Author: Nyx

Healing – Musings From a Mental Ward
Sian May
https://www.instagram.com/dad.party/
https://www.depop.com/dadparty/

Healing – Musings From a Mental Ward is an A6 read and white zine of art and word musings.

This is one of those zines I have a hard time reviewing because I know I like it, but I struggle to find the words tell you why.

In a combination of few words and uniquely detailed drawings, Sian takes a journey of thought. ‘Musings’ is the perfect word. I felt like I was wandering with Sian as they processed being in a place that creates a lot deep thinking and complex feelings.

This zine reminds me of poetry – it presents a lot, but my interpretations from my own experiences bring a lot to the reading experience.

I think Healing is a zine to check out (if wards are not a sensitive topic for you). I’m looking forward to looking into more of Sian’s creations.

Drivel #1 – The New Issue
Gina Sarti
https://antiquatedfuture.com/artist/gina-sarti
https://www.instagram.com/okaysurefinewhatever/

Drivel #1 – The New Issue is a US-sized half-fold black and white zine full of a variety of pieces all around the theme of ‘newness’.

A zine with a dedication! Can we do more of that? It’s such a lovely touch.

Drivel is a cut and paste style zine with handwriting, (primarily) type, drawings, and (patterned) backgrounds. It’s the kind of zine a casual flip through will tell you is packed with plenty to read in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Gina opens with a dedication, a thank you for reading, and even a PO box for getting in touch if you’d like. How friendly is that? From there we go into plenty of fun new things like new treats, new romances, new words, and more. Interviews are involved as well – adding a bit of collab-ish flavour as well.

I’m a big romantic softie at heart, so of course I loved the ‘new romance’ part in which Gina asked two friends who recently started dating to both answer a series of very sweet questions.

Gina’s interview with their friend Rachel is very interesting. Wow is Rachel an interesting person! Plus I love the idea of friends – new or old – interviewing each other. There’s always more to learn.

Drivel is a fun zine full of variety, spice, laughs, serious moments… I enjoyed reading this a lot, and I hope there is another Drivel in the zineverse or it’s on its way.

Check it out.

Chainsaw Bunny Hates Everyone
Echo Publishing
https://echopublishing.wordpress.com/
https://www.instagram.com/echozines/

Chainsaw Bunny Hates Everyone is a full-colour one-page mini about Chainsaw Bunny’s feelings about people! Which may not apply to you…

Sometimes, I just ‘get’ Chainsaw Bunny. And sometimes, Chainsaw Bunny just ‘gets’ me.

This super fun mini features Chainsaw Bunny expressing their frustrations about people! But not all people. Not you. You can share carrots. Each page features CB in Nina’s fun art style in full colour. I’m struggling to find the words somewhat, but I loved how this hit the spot for me. Though not directly, it was a reminder to me to appreciate my wonderful friends all the more because they are awesome. Especially when other people are less so.

Like with many of Nina’s zines, I was delighted to find a little something something on the inside when I unfolded this zine. I won’t give it away, but it’s so much fun and made me a very happy bunny.

Truly, I recommend everything from Echo Publishing, but Chainsaw Bunny definitely has a special place in my heart.