An entertaining read
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The Gothic and Lolita Bible is an interesting and enjoyable read for all those who have a fascination with the unique aspects of this particularly fascinating sub-culture. This mook (a cross between a magazine and a book) is also a blessing for those of us who can't speak or read Japanese.
Volume 1 acts as a introduction to the Gothic and Lolita sub-culture of Japan detailing the history of the lolita style, the different styles within lolita as well as introducing readers to the big names in the fashion industry. As expected there are plenty of pics and interviews with store staff and their customers. (The clothes are really beautiful, the level of creativity and orginality is incredible) The Bible also features various j-rockers (AYA form Psycho le Cemu, Jui and Rame from Vidoll etc.) with articles, not only on fashion, but also on music, manga, stories, as well as readers letters and artwork.
The mook itself is a combination of articles from various issues of the Japanese Gothic and Lolita Bibles supplemented with pictures and articles featuring western fans of the style. My one gripe with the finished article is that I would rather have had a word-for-word translation of each issue as opposed to a meshing together of various articles for seperate Japanese issues.
Having said that, the quality of the mook is very high and Tokyopop have obviously tried hard to remain true to the spirit of the original publication. This mook will undoubtedly provide anyone with an interest or curiosity in contemporary Japanese youth culture with an enjoyable and informative read.
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