Absolute Boyfriend Vol 3

 I thought the first two volumes of Absolute Boyfriend to be silly yet entertaining. The manga series now seems to be ludicrous and rather more disturbing. Volume 2 ended in sort of a cliffhanger and I wonder what could possibly happen next.

Description: Riiko has gone from a DOA love life to two boys vying for her attention and heart! As she and Soshi get closer together, she grows farther apart from Night who feels he can't meet his opponent. Night knows that Riiko took up a job to help pay for his fees, but decides to take a job and help Riiko with her payment. The only problem is if Night gets closer to another woman, he could be lost to Riiko forever. Between Soshi and Night, which relationship will Riiko save and fight for?

Review: I'm puzzled whether Absolute Boyfriend is suppose to be a satire or just a romantic comedy. Riiko's actions don't always make sense. The second volume presents a love triangle between Riiko, Soshi, and Night. Riiko is falling for both of her suitors and really can't make up her mind. Soshi is human and has grown up with Riiko. Night is the perfect, manufactured boyfriend. In the third volume, we learn that there are some hang ups about Night's figuration. Riiko learns about Night's wiring issues by the sleazy salesman that manufactured figures like Night named Gaku. When Riiko sees Night being extra friendly to another woman, she fears she has lost Night forever. She suddenly makes the decision that she can't live without Night and is willing to do anything to keep Night to herself.
  I felt terrible for Soshi, who is dumped like a wet towel whenever Riiko remembers about Night. Personally, I don't understand the love triangle. I mean, do you really have to think about choosing a figure or a human? Soshi continues to be suspicious about Night and he is swept into all of Riiko's drama when he is whisked away at a vacation that Gaku sets up for Night and Riiko. Night wants Soshi to be present when Riiko makes her decision as to who she loves the most. While not as strong as the last two volumes, it's a brainless, quick yet sometimes frustrating read. I'm already halfway with the series and I'm curious as how to this love triangle is solved. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is semi-nudity and sexual themes throughout this volume. Rated OT for Older Teens.

If you like this book try: Girl Parts by John M. Cusik, The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee, Absolute Boyfriend Vol 4 by Yuu Watase