Key the Metal Idol Genre: Drama Creator: Sato Hiroaki Commercial Release: Viz Video

Guide written by Shouryu

Overview:
When an aging robotics genius dies, does his legacy die with him, or is there something more to his work? His "granddaughter," who it is believed he created, is left with one hope for survival - she is given the chance to become human, but only by making 30,000 friends. Tokiko Mima must somehow find a way to befriend 30,000 people before her time is up, and it may be sooner than she expects. Her grandfather was under the thumb of a madman seeking to create robotic soldiers, and with his death, the only key to his research...is herself. Can she survive long enough to become human?

Some Characters of Note:

Tokiko "Key" Mima: Seemingly soulless and emotionless, Key has decided to fufill her grandfather's dying wishes and pursue the dream of becoming human. The challenge removes her from her humble village home and takes her to the hectic life of Tokyo, where she must learn to live, as well as find her 30,000 friends. Yet, deep within her, something powerful awaits, and it calls out to those who would exploit her.

Sakura Kuriagawa : A friend from school, Sakura relocated to Tokyo quite sometime before Key arrived. Now familiar with the street life (and quite busy with her four jobs), she decides to help Key acheive her goal of finding humanity. However, the task comes at a cost - Sakura has little time, and her own dreams, which include:

Suichi Tataki : ...who is a frequent customer at the video rental that Sakura works at. He's sweet to her, and quick to defend her, and when he is introduced to Key, he immediately treats her similarly. Being a big fan of Japan's current number one idol, he has connections which may or may not be valuable to Key's quest.

Sergei, or "D" : Charged by Ajo Heavy Industries with finding the secret to Dr. Mima's cybernetic technology, this man is certainly more than he seems. Cold and ruthless, he is the only man who will stand up to Ajo to prove his point, despite the consequences. Possessed of a fervor that is fueled but unknown motivations, he knows that the secret lies within Key, and one way or another, he'll get to it.