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As we waited for our food, I flipped through my friend's new book, which at the time was still awaiting retail release. I was both wowed and stunned at the subjects of each page. I was studying a bondage book, conceptualized by none other than Van, a good friend who just happens to be at the forefront of the bondage scene in L.A. His style is inspired by shibari, or Japanese bondage, very evident in his original ropework. Van closely watched my expressions change with each page, and I scolded him over a few of the compositions as everyone at the table joked and bastardized some of the other photos, all taken by Van.
As I reached the end of the book, he demanded, "So tell me what you think of this last photo!"
I came face to face with my own outdoor portrait in a rather precarious position, taken three years ago.
My hair stood on end, and my jaw deployed. Everyone at the table (except for me) roared with laughter at my reaction. I was at a loss of words, as I had totally forgotten about Van's intention of releasing such a book. I turned one more page to find a landscape noir version of my previous photo. I was hesitant to label this book true art, but when I saw his rendering of Daniel vs. nature, I was sold.
So, what can I say— I'm in a bondage book. Hi mom!
The book is now for sale at almost every gay/lesbian bookstore on the West Coast, and it's also available on Amazon. I figured what the hell, I might as well write a review for it! I never promote any merchandise on my blog, nor would I advertise anything for commercial gain. But read the review below, and feel free to visit the Amazon page for Van's male bondage book if you dare. I gave the book four stars, for every good reviewer knows never to issue five stars to anything if people are to take you seriously. For all newbie critics out there, the good rule of thumb is to dish out five stars ONLY if something gave you multiple orgasms.
 From a Master of Creative Arts, July 9, 2006
As any industry matures, we begin to see a certain craftsmanship that just didn't exist before. In the adult industry, such is true, and adult media is rarely considered "artful" or even "Avant-garde."
But Darkholme's treatment of bondage as an aesthetic really does define the bondage scene and will become part of our zeitgeist. This tall Asian dabbler in art not only prepares each scene meticulously, but he also improvises with his own ropework and lighting, and he then finally photographs his subject.
The result is a palette of moods and predicaments, all with the common theme of individuality and expression. The book is a collector's item, and though I rarely invest in coffee table books, I do highly recommend this one to both BDSM hunters and your average Jane or Joe.
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