
Conclusion
Sono Bisque is nothing short of an entertaining and casual read. With its unique premise, I believe many will be get hooked to witness how Gojou and Marin's relationship will unfold and evolve. The two possess amusing personalities that complement each other's all the more entertainingly as they spend more time together. With brief and occasional bursts of drama, there's also steady character development in the works.
The character designs are a glamorous spectacle to gaze at. The author does a fine job visually characterizing Marin with her bulbous and luminous eyes and cheeky smile. And needless to say, the art nails the cosplaying aspect right on the head with gorgeous detailing on Gojou's custom costumes.
Gyaru connoisseurs are rejoicing with each passing chapter. This blend of a unique and warm relationship, glamorous art-style and entertaining story has won my heart, and likely yours if you'd like to give it a try.
