Deceber 2003
Big Ray’s Bad Attitude #7, After-Mid
2003, 6p, full size
It’s the usual from Ray Birt, ranter extraordinaire. The stand-out piece
in this issue is a review of Ann Coulter’s Treason, in which
Ray exposes major flaws in her research and the general weakness in her arguments.
Along with the review, there are rants against capitalism, the current administration,
and all the usual suspects. Mingled among the rantings are some discussions
on chess. Lest you think Ray is just another blow-hard, his writing is always
very intelligent and marked by a sarcastic, bitter wit. If you like political
zines, this is a good, fun read.
Ray
PO Box 32774
Kansas City, MO 64171
Smiling_Ibis@hotmail.com
--AR
Ingleside News #12, Winter 2003, 46p, half-legal,
$2
This is a tremendously personal zine with an informational and journalistic
bent. IsaBelle starts by giving us a detailed tour of St-Laurent Street in
Levis, Quebec, where she is from. Winding down the street through the city,
she gives us a full taste of the local color and the region itself. There
are a variety of other articles: translating her zine from French to English;
selling all her belongings and moving out of her apartment; even an amusing
article about having her cat neutered. The style is both intimate and objective,
quite enjoyable to read. The only detriment were minor issues in the translation
and the text-heavy pages in some articles. However, she does break up the
space with enough images to hold interest, and she comes off as so tough and
plucky, it’s hard to resist. For those who enjoy quality per-zines,
this is recommended.
IsaBelle Bourret
5591 St-Laurent
Leviz, QC G6V 3V6
Canada
www.geocities.com/ingleside_news_zine
--AR
Petalwax #3, 20p, half-legal
I received this cute zine as a trade, and thought I’d do a good turn
by writing a review. Initially, the art in this zine looks a little primitive
and amateurish, but a closer look reveals a thoroughly intelligent and charming
world. Speaking through adorable, childlike drawings, Kaela rambles on about
her daily thoughts and travels. She is at her best with comics, and my favorite
piece, titled “Night Journey,” is reminiscent of Maurice Sendak
and Marjane Satrapi (author of Persepolis). Kaela seems to have the
ability to put a sweet, whimsical spin on the strangest and saddest of things,
a quality that pleases me greatly. If you like autobiographical comics or
art zines, do take a look.
Kaela Noel
13 York St.
Lambertville, NJ 08530
--AR
Songs About Ghosts #1, 100p, half-size
Straddling the line between autobiography and fiction, Jasmine’s stories
are both sad and beautiful. She writes mostly about her friendships and relationships
with a sensitive, thoughtful, almost melancholy stroke. Stylistically, the
writing is simple yet highly detailed. She has an ability to describe thoughts,
people, and places with a lucid accuracy. At times, the work feels almost
too self-conscious, thought not to a fault. Scattered between the beautiful
stories are drawings and photographs that share a similar tone. If you are
fond of personal, literary, or art zines, this zine is highly recommended.
JDW
Songs About Ghosts
PMB #5
302 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
USA
songsaboutghosts@hotmail.com
www.songsaboutghosts.com
--AR