May 2003
Conformity Is Not An Option!, 36p, half-size
This zine totally reminds me of high school, and not in a bad way. If you
were a weird kid or a punk in high school, or if you are one right now, you
will find something to like about this zine. Angelina bitches about not being
able to relate to her surroundings, having piercings, poseur punks galore,
and her love for Sid Viscious. A lot of the text is hand-written and the author
opts for a tabloid fold instead of binding. Not bad for a first issue.
Angelina Dolie
1938 W 54th Ave.
Vancouver, BC V6P1P3
CANADA
--AR
Dismembered #8, 16p, half-size
For this issue, Christy opts for mostly type-written text, which aids readability
a lot. This is as good as the previous issue, if not better. She talks a lot
about her complaints with the current state of punk rock (and that annoying
Avril Lavigne), being considered "masculine," and offers up some
poetry and fiction by herself and some friends. The layout and art is still
great and this continues to be a solid zine.
alive_n_dead@hotmail.com
--AR
Lyra #6, 12p, odd size (6.5X10.25)
In this issue, we get art school stories! Lyra deals with a roommate who deals
drugs, psycho art boys, and other weird things. Also, an interview with the
band Sleepyhead. What more can I add that hasn't already been said? I like
this comic a lot.
PO Box 5696
Louisville, KY 40255
carrieneumayer@yahoo.com
--AR
Lyra #7, 20p, odd size (5.5X5)
After a long hiatus, the comic, Lyra is back with. The drawings are simple
and expressive and the stories this time are a little more simple as well.
In the first story, Lyra contends with being unemployed and her friends reaching
"maturity." In the next story, she has a disturbing dream about
aliens. A nice return to a great little comic.
PO Box 5696
Louisville, KY 40255
carrieneumayer@yahoo.com
--AR
The Pleiades #6, 36p, half-size
Miranda writes beautifully, lyrically, and emotionally about her psychology,
her experiences, and her loves. This zine is very much about the masks she
and other people wear and her theories of seduction. The writing is wonderful,
though not always easy to follow. Still, I love this zine a great deal and
understand its well-deserved popularity.
N 5819 Vista Lane
Spokane, WA 99212
http://geocities.com/miranda_murmur/
starmiranda.livejournal.com
miranda_murmur@yahoo.com
--AR
Random Thoughts While Working In A Computer Factory
#2, 30p, quarter-size
The title pretty much reflects the contents of this funny little zine. By
funny, I mean that a lot of this is a laugh riot. You don't have to be a worker
at a computer factory to get the bizarre, random humor. If you've worked anywhere,
especially at strange hours, with lots of crazy people, you will love this
zine.
Becky S.
PO Box 641786
Omaha, NE 68164
aura@violet-star.net
--AR
The Tea Party, 40p, half-size
A beautifully written, dreamlike novella about three women who meet each other
in dreams and attend a tea party. The writing is lyrical and surreal, in a
similar vein to Anais Nin. Scattered throughout the lovely prose are drawings
and clipart which recall Victoriana and the 1920's. This is a beautiful little
piece of art.
kore@lip-gloss.org
--AR
That Girl #7, 42p, half-size, $2
I finally got a chance to read this much-touted, now almost vintage (written
in '96) zine classic. It's pretty much about a trip to Europe, younger brother
in tow, to visit Kelli's dad while he works on the set of a film. Lots of
this zine is a travelogue, but there are a few bits with George Clooney of
all people, along with other odds and ends. As a travelogue, it really gives
the reader a picture of the places: Budapest, Praha, Frankfurt, etc. There
are descriptions of bizarre advertisements, learning Slovakian, and American
tourists. Kelli has a fun, friendly style of writing that draws one in immediately.
This is a very enjoyable read.
PO Box 27894
Los Angeles, CA 90027-0894
bottle_blondie@hotmail.com
--AR
Zen and The Art of Brownie Baking!, 28p, half-size
Perhaps one of the most unique of any zine I've read yet, this one ties DIY
culture and revolution to brownies of all things. The tone of the zine is
fun, yet strangely serious. Reading this, I got really into what Josh was
saying. Included are a variety of brownie recipes, a couple of them vegan,
commentary on purchasing packaged brownies, along with more recipes and a
whole lot of tips. If you love brownies and sweets, or even if you don't,
you'll love this zine for its sense of humor and total devotion.
Josh Russell
907 Ridgefield Rd.
Wilton, CT 06897
something_profound@hotmail.com
--AR