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While there’s fan service in the My Favorite Vtuber is Scary IRL manga, it’s also proved to be a very reassuring series that shows the reality of dealing with anxiety, the importance and value of healthy communication, and depicts a healthy relationship between its two leads. It’s felt really mature about situations, even though there will be the expected appearance-focused moments. This continues with the third volume, as we see the titular Vtuber and her former Eatza delivery person/now actual friend working together to honestly help each other grow as individuals.
Editor’s Note: There will be some spoilers for the third volume of the My Favorite Vtuber is Scary IRL manga below.
The third volume of My Favorite Vtuber is Scary IRL deals with an issue that came up during and at the end of the second entry of the manga, which is that the delivery guy’s frequent client is actually the performer behind Vtuber Fuwari Hanae. While a big reveal in general, it felt even more important in the moment due to it highlighting the young woman overcoming her own anxiety about connecting with people to actually reach out to someone who’s started to become a part of her life. It also showed the culmination of a whole volume that focused on both of the leads really talking and working to understand each other. It’s also a net positive, as it means the third volume can focus on the growing relationship between the two and how these individuals can support each other.
That may sound like a lot! After all, for the first two volumes of My Favorite Vtuber is Scary IRL, mangaka Riyo Yorima sort of presents a situation where the Eatza delivery guy is a more stable college student compared to the reclusive woman behind Fuwari. He certainly comes across as that, considering we don’t really see her even leave her apartment until the two start talking and he goes to a convenience store with her. But this third volume begins with further insight into the fact that he’s not some savior. He’s vulnerable too. We already had some idea about that, due to a complex about his height from earlier volumes, but Yorima goes further by him revealing he almost dropped out of high school multiple times when she reveals her struggles with school, dropping out, and harassment when she tried to pursue her voice actress dreams. He revealed he kept going because of her and should be thanking her for her (unknowing) support.
Which leads to the next healthy step forward in the duo’s relationship. Since both realize they didn’t experience the “ideal” school experience in terms of friends and activities, they decide to work together for a redo. They’ll support each other and make up for lost time, which in turn helps her facing her own fears due to her anxiety and trauma. Seeing them work out plans, as well as him standing by her side to support her as she engages in some Vtuber outreach and endeavors she might not have been able to do in previous volumes, feels like such a good example of a support system that works.
Especially since, and this is important, Riyo Yorima doesn’t show the Eatza delivery guy/now friend just doing everything for the woman behind Fuwari. He’s there and at her side. He’ll consult with her and offer to assist if he sees she’s struggling. But he isn’t becoming a crutch or speaking for her. He’s there as she gets comfortable with doing things for herself. She’s the one who decides how to interact with fellow Vtuber Mizu Melody. She’s the one who determines if she helps or spends time with that individual. She accepts the project. She asks about finally taking the train with his support. At the same time, he’s also supporting her by agreeing and being there, but also speaking out when he sees she is pushing herself or acting out of character.
Volume 3 really feels like the My Favorite Vtuber is Scary IRL installment where we see the lead characters forming a stronger bond and establishing a support system for one another in the manga. Each entry adds a new layer and dimension to their relationship. It honestly makes me excited about where the series could go next. After all, the first volume focused on seeing the Vtuber confronting her anxiety, the second seemed to prioritize communication between the two, and here we see them acting as healthy supports for each other. I hope this positivity continues.
Volumes 1-3 of the My Favorite Vtuber is Scary IRL manga are available now, and Square Enix will release volume 4 on February 9, 2027.
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