zine, [zeen] noun. 1. abbr. of fanzine; 2. any amateurly-published periodical. Oxford Reference

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

La Poubelle: La lutte eternel




La Poubelle by Derek Baxter and Brian Canini is a comic in French. I took French in high school and remember some, so I was able to read about...50% of the words? Or maybe more. But there were a lot of gaps. I could understand, "Now I am going to kill the ninjas," toward the end, and, "I want to be rich and have sex with a whore," which someone told a lamp genie. There are a few scenes and I don't understand the relationships between them, for the most part, but there are no divisions that make me think they're not supposed to be related. So I don't know if that's my failure to fully understand the French or if the connections really are very loose.

Overall it's light and sometimes funny, like when the bull-person says, "I'm going to eat this rose," and does. Or when they're suddenly at a disco at the end. I like the beginning, which is about the way the word for poison and the word for fish are very similar in French. But the part with the dead prostitute is disturbing, and I'm clearly missing some of the jokes. "L'amour, c'est comme une etoil de mer...dur et pointu." I knew that says, "Love, it's like a star something...something and something," then looked up three words and learned it says, "Love, it's like a starfish, hard and pointy."

Overall, I think I'm not the audience for this comic. I am a big fan of graphic memoir and some non-superhero independent comics, and this one's non-superhero, but my sense of humor mostly doesn't work with the sense of humor of the creators. I'm sure lots of comics lovers would really enjoy this, though.

And I feel like I can't give a fair review since I'm not fluent in French. But lots of people aren't fluent in French, so maybe people who don't know French or who took French in school are supposed to be able to enjoy it too? Maybe the makers who sent it to me assumed I was French from my name, which I'm not. And I know I assumed that non-French speakers would be able to get something out of it since they were sending it to me without asking if I speak French. Maybe it was a misunderstanding.

The drawing is very good in a cartoon way, and I like the cover with its blues. Maybe I should have known from the name of the comics publisher, Drunken Cat Comics, that it would not match my sense of humor. I don't drink. I feel like a prude for not enjoying this more. But I want to be cool with who I am too.

Again, I think a lot of people would enjoy this, and I encourage you to get a copy of this zine if you're into this type of comic. As for me, I will pass it along to my comics-loving neighbors who work at a comic book store and probably have much broader comics tastes than my narrow ones.

http://www.drunkencatcomics.com

Sunday, March 24, 2013

The Juniper #16



Hello friends and foes! The 16th issue of The Juniper is out now! It's about time, right? In this issue, I write about embracing change, being human, raised bed gardening, the proper way to add organic matter to your garden, purposeful gardening, and pruning rosemary plants. This zine is free, but if you have a dollar or stamps to donate to the cause, that would be greatly appreciated as printing and mailing costs add up. I am also, for the first time, offering a pdf version of the zine. If you would like a free pdf copy, just send me a request by email. Otherwise, send your dollar or stamp(s) to the following address:

Dan Murphy
PO Box 9862
Boise ID 83707
USA

dnlmrphy@gmail.com

Zine News Round-Up: 24.02.13

image by Angry Violist - thanks!




1. Zine Releases
2. Upcoming Events
3. Submission Calls
4. AOB

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1. Zine Releases - Poor Lass #1, “a collection of stories of what it's really like to be working class”, is out now! Buy a copy for £2 at http://sugarpaper.bigcartel.com/product/poor-lass-1
- Becoming: A Feminist Coming of Age, a zine created by Project:BABE, is out now! Contact the editors for a copy at projectbabecollectiveATgmail.com.

2. Upcoming Events - Workshop on Zines and Feminism: Thursday 8thMarch, 10.30am at Swansea University. Part of the Swansea Feminist Network’s workshop day for International Women’s Day. More info at http://swanseafeministnetwork.wordpress.com.
- Sheffield Zine Fest: Saturday 16 March, 12 til 5pm. The organisers are looking for people to table and hold workshops – more info and contact details can be found at http://sheffieldzinefest.wordpress.com/.
- REVOLT #2: Saturday 16 March, Taylor John’s House, Coventry. A riot grrrl night with zine stalls and feminist music. http://www.facebook.com/events/532368940127398/?ref=2
- DIY Cultures 2013: Sunday 7 April, 12 til 7pm. A festival of zines, comics, artist-run spaces, talks, films, art and workshops. http://www.facebook.com/events/590291354321604/?ref=2
- Any upcoming UK zine events? Let us know – spillthezinesukATgmail.com!

3. Submission Calls - Pandora Press, a feminist compzine published by the Swansea Feminist Network, is looking for contributors for its 5thissue (theme: media). Extended deadline: 28 February. More info at http://swanseafeministnetwork.wordpress.com
- Kat W is looking for reviews, essays, quotes and artwork for her Stephen King fanzine, titled ‘Death Is When The Monsters Get You’. For more info, email kjwilliams1986ATgmail.com.
- ‘Narwool’is a new zine by and for crafty people, featuring tutorials, how-to’s, artwork, and more. To submit, contact the editor Kim at narwoolzineAThotmail.co.uk.
- There’s a Doctor Who fanzine in the works! Lots of detailed information can be found at http://type-40-zine.tumblr.com/Submission-Guidelines
- Twigs and Apples, a zine collective based in Preston, are looking for submissions for their latest comp zine. Welcome topics include “art, illustration, photography, writing, reviews, music, film, veganism, recipes, anarchism, environmentalism, sports, gardening, bike-riding, philosophy, travel, DIY & craft”. More info at http://twigsandapples.tumblr.com.

4. AOB
- Kirsty, of Make It Work/Hard Femme zines, is currently doing an oral history project on zinesters as part of an MA in Archives and Records Management, and is looking for people to get involved. She can travel to you (or vice versa) and you'll have a 1-2 hour chat about zines, how you started making them, your involvement in the community and so on, anything you want to talk about! Fancy being involved? Or know someone who does/want to recommend someone? Email Kirsty at kirsty.fifeATgmail.com.

The Ken Chronicles #26


The Ken Chronicles #26
digest, 36 pages, $2
Ken is a big traveler now that he is retired, and so this issue of his zine (like many others) largely consists of the details of a recent trip. This time around his travels took him to Europe in celebration of a friend's 60th birthday. My favorite part is a single page entitled "Random Thoughts on the EuroTrip" in which he distills his trip down to a few interesting observations. He also includes a story about a giant pin oak falling onto his garage during Hurricane Sandy. As a plant geek, I especially enjoyed learning about the different trees in Ken's yard and their unusual placement. The last three pages of this issue are taken up with Ken's regular column, "What I've Been (Listening/Watching/Reading) Lately." This is a regularly published and consistently entertaining zine.
Ken Bausert
2140 Erma Drive
East Meadow NY 11554
USA

PassScribe@aol.com
http://thekenbausertchronicles.blogspot.com
http://kenbausertsnostalgicmuseum.blogspot.com

Something for Nothing #65


Something for Nothing #65
digest, 36 pages, free (send stamps)
This is the Tape Issue of Something for Nothing. Idy has dug out his cassette tape collection and written reviews of all the cassette only releases that he has. There are a bunch of them, so the bulk of this issue is taken up by that. But he also squeezes in some beverage reviews, “Kinko’s I’ve Been To” (for the old school zine folks), and a piece about how he spent a recent birthday. Whether it’s this issue or another one, it's always worth your time to get your hands on a copy of SfN.
Something for Nothing
516 Third Street NE
Massillon, OH 44646
USA

Something for Nothing #64


Something for Nothing #64
digest, 40 pages, free (send stamps)
Just as you’ve come to expect from Something for Nothing, this issue is packed with interesting and informative reading. Idy reviews the records of three very lesser known punk bands: Group of Individuals, AOS3, and Schwartzeneggar. He also reviews 11 Christian themed books, offering his thoughts and views (from a faithful perspective) along the way. His familiar “______ I’ve Been To” section is about record stores this time around, plus Beverage Reviews are back this issue. Always text heavy and always worth picking up.
Something for Nothing
516 Third Street NE
Massillon, OH 44646
USA

Friday, March 22, 2013

Adventures in the Land of Greasecars and Fireflies


Zine Review: Adventures in the Land of Greasecars and Fireflies



Adventures in the Land of Greasecars and Fireflies
By Sascha Scatter
PO Box 18
Spring Glen NY 12483

This slim zine is a reprint from Slug & Lettuce c. 2004 and had me nodding and smiling from first page to last. InAdventures in the Land of Greasecars and Fireflies, Sascha writes about personal world view, cultural and economic considerations that led to the decision to convert an old diesel vehicle into one that runs alternatively on vegetable oil. A kit was purchased, a workshop and party thrown for the community, and willing hands showed up to help with the process. Sascha’s writing is engaging and informative and this zine just might be an inspiration for your next mechanical project. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Psionic Plastic Joy #17


Zine Review: Psionic Plastic Joy #17


Psionic Plastic Joy
digest / $2
Jason Rodgers
PO Box 62
Lawrence MA 01842

So now we come to it – the absurdity of writing paper zine reviews within an online blog called One Minute Zine Reviews. I’m plagued by this dichotomy all of the time, and often teeter on the edge of abandoning the digital world altogether. I use the internet as a tool, I remind myself. But what is the tool and who is the user? Or who is the tool and what is the user?

Jason Rodgers has released Psionic Plastic Joy, issue number 17, a compendium of articles, imagery, semi-dadism, anarchy, and beautiful nonsense. The two primary essays in this issue are thematically linked by references to the domestication of humans, which I suspect allows for our enslavement by consumerist culture: Jason delves into concepts of psychic nomadism as a means to remove our shackles, and John Zerzan stares into the eyes of what we call happiness, and doesn’t blink. These articles are both well written and articulate thoughts beyond the typical curve of acceptable discourse in this frenzied and distracted culture. Psionic Plastic Joy also includes a fantastic allegory (parable?) titled “The Tale of One Thousand and One Words” which describes an encounter between The Cook, the Waitress, the Dishwasher and Trickster.

Psionic Plastic Joy is unapologetic about being suspicious of technology, which I am grateful to read for a changeEvery email we send, skype call we make, google search we do, etc is monitored by someone, and we just don’t care anymore. We have met Big Brother and he (and she) is usAt least paper mail has to be opened and resealed, and yes that happens too (witnessed by my own receipt of a QSL card from Radio Havana).

By questioning our domestication and creating actions that bring us one step closer to freedom, we can reimagine our lives. Psionic Plastic Joy is a zine about that journey of reimagining and re-creation.

Monday, March 18, 2013

King Cat No. 73


King Cat No. 73


King-Cat Comics and Stories No. 73

$4 ppd
John Porcellino
PO Box 142
So. Beloit IL 61080


I have to admire anyone who has released 73 issues of a comic or a zine. The centerpiece of this comic is the hunt for the elusive cuckoo bird (no… really!). There are some other short stories, a top 40 list, and a primer on the 13 lined ground squirrel if you’re into wildlife & natural history. Cool variety. 

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Mixt Media Audio Zine Winter 2013


Mixt Media Audio Zine Winter 2013


Ok ... so I got motivated to record one more Mixt Media Audio Zine ... maybe more will follow ... your honest feedback would be appreciated, warm, cool, or in between. 

Mixt Media Audio Zine Winter 2013 can be downloaded here: 

http://radio4all.net/index.php/program/65123 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Zine News Round-Up: 10.02.13


Zine News Round-Up: 10.02.13

photo by Tukru



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1. Zine Releases
2. Upcoming Events
3. Submission Calls

---

1. Zine Releases- Lisa, author of perzine ‘Sometimes I’m Dreaming’, has released a travel zine about her recent visit to Japan, titled ‘Japanese Whispers’.  Buy your copy at her etsy store.
 - Emma Falconer’s new full-colour zine ‘Little Whisper Smoke Signs That You’ll Never Get’ #2 is available to buy from her website.
 - ‘Opinionated Nobody’ #4, a feminist perzine, is out now!  To buy/trade a copy, get in touch with the author Rebs @ http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/
 - Emma, author of ‘Angry Violist’ has released the third issue of her perzine ‘Hedgehog in the Fog’ this week.  To buy or trade a copy, get in touch with her at angry.violistATgmail.com.

2. Upcoming Events - Sheffield Zine Fest: Saturday 16 March, 12 til 5pm.  The organisers are looking for people to table and hold workshops – more info and contact details can be found at http://sheffieldzinefest.wordpress.com/.
 - REVOLT #2: Saturday 16 March, Taylor John’s House, Coventry.  A riot grrrl night with zine stalls and feminist music.  http://www.facebook.com/events/532368940127398/?ref=2
 - DIY Cultures 2013: Sunday 7 April, 12 til 7pm.  A festival of zines, comics, artist-run spaces, talks, films, art and workshops.  http://www.facebook.com/events/590291354321604/?ref=2
 
 - Any upcoming UK zine events?  Let us know – spillthezinesukATgmail.com!

3. Submission Calls - Pandora Press, a feminist compzine published by the Swansea Feminist Network, is looking for contributors for its 5thissue (theme: media).  Extended deadline: 28 February.  More info athttp://swanseafeministnetwork.wordpress.com
 - Kat W is looking for reviews, essays, quotes and artwork for her Stephen King fanzine, titled ‘Death Is When The Monsters Get You’.  For more info, email kjwilliams1986ATgmail.com.
 - ‘Narwool’is a new zine by and for crafty people, featuring tutorials, how-to’s, artwork, and more.  To submit, contact the editor Kim at narwoolzineAThotmail.co.uk.
 - There’s a Doctor Who fanzine in the works!  Lots of detailed information can be found at http://type-40-zine.tumblr.com/Submission-Guidelines

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

no better than apples #9


no better than apples #9


I got No Better Than Apples #9 by Kate Larson in the mail today.  I started reading it immediately and didn't put it down until I was done.  From the first page, the reader is plunged into a world of pain and medical trauma.  There's also love and hope.  But it's the story of someone losing feeling in their body and getting diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, dealing with doctors and seizures and MRIs and self-injection, what happens physically and emotionally. 

I've read and written a lot about being different kinds of sick and dealing with western medicine.  I have a lot of experience reading and writing about this.  And I would have to say about Kate Larson's work that it doesn't get better than this.  The account is harrowing, yet the speaker is very likable and approachable.  It's dense but not too dense, difficult to take in emotionally, but very readable.  I like the pace and the interplay of image and text.

But what I like most is the very artful way Kate Larson leads us into the experience of someone who's had their world turned upsidedown.  It's deeply personal, and Kate Larson's desire to include us is generous.

I would encourage anyone who's been treated by western medicine to get a hold of this zine, anyone who's known anyone with multiple sclerosis, anyone who has chronic illness and chronic pain, or anyone who just enjoys world-class zines.

www.teamkate.com

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Timemazine #7


Magazine Review: Timemazine



Timemazine #7

Tune in, turn on, drop out. The spirit of the lavalamp is still alive & buzzing from the pages of this full sized, full color 90 page + magazine. Timeazine merges the old with the new and chronicles the revived and invigorated psychedelic music movement of the current era with reference & reverence for days of futures past. This issue features articles on / interviews with Nick Saloman (of the Bevis Frond), Mark Weitz & George Bunnell (of Strawberry Alarm Clock), Cranium Pie, Jay Tausig & much more. Timemazine includes an overflowing review section, and a cool cd compilation featuring most of the bands featured in this issue (or a split 7” vinyl record). Essential artifact for psychedelic music fans. 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Hat Genius #2

Hat Genius #2
digest, 20 pages, $2
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I have a love-hate relationship with poetry. I love the idea of it (and some of it I really love) but most of it I can't seem to like - partly because so much of it is unlikeable and partly because I don't understand most of it. However, Laura-Marie's poetry has always been a different story for me. For some reason I "get" it and I immediately enjoy it. It speaks to me somehow, and I forget that I'm reading poetry - I forget about my love-hate relationship with poetry, and I just enjoy the words I'm reading. This zine is a perfect example of that. It's filled with poetry by Laura-Marie detailing her "lost marriage, a lost friendship, a dying cat." Also there are some six-word poems that she's experimenting with. These poems are loaded with emotion, and you will feel it, so be prepared. But don't let that intimidate you. Just get this zine.
robotmad@gmail.com
www.dangerouscompassions.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/robotmad
www.lauramariesbassoonnews.blogspot.com

Sunday, March 3, 2013

The Ken Chronicles #25


The Ken Chronicles #25
digest, 24 pages, $2
In this issue of Ken's long-running zine, Ken writes about things going wrong: the automatic window on the driver side door of his car stopped working, his computer appeared to be malfunctioning (turns out it was just an odd keyboard issue), and his printer wouldn't recognize his ink cartridges. The thing I was most impressed with was that he was able to replace the motor for his automatic window himself after watching a video on You Tube. Next Ken writes about a surprise birthday celebration in Washington D.C. for one of his friends. Then there is the usual "What I've Been Listening to/Watching/Reading Lately" section. Ken finishes off the zine by describing a unique street performer that he happened upon, listing eight things that he has learned about the iPad, and describing a couple of situations in which he noted some untruths in advertising. Worth your time.
Ken Bausert
2140 Erma Drive
East Meadow NY 11554
USA

PassScribe@aol.com
http://thekenbausertchronicles.blogspot.com
http://kenbausertsnostalgicmuseum.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Ken Chronicles #22

The Ken Chronicles #22
digest, 28 pages, $2
In this issue, Ken tells of attending two very different musical performances: Todd Rundgren/Utopia and a musical version of "It's a Wonderful Life." Both performances were thoroughly enjoyed by Ken. The majority of this issue is taken up with an account of part two of Bob's Birthday Bash. What started in Las Vegas continued in California with tours of wineries in Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. Ken writes about his life very openly, so his accounts are very detailed and personal, which (to me) is what makes Ken's zine so unique and is the main reason why it is so fun to read.
Ken Bausert
2140 Erma Drive
East Meadow NY 11554
USA

PassScribe@aol.com
http://thekenbausertchronicles.blogspot.com
http://kenbausertsnostalgicmuseum.blogspot.com

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