As has been mentioned, Zettai Kareshi, or Absolute Boyfriend, tells the story of the protagonist falling for an android. Despite its unusual premise, as you progress through the story, you come to appreciate the characters because each is original and unique in their own way. (I, personally, am smitten with Soshi).
The artistry is fantastic (Yuu Watase, the author of Fushigi Yugi and "Ceres"), with a brilliant selection of panels and story layout – though some parts stretch believability quite far. The inclusion of humorous and beautifully crafted scenes makes it enjoyable for everyone!
In my view, the ending is perfect. Overall, the story engages the reader emotionally and holds their interest throughout, pleasing the eyes with delightful visuals (at least for girls... although there are occasional glimpses of nudity). It's almost flawless.
The only drawback I found was that the character Night felt somewhat off-putting. That's all.
I've been a devoted Fushigi Yuugi fan for nine years, so when I decided to explore Yuu Watase's other works, Zettai Kareshi immediately caught my eye with its dreamy descriptions and stunning bishi artwork. It’s hard to find an android boyfriend more charming than Night Tenjou, who is not only swoon-worthy but also deeply thoughtful. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
As you might know, the story revolves around a girl who accidentally orders an android-like boyfriend online, but what arrives is far from robotic or even human - he's superhuman! He's charming enough to make her weak in the knees, but as happiness seems within reach, the boy next door suddenly declares his undying love for the heroine. Grr. This leads to trials and tribulations, though some are refreshingly unique. Imagine sticking together in a couple's spa while running naked, or protecting your boyfriend's chastity by climbing up a balcony. These scenarios keep you hooked even after multiple reads, making this six-volume manga truly special.
The art style shares similarities with Tamahome from Fushigi Yuugi, showcasing Watase's signature swoon-worthy characters. The action sequences, whether combat or otherwise, are masterfully executed, with each character's movements distinct and dynamic. Riiko is well-drawn, but the real standout is the chibi expressions of all characters, adding humor and depth. Each page is filled with these expressive faces, especially Gaku's eccentric antics, which induce laughter effortlessly.
Each character is deeply developed, avoiding the trap of being mere stereotypes. Night is portrayed as a naive yet devoted lover, learning the ropes of romance. Though sometimes he goes too far, like asking Soshi about Riiko's sensitive spots, his unwavering devotion redeems him. His small gestures, like remaking a broken bracelet or offering his services to help earn money, make him endearing. While I'm not a huge Soshi fan, he has his moments, always ready to rescue Riiko and subtly charm her.
Riiko shines as the lead, balancing her search for a boyfriend with moral restraint and maturity. She may be clumsy and insecure, but that's relatable for a 16-year-old. Secondary characters add flair, with Gaku topping the list with his cheeky dialogues and outrageous suggestions. Other characters, like Riiko's new friend and their restaurant boss, ensure the manga never takes your sense of humor for granted.
Zettai Kareshi delivers plenty of intimate moments that make your heart race. Night's fan service will leave you drooling, while emotional scenes with both Night and Soshi will captivate you. Despite a somewhat abrupt ending, it doesn't detract from the overall experience. If Watase ever releases a sequel, I'd be an instant fan.
Shorter than Fushigi Yuugi, Zettai Kareshi evokes the same passionate responses. You'll cheer for the couple, feel anxious during obstacles, and wish to dive into the panels yourself. Watase excels at making you part of her fascinating world, making you want to live Riiko's life vicariously. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down until you've devoured it whole!
Basically, this is the male counterpart to the movie "Her." It was a lengthy read for me and somewhat peculiar, particularly since I was in middle school at the time. However, once you dive into the first chapter, a spark of curiosity about what unfolds next might nudge you gently. If you enjoy anime that are charming yet provoke some thoughtful pondering about life's "what ifs," you might want to give this a watch.
Absolute Boyfriend is, above all else, incredibly adorable. That's essentially its defining feature. It doesn't delve deeply into character development or profound life messages, nor does it have many heart-wrenching plot twists (except for that one). It's cute and excels at being cute.
>Story-------------8
The storyline isn't overly complex. The main character struggles with relationships and after another rejection, she encounters a mysterious salesman and inadvertently orders a sexbot online. This sets the stage for a love triangle, humorous misunderstandings, and plenty of fan service. While nothing groundbreaking, Yuu Watase infuses it with her unique charm, making it very endearing. I found myself giggling quite a bit, especially in the beginning. The ending felt somewhat rushed and forced to me, but considering the overall simplicity of the story, this didn't bother me too much.
>Art----------------10
There's nothing to criticize here. If you're familiar with Fushigi Yuugi or Ayashi no Ceres (both must-reads for shoujo fans), imagine a slightly more contemporary version of that style. It's challenging for me to critique the art because Watase's style is my baseline; Fushigi Yuugi was one of the first manga I ever read.
>Characters------7
The characters don't have particularly deep backgrounds or undergo significant growth throughout the series. I usually prefer protagonists with more depth and tragedy, but the main cast still managed to win me over with their lovable personalities.
>Enjoyment------9
I had previously read part of this series years ago when it was featured in Shojo Beat, so I knew what to expect and enjoyed the story for what it was. If you're seeking something epic, this isn't the right choice. However, if you're looking for a cute, funny story with charming characters, it will likely be perfect for you.
Absolute Boyfriend theoretically flips the script on Chobits, but unlike the mostly joyous ecchi experiences of Chobits or Hand Maid May, Absolute Boyfriend ends on a somber note. Up until that point, it's an entertaining, humorous, steamy manga filled with romance and drama. Consider this your warning if you're seeking a happy ending.
Story: A girl desperate for companionship discovers a mysterious way to order a boyfriend online. Suddenly, everyone around her finds her irresistibly attractive and becomes envious of her mail-order relationship. The rest of the story revolves around her struggles and choices among various men.
The plot is more soap opera than anything else, and the high school drama can be overwhelming at times. Additionally, the author has a tendency to introduce sci-fi twists without much logical backing, which can be quite frustrating.
Art: Decent. The artwork is good with nice proportions. There are pretty boys and a generic-looking girl.
Characters: They aren't deeply developed, but they serve their purpose well. Over time, readers do become attached to them.
Enjoyment: Quite enjoyable... until the end.
Overall: It's a short series that's both entertaining and fun, yet heartbreaking. Be sure to have tissues handy.
I'm a big Yuu Watase fan, but her latest story didn't grab my attention as much as some of her other works. Her art is as stunning as always, and I found myself relating to Reiko more than any of her other heroines. However, after the first two volumes, the story began to feel a bit stale. It started to drag on. Perhaps it's because I tend to like the guy the heroine doesn't end up with (except in FY and A19), but I've still enjoyed her other series despite this minor disappointment ;D. For a light and enjoyable summer read, I would definitely recommend it, and anyone who is a Watase fan will likely appreciate it too. But let's be honest, it's not one of her better works.
This boyfriend-in-a-box scenario seems more fitting for a shounen manga, where it would likely feature a girlfriend-in-a-box and an ecchi tag. I anticipated more risqué humor, especially since the delivery arrived unclothed, but most of the comedy revolved around a figure trying to behave as humanly as possible to become Riiko's ideal lover.
This story isn't merely about falling in love with a robot. There's also Soushi, a childhood friend and next-door neighbor who vies for Riiko's attention. So if you thought this was just a cheesy romance between a human and a robot, think again. This love triangle takes up the latter half of the manga, delving into what love means for a high schooler. It explores the pressure to be desirable and the struggle to find someone who wants you despite your flaws. Given that, is it easier to find acceptance and love from a robot designed to adore you?
Besides the romantic moments, there are comedic ones that occasionally made me smile but rarely had me laughing out loud. The humor felt a bit too silly and better suited for younger audiences. A robot acting oddly in new surroundings can only be so funny. Perhaps it just wasn't my cup of tea.
The characters aren't much different from typical shoujo archetypes. The robot boyfriend is perfect in every way except for his humanity, which is common in shoujo manga regardless of whether the romantic interest is human or not. The heroine is a headstrong girl confused by love—nothing new there. The other romantic interest will do anything to win the heroine's affection but respects her choices. Predictable, right?
Absolute Boyfriend is over ten years old, so the art style shows its age. I'm not a fan of the large, round faces and small eyes of the characters, though it is consistent. Some might consider certain characters handsome, but their round faces make them look younger than they should. Overall, the artwork is decent; it’s neither terrible nor hard to look at.
I imagine this manga would have been more enjoyable for me when I was younger, though the occasional mentions of sex would have made me uncomfortable back then. That's what I find odd about this manga; it doesn’t quite reach a mature rating due to its limited sexual content, yet the humor is light and youthful, creating a bit of dissonance. Nevertheless, the manga was somewhat amusing, and I'll give it that.
Well, this is my favorite manga, so my review might not be very helpful because I'm just going to say it's great. The character designs are good, and while Yuu Watase may not have come up with a completely original idea, she has made it her own. Riiko is a fine leading lady—shy and a bit annoying at times—but it's Night who makes the book so special. He is a brilliant leading man: goofy, handsome, charming, and protective of his woman. It also makes me laugh how quickly he gets his clothes off, LOL. Overall, I love this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, soppy love story.
Popular Reviews
As has been mentioned, Zettai Kareshi, or Absolute Boyfriend, tells the story of the protagonist falling for an android. Despite its unusual premise, as you progress through the story, you come to appreciate the characters because each is original and unique in their own way. (I, personally, am smitten with Soshi).
The artistry is fantastic (Yuu Watase, the author of Fushigi Yugi and "Ceres"), with a brilliant selection of panels and story layout – though some parts stretch believability quite far. The inclusion of humorous and beautifully crafted scenes makes it enjoyable for everyone!
In my view, the ending is perfect. Overall, the story engages the reader emotionally and holds their interest throughout, pleasing the eyes with delightful visuals (at least for girls... although there are occasional glimpses of nudity). It's almost flawless.
The only drawback I found was that the character Night felt somewhat off-putting. That's all.
I've been a devoted Fushigi Yuugi fan for nine years, so when I decided to explore Yuu Watase's other works, Zettai Kareshi immediately caught my eye with its dreamy descriptions and stunning bishi artwork. It’s hard to find an android boyfriend more charming than Night Tenjou, who is not only swoon-worthy but also deeply thoughtful. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
As you might know, the story revolves around a girl who accidentally orders an android-like boyfriend online, but what arrives is far from robotic or even human - he's superhuman! He's charming enough to make her weak in the knees, but as happiness seems within reach, the boy next door suddenly declares his undying love for the heroine. Grr. This leads to trials and tribulations, though some are refreshingly unique. Imagine sticking together in a couple's spa while running naked, or protecting your boyfriend's chastity by climbing up a balcony. These scenarios keep you hooked even after multiple reads, making this six-volume manga truly special.
The art style shares similarities with Tamahome from Fushigi Yuugi, showcasing Watase's signature swoon-worthy characters. The action sequences, whether combat or otherwise, are masterfully executed, with each character's movements distinct and dynamic. Riiko is well-drawn, but the real standout is the chibi expressions of all characters, adding humor and depth. Each page is filled with these expressive faces, especially Gaku's eccentric antics, which induce laughter effortlessly.
Each character is deeply developed, avoiding the trap of being mere stereotypes. Night is portrayed as a naive yet devoted lover, learning the ropes of romance. Though sometimes he goes too far, like asking Soshi about Riiko's sensitive spots, his unwavering devotion redeems him. His small gestures, like remaking a broken bracelet or offering his services to help earn money, make him endearing. While I'm not a huge Soshi fan, he has his moments, always ready to rescue Riiko and subtly charm her.
Riiko shines as the lead, balancing her search for a boyfriend with moral restraint and maturity. She may be clumsy and insecure, but that's relatable for a 16-year-old. Secondary characters add flair, with Gaku topping the list with his cheeky dialogues and outrageous suggestions. Other characters, like Riiko's new friend and their restaurant boss, ensure the manga never takes your sense of humor for granted.
Zettai Kareshi delivers plenty of intimate moments that make your heart race. Night's fan service will leave you drooling, while emotional scenes with both Night and Soshi will captivate you. Despite a somewhat abrupt ending, it doesn't detract from the overall experience. If Watase ever releases a sequel, I'd be an instant fan.
Shorter than Fushigi Yuugi, Zettai Kareshi evokes the same passionate responses. You'll cheer for the couple, feel anxious during obstacles, and wish to dive into the panels yourself. Watase excels at making you part of her fascinating world, making you want to live Riiko's life vicariously. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down until you've devoured it whole!
Basically, this is the male counterpart to the movie "Her." It was a lengthy read for me and somewhat peculiar, particularly since I was in middle school at the time. However, once you dive into the first chapter, a spark of curiosity about what unfolds next might nudge you gently. If you enjoy anime that are charming yet provoke some thoughtful pondering about life's "what ifs," you might want to give this a watch.
Absolute Boyfriend is, above all else, incredibly adorable. That's essentially its defining feature. It doesn't delve deeply into character development or profound life messages, nor does it have many heart-wrenching plot twists (except for that one). It's cute and excels at being cute.
>Story-------------8
The storyline isn't overly complex. The main character struggles with relationships and after another rejection, she encounters a mysterious salesman and inadvertently orders a sexbot online. This sets the stage for a love triangle, humorous misunderstandings, and plenty of fan service. While nothing groundbreaking, Yuu Watase infuses it with her unique charm, making it very endearing. I found myself giggling quite a bit, especially in the beginning. The ending felt somewhat rushed and forced to me, but considering the overall simplicity of the story, this didn't bother me too much.
>Art----------------10
There's nothing to criticize here. If you're familiar with Fushigi Yuugi or Ayashi no Ceres (both must-reads for shoujo fans), imagine a slightly more contemporary version of that style. It's challenging for me to critique the art because Watase's style is my baseline; Fushigi Yuugi was one of the first manga I ever read.
>Characters------7
The characters don't have particularly deep backgrounds or undergo significant growth throughout the series. I usually prefer protagonists with more depth and tragedy, but the main cast still managed to win me over with their lovable personalities.
>Enjoyment------9
I had previously read part of this series years ago when it was featured in Shojo Beat, so I knew what to expect and enjoyed the story for what it was. If you're seeking something epic, this isn't the right choice. However, if you're looking for a cute, funny story with charming characters, it will likely be perfect for you.
Absolute Boyfriend theoretically flips the script on Chobits, but unlike the mostly joyous ecchi experiences of Chobits or Hand Maid May, Absolute Boyfriend ends on a somber note. Up until that point, it's an entertaining, humorous, steamy manga filled with romance and drama. Consider this your warning if you're seeking a happy ending.
Story: A girl desperate for companionship discovers a mysterious way to order a boyfriend online. Suddenly, everyone around her finds her irresistibly attractive and becomes envious of her mail-order relationship. The rest of the story revolves around her struggles and choices among various men.
The plot is more soap opera than anything else, and the high school drama can be overwhelming at times. Additionally, the author has a tendency to introduce sci-fi twists without much logical backing, which can be quite frustrating.
Art: Decent. The artwork is good with nice proportions. There are pretty boys and a generic-looking girl.
Characters: They aren't deeply developed, but they serve their purpose well. Over time, readers do become attached to them.
Enjoyment: Quite enjoyable... until the end.
Overall: It's a short series that's both entertaining and fun, yet heartbreaking. Be sure to have tissues handy.
I'm a big Yuu Watase fan, but her latest story didn't grab my attention as much as some of her other works. Her art is as stunning as always, and I found myself relating to Reiko more than any of her other heroines. However, after the first two volumes, the story began to feel a bit stale. It started to drag on. Perhaps it's because I tend to like the guy the heroine doesn't end up with (except in FY and A19), but I've still enjoyed her other series despite this minor disappointment ;D. For a light and enjoyable summer read, I would definitely recommend it, and anyone who is a Watase fan will likely appreciate it too. But let's be honest, it's not one of her better works.
This boyfriend-in-a-box scenario seems more fitting for a shounen manga, where it would likely feature a girlfriend-in-a-box and an ecchi tag. I anticipated more risqué humor, especially since the delivery arrived unclothed, but most of the comedy revolved around a figure trying to behave as humanly as possible to become Riiko's ideal lover.
This story isn't merely about falling in love with a robot. There's also Soushi, a childhood friend and next-door neighbor who vies for Riiko's attention. So if you thought this was just a cheesy romance between a human and a robot, think again. This love triangle takes up the latter half of the manga, delving into what love means for a high schooler. It explores the pressure to be desirable and the struggle to find someone who wants you despite your flaws. Given that, is it easier to find acceptance and love from a robot designed to adore you?
Besides the romantic moments, there are comedic ones that occasionally made me smile but rarely had me laughing out loud. The humor felt a bit too silly and better suited for younger audiences. A robot acting oddly in new surroundings can only be so funny. Perhaps it just wasn't my cup of tea.
The characters aren't much different from typical shoujo archetypes. The robot boyfriend is perfect in every way except for his humanity, which is common in shoujo manga regardless of whether the romantic interest is human or not. The heroine is a headstrong girl confused by love—nothing new there. The other romantic interest will do anything to win the heroine's affection but respects her choices. Predictable, right?
Absolute Boyfriend is over ten years old, so the art style shows its age. I'm not a fan of the large, round faces and small eyes of the characters, though it is consistent. Some might consider certain characters handsome, but their round faces make them look younger than they should. Overall, the artwork is decent; it’s neither terrible nor hard to look at.
I imagine this manga would have been more enjoyable for me when I was younger, though the occasional mentions of sex would have made me uncomfortable back then. That's what I find odd about this manga; it doesn’t quite reach a mature rating due to its limited sexual content, yet the humor is light and youthful, creating a bit of dissonance. Nevertheless, the manga was somewhat amusing, and I'll give it that.
Well, this is my favorite manga, so my review might not be very helpful because I'm just going to say it's great. The character designs are good, and while Yuu Watase may not have come up with a completely original idea, she has made it her own. Riiko is a fine leading lady—shy and a bit annoying at times—but it's Night who makes the book so special. He is a brilliant leading man: goofy, handsome, charming, and protective of his woman. It also makes me laugh how quickly he gets his clothes off, LOL. Overall, I love this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good, soppy love story.