Manga Monday: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 3

  I will say that Mondays are not my favorite day of the week. It's hard to get your mindset back on track after a relaxing weekend. I do, however, look forward to sharing my excitement reading manga with other bloggers and finding out new series to try. Thanks to Alison over at Alison Can Read for her meme of Manga Mondays.

 Description: Featured on the manga's cover -Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) Leader of France during the first French Empire. Became known as a hero for his victories as a general and went on to seize absolute control of the state in a coup d'état. As emperor, Napoleon's rule spanned almost all of Europe, but opposition to his rule grew widespread after his army suffered a bitter defeat by the cruel Russian winter, leading to his eventual seizure and exile. Even then, Napoleon managed to return to power for a time, only to be exiled once again. He died on Saint Helena Island. 

Review: Volume 3 of Afterschool Charisma digs a little deeper into the psychological aspects of cloning. When clone President Kennedy was assassinated, clones began to seriously think about their own fates. A few dared to question their purpose while some tried to commit suicide because they couldn't handle the pressure and great expectations to be just like their clones. Unlike his clone friends, Shiro Kamiya, the sole human student at St Kleio's Academy, a private and heavily guarded boarding school attended by the clones of historical figures, he never thought twice about his identity. He was absolutely sure about his own humanity until he suddenly meets an older research assistant who looks like his doppelganger. Was Shiro a clone all along? If so, why was he raised as a human all along?  As you can tell, I had a zillion questions flying at me at once after this shocker, but things get much more complicated.
   While Shiro is having an identity crisis, the clones are working on their last minute preparations for their big presentations. The biggest show stopper is testing the power of the Almighty Dolly, by saving Joan of Arc from burning at the stake. The tension builds as Rasputin and his followers recreate Joan of Arc's death sentence and escalates as assassins burst onto the scene to kill all of St Kleio clones. While the assassins don't really talk much in this volume, you can't help but notice that they look really familiar. 
   Afterschool Charisma is a series that will give you brain cramps after you are done, which to me isn't a bad thing. My questions are usually an indication of how much I'm invested in the story and the characters. I enjoy being in the dark and not having all the answers as I try to come up with my own solution and then discover interesting twists that I didn't expect. This volume has definitely a lot more action and kept me flipping the pages.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: Rated T+ for mature themes, violence, some language, and brief nudity. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Afterschool Charisma Vol. 4 by Kumiko Suekane, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, Hetalia: Axis Powers by Hidekaz Himaruya, Code Geass by Majiko

Absolute Boyfriend Vol 6

  I had a very interesting reading experience with the Absolute Boyfriend manga series. I enjoyed the first two volumes of the series but then my enjoyment quickly changed to annoyance and frustration. Volume 5 reminded me why I picked up this series: trying to find out what the mangaka is saying about romance particularly from the female point of view. Volume 6 had me puzzled with an ending that I didn't see coming.

Description: Riiko has finally chosen her one true boyfriend, but she begins to have doubts as she realizes her life will quickly change after learning new information. Will Riiko and her boyfriend have their happily-ever-after?

Review: After reading the previous volumes and waiting for Riiko to make her decision as to who she wants to claim as a boyfriend, we finally have an answer. Well, kinda sort of. See, Riiko announces who "the one" is for her, but then she quickly starts to doubt herself when she realizes things will begin to change. Volume 6 gave the manga a new direction and tone. This series is known for its silly plot line and characters, but now it suddenly becomes serious and thoughtful as if it was an after thought. In my past reviews, I mentioned that I liked Soshi. I also liked Night, the figurine programmed to love Riiko, too. Night is the ideal boyfriend. Heck, he was created for that purpose, but he wasn't real. I wonder if Watase was trying to make a point that we tend to fall for the unattainable perfection. She made an interesting note in one the side panels of the manga that her readership was divided on who Riiko should end up with: the older women preferred Night while the younger ones liked Soshi more. I can see the appeal for both guys, but again one is real and the other is not!
  I liked Riiko at the start. She was a bubbly, cute gal who got herself in horrible situations, however as the series went on, she never seemed to learn from her mistakes nor did her love interests allow her to think for herself. She coddled by them and when they seemed disinterested in her, she felt lost. I'd like a heroine who has a mind of her own and who feels somewhat secure in herself (we all have our insecurities). While I had mixed feelings about this series, I did somewhat enjoy it. Perhaps I would have liked it more by just taking it at its face value and not looking for something more deep.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: This series has strong sexual overtones. There is also minor nudity. Rated OT for Old Teens.

If you like this book try: Girl Parts by John M. Cusik, The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee

Absolute Boyfriend Vol 5

  You've probably sensed my frustration with the Absolute Boyfriend manga series. At first I thought it was cute and amusing, but after the first two volumes the storyline got crazy. I started disliking most of the characters, particularly our heroine, Riiko, who can't for the life of her make a decision. I'm happy to say that the fifth volume of this series was much better than the last two.

Description (from Goodreads): A miniature version of Night has returned to Riiko while his full-size body gets repaired—but now Soshi has decided to move in with them! Can a mini Night prove to Riiko that his love is just as real as Soshi's?

Review: When the fourth volume of Absolute Boyfriend ended, there was a brawl involving Night and Toshiki. Night was injured and taken to Kronos Heaven for repairs, only to come back as a miniature. Soshi has learned about Riiko's secret and how she 'met' Night. He has requested Riiko to make her final decision as to who she loves: him or Night? 
  Riiko is hardly able to make any decisions and is confronted by the reality that Night is and will always be a figure. The concept of dating and falling in love with a figure is what keeps me drawing back to Absolute Boyfriend. It is fascinating watching Night develop normal human feelings- the longing to be desired and wanted, feeling sad, insecure, jealous, etc. There are many parts of the story where I really do consider him as a human and not just a figure, mainly because his dialogue and the way he is drawn is so lifelike. 
  As for the dragging love triangle, it is clear that the mangaka, the writer and illustrator of the manga, is herself torn. There are good arguments supporting either team. Unlike the author, I've always sided with Soshi. In this volume things turn to the serious as Night and Soshi share dialogue and time together. It is clear that both want best for Riiko. We can only wait to see who Riiko will finally pick.

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 6 by Yuu Watase

Absolute Boyfriend Vol 4

  I've come to expect really nothing from Absolute Boyfriend manga series besides a brainless, relaxing yet more frequently frustrating read. The fourth volume has raised the bar from ludicrous to absurd. Since I have two more books left in the series and kept wondering how the series will end (I'm told it has a surprising ending), I'll push through and finish it. Night is an obvious clear runner in the race to win Riiko's heart, but will Soshi step up to the plate?

Description (from Goodreads): While out on a date with Night, Riiko meets a boy who looks like her first crush from elementary school—Toshiki Murakami. Even though she's with Night, Toshiki seizes the opportunity to steal a kiss from Riiko.

Review: This volume of Absolute Boyfriend reminded me of all the reasons why I hated the House of Night series by P.C. Cast: an annoying, repetitive heroine and her harem of love interests. Ugh. I use to like Riiko and now I can barely tolerate her. After almost losing Night, her tailor made boyfriend, to another woman, Riiko vows to do anything to keep Night by her side. As Gasku explained in the last volume, the only fool proof way Night permanently be with Riiko is if they solidify their relationship (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). When Night takes her to a luxurious hotel (all expenses paid by his company) for their special night, Riiko keeps floundering in her decision. This whole volume is based on "will she or won't she"? Also thrown into the mix are new characters, Toshiki Murakami, who claims to be Riiko's elementary school crush and his younger brother. Toshiki seems shady and wastes no time in making advances to Riiko, who is already conflicted about her feelings for Night and Soshi. Of course Toshiki and his younger brother are not who they pretend to be and more hilarity and confusion ensues.
  Speaking of Soshi, I really wished he didn't have feelings for Riiko. I really don't see anything that's charming about her. He's such a great guy and deserves so much more. More interesting tidbits about Night's manufacturer are revealed and will Soshi finally find out what Night really is? I'll find out when I read the fifth volume.

Rating: 3 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 5 by Yuu Watase

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

Absolute Boyfriend Vol 2

  I'm trying to read out of my manga comfort zone. I tend to lean on the action/thriller or gothic romance genres, but I haven't really ventured into the shojo, romantic comedy genre of manga. The Absolute Boyfriend series would be my first romantic comedy. Though the storyline is quite silly, it's a great escape and a fun read. I recently finished the second volume.

Description: Riiko thought her prayers where answered when her mail ordered, perfect boyfriend, Night, appeared at her door. She was only suppose to keep Night for his 3 day free trial and return him, except she forgot to look at the small print of her receipt and now she has to fork up $1 million dollars to pay for him. Thinking quickly on her feet, Riiko proposes she can help Night's manufacturing company by providing them with lots of data about women. As long as Night collects data, she doesn't have to pay the large fee. Where would be the best place to take Night that has lots of girls and is of free of charge? To school, of course! The hilarity continues in Volume 2.

Review:  Absolute Boyfriend is a manga series where you can sit back, relax, and don't really need to think too hard. While the storyline does not make complete sense, it is still fun to watch the characters create problems for themselves and then try to get out of them. Riiko's successfully tried to keep Night hidden, but since she can't afford his hefty fee of $1 million dollars she strikes a bargain with his manufacturing company in allowing Night to gather as much data as he can about the opposite sex in hopes of perfecting the company's models in the future. In order to keep Night in her sight, she enrolls him into her school where he is instantly popular amongst the girls and boys. Soshi, Riiko's neighbor, is suspicious about how perfect Night seems to be and he feels there is something odd about him that he can't quite pin point.
  In the second volume of this manga, there are two major plot lines that will determine how the series ends. In one plot line, Riiko finally finds out why she has been rejected so many times by her previous crushes during a school field trip. I was proud of Riiko, who quickly gets on my nerves sometimes with her whining and clueless attitude, for standing up for herself. Watase does a good job in describing all the teen drama of various relationships. The second plot line perfectly sets up the inevitable love triangle between Riiko, Soshi, and Night. We also see more signs that Soshi has feelings for Riiko as comes to her side when she needs a shoulder to cry on. Riiko clearly has feelings for both Night and Soshi. Night who observes Soshi and Riiko getting closer, gets jealous and finds a way to show Riiko that he can take care of himself.
  What enthralls me about this series so far is how human Night comes across. We do get to see him being jealous, insecure, and well vulnerable, but are his feelings genuine or just programmed by Riiko? Perhaps he is a Pinnochio who will really turn into a real boy? The second volume does leave off at a cliffhanger and I look forward to all the drama in Volume 3.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some sexual innuendo, jokes, and discussion about relationships spread throughout the book. 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 3 by Yuu Watase

Absolute Boyfriend Vol 1

 I'm taking a detour from horror/dark comedy manga and venturing into romantic comedy/silliness arena. I've debated on whether or not to pick up Absolute Boyfriend. I was a bit hesitant, considering what's on the first volume cover and its description, but after reading favorable reviews on manga review websites, Amazon, and seeing it listed on quite a few library bibliographies I thought I would give it a shot. There are a total of 6 volumes of the Absolute Boyfriend series.

Description (from Amazon): 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, stylish and a gourmet chef. Plus, he looks like a million bucks.... Trouble is, that's about what he's going to cost Riko because she didn't return him in time!

Review: If you mashed up Steven Spielberg's A.I. and John Hughes's Weird Science, you would end up with a product that is very close to Yuu Watase's Absolute Boyfriend, the author's first attempt at a romantic comedy. Riiko is a clumsy, boy obsessed teen whose love life is DOA. When her latest crush turns her down, she is devastated and depressed. She doesn't understand what's wrong with her and wishes, above all else, to have a boyfriend. Her prayers seem to be answered when she stumbles upon a website where she can order a boyfriend, even customize him with every personality trait she desires. On a moment of weakness, Riiko orders one and the next day receives a stark naked 'figure' out of a box who looks like a real life, utterly beautiful boy.She names him Night, a play on the 'figure' category on the website. In a side note, the author explains that she wants to stay away from calling Night a robot and doesn't draw him as having circuits but as a human-like figure, but he is essentially what we call a robot, programmed to attune to a woman's desires and emotions. Thus, Night is eager to please Riiko in more ways than one. Riiko must keep his identity secret and aims to teach the eager-to-please boy how to function in the real world.
  The first volume of Absolute Boyfriend had me chuckling in many places. The story is told with a lot of heart. It's light, fun, and a bit racy, especially if you don't take it too seriously. While Night is used mostly as a comedy relief, Soshi, Riiko's childhood friend and neighbor, caught my eye. Soshi mostly keeps to himself and takes his role of taking care of Riiko, while her parents are working abroad, seriously. Though Soshi and Riiko constantly argue, it's quite clear that Soshi has feelings towards Riiko. Only time will tell if he acts upon them and if clueless Riiko will figure it out Soshi's strange behavior on her own. There are plenty of great and unexpected jokes thrown in at just the right moments, especially where Night is concerned. The artwork is great and the panels are quite easy to follow. There definitely some disturbing issues underlying the manga, especially with how Riiko and Night's relationship begins to form. I'm curious with how this storyline will progress and what troubles Riiko will bring upon herself. Due to the manga's sexual themes, it is rated OT for older teens.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: This manga is rated OT for older teens. It contains semi-nudity (like the cover) as well as sexual innuendos spread throughout the manga.

If you like this book try: Girl Parts by John M. Cusik, The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee, Absolute Boyfriend Vol 2 by Yuu Watase