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.
