After defeating the red dragon, Marcille and the party do their best to try and revive Falin, but with her body already reduced to a skeleton and little energy to draw from, there lies a genuine fear that she may be gone forever.

The Japanese language also adds to the confusion and uses the word “daisuki” when Marcille is talking about Falin. Beyond its quirky premise, the series has gained admiration for its nuanced and inclusive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. Falin feels more powerful than ever, like she has a new lease on life or a well of power bubbling up inside of her.

Though his sexual orientation isn’t a central focus, his empathetic nature and openness to unconventional bonds make him a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community.

4. But to lessen her partner’s worries, she allows this potential to slowly fade away.

While there are naked bodies on display from all angles as the two girls converse, none of it feels shameless or titillating, but in service of their individual stories.

It’s a bit the same with the word “girlfriend” in the English language, which can mean just a friend or a girl you’re romantically involved with. “Daisuki” can mean “love” or “like” depending on the context. It has been a staple for decades, so when Dungeon Meshi puts two of its most beloved characters in a room together, your average joe could be blamed for expecting the same to happen here.

While the manga is renowned for its creative recipes and whimsical storytelling, it also excels in its portrayal of diverse and complex characters, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

Key LGBTQ+ Characters in Dungeon Meshi

1. Fans often celebrate Izutsumi for her fluidity and independence, viewing her as a representation of non-binary or genderqueer individuals.

3.

Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi) has just started airing, but fandoms never sleep, and it’s time for some speculations and theories. But anything on top of that can be found solely in fanfiction.

Still, manga readers admit that Marcille and Falin are indeed very important to each other, and their relationship resembles that of sisters.

But it doesn’t, instead subverting our expectations by putting a deliberate focus on the words and body language of Marcille and Falin as they celebrate a chance to spend more of their lives together, relieved they’ve both survived.

Studio Trigger is no stranger to delivering us the gay goods with the likes of Promare, Little Witch Academia, Brand New Animal, and Kill La Kill all having their own popular and/or canon queer ships.

This blog delves into the key LGBTQ+ characters in Dungeon Meshi and their significance in enhancing representation within the fantasy genre.

What is Dungeon Meshi?

Written and illustrated by Ryoko Kui, Dungeon Meshi follows a group of adventurers who venture into a dungeon to rescue their companion.

Their connection goes beyond mere friendship, with moments of tenderness and emotional depth that resonate with LGBTQ+ readers.

2.

German viewers noticed a peculiar thing in the German dubs. Understandable, but it quickly embarrasses Falin as she gently pushes Marcille away, afraid of the intimacy of such an act.

After spotting a bruise on Falin’s chin, the two fall back against the edges of the tub, before Falin moves forward and takes Marcille’s hand in her own, causing tiny orbs of fading magic to spring forth.

While her sexual orientation isn’t explicitly labeled, fans have widely interpreted Marcille as queer due to her deep and affectionate bond with Falin, the sister of the protagonist. It’s also nice to see it handle fanservice in a much more mature way here than in its previous work.

It begins with Marcille washing Falin’s body, almost like she’s trying to make sure nothing is out of place after being resurrected from nothing but a pile of bones.

But German viewers say that this word is rarely used in a neutral context because it’s easy to misunderstand it for a romantic partner.