Speed Tribes Yes, Zi:Kill has a mention in an American book! The book is by Karl Taro Greenfeld and is dubiously authentic. Personally, I think the entire Zi:kill section is highly plausible from the heinous actions of their manager to Tusk goes off on a bender with a lot of booze and girls. However, you can make your own decision: read the article here. (down)

Rock Noble by Kukihiko Suga ISBN: 4-8783-631-2 Gust Comics

Manga? There is a manga named Rock Noble written by Kunihiko Suga, released in tankoban form in 1992 with a vocalist (Katsura) who bears a strikingly obvious resemblance to Zi:kill's Tusk. (guitarist "Kenshow" also bears a striking resemblance to Zi:Kill's Ken). The manga is the (homoerotic) inner drama of an up and coming rock band. Combining rock lyrics and stage presentation into a narrative on the fan-musician relationship and the musician-musician relationship, it's actually fairly interesting and the art isn't entirely horrid either. Here are some scans of the Katsura character, you can make your own judgement, but it really seems the manga-ka utilized not only Tusk's characteristic look and fashions, but also his movements and stage presence!

[On Shock!] Zi:kill's book #17 by Keiichi Sakura, 1993 click image for larger scan

Doujinshi. Many, many doujinshi of Zi:kill have been made over the years. ... I don't have much of it, but on one trip to Japan I did pick up one. I don't really have the energy to translate it and I don't know that it's necessarily worth it anyway, but the art in it I thought was fantastic, so I'll share some of it with you. This doujinshi is called [On Shock!] Zi:kill's book nr. 17 by Keiichi Sakura.

	Tusk Allright, allright. I'll level with you. I find Tusk as a vocalist amazing, and have attempted to follow him through his projects. ... Eh, this being done rather poorly, but the attempt has still been made! My initial interest with Tusk was not, however, from Seth et Holth like I think I would expect any hide fan to encounter him. While I did see Seth et Holth it never registered in my brain that this was the same Tusk from Zi:kill; I became interested in Zi:kill from the Extasy Summit 1992 video and their two songs on it. I was completely entranced with their music and was desperate to hear more. In any event, for anyone who, like me, finds Tusk to be an incredible vocalist, I reccomend checking out his two other projects (beyond solo): The Slut Banks and Craze.
My reviews: Personally, I love Zi:kill for their unique take on two very tired genres: rock music in general and then darkwave. They're not typical of either genre, or of visual kei.
Close Dance EXG-002	I love Close Dance the most of any of Zi:kill's albums, and for an introduction to Zi:kill I would reccomend this album. But, this is my bias as I really feel that as an artist in a pseudo-punk medium an indies release usually has more "raw energy" and emotion than most major label releases. Close Dance utilizes the bass in a unique way, allowing the bass (Seiichi) to take over many of the larger melodies, instead of backing the guitar. With Tusk's deep voice, this is an excellent combination. The album is darkly melodic, yet moves fast enough so no song becomes repetetive. reccomended tracks: What's, Tero, I 4 You additional comments: Often it's commented that "What's" was played much better on the Extasy Summit 1992 video, and I would agree. In the video version Tusk's vocals are more animated, with him often screaming parts of the chorus and I really do think it enhances the song.
Rocket is another excellent album from Zi:kill, with Hoppy Kamiyama (of Pugs and O*N*T*J US fame) as producer and "brilliant 5th member". I can see the difference he makes in this album, building on the inversion already inherent in Zi:kill's sound and adding more life and dynamic to it. The album is ironic, sentimental and still layered with a raw, angered sound, with a number of different styles present that will appeal to many tastes. reccomended tracks: Bad Man, I love Cat, I Love You, Calling additional comments: Hoppy Kamiyama kicks serious ass. Check out his US release "Pugs Bite the Red Knee".	Rocket KICS-313
In the Hole	This album is much more melodic and loses a number of raw facets one sees with other Zi:kill releases, yet the latter half of the album redeems itself with a handful of masterfully done tracks. They also experiment with symphonic elements, which is an interesting addition. Still not up on my list of favourites. reccomended traks: Mr. Market

LINKS: Twilight Idol Flyingfox's excellent Tusk site.[e] zi:kill's HP A great unofficial site. [j]