Category: Zine Reviews

Pouch: Issue One
VRK
50 pages
https://www.instagram.com/pouch.studio
https://pouch.studio/links/

Pouch: Issue One is a full-colour A5 zine chock full of all sorts of things stationery and stationery related – journaling, supplies, planners, DIYs, and more.

While Pouch identifies itself as a magazine rather than a zine on the cover, VRK does call it a zine inside. So I’m going with zine for the purpose of this review and, frankly, because I love it and wanted to write about it. (There’s your TL;DR if you’d prefer one. Haha.)

Pouch opens with a lovely table of contents on the inside cover and a letter of introduction and welcome. If I hadn’t already been convinced I would love this zine before even reading it, then this first spread would have convinced me. The table of contents page pulls a few things out of the list and places them, with pictures, around the page to add plenty of visual fun. There is a QR code to find links to all the stationery and creators featured in the issue, and the welcome letter? Has cute little stickers on it. Absolutely adorable.

From there we go into ‘Pouch Picks’ with fun stationery goodies to buy and/or try. (MU Inky Pens, welcome to my wish list.) In pages following, we have a thorough review of a label maker (thank you!), ideas for using up your notebooks, being kind to your hands while writing, an in-depth interview with Nikki Chan about journals, goals, and more… At fifty pages, I could write paragraphs about everything included in this zine. Needless to say, there’s so much to enjoy!

Yes, there is also some sticker talk, which I thought was fun in and of itself but also to follow the Sticker Culture Zine review yesterday. I also mentioned in that review how much I love an interactive zine, and Pouch is interactive! There’s a page included of drawn images to cut and paste if you like as well as a fun kuchipatchi coaster pattern to make! (And a crossword puzzle. Can’t forget the crossword.)

The aesthetic of Pouch is lovely and cute. There are plenty of little details to delight your eyes, journal and planner layout examples (and my bias is that I absolutely adore looking at what people create in their planners and journals).

All in all, Pouch is such a lovely zine that is jam-packed with goodness. Even better? There’s Pouch Issue Two already out in the universe for you to enjoy as well. I think you’ll know by this review if you’ll love the zine. If you have even an inkling you’ll enjoy it, pick it up! I’ve been pouring over it again and again. (And it will be staying on my desk for future inspiration.)

What Makes a Story Scary?
Alex E Clark
A5 single page folded mini-zine
https://www.instagram.com/lexlotl/
https://alexeclark.bigcartel.com

What Makes a Story Scary? is a 5×7.2cm, black ink on red paper comic mini-zine general synopsis of scary stories.

Of course I have to start off October zine reviews with this spooky little zine. So cute!

“First we meet some friends. They’re happy and having fun…” That’s where we begin with What Makes a Story Scary? Diving right in, Alex creates a one panel to a page (save for the last page with two panels) comic with the most condensed description of many, many scary stories. Paired with Alex’s cute but not too cute and detailed art style, I was smiling from page one. Yes, a lot of horror stories and movies can be summed up in such a way, but – just like this comic – the details are what make it fun.

In fun mini-zine style, the zine fully opens up to reveal a flyer on the inside for Hallowzeen 2019 at Sticky Institute in Melbourne. While the date does make me shake my head and sigh for our past selves and what they were about to face, I do so love it when a mini-zine opens up in such a way to reveal a bit of a secret treasure inside. Double points for the spooky creature Alex drew for the inside.

I enjoyed this cute little mini, and it inspired me to do some creative writing. Knowing ‘the ropes’ of a genre is the best way to then twist the concepts around for something new. Alex’s comic gives awesome inspiration to go along with, too.

I’m not sure if you can find this mini floating around anymore, but if you see it, definitely pick it up and have a peek.

Ker-bloom! 133
Art Noose
8 pages
https://www.etsy.com/shop/artnoose
https://kerbloom.bigcartel.com
https://www.instagram.com/artnoose/

Ker-bloom! 133 is a quarter-sized, letterpress colour zine about Art’s visit to the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i, Kalaupapa National Historic Park, and the history of the area.

We open to a simple title page printed with letterpress in black ink, which, of course, made me immediately want to run my finger over the texture of the letters. Turning the page puts us right into the zine with Art writing about their second trip to Moloka’i. We flow along as Art shares thoughts about hiking in Kalaupapa, how people only rarely visit that particular Hawaiian island, the tour Art went on, and into the history of the island.

If you’re not familiar, a peninsula here was once used by the government “as a forced relocation settlement for people with Hansen’s Disease (commonly referred to as leprosy).”

Art’s writing flows easily and blends a retelling of a trip along with a respectful recounting of history (much of it not pretty). Art doesn’t moralise nor lecture – rather, writing it all out as part of the experience. Tourism with a respect for history. I quite appreciate it as well as the slice of life style of zine this is.

This and all issues of Ker-bloom! are a beautiful experience if you like the tactile side of the zine reading experience. The entire zine is beautifully made with everything done in letterpress on lovely cream paper. Even the main internal text has texture and colour. There’s even a beautiful sliver of pattern in the very centre, and the staples binding the zine seem to disappear into it.

This zine is a prime example of why I mostly stick to reviewing physical zines. Holding this zine adds a whole dimension of experience to the zine in and of itself. All the elements work together beautifully.

Plus, Art uses an element that always makes me smile: the number zine I have out of a limited (in this case, 250 copies) print run.

Ker-bloom! 133 is definitely one to check out and one to keep.

Do It Your Self Care 5: Autumn Blues
Nina Zina
One-page folded mini
https://echopublishing.wordpress.com
https://lostluna.bandcamp.com
https://ko-fi.com/echozines

Do It Your Self Care 5: Autumn Blues is a full-colour, one-page-folded mini-zine about embracing the autumn season.

It’s almost winter here in the land of Oz, but autumn marches gently into winter without the snow to mark it, so it all blends together quite nicely.

Autumn Blues opens with Nina writing about the sadness that comes with saying goodbye to summer and all the summery activities and events that go along with the season. Then she introduces the zine as a means to help embrace the beauty and the magic of autumn.

We then have lists of lovely autumn-y pleasuress. From cosy activities and events like listening to the rain hitting the windows to comfy clothes and warm drinks. There’s plenty to enjoy about autumn and the cooler months, and this zine provides a gorgeous little reminder of so many of those things.

Even more, this beautiful little zine opens all the way out for dozens more things to enjoy in autumn as well as an additional note from Nina.

I could always go on for days about how much I love Nina’s style. Nina’s handwriting is clear and easy to read. Beautiful autumn and winter blues and reds in patterned backgrounds go perfectly with the mustard yellow paper pieces the text pieces are written on.

Do It Your Self Care 5: Autumn Blues is a beautiful zine in both aesthetics and intentions. It can be easy to lose yourself in the blues of the colder seasons. It’s so nice to have a reminder of all the wonderful things that come along with it. It’s another lovely addition to the series, and definitely one to pick up.

If you’d like to check out my reviews of issues one through four, here are the links:

*Do-It-Yourself Care
*Do It Yourself Care #2: Self-Care During Heat Waves
*Do It Yourself Care 3 – Self-Care During Christmas
*Do It Yourself Care 4: Joyful Girl Where I Find Joy

International Zine Month 2018
Hadass
28 pages
https://hadass420.wordpress.com
https://ko-fi.com/pmsmess

International Zine Month 2018 is a quarter-sized black and white zine with a ‘page a day’ perzine style format covering July 2018.

While we aren’t even quite to June yet, International Zine Month (July) is already on my mind…

IZM 2018 opens with some very metal art elements on the inside front cover before launching into the intro. Hadass writes about feeling inspired to create a zine and deciding on a one page a day zine for the month.

Therein is day one, and we go right into day two in which Hadass writes about doing Tai Chi (and colour me intrigued and wanting to look more into it) every Monday. As the days of the month pass, we get a fun look into Hadass’ life with all sorts of subjects. Sharpie marker highs, memories from going through old journals, an Ozzy Osbourne concert, and plenty around metal and the impact of music on her life.

Hadass’ writing is raw and unapologetic. She writes without filter, the highs and lows of life, creativity, and art coming out on the page. She navigates the world of wife, mother, metalhead, zinemaker, writer, and so much more. Life is often chaos, and Hadass gives us a glimpse into how she handles hers. (Like a badass.)

The aesthetic of this zine is really a free flow of creativity. Some entries are typewritten and others handwritten. Some are words on backgrounds while others incorporate photos and drawings.

I’ve often talked and written about how much I like perzines and life update newsletters. This zine mixes the two into a diary zine. While this is from six (!) years ago at this point, it’s still interesting to get a peek into my friend’s life. As well as ride the highs and lows of creating with her. I also learned that we have something in common: a sweet tooth!

I really enjoyed this zine on multiple levels, and had started my creative engines going not only for IZM 2024 but for getting into a writing routine for my novel.

PS. I now have ‘Wreck This Journal’ on my wishlist. Sounds like fun!

Discarded
Kendy Paxia
20 pages
https://linktr.ee/Missmuffcake

Discarded is a quarter-sized, full colour photography zine featuring discarded plush and other toys.

Discarded opens with an introduction to the zine: inspired by a photo that Kendy’s boyfriend Matthew took of an abandoned squishmallow. As with many sparks of inspiration, it grew from there being also fuelled by a curiosity for how the toys found out in public get there.

From there, we venture into a collection of photos of discarded toys. Each page features one full-colour photo of a toy along with credit in name, location, and – when available – social handle.

Some are dirty. Some are old. Some look downright sinister; but then again, I did always find dolls a little creepy. And all of them with no indication to what led them to be in their current environment.

Like other art, this zine is as fast or as slow as you want it to be. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a writer and look for the story in everything, but I found myself really taking my time and thinking of all the stories of these plushies. Were they lost? Dropped? Discarded? As well as all the possible things the imagery of the lost toys could represent. So many possibilities.

All up, though melancholy (with the paths my mind wandered while looking at this zine), I quite enjoyed Discarded. It got my mind working in so many different directions, and I always appreciate that.

Even better? I believe there is a second issue on its way. So if you’re interested in being a contributor, definitely get in touch with Kendy.

Brood XIX
Jessica Gilbert
One page folded
https://www.catobear.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO6UzZarI8Zi_LEIlWTLcvQ

Brood XIX is a full colour, one-page-folded mini-zine about the 2024 cicada co-emergence that will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

I am both a touch envious of parts of the US experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime event while also glad I don’t have to deal with all that noise.

Brood XIX opens with ‘things you might confuse with the 2024 cicada event’, which gave me a giggle, and explanations of those things. I think one could be forgiven for confusing ‘circadian rhythm’ for cicada event.

We then jump into what the 2024 cicada event is: the co-emergence of the thirteen-year cicada brood and the seventeen-year cicada brood this year. Something that hasn’t happened since 1803. Jessica writes a brief intro to that before transitioning to cicada facts – including how many animal species out there who will be having an all-you-can-eat buffet during this event.

The zine wraps up with a “Cicada To-Do List” before cicada’s scientific name and Jessica’s socials (noted with drawn cicada heads haha) on the back.

I had no idea this event was happening until I saw this zine, so it just goes to show that you never know who you might reach or teach with your zines. Jessica’s handwriting is easy to read, the drawings are cute, and the zine is a great introduction to what the event is all about. Definitely a keeper for me.

Water Under the Bridge
Jennifer A. Payne
https://linktr.ee/jenpayne
132 Pages

“She thought about him often over the years. Looked him up online occasionally to see where he was and if he was all right. It wasn’t until last fall that she found his email address, and several months more before she got up the courage to write.”

So begins the epistolary novel WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE by Connecticut writer Jen Payne, a sort-of love story told through a series of emails, about two people who reconnect after 15 years apart and work to reconcile their pasts…and futures.
 Influenced by the work of Brené Brown and a proponent of the bravery of storytelling, Payne says “WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE is about having the courage to speak our truths; it’s about trust and vulnerability, and about the true blessings found when we open our hearts – come what may.”

I usually only review books, but a book by a zinemaker? Yeah, I will make an exception for that. Water Under the Bridge accompanied me while I waited for day surgery, and it was quite the lovely companion indeed.

Water Under the Bridge opens as written above with our main character contemplating and sending off an email… What follows is a story about the past, nostalgia, and things coming full circle primarily through email exchanges.

This is a fairly short and easy read, but that suited the style of the story. Everything was well-balanced, from the brief interjections of our main character’s personal thoughts (separated out by grey pages – to mentions of water that alluded to the title and themes without being to heavy-handed about it. The story itself says enough but not too much, with both characters having distinct voices. Her trepidation. His enthusiasm. You can easily be drawn into their exchanges and emotions, filling in whatever pieces you care to fill in without it needing to be laid out on the pages.

‘Water Under the Bridge’ is really the perfect title for this. The story is about the shine of old memories and nostalgia, the temptation to wade back into those waters, and the reminders of of why the bridges were built over them in the first place. It’s bittersweet, had me smiling, had me sighing, and even had me thinking about all the times that I have almost been swept away into doing something similar. Memories and hopes that maybe things could be different this time…

All up, I quite enjoyed Water Under the Bridge. It is like a beautiful painting: there for you to enjoy and take from it what you will without demanding anything from you but a bit of time to enjoy it.

Things I Learned from a Pastry Chef
Rachel Schwartz Fagan
8 pages
https://www.instagram.com/word.tonic.press/
https://linktr.ee/rachel.schwartz.fagan

Things I Learned from a Pastry Chef is a quarter-sized, black and white illustrated zine of tips that Rachel learned from a pastry chef.

I loved baking and eating baked goods of all sorts, so does that make this zine even more of a comfort read?

Things I Learned from a Pastry Chef opens non-traditionally by holding it in landscape orientation and opening from bottom to top. On the inside front cover, we get all the details for Rachel, including when and where the zine was printed. (I like these details because someday I shall make a big map with all kinds of info on zines read, sent, and received.)

From there we jump right in with the tips, starting with a lemon zest tip that seems so simple but I know would have a big impact on the flavour of whatever baked good called for it. We also get tips on everything from handling eggs, to dealing with garlic, to even a handy top on getting even slices when slicing bread.

Each page has its own handdrawn border and accompanying illustration/s, which makes a cosy zine about a cosy subject make me smile all the more. And crave some banana bread, but that’s an aside.

I was totally in the mood today for a zine that would invite me to learn something, and Things I Learned from a Pastry Chef absolutely provided that. If I know anything about baking, it’s that small steps done in the right way can make a huge impact on what you end up creating. Not only did I appreciate the shared tips, I also appreciated the little things Rachel included like the drawings and the wavy border on each page to add visual interest.

Things I Learned from a Pastry Chef is a zine going in my forever collection and a fairly quick read I think you’ll enjoy.