Absolute Boyfriend/Zettai Kareshi Mini Review (manga)
September 17th, 2007 by Lianne
PG-16 for sexual content and some robotic and un-robotic nudity; official series website
Yuu Watase’s recent romantic comedy for the older ladies was a staple in Viz’s Shoujo Beat magazine until all 6 volumes played themselves out. Absolute Boyfriend is a mild satire on the whole “love robot” genre, this time having a lonely teenage girl order a hot teenage boy (robot) over the Internet. Although the story buys into itself too much, and even though the main character and her human love interest are really lame, this series makes some excellent fun of both female sexuality and the EXTREME STUPIDITY OF THE LOVE ROBOT GENRE. Is it really that hot when your toy boyfriend starts sparking when you try to make out? However, in classic Yuu Watase style, the greatness of her good parts is sadly balanced out by the crappiness of her bad parts: the robot is the only likeable character, and over time the plot feels like one-shot sex gags that don’t go anywhere. There’s a lot of good in here, but there’s also a lot to roll your eyes at.
Update: The manga’s ending has been known to make legions of grown women cry, so it’s not as superficial a story as it starts out as. And the first few episodes I’ve seen of the live-action drama, although quite different from the manga in a lot of ways (the heroine is in her 20s instead of a teenager, and her human love interest is completely different), is very good. I’ve heard people write it off because of the changes from the manga, but please. This manga was very flawed to begin with. A little change can be a good thing - give the drama a try.
Educated Impression: Worth a try if you’re patient, over 16, and don’t hate Yuu Watase. (Lianne)
Tried it - gave up!
I own all six volumes of Absolute Bofriend because I’m patient, over 16, and like Yuu Watase. Volume 1-3 were great. But it got really obscure after that. I liked the way Watase ended the manga. And the recent live-action is enjoyable.