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Absolute Boyfriend, Vol. 1

(Zettai Kareshi #1)

Yuu Watase

4.01 · Rating details · 34,315 ratings · 526 reviews

Shy high school student Riko Izawa aches for a boyfriend but guys just won't look her way. Then one day she signs up for a three-day trial of a mysterious "lover figurine," and the next thing she knows, a cute naked guy is delivered to her doorstep--and he wants to be her boyfriend!

Has Riko died and gone to heaven? The cute naked guy turns out to be smart, super nice, styl

...more

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Paperback, 191 pages

Published February 7th 2006 by VIZ Media LLC (first published October 25th 2003)

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Average rating 4.01 ·

Rating details

· 34,315 ratings · 526 reviews

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Feb 27, 2012 Kat (Lost in Neverland) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga

HI-LAR-I-OUS. Finished it in one day, it was that good.

Okay, so warning; it does have nudity, but nothing is ever shown. (besides bras and underwear, and some...skin.)

Both of the love interests in this book were definitely swoon-worthy.

Soshi; Riiko's friend and smexy glasses boy! Who irritates the living daylights out of Riiko (and she does the same, if not more, to him) but secretly cares for her.

Night: The 'mail order Night Lover', who is basically the perfect boy. Protective, adorable, ho ...more

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Aug 05, 2007 Nancy rated it it was amazing

The first volume in Absolute Boyfriend is tons of fun. High schooler Riiko is sick of being rejected by other men, so when a strange man gives her a card for a special website where she can buy a robotic boyfriend, she figures there's no harm in signing up for the free trial. Unfortunately, things get complicated fast. Absolute boyfriend is an over-the-top romantic comedy series filled with laughs, slapstick, and a touch of romance and drama. I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing this incred ...more

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Nov 23, 2015 Heather *Undercover Goth Queen* rated it liked it

Shelves: 2016, series, fun, stupid-heroine, translations, manga-etc, robots-etc

This review is for the series, volumes 1-6.

This is a story about a girl who orders a robot. A hot robot who is absolutely devoted to her. I've never been a fan of Yuu Watase's art, but the appeal of this story speaks for itself, right?

For the most part this was enjoyable. However, it suffered from some over-the-top mean girl action. The girls bullied Riiko horribly because they wanted Night for themselves. I do not like that! Girls don't turn into rabid beasts just because they like a guy!

Anothe ...more

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Jul 25, 2019 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga

5 fluffy hearts!!!

This opening volume has my heart! <3 <3 I’m getting all the same feelings for this as I did with Dreamin’ Sun. Hoping this is going to be a new fave!

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Nov 21, 2019 Leah rated it really liked it

Shelves: fav-manga

Classssssicccccccc! Probably my 2nd fav manga of all time.

Absolute Boyfriend is about a 18 year old girl from Tokyo who orders a 3 day free trial boyfriend off the net (which turns out to be a living breathing sex doll). Turns out that the 3 day free trial is over and now she owe's $1,000,000 to pay for him lol Night is a really kind person and tries to offer to return him or to work part time for the money that's owed. When they can't pay for him the company suggests Night gather female data t ...more

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May 31, 2011 Kathryn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga

OH. MY. FREAKING. GOD.
<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3.....
Okay, I originally planned to fill up an entire screen with hearts, but I'm impatient, it's eleven o'clock at night, and I've been swimming all freaking day so I can't bring myself to take the time or effort to do so.
Instead....
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII LLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEE TTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS ...more

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Aug 29, 2014 Mariℓina rated it really liked it

So Riiko wants to finally find a boyfriend, but after too many rejections she had enough and decides to do something more drastic. The solution to her problem will come out of a box!

When she will find a cell phone on her way home, everything will change for her. She returns it to the owner and he will help her find exactly what she wants..:D

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK

- Riiko is funny and impulsive.
- Quick read! Nice overall.
- Hilarious and fresh with fairly decent artwork.
- The whole robot idea was ...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Rachel rated it it was amazing

Absolute boyfriend is about a high school girl – Riiko – who falls into a situation that involves having a robot boyfriend. She was chosen to help the robot – Night – gain information about how to please women in order for his type to act more human. When Night wakes up, all he wants to do is please her, not caring how *wink wink*. After freaking out (What high school girl wouldn't?) she gives him lessons on reactions, emotions, and how to live a daily life.

Riiko is extremely lovable. She's witt ...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Chinasa Izeogu rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, ya, manga, series, shojo-beat-magazine

Riiko Izawa is an awkward freshman that desperately wants a boyfriend. She finds it difficult to move on after getting shutdown by her crush Ishizeki. She crosses paths with a weird salesman selling products for Kronos Heaven. As a reward for returning his phone that she found, he gives her a business card to that directs her to visit a site where she can mail order a boyfriend for a 3-day trial period. She adds special features to make him the ideal boyfriend and he is delivered the next day. A ...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Hud-c rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga, romance, shoujo

One of my first manga read, venturing in the shojo genre. Although, I have seen shojo animes before. Like Ceres & Fushigi Yuugi which are both written by Yuu Watase herself. Imagine that - I never really care about mangakas when it comes to this genre and then I found out I'm actually reading/watching lots of works from the same author.

Absolute Boyfriend Vol. 1 is a romantic comedy series. This manga used almost every teenage fantasy as a theme- having the perfect boyfriend. I envied Riiko for ...more

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Dec 27, 2015 Natalia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, own, manga, show-adaption, read-in-2016

Mika is such a *insert stream of curses here*

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Jul 20, 2012 Holly Letson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mangas, series-challenge-2013, tv-series-related, mangas-gns-vgs-challenge-2013, and-so-it-begins-2013, sex

Riiko Izawa always considered herself inferior to other girls. She believed there must be something wrong with her. That's the only reason she could ever come up with for no guy ever wanting to be her boyfriend. And, all Riiko really wants is a boyfriend of her own. A boyfriend would make Riiko's life truly complete.

Sometimes, we more than we ever could have wished for.

Riiko confesses to the popular guy she's crushing on, Ishizeki, and he turns her down in a way that seems like he (almost) kn Riiko Izawa always considered herself inferior to other girls. She believed there must be something wrong with her. That's the only reason she could ever come up with for no guy ever wanting to be her boyfriend. And, all Riiko really wants is a boyfriend of her own. A boyfriend would make Riiko's life truly complete.

Sometimes, we more than we ever could have wished for.

Riiko confesses to the popular guy she's crushing on, Ishizeki, and he turns her down in a way that seems like he (almost) knew beforehand that it was going to happen. But, how could *that* be true? "He couldn't know!", we all think. But, later on in the volume, we find out just what kind of friend that Riiko's best friend, Mika, really is.
But, shouldn't Riiko be happy Ishizeki turned her down? After all, she has the gorgeous glasses-guy, Soushi, waiting next-door for her at home. But, sure enough, as obvious to everyone around her as it is that Soushi pictures himself as Riiko's soulmate, poor Riiko considers gorgeous Soushi as nothing more than a friend.

Sometimes, things happen that can change your life forever.

While walking one day, Riiko finds a lost cellphone ringing. Luckily, she soon finds the owner, Gaku Namikiri, as well. And, thus begins the biggest adventure of Riiko's life, as he hands her a mysterious card-shaped CD-ROM, telling her that it leads to their super-secret website that can bring her the boyfriend of her dreams, exactly as she wants him.
Riiko seems slightly disbelieving at first, but quickly changes her mind when she sees that the "Absolute Boyfriend" comes with a FREE trial period of 3 days. She gets giddy, and chooses over 80% of the available options, thinking she'll just return him in 3 days.

Sometimes, you've just got to open your heart, and give someone a chance.

Night (Naito) is everything that Riiko ever wanted in a boyfriend...and, so much more. But, the trial passes by so quickly, and she is stuck with him. And, he's a $1million "doll". But, Namikiri makes her a deal...if Night can gather data from other girls, she can keep him. So, the adventures begin to unfold as Night "protects" Riiko, and starts attending her school.

Sometimes, you just have to read a series yourself to see what everyone is raving about. ...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Lex Mori rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, books-i-own

I had read the synopsis of this manga and decided I HAD to read it. I was lucky enough to find it at a closing Borders at a discount so I didn't feel so bad about purchasing something I hadn't a clue about. After reading it, I can honestly say, I would have gladly paid full price.
We follow the story of Riiko Izawa, who has never had much luck with men. She has very few friends and often seen as the awkward girl with little to no sex appeal. One day, she meets a salesman who tries to get her to b ...more

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Apr 19, 2009 Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Shojo fans, Manga fans, Anime fans, J-drama fans

Recommended to Samantha wickedshizuku by: Fushigi Yugii

Shelves: under-revision, manga, 2008, female-lead, 5-stars, seen-the-anime-movie

This volume starts off with Chapter 1: The Guardian Returns.

I'll write more when my editing mode hits.
Happy Readings!
Fly my Pretties! Fly! ...more

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May 18, 2019 Emily rated it really liked it

Read this in the library at ACEN!!!! Super cute, I will definitely read more.

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Feb 24, 2017 Kanashi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I don't read a lot of manga but when I do, it's by Yuu Watase.
This is probably one of my favorite mangas ever! It's so funny and also captures what some people DREAM about! (Who doesn't want the perfect boyfriend/girlfriend?) I reread this book about 3-5 times a year because for one, it's a quick read, and two, because I fricking love this book. THIS WILL FOREVER BE ON MY BOOKSHELF ...more

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Jan 09, 2009 Joyzi rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Suckers of Shoujo

Recommended to Joyzi by: Recyl

Shelves: reviewed, sci-fi, 5-stars-or-more, manga, author-japanese

If you want a love story that is heart breaking, funny, unique and memorable. Read this!

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 18, 2020 Someone with a ridiculous username.. rated it really liked it

So basically, this addictive old skool shoujo read provided a sudden shock ending here. I literally was not expecting that it was gonna turn out that way tbh! Well guess y'all have to find out what happened;)

Anyways I soul heartedly agree that the MC was dense enough to the fact that she was clumsy and didn't seem to want the robot doll of a teen chad in the first place. However she grew midway when she stood up for herself.

Gaku and Soushi were actually the best characters in this series. Gaku i ...more

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Dec 11, 2020 Becky rated it really liked it

Ok ok ok, I’m digging this!!

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Nov 27, 2013 Natalie rated it it was ok

Shelves: manga, school-setting, romance, sci-fi, ok-herione, shojo-manga, robots

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. As far as romance manga goes, this was has to be the most bizarre romance I have ever read. Is it bad? Well, not necessarily. It is just odd and I really don't know what to make of it. I really don't. I don't hate it at all, but at the same time I don't know if I like it either. So what is the story?

Well apparently, there is this girl named Riko who has no luck in getting a boyfriend at all. So instead she returns a cell phone to this guy and he tells her about this website that will create her ...more

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Feb 12, 2011 Mich rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved, gotta-love-those-guys

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. OMG!!!! I LOVED THIS SERIES!!!!

This is a review for the overall series. I give the overall series 5 stars! You know why? Because it was awesome!

The first thing I want to talk about is the ending. Oh, how tragic it was. Oh, how it made my sad. Oh, how it made me cry. Night is "dead". I wish he weren't dead. He just didn't deserve to die. T.T I am so sad. I wish so bad that he weren't dead. He was funny, charming and good looking. He should be alive and with Riiko. T.T He was so lively. Good at co OMG!!!! I LOVED THIS SERIES!!!!

This is a review for the overall series. I give the overall series 5 stars! You know why? Because it was awesome!

The first thing I want to talk about is the ending. Oh, how tragic it was. Oh, how it made my sad. Oh, how it made me cry. Night is "dead". I wish he weren't dead. He just didn't deserve to die. T.T I am so sad. I wish so bad that he weren't dead. He was funny, charming and good looking. He should be alive and with Riiko. T.T He was so lively. Good at cooking, sports, academics.He loved Riiko SO much. He loved Riiko and getting naked. but now he will get naked no more. T.T I wish he were still alive.... And he was so sweet to leave send that note to Soushi and and and... sigh... I wish he were still alive... T.T

R.I.P Night ♥♥♥

So Riiko is a girl. She loved Night very much. He sadly died in the end and she kept kissing him to bring him back, but sadly, he didn't wake up... She was clumsy and very dense but is very kind and sweet and smart. Soushi is taking care of her now... She still loves Night though, even though he's dead. Riiko is a good character. I love her face and who cares if she is flat-chested.

Soushi was always in love with Riiko. But never had the guts to say it to her until she was taken. He still loves her and accepts that she loves Night. I felt sad when he was leaving for Spain but then he came back because Night asked him to take care of Riiko. AND THE NOTE! THE NOTE! That note he recieved from Night. T.T

There were many events in the story that made me laugh because they were so darn funny; like all those times when Night gets naked. There were many events that made me sad; like when Night died T.T . There were many events that made me go "Awwwwww! <3"; like all those times when Night said I love you to Riiko. There were many amazing events in the book. I still remember most of them in my head now.
<33333333333333333333333

The series was funny and witty and romantic and sweet and actiony and thirlling and just simply amazing. I don't think it coukd be any better than it already is. I had a great time reading it and hope that many other people will read it an enjoy it too. I recommend this manga to everyone, including boys. Who cares if it's a shojo manga?It was freaking great! So go out there and read this manga called "Absolute boyfriend". ...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer rated it really liked it

Shelves: manga-volume-1, read-manga, reviewed, manga-shoujo, manga-stars-4-5-and-less, 2012

*Mild Spoilers*

My first flip through I hated the story and thought it so shallow. A few shoujo manga later and it looked by far much better and I enjoyed the read through. It is an unusual love triangle as she doesn't even realize her neighbor, Soshi, likes her and Night is so perfect he makes you dissatisfied with the truth of how men are. I believe though this contrast is what makes this manga so appealing to women. I really believe the secret to enjoying this manga is the contrast between the ...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: manga, favorites

When you want a boyfriend none are around, that is just how Riiko feels. On the path of desperation she signs up for a free trial for a robotic boyfriend. What can go wrong right? Nope, wrong! Riiko receives the extravagant Night, a hot and sexy man that only wants to please her.

Seriously this is one of the best manga I have ever read! It is filled with romance and comedy and enjoyable characters. I fell in love with every aspect of this series right from the beginning. There is an interesting l ...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Cam Garza rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favorite, expectations, cute-love-story, series, interesting-cover, favorite-male-heroe, my-fictional-boyfriend-is-here, got-sucked-in, page-turner, weird-different-names

Oh my God!
This was sure something, hilarious as hell, fluffy as stuffed pandas and unicorns, swoon worthy love interests like you can't imagine, sci-fi combined with love and humor in one manga.
Seriously awesome manga read.
I'll say, this is what? my first, second? manga. I'm not specially a anime fan, yeah, I've watched some series, but I've never really gotten into it, so you can imagine my surprise when I found out I loved this and finished the six volumes in one day. Yup, addicting stuff we ...more

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Dec 17, 2016 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, book-boyfriends, manga, if-you-need-a-laugh

Oh my God that ending! And THAT BITCH! Ohhh I can't wait to read the next volumes of this series. I love it already.

I can totally relate to Riiko and her lack of self-confidence especially when it comes to men and romantic relationships. But I do hope that she sees her worth before the end of this series. I really like her and I love Night! *heart eyes and adoring sighs*

The synopsis for this book/series caught my interest and it did not disappoint! In fact, I think it was even better than I imag ...more

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Sep 04, 2015 Leanne Crabtree rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2015, 4-star, young-adult, romance, comics-graphic-novels-manga

3.5 stars.

Initially I had a little trouble getting into the story but the more I read, the more I liked it. The storyline was a little crazy but I've grown to like Night. He really is being the Absolute Boyfriend.

To me, it's obvious that the next door neighbour likes our girl, but she's being a bit oblivious at the minute.

And then that last page! Her "friend" of all people!

It has definitely made me intrigued enough to carry on the series. It's only in 6 parts so I wouldn't think it would take me ...more

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Apr 04, 2008 Kristy Buzbee rated it liked it

Shelves: graphic-novel

I avoided this series at first, because I'm not a fan of Yuu Watase. I got it off Manga Takeout because I found out there's going to be a new drama based on it starring Hiro Mizushima. XD

I really loved it! I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. If you were turned off by Fushigi Yugi, you should still give this a shot. (At least, that's what I say after reading vol. 1. Hopefully future volumes are still this good!) ...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Megan M rated it really liked it

Didn't think I would enjoy this nearly as much as I did. I thought this manga would be very generic and the premise sounded silly, but I found the characters to be really entertaining. This isn't something revolutionary, but there are enough hijinks (I especially liked the frequent appearances of the our friendly salesman!) and cute boys to make requesting additional volumes for some light weekend reading worthwhile. ...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Cassandra Booth rated it it was amazing

Ok do let me tell u this manga stuff takes me 30 minutes to read. So I am a YouTube sims fan and watch sim series on YouTube and there was one based of this series called perfect boyfriend by bluewhitecherry! So I was in the library returning things and stumbled upon this book! And I love it so! Thought the robot in this one takes it's clothes off more and is a little more human. ...more

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Oct 29, 2014 Kathleen rated it really liked it

I've been a Yuu Watase fan for a long time now. I like the way she incorporates humor to lighten the plot when the mood gets too heavy. The art tends towards a realistic style, especially in facial expressions and clothing, which I appreciate. This is a solid romance, with a girl who's not sure of her own feelings yet! ...more

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Shoujo Manga Book...: Absolute Boyfriend Discussion	4	14	Jun 24, 2018 04:05PM
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The Random World ...: Absolute Boyfriend - December	6	22	May 01, 2013 06:11AM

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About Yuu Watase

Yuu Watase

1,056 followers

A Japanse shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.

She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Wata ...more