z e t t a i . k a r e s h i

Zettai Kareshi, the manga, was another Watase creation...which always seems to have carbon copied characters in a slightly new setting. You're guaranteed a good, but sometimes painfully predictable, love triangle. I have to say my interest was slightly piqued when I heard it was going to be made into a drama series. Well actually the truth is the fact that Hayami Mokomichi was in it was made me interested. Not that I am a rabid fan of his, but I really am enjoying his performance in Hataraki Man as Tanaka (A character that had a small role in the anime. Not that I mind that they expanded the role).

Okay the story is a simple one...I suppose. Riiko, a girl with no luck in the love department, unknowingly buys a robot boyfriend. Makes me chuckle for some reason.

Now in the manga...well it's very different from the drama setting wise. And the characters in the comic were high schoolers, not office workers (in a sweets business...or whatever they are doing). And let me tell you, Watase tries to squeeze as many pretty boys into her comics as possible. This guy is impossibly feminine and cute (and not to mention young) and that random guy is handsome and that one too. It gets tiring, you start hoping to see some normal people. Also Riiko and Soshi, of course, have a different relationship (on Soshi's part it is still one sided though...haha). Basically they used the names of the manga characters but changed the setting/characters.

Zettai Kareshi, the drama, has its funny moments, along with its tedious Japanese philosophies. But I'm liking it. It's makes me laugh. And I spotted some actors that I like (but I don't know their names...haha). Shabu Shabu-san from Himitsu no Hanazono and the actor who played Oscar in Hana Kimi (I keep expecting him to do something funny).

At first I was disappointed that the settings and characters were...let's say "re-imagined." But I almost prefer the drama version. Being that the manga was filled with Watase's perverted antics and Riiko was a bit self-absorbed and pervy in the manga. Which I can live without. Soshi is less annoying...sorta. At least he isn't a handsome boy/man hiding is crush and his personality behind some nerdy glasses. Instead he is a playboy...yeah not much better. At least, maybe, be won't be all secretly angry at Riiko for not noticing his hidden love. Night, the boyfriend robot from the Nightly series, well you would assume that a character in his position (in a typical Watase manga) would end up with the girl in the end. Being the fact that he is a robot kinda makes this impossible, or is it? I am waiting for a blue fairy to POP! out and make him a real boy/man. I am interested in what will happen at the end of this drama (especially due to the fact I haven't read the end of the manga version----wait I just spoiled the ending for myself by looking it up on Wiki...gosh dern wiki spoilers! Well I hope the ending is different..it better be darn-it!). Well Night came with his name when he was purchased in the manga. But in the show Riiko names him...after a KNIGHT in shining armor (but it is spelled NIGHT...of course). Annoying (I'm still disgruntled about reading the spoiler...why did it have to be all BAM! and this happens in the end?!? Who knows I may actually like the ending...possibly...not).

One of the reasons I really liked the first episode of this show is because I watched it with my younger sisters (which I seldom do). They all have strong opinions they like to scream out while watching stuff. Not that I mind. So we made fun of the ridiculous aspects of the show and laughed and shrieked at the funny (?) parts.

So far I really like this show. I hope my sentiment towards it remains the same.


My Rating: ★★★★★