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Dragon Drive #1
Dragon Drive, Vol. 1
The tale of a loser kid who gets whisked off into a magical world where it turns out he and his little but, powerful dragon may play a part in saving the world itself! Reiji Oozora is a total loser! Not good at anything especially schoolwork! One day his friend Maiko Yukino offers to share her class notes with him to help him out on the condition that he takes her wherever she wants to go. She takes him to a secret place where a virtual reality game called Dragon Drive is played. Reiji signs up, gets his own dragon, which ends up being the smallest and weakest in the game! Because of its tiny size Reiji names the dragon Chibi. Right after joining the game Reiji and Maiko are sent to battle a classmate who has as crush on Maiko named Daisuke. Reiji runs from the battle and just when it seems like he can't win his dragon does something impossible! It suddenly powers up and defeats the much larger dragon. Reiji wins and is suddenly addicted to this new exciting game.
A staff member of the Dragon Drive virtual reality game named Agent L realizes that there is something incredible about Chibi's performance and invites Reiji and Maiko to a special training room. There she reveals the real purpose of the game is for players to bring out their dragon's true potential. Just then a strange girl riding a dragon appears and takes them to a fantastic magical world. It turns out it this world is in peril of being taken over by an evil group called RI-ON and the only thing that can possibly stop them in none other than Reiji's little dragon! Thus the adventure begins!
A staff member of the Dragon Drive virtual reality game named Agent L realizes that there is something incredible about Chibi's performance and invites Reiji and Maiko to a special training room. There she reveals the real purpose of the game is for players to bring out their dragon's true potential. Just then a strange girl riding a dragon appears and takes them to a fantastic magical world. It turns out it this world is in peril of being taken over by an evil group called RI-ON and the only thing that can possibly stop them in none other than Reiji's little dragon! Thus the adventure begins!
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
8 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Ken-ichi Sakura
31 books20 followersAlso known as Ken'ichi Sakura.
Ken-ichi Sakura made his debut in Monthly Shonen Jump with the manga Fabre Tanteiki, which was in 2000. He began Dragon Drive in the March 2001 issue of Monthly Shonen Jump, which went on to be a successful anime and even bred its own video games. His latest work, Kotokuri, began running in March 2006's volume in Monthly Shonen Jump.
Ken-ichi Sakura made his debut in Monthly Shonen Jump with the manga Fabre Tanteiki, which was in 2000. He began Dragon Drive in the March 2001 issue of Monthly Shonen Jump, which went on to be a successful anime and even bred its own video games. His latest work, Kotokuri, began running in March 2006's volume in Monthly Shonen Jump.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
June 28, 2020
Rating: 9/10
Dragon Drive follows Reiji Oozora, your typical shōnen protagonist who isn't really good at anything. After being absent from school because he was sick, he comes back during the middle of the day. He failed a test and his friend, Maiko Yukino, has the notes from the days he missed. Instead of immediately giving them to him, she bribes him by getting him to try the eponymous Dragon Drive game. He reluctantly agrees, and our story truly begins.
The game is a virtual reality one and it chooses your dragon by, I guess, scanning your mind? It isn't really expanded upon, but it also doesn't really bother me. Oozora gets a seemingly weak dragon, he names Chibisuke. Chibisuke is lazy, just like Oozora. Again, in shōnen fashion, Chibisuke is actually stronger than he appears.
Since this is the first volume, it mostly just establishes the characters. The volume is composed of four chapters and each one is in a battle of the week format. (Not counting Oozora and Chibisuke, who I already talked about enough) You have Maiko Yukino: the childhood friend (and obvious love interest), Daisuke Hagiwara: the rival, but obvious eventual ally, Ichiro Sumishiba: the menacing rival who aims to be number one, and Hikaru Himuro: the number one Dragon Drive player, and Agent L: the announcer for the game, who obviously knows more than what she wants us to think. Although each character is somewhat cliched, they have a quality that makes you want to know more about them. This is the first volume after all, so nothing is really fleshed out yet.
Pros:
+ If you like stuff like Pokemon , Digimon , and Yu-Gi-Oh , then this is for you.
+ Interesting characters.
+ Great art, especially for the dragons.
Cons:
- The characters and plot are cliched so far.
Final Thoughts:
This is probably my third time trying to read through this series. Not because I didn't like it, but because life got in the way. Disregarding my knowledge of the events after this volume, this is really a great start of an interesting and fun series. Do I recommend Dragon Drive ? Definitely. Like I mentioned before, this is a great series for fans of Pokemon , Digimon , and Yu-Gi-Oh . I, for one, am a big fan of the last two franchises. I can't wait to read the other thirteen volumes and hopefully finish this manga.
Dragon Drive follows Reiji Oozora, your typical shōnen protagonist who isn't really good at anything. After being absent from school because he was sick, he comes back during the middle of the day. He failed a test and his friend, Maiko Yukino, has the notes from the days he missed. Instead of immediately giving them to him, she bribes him by getting him to try the eponymous Dragon Drive game. He reluctantly agrees, and our story truly begins.
The game is a virtual reality one and it chooses your dragon by, I guess, scanning your mind? It isn't really expanded upon, but it also doesn't really bother me. Oozora gets a seemingly weak dragon, he names Chibisuke. Chibisuke is lazy, just like Oozora. Again, in shōnen fashion, Chibisuke is actually stronger than he appears.
Since this is the first volume, it mostly just establishes the characters. The volume is composed of four chapters and each one is in a battle of the week format. (Not counting Oozora and Chibisuke, who I already talked about enough) You have Maiko Yukino: the childhood friend (and obvious love interest), Daisuke Hagiwara: the rival, but obvious eventual ally, Ichiro Sumishiba: the menacing rival who aims to be number one, and Hikaru Himuro: the number one Dragon Drive player, and Agent L: the announcer for the game, who obviously knows more than what she wants us to think. Although each character is somewhat cliched, they have a quality that makes you want to know more about them. This is the first volume after all, so nothing is really fleshed out yet.
Pros:
+ If you like stuff like Pokemon , Digimon , and Yu-Gi-Oh , then this is for you.
+ Interesting characters.
+ Great art, especially for the dragons.
Cons:
- The characters and plot are cliched so far.
Final Thoughts:
This is probably my third time trying to read through this series. Not because I didn't like it, but because life got in the way. Disregarding my knowledge of the events after this volume, this is really a great start of an interesting and fun series. Do I recommend Dragon Drive ? Definitely. Like I mentioned before, this is a great series for fans of Pokemon , Digimon , and Yu-Gi-Oh . I, for one, am a big fan of the last two franchises. I can't wait to read the other thirteen volumes and hopefully finish this manga.
August 22, 2020
This manga was one I wanted to start because I wanted something fun, adventurous, but also not too complicated. This is definitely that in the best way.
• As far as a comparison to other manga/anime I would definitely say it compares most with Angelic layer but with Dragons that are really fascinating and cute looking in the Chibi sense (the dragon on the cover). There's also stats on every dragon you come across which was awesome.
• I think this also compares bookwise to Warcross by Marie Lu in the virtual reality sense plus this is a big game like Warcross.
• As far as who can read this, I would definitely recommend this for middle school boys (at least this current volume)as well anyone that age and older because as stated earlier this is something that I think as a series I will read a little at a time when I need something adventurous and fun.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this particular volume and I am going to continue with this series in the future although personally ill probably not binge it just because some of the boy humor and repetition of the games. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars
• As far as a comparison to other manga/anime I would definitely say it compares most with Angelic layer but with Dragons that are really fascinating and cute looking in the Chibi sense (the dragon on the cover). There's also stats on every dragon you come across which was awesome.
• I think this also compares bookwise to Warcross by Marie Lu in the virtual reality sense plus this is a big game like Warcross.
• As far as who can read this, I would definitely recommend this for middle school boys (at least this current volume)as well anyone that age and older because as stated earlier this is something that I think as a series I will read a little at a time when I need something adventurous and fun.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this particular volume and I am going to continue with this series in the future although personally ill probably not binge it just because some of the boy humor and repetition of the games. Because of these points, I have to give this a 4 out of 5 stars
July 24, 2019
Dragon Drive has promise of being a great intro series for someone new in the manga scene. The action is good in terms of physical and emotional conflict. Some familiar cliches are sprinkled in the volume but aren't drowning it into a gag series. All in all, its worth picking up, especially since it kind of reminds me of Pokemon Go in terms of the battle portion and earning rewards for fighting along side your companion.
August 18, 2024
I can still remember discovering this manga in a weekly issue of Shonen Jump and it still holds up! It is very fun and interesting to read something from childhood and still get the same excitement you got the first time you read it.
We all have a little Reiji in us and I an excited to watch him grow as a character and use Dragon Drive to become his own person that actually cares about something.
We all have a little Reiji in us and I an excited to watch him grow as a character and use Dragon Drive to become his own person that actually cares about something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
3⭐. Love the classic genre of kids-creating-an-avatar-dragon-to-battle-each-other-in-a-digital-world, but this wasn't as exciting as it was when I was reading at 11 years old. Chibi's still chill though.
November 29, 2018
I love this book 10/10 will read the entire series.
June 5, 2021
This was great!
April 21, 2022
This is exactly what I expected it would be. A fun simple shonen manga. Nothing I haven't seen before but it has me wanting to come back for the 2nd volume.
August 1, 2022
This was unique and I love dragons! Chibi is adorable and I can't wait to see who everyone "thinks" Reiji is and why they keep recording him!
October 27, 2022
One of my favorite middle school mangas ❤️
March 23, 2013
Reiji Ozora doesn't play video games because there's never been a video game that he's really gotten hooked on. That doesn't stop his friend Maiko from forcing him to try a new game called Dragon Drive. Each player is given a mobile and a card with dragon on it that matches the player's physical abilities (a machine computes your stats and spits out the card). Then, when you're in the virtual world, you fight other players and their dragons with your own dragon - your dragon levels up as it beats other dragons. At least, that's how it's all supposed to work, but Reiji's dragon is pathetic. The first time he sees it, it's asleep, and it has a fighting ability of zero. However, this is a game-based shonen manga, so of course things are not as bad as they seem. His dragon is tougher than its stats indicate (which is impossible, according to the game designers), but Reiji doesn't seem to have good control over it yet. He'd better learn quickly, though, because all the toughest players are starting to notice him, as are some of the people in charge of the game.
This series shows some definite promise, so I'll be getting more volumes once my library orders them. I'm hoping that future volumes allow for Reiji and his dragon, Chibi, to develop a decent friendship, rather than just focusing on the fighting, but, considering that this is a shonen manga, I'm guessing Chibi will mostly just be a mysterious and occasionally funny tool for battle, rather than a friend with a gradually developing and evolving personality.
If this game actually existed in real life in the same way it does in the manga, I guarantee people would be lined up for days to play it. I know I would. That aspect is part of what makes this manga fun. You get to imagine what it would be like having a virtual dragon that's matched specifically to your stats. The dragons themselves are also interesting. There's a bit of humor, too, but that aspect won't be enough to keep me reading this series. I'm interested to see if Sakura will be able to improve this series and continue to make it appealing beyond the things I just mentioned, or if it will stagnate.
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
This series shows some definite promise, so I'll be getting more volumes once my library orders them. I'm hoping that future volumes allow for Reiji and his dragon, Chibi, to develop a decent friendship, rather than just focusing on the fighting, but, considering that this is a shonen manga, I'm guessing Chibi will mostly just be a mysterious and occasionally funny tool for battle, rather than a friend with a gradually developing and evolving personality.
If this game actually existed in real life in the same way it does in the manga, I guarantee people would be lined up for days to play it. I know I would. That aspect is part of what makes this manga fun. You get to imagine what it would be like having a virtual dragon that's matched specifically to your stats. The dragons themselves are also interesting. There's a bit of humor, too, but that aspect won't be enough to keep me reading this series. I'm interested to see if Sakura will be able to improve this series and continue to make it appealing beyond the things I just mentioned, or if it will stagnate.
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
April 29, 2009
Graphic novels have certainly made a presence in the teen scene, however I have yet to become a fan. I read recently how these novels make a wonderful bridge between picture books and chapter books for many readers. I beg to differ in that reading from back to front, in comic book form, within a video game genre or virtual settings don't really promote literacy as taught today. After reading this book, I wondered how a book could be creative without imagination, foreign without being multicultural, and only readable (not really enjoyable) to the functioning illiterate? Brian Jacques spoke recently at a bookstore in Columbus, Ohio. He began writing so he could provide creative and imaginative stories for the children in the blind school close to his home. What he imagines and creates leaves the reader wanting more. I can't say that about Dragon Drive. I just wondered if the good guy gets the girl.
Graphic novels, in my opinion, won't create a better reader. they will only contribute to illiteracy. To become a better reader, one must read. Read books with content and value. This one isn't one I'd want my students to read good examples of writing. Raise the bar for the students.
1Q 1P (can't really recommend for any age....don't really see the value)
Graphic novels, in my opinion, won't create a better reader. they will only contribute to illiteracy. To become a better reader, one must read. Read books with content and value. This one isn't one I'd want my students to read good examples of writing. Raise the bar for the students.
1Q 1P (can't really recommend for any age....don't really see the value)
December 18, 2011
Our hero, Reiji, is dragged into playing a virtual reality game where each person gets a dragon after the computer scans your brain to best match you. His dragon appears to be quite small, cute, and sleeping unlike everyone else's dragons which are big and vicious. No instructions are given to Reiji as he enters his first match. As Reiji plays the hostess is amazed at how in sync Reiji is with his dragon. The two go on to win the battle but only after they were cornered. There are hints given in the story that the game is more than a game and that Reiji may be the one they are looking for.
As with all manga, each book is like a chapter in the story. It has potential to develop into something quite interesting. I just don't want the dragons to get hurt.
As with all manga, each book is like a chapter in the story. It has potential to develop into something quite interesting. I just don't want the dragons to get hurt.
August 17, 2013
A game based manga similar to Yugioh or Beyblade in that it is about a character with an unusual affinity for playing the game well (and in some cases destined to save the world through it). In this case though the main character is lazy and is thrust into a game where he needs to level up quick. His dragon partner is a representation of his soul, and by the end of the first battle it is clear that there is more to him than even he knows. Exciting battles, well drawn dragons, and a good sense of humour, will keep you reading this series.
February 26, 2009
I looked up the anime for this, and there were mixed thoughts/reviews on it. I guess since this is a Shounen series, it's not going to be liked very much. But I really enjoy this first volume. My work has up to volume 14 or 15.. but I'm going to get 2-4 tomorrow when I head in.
It's got a little something for everyone, I think. And also like most series, it's got a bit of a "you'll either love it or hate it".
It's got a little something for everyone, I think. And also like most series, it's got a bit of a "you'll either love it or hate it".
April 6, 2011
this is the first part of dragon drive. its a manga or comic book. the book starts out with reji, a 14 year-old boy that isn't really good at anything trys to look cool.he then gets in this game called dragon drive, a virtual reality game that you have to defeat other peoples dragons. the dragons are made with peoples personalities. reji gets a sorry dragon or so he thinks. his power is yet to be showen. read the book to find out the extent of his power.
June 4, 2011
CALLING ALL VIDEO GAME LOVERS AND DRAGON LOVERS!
This is the manga for you!
So Reiji is the main character of this manga. He is a video gmae lover (like me) but never seems to get into any games he plays.
Not until this wicked awesome game is recommended by his friend.
Now Reiji realizes that his dragon set is unique. It may be small; but I guess this is the sort of manga where the moral is 'looks can be decieving' or something like that.
This is the manga for you!
So Reiji is the main character of this manga. He is a video gmae lover (like me) but never seems to get into any games he plays.
Not until this wicked awesome game is recommended by his friend.
Now Reiji realizes that his dragon set is unique. It may be small; but I guess this is the sort of manga where the moral is 'looks can be decieving' or something like that.
June 28, 2013
J SAKURA V.1
Total: 14 volumes
Dragon drive. Vol. 1, D-break
Dragon drive. Vol. 2, Another world
Dragon drive. Vol. 3, Believe
Dragon Drive. Vol. 4, Hero
Dragon drive. Vol. 5, Mission
Dragon drive. Vol. 6, Hope
Dragon drive. Vol. 7, Decisive battle
Dragon drive. Vol. 8, Excitement
Dragon drive. Vol. 9, Reshuffle
Dragon drive. Vol. 10, Departure
Dragon drive. Vol. 11, Trust
Dragon drive. Vol. 12, Promise
Dragon drive. Vol. 13, Reunion
Dragon drive. Vol. 14, Wait
Total: 14 volumes
Dragon drive. Vol. 1, D-break
Dragon drive. Vol. 2, Another world
Dragon drive. Vol. 3, Believe
Dragon Drive. Vol. 4, Hero
Dragon drive. Vol. 5, Mission
Dragon drive. Vol. 6, Hope
Dragon drive. Vol. 7, Decisive battle
Dragon drive. Vol. 8, Excitement
Dragon drive. Vol. 9, Reshuffle
Dragon drive. Vol. 10, Departure
Dragon drive. Vol. 11, Trust
Dragon drive. Vol. 12, Promise
Dragon drive. Vol. 13, Reunion
Dragon drive. Vol. 14, Wait
August 8, 2025
After joining his friend Maiko in a secret location where the addictive DRAGON DRIVE game is played, Reiji is partnered with a tiny weakling he names Chibi - only to learn that his partner may just be the key to saving the world?! Sakura begins a fun and hearty adventure that will please young readers with its humour and heart. Just who could be watching the results of this game?
November 16, 2023
This is a really great story. It reminds me of pokemon, yugioh and bakugon which are my favorites shows when I was a kid. I love how its written and from the first page got me hooked. I love this concept so much im so excited that I read this volume.
July 29, 2009
This is a great action packed series that really is appropriate for all ages.
September 13, 2009
Not interested in volumn two
February 24, 2010
Shonen Jump manga about the virtual reality game. It's a quick read and quite catchy and interesting. But nothing above average that would make me continue reading this series.
Read
June 30, 2010F SAK dd v.1
February 19, 2011
amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 4, 2011
Perfect for a 10 year old boy. Less than perfect for me.
November 14, 2013
CHIBI FTW
October 22, 2008
Even the seemingly biggest losershave some kind of hidden talent...
Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews