Absolute Boyfriend, Volume 1

September 15, 2006
He -s faster than a speeding bullet, can run up tall buildings, and he cooks breakfast! When luckless-in-love teen Riiko strikes out again, she falls for a pitch from an odd salesman and orders a -lover figure - she names -Night. - Riiko finds herself intrigued, but her life (amusingly) complicated. Fortunately, her parents are away, but neighbor Soshi wonders what -s going on -he has a crush on Riiko himself. Then she must deal with Night -s $1 million price tag. Eventually, a rival reinitializes Night to herself by kissing him. Can Riiko get him back, and will she have sex with him? Or will she and Soshi recognize their mutual attraction? With the graceful art style of Watase -s other titles ("Fushigi Yugi"; "Ceres"), this six-volume shojo reversal of the "Chobits" formula is an enjoyable, lightweight read. Science fiction fans may recall Tanith Lee -s nuanced and tragic "The Silver Metal Lover". Hopefully, this frothier story will end on an upbeat note. With sexual themes; rated for older teens up; currently running in "Shojo Beat". See also "Sparks: An Urban Fairy Tale" for a more serious comics heroine taking a do-it-yourself approach to the magical boyfriend theme." -M.C."

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.