SuicideGirls - erotic art by Feral House - review by Tucker Cummings

The SuicideGirls are a cultural phenomenon, creating ripples that extend far beyond the reach of most erotic photography. If you know the Suicide Girls, you'll know pretty much what to expect from this book: svelte punk, alt, emo, retro and goth chicks, usually with piercings or tattoos. This volume was released in 2004, just about two years after the site was founded as an alternative to "mainstream" models, such as those that would pose for Playboy or Hustler.

It's a book that any devout SG fan will probably want for their book collection. That being said, both the book itself and the images within it are surprisingly small. The book's dimensions are 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.7 inches, and many of the internal photos are about the size of the postcard. There are some larger images as well, and they are a pretty decent size. It's great to see some of the models from the earlier days of the site who aren't active on SG any more, but seeing them in small photos doesn't do the models or photographer justice.

If you are familiar with the site, you know exactly the sort of girl that will be featured. Long-time fans of the site will recognize models including Elara, Flux, Fractal, London, Presley, and Zona (And of course, the cover features Mary). There are some beautifully shot solo images, as well as images with more than one girl.

If you want to a book with "vintage" SG action at a slightly larger size, you might want to check out 2008's "SuicideGirls: Beauty Redefined", which clocks in at a somewhat larger 11.6 x 11.5 x 1.5 inches. An oversized coffee table book would arguably be the best format for enjoying these photos in print format, but until they release "SuicideGirls: Life-Size Edition", you'll have to cope with this volume or another title in a similar vein.