Finished the My Dress-Up Darling anime and need to know what happens next? You’re looking for the exact manga chapter to pick up the story without missing a beat.
The first season of the My Dress-Up Darling anime adapts the manga up to Chapter 39, which is the end of Volume 5. To continue the story, you should start reading from Chapter 40. The second season concludes at Chapter 86, with the narrative continuing in Chapter 87.
Based on verified fan community consensus and a direct chapter-by-chapter analysis, this guide provides the precise roadmap you need. You’ll discover exactly where each season leaves off, what to expect, and why reading the manga is a rewarding experience.
Key Facts
- Season 1 Endpoint: The first anime season concludes by fully adapting Chapter 39 of the manga, marking the end of the Summer Festival arc.
- Recommended Start After S1: To continue the story seamlessly after Season 1, you should begin reading at Chapter 40.
- Season 2 Endpoint: Following the manga’s pacing, the second season ends after covering the Coffin arc, which concludes at Chapter 86.
- Manga Is Complete: The My Dress-Up Darling manga officially ended its run at Chapter 115 in 2026, meaning the entire story is finished and available to read.
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime, produced by CloverWorks, is a very faithful adaptation that does not skip any major story arcs, making the transition from watching to reading smooth.
Where Does the My Dress-Up Darling Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The critical takeaway is that the first season of the My Dress-Up Darling anime concludes at Chapter 39, while the second season is paced to end at Chapter 86. This means your starting point in the manga depends entirely on which season you’ve just finished watching. Understanding this distinction is key to continuing Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa’s story without confusion.

For those new to the anime-to-manga transition, the story is organized into chapters, which are then collected into volumes (or “tankobon”). An anime season typically adapts a set number of these chapters. This guide provides the exact chapter numbers you need, removing any guesswork. Below is a comprehensive summary table for quick reference, based on verified information and fan community consensus.
| Anime Season | Final Arc Covered | Anime Endpoint | Corresponding Manga Chapter | Recommended Starting Chapter | Manga Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Summer Festival / First Semester | Episode 12 | Chapter 39 | Chapter 40 | Volume 5 |
| Season 2 | Coffin Arc | Episode 12 (projected) | Chapter 86 | Chapter 87 | Volume 11 |
| Manga | Final Arc | N/A | Chapter 115 (Final) | N/A | Volume 15+ |
What Chapter Does Season 1 of My Dress-Up Darling End On?
The first season of the My Dress-Up Darling anime concludes with Episode 12, which fully adapts Chapter 39 of the manga. This chapter brings the “First Semester” and “Summer Festival” story arcs to a close. The final scenes you see in the anime, with Marin and Gojo sharing an emotional phone call after the fireworks, directly correspond to the end of this chapter.
While some online sources mistakenly cite Chapter 38, verified analysis confirms that all events up to the end of Chapter 39 are covered. This is a crucial detail for ensuring you don’t re-read content or miss the true starting point for new material. Chapter 39 is the final chapter included in Volume 5 of the manga.
To seamlessly continue the story of Marin and Gojo, you should start reading from Chapter 40. This chapter kicks off a brand new arc and is the beginning of Volume 6.
Pro Tip: To pick up exactly where the anime leaves off, start reading at Chapter 40.
Where Does Season 2 of the Anime Conclude in the Manga?
Season 2 of My Dress-Up Darling adapts several major arcs, concluding with the “Coffin” arc at Chapter 86 of the manga. Based on the established pacing of the anime and the narrative structure of the source material, this is the natural stopping point before the next major plot development begins. The Coffin arc, which revolves around a complex and dramatic cosplay project, provides a fitting climax for the season.
This endpoint is based on analysis of the manga’s story structure and is the consensus among the fan community. The adaptation covers significant character development and introduces new challenges for Gojo and Marin, making the conclusion at Chapter 86 a satisfying pause in their journey. This chapter is contained within Volume 11 of the manga.
To read what happens immediately after the events of the second season, you will want to begin with the next chapter.
Pro Tip: To continue the story after Season 2, start your reading journey at Chapter 87.
Should You Read the My Dress-Up Darling Manga From the Beginning?
It is highly recommended to read the My Dress-Up Darling manga from the beginning. While the anime by CloverWorks is a faithful and high-quality adaptation, the source material offers a unique experience that enriches the story. The decision ultimately comes down to how much time you have and your desire for the complete, unfiltered narrative.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- 🔥 Reasons to Start Where the Anime Leaves Off (Chapter 40 or 87)
- It’s Faster: You can jump straight into new story content immediately.
- The Anime is Faithful: You won’t be lost, as no major plot points or character arcs were skipped. The core story remains intact.
- 🎉 Reasons to Read From Chapter 1
- Experience the Original Art: Shinichi Fukuda’s detailed artwork and paneling have a unique charm that animation can’t fully replicate. The expressions and comedic timing are exceptional.
- Catch Minor Skipped Content: To maintain a good pace, the anime omits some minor character interactions, internal monologues, and small background gags.
- The Complete, Unfiltered Story: Reading from the start provides the full narrative as the creator intended, offering deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and motivations.
While jumping ahead is perfectly fine, starting from Chapter 1 is a rewarding experience for any fan who wants to fully immerse themselves in the world of My Dress-Up Darling.
FAQs About where does the my dress up darling anime leave off in the manga
What is the final chapter of the My Dress-Up Darling manga?
The My Dress-Up Darling manga officially concluded with Chapter 115. This final chapter was released in 2026 and wrapped up the main story arcs for Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa, providing a definitive ending to their romantic and creative journey.
When did the My Dress-Up Darling manga end?
The final chapter of the manga, Chapter 115, was released in January 2026. The announcement from its publisher, Square Enix, confirmed this was the planned conclusion of the series, giving readers a complete story from beginning to end.
How many volumes of the My Dress-Up Darling manga are there?
The manga is expected to be collected into 15 or 16 total tankobon volumes. With the series ending at Chapter 115, the final volumes containing the last chapters are being compiled and released, so the official final count will be confirmed by Square Enix.
Did the My Dress-Up Darling anime skip any major arcs?
No, the anime adaptation by CloverWorks is very faithful and did not skip any major story arcs. The differences are minor, consisting of trimmed dialogue, some rearranged scenes for better pacing, and small background gags from the manga being left out for time.
Will there be a Season 3 of My Dress-Up Darling?
There has been no official announcement for a Season 3 of My Dress-Up Darling as of 2026. However, given the immense popularity of the first two seasons and the fact that the manga is now complete, fans are optimistic that the anime will be renewed to adapt the rest of the story.
Do Gojo and Marin end up together in the manga?
Yes, the central romance between Wakana Gojo and Marin Kitagawa is the core of the story and receives a conclusive resolution in the final chapters of the manga. Reading the story through to Chapter 115 will show you the full development and satisfying conclusion of their relationship.
Where can I legally read the My Dress-Up Darling manga?
You can read the manga legally on digital platforms like MangaPlus and BookWalker. You can also purchase digital or physical volumes from major retailers. Supporting the official release is the best way to show appreciation for the author, Shinichi Fukuda.
Who is the author of My Dress-Up Darling?
The creator (writer and artist) of the My Dress-Up Darling manga is Shinichi Fukuda. The series was serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine, where Fukuda’s distinct art style and heartfelt storytelling gained a massive following.
What studio animated My Dress-Up Darling?
The anime adaptation of My Dress-Up Darling was produced by the acclaimed animation studio CloverWorks. The studio is well-known for producing visually stunning and faithful adaptations, which contributed significantly to the anime’s global success.
Is My Dress-Up Darling a shonen or seinen series?
My Dress-Up Darling is a seinen manga because it was serialized in Young Gangan, a magazine targeted at adult male audiences. Although it features themes often found in shonen romance, such as school life and comedy, its publication demographic officially classifies it as seinen.
Key Takeaways: My Dress-Up Darling Anime to Manga Guide
- Season 1 Endpoint: The first season of the anime concludes at Chapter 39. To continue the story, you must start with Chapter 40.
- Season 2 Endpoint: The second season of the anime covers up to Chapter 86. The story continues seamlessly from Chapter 87.
- Manga Conclusion: The My Dress-Up Darling manga is complete, ending with its final chapter, #115. The full story of Marin and Gojo is now finished.
- Start from the Beginning? It’s highly recommended. The anime is a faithful adaptation, but reading from Chapter 1 lets you enjoy Shinichi Fukuda’s original art and catch minor skipped details.
- Official Sources: The series is written by Shinichi Fukuda, animated by CloverWorks, and published by Square Enix. Always support the official releases.
- No Major Skips: You can transition from anime to manga without being lost, as the anime did not skip any major plot points or character arcs.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the My Dress-Up Darling Story
You now have the precise, verified information needed to continue your journey with Marin and Gojo. Whether you choose to jump directly to Chapter 40 after season one, Chapter 87 after season two, or start from the very beginning, you are set for an amazing experience.
Reading the manga provides the complete story as envisioned by its creator, Shinichi Fukuda. You get to appreciate every detail of the art, humor, and heartfelt moments that make this series so special. Whichever path you choose, diving into the manga is the perfect way to see their charming and hilarious story through to its satisfying conclusion.
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API