Sage's mini zine is about self-censorship and anxiety, which is something I deal with - especially when it comes to my own zines. A nice little read. |
This zine is subtitled “Little Brave One”, which really fits the theme of being afraid but pushing through. K writes in a very poetic, almost fictional way, but you just know these stories are true – because they contain universal experiences and feelings. She starts off the zine writing about a performance art slam she attended, and then goes into her time at school and conversations/time spent with friends. She writes about her career aspirations, her fears, and her desire to become the person she wants to be. This issue is broken up into vignettes, each with a number on top; it flows nicely, and there is definitely a sense of beginning and end. The writing in here is superb – the best I've seen in a while. |
This is another great, text-heavy zine by K, broken up into vignettes. K writes: “I have been writing down my stories – critical or not – for over seven years now and I don't really know why. It's like there's something that lives inside of me and tells me, over and over, if you are going to keep living, you have to keep writing. And so, whether or not anyone else is reading, I am always, always writing.” In this issue, she writes about unhealthy relationships, being there for a friend (and how hard it can be when you know they chose the wrong path), learning about a friend's death, and more. As always, engaging content and excellent writing – but this could be triggering, so proceed with caution. |
K writes, “I have been wanting to write about my grandmother for a long time, but have spent so long not writing about her, not talking about her, that my words feel worse than usual and seem horrendously transformed on the page, made into dark and distant creatures.” This zine is about the abuse her grandmother and herself have faced, the family silence surrounding the issue, and the fear of her life becoming parallel to her grandmother's life. This is an important read, but it could be triggering, so please read in a safe space! |
I was so excited to hear that Marissa was making zines again after an eight-year hiatus. You may remember her past zine, Red Hooded Sweatshirt. It was one of my favorite comic personal zines, and I was delighted to find out I enjoyed this one just as much. The drawings in here are crisp, expressive, funny, and adorable.. She draws/writes about how she killed Bea Arthur (not really), becoming a swimmer, a walk to work, and more. |
In this installment of Miss Sequential, Marissa draws one page for every day in the month of September, highlighting the interesting events of that day. Crafts projects, work, swimming, partying, and even getting sick – it's all in here. As always, the comics are creative and amusing. I'm looking forward to the next issue! |
Chantel writes about coming out to herself and others as queer, and battling people's assumptions about how she identifies - especially since she's never had a girlfriend and is currently dating a male-bodied individual. There's also a lot about the importance of language, and how she rejects the term "bisexual" to describe herself. I especially liked the book reviews in the back - very relevant and...I just like book reviews. This zine made me think more about how we use language to identify people, and overall, I enjoyed it immensely. |
This zine almost made me cry, which almost never happens - Chelsea's writing is very powerful. The story about her cat, and the illness he faced, as well as when she had to put him to sleep...so heartbreaking. It made me think about my doggie, who has been having some health issues lately. Chelsea also writes about exploring an abandoned building, and her thoughts/experiences on moving to Providence, Rhode Island. |
Stephanie has compiled all of the best recipes from past issues of her vegan cookzine, The Rabbit Fodder Addict. In this compendium, you will find great dishes, sides, desserts, and sauces like "screw Jello-o” pudding, carrot burgers, white diamond cookies, faux egg/tuna/whatever salad, vegan pizza, peanut sauce, and more. The perfect addition to any vegan's cookbook collection. Plus, the cover has bunnies dancing! |
Mab writes about her desire to quit smoking, but her inability to do so at this time, her spiritual journey and confusion about how to identify, an ABC of things she likes, and some vignettes about love and relationships. |
I loved this issue - lots of great content and an organized, easy-to-read layout. Mab writes about how she expresses love and what love is to her, having bipolar disorder, and how she hates having to take so many pills. She also discusses her relationship with religion, specifically Paganism and Christianity. |
"In four years, I've made and lost dozens upon dozens of friends. It feels like I am constantly falling in and out of love. I've been in a few bad situations, but there were some amazing moments too. I've learned a lot about life and even more about myself. I guess I've grown up a bit." This part of Ashlee's introduction sums up her zine very well - it's about growing up, learning to do what's right for yourself, and moving on from toxic relationships. I felt like I was taking a peek into her journal; it's all hand-written (very legible, don't worry), so that adds to the personal feel of this zine. Good stuff. |
Marked for Life #5 - by Sage - 1/8 size - 6 pages
A Million Birthdays #8 - by K - a bit larger than quarter size - 42 pages
A Million Birthdays #9 - by K - half size - 36 pages
A Million Birthdays #10 - by K - quarter size - 18 pages
Miss Sequential #1 - by Marissa - quarter size - 18 pages
Miss Sequential #2 - by Marissa - quarter size - 34 pages
Mistaken For Straight - by Chantel - half size - 32 pages
Nothing Rhymes #5 - by Chelsea - quarter size - 36 pages
The Rabbit Fodder Addict Compendium - by Stephanie - quarter size - 48 pages
Rat Brat #6 - by Mab - half size - 26 pages
Rat Brat #7 - by Mab - quarter size - 60 pages
Regeneration #6 - by Ashlee - half size - 30 pages