Kara Dennison
November 24, 2024 
Okay, so we’re not claiming that 2.5 Dimensional Seduction has graduated from being a fanservice show to a pinnacle of storytelling. It’s still very fanservicey, even if it’s significantly toned down from the manga. Our hero Okumura is still (allegedly) only interested in 2D girls. But in recent episodes, something has changed. Someone new has joined the cast—and she’s changed everything.
Aria is the fourth member of the show’s cosplay quartet. Stepping into the shoes of fictional character Ariel, she fills out the manga-inspired cosplay group. But there’s so much more to her presence than just a fourth person. Now the show has moved more than ever into its examination of why cosplay can be really special.
Who Is Aria?
When we first meet Aria, she seems relatively frivolous—even by the standards of 2.5 Dimensional Seduction. Everyone has their own reasons for cosplaying in the show. Ririsa wants to show her love for the character of Liliel. Mikari wants Okumura’s attention. Nonoa wants like-minded friends. And Aria… just wants to be a famous cosplayer. But she doesn’t really know anything about anime or manga.
Rather than being kicked out or chased away, Aria gets aggressively befriended by the core group. And after some marathon anime-watching sessions, they learn her real reason for wanting to cosplay. Her estranged father was an unsuccessful manga artist, and she wants to cosplay his lead character to show her love for him. Some master Googling from Okumura uncovers even more about this long-forgotten manga, but you’ll have to see that for yourself.
Who Is Ariel?
Each of the four main girls in 2.5 Dimensional Seduction aligns with a character from their mutual favorite series. Thus we meet Ariel: Aria’s choice of character. Ariel just so happens to have a lot in common with the character Aria intends to cosplay from her dad’s manga. And, as watchers of the show will know, there’s a reason for this.
As with the other girls, character and cosplayer have a lot in common—and not just similar names. Like Ariel, Aria is enthusiastic and outspoken. She stands by her friends no matter what and gives them the cheerful, friendly support they need. We see this in action during Summer Comiket, as all four girls are braving the heat for their cosplay shoot.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
The inclusion of a total newbie in 2.5 Dimensional Seduction also allows for more talk about the cosplay scene. Ririsa is a rising star, but she’s undoubtedly an expert. Mikari may be new to cosplay, but she’s an experienced model. And Nona is right alongside Ririsa in the rising star rankings. Aria is a total blank slate. She’s new to manga, anime, cosplay, cons… the whole deal. Following her journey with a supportive cast is really sweet to see.
As Aria and her new friends rise up in the public eye, her dream of reaching out to her father comes closer and closer to becoming a reality. And in this side story, we learn about cosplay beyond the cosplayer’s point of view. We see what it means to a creator to see their beloved characters brought to life. Will Aria’s love for her father’s work reach him? Watch on to find out!
