Elena Dorfman: Fandomania: Characters & Cosplay

by Carlo McCormick

In her riveting new book, Fandomania, photographer Elena Dorfman examines the pop culture phenomenon of "cosplay," in which participants dress up in costumes--and live part of their lives--as... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1597110353
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Aperture
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.9" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Dramatic insight into subculture

This book continues Dorfman's explorations of identity through portraiture -- this time exploring the space between fantasy and reality in cosplay. Dramatic costumes presented in a simple layout. The book is gorgeously printed and the hard cover version has a special soft touch thick cover. The negative reviews here seem to be from cosplay insiders. But this book is all about an outsider looking in.

Interesting

Until I saw this book in Shutterbug Magazine I had no idea what Cosplay was. I get it now and I enjoyed the book both from a entertainment and photographic standpoint. One reviewer mentioned the subjects all looked quite somber and that something I noticed as well. Once that initial feeling moved away it was replaced by the curiosity of why something so fun can make them look this way? I still think this is worth a look to give you a visual idea of what Cosplay is all about.

A striking glimpse at the world of cosplay. Well worth the cover price.

Elena Dorfman's Fandomania is a striking glimpse into the world of cosplay: a subculture of roleplayers wearing the costumes of characters from anime, manga, video games, and even television and movie productions. Cosplay has its origins in Japan, and the characters emulated are most often or Japanese origin, but Dorfman's book showcases a decidedly American facet of the lifestyle. Her subjects are photographed against a stark, glossy black background, resulting in an ethereal glow for the costumes and make-up. The models (and the objects of their roleplay) are unidentified in the book, which consists solely of large illustrations and a brief introductory essay. Comic and fictional characters often exhibit exteme, non-human body proportions (incredibly long legs, small waists, huge muscles, etc.), which presents a challenge for the average American cosplayer. Dorfman's material spans all body types and sizes, and all shine, regardless of their adherence to strict anime or manga body proportions. In several cases, gender barriers between cosplayer and subject are blurred. Those interested in picking up this title can get a sneak peak at some of the illustrations on the author's website. However, the book, with its large format and stunning coloration, is the only way to truly do these images justice.