Dragon Drive (Manga)

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Name: Dragon Drive
Type: Manga

Author: Ken-ichi Sakura

Books: 14
Genre: Adventure, science fiction, comedy
Age Rating: 11+

Review:
A boy named Reiji and his friends join an innocent virtual reality video game called "Dragon Drive," not realizing that it is actually part of a plan to destroy the world!

This manga was definitely entertaining, and aimed for younger male readers, though it could be enjoyed by older kids and adults as well. The art was generic, but it went well with the type of story Sakura was writing, and there were not annoying inconsistencies or impossible contingencies. While not as action-packed as Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Drive offered its own set of heroes and different fighting styles that progressed throughout the series.

I liked Chibi and Reiji as partners, and was disappointed to learn that Reiji's story was only nine books long before a new main character, Takumi, is introduced. Thereon, an entire new cast goes on their own adventure in the world of "Dragon Drive." An interesting idea, but I liked the first team better, just because of their dynamics and the way their relationships evolved. I felt more connected to them, and was sad when they left the story. It was okay, but I didn't necessarily like the idea of changing characters all of a sudden.

While this manga's main target is boys, I enjoyed this manga as much as anyone would, and though it wasn't one of my favorites, it was entertaining enough. The rating is more closely a 2.5 star rather than just a 2, because it shifted from "this is okay," to "this is good." I have learned since, however, that Dragon Drive isn't as well known as other video-game manga or animes based off their mangas, but it is, nonetheless, something to consider reading if one is a younger fan of manga.

Mature Content:

• Violence- Characters fight battles with their dragons
• Magic- Some characters and creatures in "Dragon Drive" posses magical abilities

Personal Note:

I wish Chibi was my dragon!