Shiho Kumai is a college student who is struggling financially but has a costly passion for cosplaying. She is deeply devoted to cosplay and immersing herself in the characters she admires. However, she often feels alone in her enthusiasm as her friends do not share her interest in geek culture. This changes when she encounters Yotogi, an accomplished fellow cosplayer with a significant following of 200,000 followers. The two decide to collaborate on a cosplay project, with Yotogi providing Shiho with a free costume that perfectly fits her. Despite their initial excitement, Shiho is taken aback by Yotogi’s preference for provocative poses and attire, which goes against her own principles. Can the duo find a way to reconcile their differences and create extraordinary cosplay together?

It’s All Your Fault is a captivating story that unfolds intriguingly from beginning to end. While the series initially appears to focus on fan service and provocative attire, it gradually reveals deeper layers and meaningful conversations as the first volume progresses. The characters’ complexities and the themes explored make for a compelling read.

Shiho and Yotogi share a passion for cosplay but approach it from contrasting perspectives. Shiho strives for authenticity, meticulously embodying the characters she portrays in both costume and demeanor. On the other hand, Yotogi emphasizes the allure of sensuality, infusing her cosplays with sex appeal through poses and outfits. The dynamic between the two characters unfolds throughout the narrative, highlighting that there is no singular “right” way to cosplay. Cosplay is a diverse and creative pursuit enjoyed by millions worldwide, ranging from dedicated hobbyists to occasional participants. Some craft their own costumes, while others rely on online purchases. Similarly, cosplayers vary in their interpretation: some, like Shiho, prioritize faithfulness to the source material, while others, like Yotogi, embrace reinterpretations, such as steampunk Sailor Moon or warrior Disney Princesses. The manga traces the evolution of these characters from opposing viewpoints to a mutual appreciation of each other’s approaches, fostering newfound admiration for their craft. Yotogi’s character encourages self-expression and challenges societal norms by asserting her individuality through her cosplays. Contrasting with Shiho’s aversion to out-of-character portrayals, the narrative navigates the distinction between “dressing up sexy” and genuine “sexual attraction,” underscoring the personal agency and artistic expression of the cosplayer. Through their interactions, Shiho gains a broader perspective on the diversity and nuances within cosplay and learns to appreciate the dedication and creativity that underpin “sexy” cosplays.

The manga itself does seem to muddy the waters, however, when it comes to consent. The first time the pair cosplay in public, Yotogi forces Shiho into a sexy pose, with no warning or asking if Shiho would be ok with that, and therefore Shiho feels compelled to go along with it because she feels trapped in the moment. This isn’t a bug in the series; it becomes a purposeful feature when a similar situation happens again but Shiho calls out on Yotogi sexual harassment, and Yotogi reflects on it, admitting that she did force it upon her. And that’s what makes this manga a really fulfilling read: it’s a fan service story that has flawed characters, but also a clear love for cosplaying overall. It’s not talking down to cosplayers or telling off those who might find the fan service appealing.

Speaking of fan service, you may have noticed the Mature and ‘parental advisory’ warning on the cover, and yes, this is a saucy manga with the T and A shots but so far, no sex. Funnily enough, the closest we get to a sex scene is within the fictional manga that the characters are reading, so it’s a funny tease that serves the plot.

The mangaka is merrihachi and the art is really good so far; the characters are expressive and the fan service shots are very detailed and framed perfectly as well. My only criticism is that there are a few instances where scenes didn’t flow very well because the backgrounds are mostly plain and I didn’t know where they were going next. Such as the club room, where the cosplayers meet, is so minimal and boring that it’s hard to keep track of where each character is and when they’re popping in and out of the room.

Kashi Kamitoma is the translator for this book for Yen Press and it’s a fun read, with lots of helpful translation notes at the end too. Volume 2 is due out in August.

It’s All Your Fault is a promising new Yuri series, with a clear love for cosplaying and anime, with a good portion of interesting character dynamics and exploration on what other enjoys about cosplaying. If you like your Yuri fan service, but also want good character arcs to chew on, look no further. The manga recently concluded in Japan, so if you wish to dive into a new series, at least you know it’s wrapped up.

Our review copy was supplied by Yen Press.