Genshiken Official Book

by Shimoku Kio

ATTENTION HARDCORE GENSHIKEN FANS Now available for your exclusive pleasure: the ultimate sourcebook for the ultimate fans of the nine-volume, smash hit manga series that has taken America by storm.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034550402X
• ISBN13: 9780345504029
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Del Rey
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 16 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 11 and higher

Customer Reviews

Otaku = Hobby (^.^)

A lot of terms about "Otaku" and the life they go through. A bio of the Genshiken characters and how some of their personality actually relates to real life people. I see Otaku as more of a person who loves to collect certain things. Although the person can be too much into it, they are quite passionate on their collection; however, some people see it as a weird type of lifestyle.

Genshiken: Anatomy of a Fan Base

Exactly what makes a manga series popular? It really is a mystery as to what makes any series popular and sell well, but behind the best selling Genshiken series, a rabid fan base lies. Precisely how rabid only Kio Shimoku has managed to explain in any logical fashion. The resulting thesis is a remarkable illustrated examination that reads like the series yet seems applicable to any fan base. Substitute north American comics for Manga, and New York or San Diego for Comic Fest and you begin to understand the similarities. Manga has cosplay, and we have costume contests in North America. Add independant press for fanzine, and so on. As far as the book goes, Kio discusses Newbie Orientation, Genshiken Members Unite, Love Within the Genshiken, The Otaku 10 Commandments, Required Reading, 1987 isue of Mebaetame, Unofficial Side Story, and It's a Beautiful Otaku Life. The content is illuminating to us North American readers. One strange side comment centers on the masturbation related to cosplay images. Are some North American comic books much different? The Official Book is more than just a guide, it is a guided tour through the world of Manga led by one well versed in all its' aspects. Highly recommended. Tim Lasiuta