We all want to see Snow White with tattoos, right? Well, at least photographer Robert Alvarado does. In his newest collection of high-octane, pin-up images, Alvarado shows how his own style of shooting and editing, which has been called cartoonish, illustrated, and painted marries perfectly with cosplay. In more than 150 vibrant, color images, see Alvarado's take on this pop culture phenomenon as he captures models "cosing" as characters from Buck Rogers, Deadpool, Star Wars, your favorite D.C. and Marvel franchises, and much more. From fantasy to sci-fi and Disney to video games, the models embody and costume many beloved characters while striking traditional and contemporary pin-up poses. Complete with some behind-the-scenes shots and details on Alvarado's approach to working with the models, this is the perfect collection of images for fans and students of pop culture and pin-up photography.

The essential collection of pin-ups from photographer Robert Alvarado. He subtly combines color, form, and style to create an allure that captivates onlookers and confounds fellow photographers. The influence of pin-up photography pioneers like Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren is clear, but throughout the 145 alluring examples of Alvarado's work, his signature approach to this classic form will impress you in a way that only modern photography can. A year of trial and error went into achieving the look presented here: luscious images with flat color and a shine that accentuates the models' key features. Through Alvarado's modern innovations, which are debated on photography blogs, he composes pin-ups with models in traditional poses, in clothes, lingerie, or tastefully nude, looking directly at the camera.

The authoritative guide to cosplay written by a legend in the community, and packed with step-by-step advice and fascinating investigations into every aspect of the art. Cosplay—a portmanteau combining "costume" and "play"—has become one of the hottest trends in fandom . . . and Yaya Han is its shining superstar. In this guide to cosplaying, Han narrates her 20-year journey from newbie fan to entrepreneur with a household name in geekdom, revealing her self-taught methods for embodying a character and her experiences in the community. Each chapter is information-packed as she covers everything from the history of cosplay, to using nontraditional materials for costumes, to transforming your hobby into a career—all enhanced with expert advice. Illustrated throughout and easy to use, this practical manual also delights with fascinating stories from the past decades' global cosplay boom. It's the perfect gift for anyone interested in learning (or improving their skills in) the art of cosplay.

Pop culture phenomena from the '80s and '90s, homages to Alberto Vargas and other classic pinup illustrations, and contemporary fashions and fetishes combine to form an exciting collection of modern pinups. Tributes to Baywatch, Rambo, Star Wars, Jessica Rabbit, and more late-20th century cultural references are included. This collection of over-the-top Americana also features standouts from Alvarado's Redneck Pinup series; provocatively posed pirates; beautiful calaveras makeup; leather jacket-wearing blondes; classy big-haired chicks with antique cars; a dynamite-wielding cowgirl; polo-playing preppies; sword-swallowing freaks; laser- and gun-toting steampunks; sultry nurses; elegant ballroom dancers; and more. Alvarado's belief is that it's all about the model; her image and pose are the most important elements in a composition, and he draws the viewer's attention to the models by employing a plain white background in many images.

This collection of over 250 contemporary retro-style cheesecake, glamour, and hot rod pinup photographs by Northern California artist Marilee Caruso takes women from all backgrounds and transforms them into the classy yet stimulating bombshells of our parents' and grandparents' day. Inspired by icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, or Sophia Loren, each portrait provides a nostalgic glance into the mood, style, and sex appeal of the 1930s, '40s, '50s, and '60s era pin-up girl. From black and white Hollywood starlets to greasy hot rod honeys, this bevy of gorgeous gals has been revamped with vintage hair and makeup, wardrobe, and posing. Shot with high-quality digital technology of the 21st century, each image is reminiscent of the drawings of Gil Elvgrin and Alberto Vargas.

Stand at attention with this pocket-sized army of free, proud, masculine fantasy men committed to pleasure and male camaraderie. With multi-panel comics and single-panel drawings and paintings, as well as personal photographs, sketches, and reference images, The Little Book of Tom: Military Men celebrates the artist's most iconic vision of...