Whatcha Mean, What'S A Zine?

Whatcha Mean, What'S A Zine?

A zine is a handmade magazine or mini-comic about anything you can imagine: favorite bands, personal stories, subcultures, or collections. They contain diary entries, rants, interviews, and stories. They can be by one person or many, found in stores, traded at comic conventions, exchanged with friends, or given away for free. Zines are not a new idea: they?ve been around for years under various names (chapbooks, flyers, pamphlets). People with independent ideas have been getting their word out since before there were printing presses.This book is for anyone who wants to create their own zine. It?s for learning tips and tricks from contributors who have been at the fore front of the zine movement. It?s for getting inspired to put thoughts and ideas down on paper. It?s for learning how to design and print your own zine so you can put it in others? hands. Whatcha Mean, What?s a Zine? is for anyone who has something to say.From School Library JournalStarred Review. Grade 6 Up-Some of the biggest names in zine publishing have united to create a fun, informative introduction to the art form in the format of a zine itself. True to its title, it begins by defining terms: a zine is a mini-magazine or homemade comic about any topic of the creator's choice, designed for maximum creativity and expression. The authors present a history of self-publishing and a treatise on Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and William Blake as the first pre-zinesters. Other topics include ideas for zine subjects; copying, binding, and printing tips, including easy-to-understand silk-screening and gocco instruction; and even a review of staplers, all while maintaining a fresh and inspirational tone. Other useful sections are an interview withBUST magazine founder Laurie Henzel, an original zinester, and guidelines on beating writer's block and disciplining oneself to work on a zine. The book presents a convincing argument for zines over blogs as a better outlet for personal creativity. The authors include tips for a cooperative zine among friends and fellow artists, how to distribute a publication and create contacts, advice on pricing supplies, mail, and invoices. The book also includes a brief list of resources, zine libraries, and a glossary. Throughout, technical terms are deftly used and advice is dispensed in an accessible, rousing format that includes comics, drawings, and cut-and-paste zine techniques. This well-designed and entertaining resource is sure to find an audience among hip, artistic, and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.-Jane Cronkhite, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OHCopyright