Manga
Description
A 16 year old low-tier virtual streamer named Ai世 Kirari is scouted by a talent agency that secretly fights monsters threatening humanity. Her only motivation for becoming a virtual idol is a desperate desire to be adored and satisfy her craving for attention. The agency, V Drive, recruits her to become a fighter against the V-Rus, creatures invading from cyberspace, while publicly maintaining the cover of an entertainment management company. Kirari is forced into a unit with her difficult同期, a fellow streamer named Nino Snow White, who already has seniority as a fighter and openly looks down on the newcomer.

The story takes place in a world where the battle against virtual invaders is hidden in plain sight, with the agency streaming the fights as if they were staged content. The fighters use a special application to don digital avatars, effectively transforming to combat the enemy. Kirari, a middle school dropout with no money or family support, finds her only place to belong is this agency, despite the dangerous reality of her new job where the V-Rus use bodies taken from murdered humans.

The initial arc establishes Kirari and Nino as an unlikely pair forced to perform forced yuri themed content for their audience while clashing constantly in private. Their relationship follows the pattern of a classic hero show second rider, with Nino carrying a heavy past that puts her in opposition to the enthusiastic but inexperienced Kirari. As they grow as an idol unit, the V-Rus advance their plan for world domination, raising the stakes beyond the petty squabbles and comedy of their daily streaming life. One notable episode involves a high paced comedic ramen cooking duel reminiscent of summer variety show specials. The narrative weaves the hard economic reality of a penniless streamer with a genuine tribute to tokusatsu tropes, creating a story about found family and the transformation of a lonely girl into someone who fights for more than just attention.
Information
V Drive!
Vドライブ!
V-Idol-live
Type: Manga
Registration required to rate this manga.
Comment(s)
Staff
  • Story & Art
    Nekonyan