This anime is the most shameless, senseless drivel this season, and probably the most so in my recent memory. So much so, in fact, that I'm writing my first review just to bash it. Considering that the deer anime just finished airing and that Reiji Miyajima still hasn't wrapped up Kanokari, that's really saying something.
Over the three months Vden aired, I went from not having watched any VTubers to becoming a casual fan of a few (this is completely coincidental, by the way), so I can speak knowing both perspectives. As you may guess, neither have particularly flattering views.
VTubers are an interesting phenomenon. As streamers, but also idols and even fictional characters, they have connections to many worlds. As such, there are a great many facets of VTuber culture to explore, and that many members of their communities are generally aware of or openly curious about. For example, professional VTubers belonging to corporations such as Hololive will almost never get into the sort of drama that other streamers do. In addition, double dipping as both streamers and idols means they expend significantly more time and effort into their jobs, and even when playing games they have to show a certain amount of care as to their behavior. Yet, for the most part they seem to genuinely enjoy doing it. What goes on behind the scenes? What harmful aspects of idol culture might affect the talents? How much of what the fans see is "real"? Amelia Watson of Hololive English Myth just announced her graduation. Just how influential has she been, and how many opportunities for her peers did she help to seize? What role do VTubers of smaller agencies, independent VTubers, or even the AI VTuber Neuro play, and what might they represent for the future of VTubing? These aren't extensive examples, but I hope I managed to get across just how much potential there is for a series focused on VTubers.
Now, Vden. Forget all of that crap, because Vden has nothing to do with it. This anime is only ever surface-level, a glorified compilation of clips and collab videos from VTubers who don't exist. There is no semblance of actual plot or characterization save for the last episode, where it tries to pull off a feel-good ending with absolutely no setup.
To its credit, Vden replicates the energy of VTuber streams quite well. The characters laugh, poke at each other, get crunk, and make dirty jokes, but for all that, there is no one behind them. Any dynamics they may seem to have stem from the mind of a single person. Even in the scenes where Live-On's talents aren't livestreaming, they never leave their digital avatars or the "moe modes" they show on stream. If you're hoping for a look into the VTuber industry beyond their live personas, you will leave Vden disappointed.
That’s enough for a comedy anime, you say? No, dear reader. At that point, Vden has nothing to offer besides inferior versions of VTubers, of which the world has no shortage of. There is no reason for this collection of clips posing as an anime with an actual plot and characters to exist, save for making a quick buck.
VTuber Legend does not have a story to tell. It has no memorable characters, nor anything else with which to leave a lasting impression. Still, I hope that at the very least, it can lead people to give real VTubers a chance. There is much more out there than this anime would leave you believing.
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