English Gothic and Lolita Bible Review

When Tokyopop announced that they were going to translate the Japanese Gothic and Lolita bibles for the English markets they were met with mixed reactions. Many of the more traditional Lolitas were skeptical that Tokyopop could make a decent version that had the spirit of the originals in mind. On the other hand there were several groups who were just happy to have another volume of something available to the non-Japanese speaking public. As Tokyopop announced that their bibles would indeed not be a direct translation of their Japanese counterpart but a westernized version include snippets of the originals as well as other things that might interest American Lolita, opinions of the forthcoming magazine again dropped. Now as it is released we can see the results for ourselves.

Tokyopop's first issue of the bible was released in February of 2008 and contains both translated articles and new pieces written by western Lolitas. The look and feel of the magazine is quite different to that of the Japanese version, it seems slightly rushed and cobbled together. Many of the designs in the magazine are recycled but instead of the classic version we all remember, they have been mixed with gaudy borders and odd color schemes.

The daily snap shots are the same cute if a little bit odd slice of everyday people's lives. The only problem with these snaps is that they come from issues that are several years old and are really no longer current. This goes for most of the clothing advertisements, they come from an issue circa 2006 so most of the lines are now unavailable.

The one thing that made me cringe a little bit was the "What's your Loli Style?" quiz. By answering multiple choice questions the reader finds out if they are a Gothic, Sweet or Punk/Casual Lolita. It reads as if it comes from a preteen magazine and let's face it, if you bought the magazine there is a fairly hefty chance you know what your clothes look like!

As expected the photos that were excepted from the Western Lolitas were fairly well put together and of course the "famous" Lolitas in the west made appearances.

The patterns that have become synonymous with the Japanese bibles are included though instead of the whole outfits that usually come with the originals they have been replaced with small accessories like a bag with felt applique.

Other than those differences the English Gothic and Lolita bible is relatively the same as the Japanese bible. Still full of large glossy photo shoots and nonsensical writing and short stories. Still full of cute girls and cuter boys. Still half way between a trashy magazine and a high class effort.

In conclusion if you're interested in Lolita fashion the bible is a must whether in English or Japanese. I personally prefer the Japanese if only so I can't understand the poorly written articles!