Zine of the Week - Nov. 30th - Dec. 6th

#1 - Ride On
#7, $2 pp, 58 pp, digest, copied
2112 Rose Ave. Richmond, VA 23222
Jimstraub@riseup.net
"Everything about this zine is great - Jim effectively juggles personal
memoir-type stories with facts and history on everything from Mexican
punks to Bolivian mining to his friends and wandering around Richmond, VA.
First rate." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Hopedance
#41 (Nov/Dec 2003), $20/year, 43 pp, tabloid, offset on newsprint, limited color
POB 15609 San Luis, Obispo, CA 93406
www.hopedance.org
Info@hopedance.org
"I have to admit I was a little wary when I saw this title, but after
dabbling just a little in the text I really liked what I saw. It is a
newspaper-style zine on underground happenings and things like WTO in
Cancun, but their angle is completely fresh. I think we could all use
a little hope - especially in the face of these things that ail us." -
Alicia
Dorr

#3 - Brutarian
#40, $4 ppd, 112 pp, standard, glossy color cover, DTP, offset on newsprint
C/o Dom Salemi 9405 Ulysses Ct. Burke, VA 22015
www.brutarian.com
"There's a lot of interesting film and book reviews in here and really
great interviews on things along the lines of sci fi/horror/noir/music stuff.
Plus there's an in-depth article [artist] Joseph Griffith, who rules. A lot
of random poetry as well. Check it out." - Alicia Dorr

Zine of the Week - Oct. 5th - 11th

"The premise of many of these short works are so bizarre that they're brilliant. It draws you in immediately - and keeps you there." - Alicia Dorr
Short stories: "Kizland the Ass"; "High above your world where there's no pain"; "Slightly Monkish"; "Mo' Taters";"Fuck stories"; "The Hi-ways of low-lifes"; and many more; various photos and artwork throughout.

#2 - Whisp
#1, $2 ppd, 34 pp, digest, DTP rehab25.net 907 W. Stoughton, Apt. 103 Urbana, IL 61801
Duff@rehab25.net

"I'm not usually into dense writings or comics, but something about the style here really gets me. Kind of dark and beautiful." -Alicia Dorr
A comic about a guy who gets sent to rehab for using a drug he never used that helps you see the future.

#3 - Bananafish
#17, $?, 130 pp, standard, glossy color cover, DTP C/o Tedium House Publications POB 424762 San Francisco, CA 94142

"There are a lot of interviews in this zine that spread the word about amazing artists and writers of all kinds. The conversational style is interesting so a lot of info can get through." - Alicia Dorr
Mail; Interviews with Jazzhammer, Towne Dandies, Paul Dutton, Lara Allen, Astro, Jason McLean, Hetty Maclise, Fake Party!; music reviews.

Picks for the Week of September 14th - September 20th, 2003

#1 - Utne - www.psychotronicvideo.com

c/o Utne Subscriber Service, Box 7460, Red Oak, IA, 51591September/October 2003, standard, 112 pp, $5 ppd"Utne is an absolutely first-rate publication in every way. Even though it is professional and glossy full color, Utne is liberal and entertaining and a true resource for everyone. Because of the content and layout there is the over-advertising issue, but every product is something that readers would really be interested in. That is hot." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Psychotronic Video - www.psychotronicvideo.com

4102 Main St., Chincoteague, VA 23336#39, standard, 88 pp, $6 ppd"Reviews of horror, noir and tons of retro films. Psychotronic always has really compelling interviews and grabbing articles. I'm not a film buff, but this makes me want to be." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Watch the Closing Doors -

c/o Fred Argon, 1800 Ocean Parkway #B-12, Brooklyn, NY, 11223-3037#24, half-size, 22 pp, $?"Fred's been publishing this subway/train enthusiast zine for awhile, and his fervor has not waned. I like that kind of steadfastness. I also like the photography." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of September 7th - September 13th, 2003

#1 - The Metamorphosis - http://ulyssesdesign.com/metal

c/o Crown Publishers New York, 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019one-shot, hardcover book, 80 pp, $18 ppd"Illustrator Peter Kuper has adapted Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis into a brilliantly drawn masterpiece. Seriously, this is a unique idea, and it shows Kafka's ideas (or any ideas) are just as relevant today as ever." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Media Whore -

#1, half-size, 24 pp, $? "Media Whore is a fantastic new perzine. It's charming, but it's got something to say and that is what sets it apart from other more diary-like publications." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Stircrazy -

POB 25148, Rochester, NY, 14625#6, 22 pp, $4 ppd"Stircrazy has some solid writing in it, as well as some fun graphics and photos. The only gripe I have is the $4 price. Still a very good zine, though." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of August 31st - September 6th, 2003

#1 - Zine World: A Reader's Guide to the Underground Press - wordofmouth@undergroundpress.org

POB 3300156, Murfreesboro, TN 37133Summer 2003, 63 pp, $4 ppd"What I like most about Zine World is that it is so diverse. All the articles, reviews, events and listings are interesting and relevant to zinesters as well as underground artists in general. This is an important publication." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Chickenhead Zine -

POB 330, Richmond, VA 23218#5, half-size, 40 pp, $2 ppd or trade"I read this front to back. It's such a great personal zine. I like that it has an element of dorkiness to it because, hell, aren't we all? I found this very engrossing." -Alicia Dorr

#3 - Incendiary Words - www.origin.net/users/pudgym

4821 W. Fletcher St., #3, Chicago, IL 60641Vol. III, #7, newsletter, 9 pp, $1 ppd"Pudgy is one of the most dedicated soccer fans in the world, and he has put out this newsletter on Chicago soccer consistently for so long. This may not be interesting to you unless you're a rabid soccer fan in Chicago, but every zinester has to appreciate his dedication and enthusiasm. Incendiary Words - 'Substance over Image.'" - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of August 24th - August 30th, 2003

#1 - Mink -

POB 217, Ottsville, PA 18942#4, mini, 94 pp, send a GD $1 - you can afford it"Mink is terrific. People put out personal zines for a reason, but Mink is one of those rare ones that proves why people READ personal zines. I know what to expect, I know what it's about, and yet, it surprises me." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Writing About Writing -

c/o Dann Berg, 11706 N. 131 St., Scottsdale, AZ 85259#1, mini, 53 pp"Dann is a zinester in every way. Interesting and interested, involved and insecure about it, and, generally, creative. I love his straight-forward nature and how honest he is about the details of his life. I hope he continues to develop his talent in new ways like this." -Alicia Dorr

#3 - I'm Annoyed by Wicker Park and it's Lesser Known Counterparts -

3729 N. Halsted, Apt. 3N, Chicago, IL 60613one-shot, mini/standard/newsletter/tabloid, 20 pp, trades only"I get annoyed by people who care only about fashion sometimes, including myself. I think we all suck. Let's all start being honest and show those parts of ourselves that not only don't suck, but are awesome." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of August 10th - August 16th

#1 - Kazoo - www.kimagery.com

c/o Silman & Dameron, 1510 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660August issue, 12 pp, $2 ppd This zine is steeped in Chicago (which is, incidentally, where I m from) but it holds interest for anyone. There are pieces like Where does the money go? and Trimming the fat that are informative in a way, as well as more personal stories. This is very well-written. - Alicia Dorr

#2 - And the Survey Says! -

c/o Jason Koivu, POB 931333, Los Angeles, CA 90093half-size; 12 pp, copied, $1 ppd This is a survey zine, aimed at revealing what zinesters think of the many issues and questions that plague them. For the most part I think it did it s job well, by taking a random sampling, and presenting the answers in an entertaining way. On the other hand, when asking if it is a true source of information you have to keep in mind the small number of zinesters that are represented. - Alicia Dorr

#3 - You Are Here - jenm@fastmail.fm

#2 Tales from Jen s life accompanied by drawings. Though she seems to take the typical zinester POV, she is putting it out there in a very engaging way. I like both issue one and two. - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of August 3rd - August 9th 2003

#1 - Ink Reader -

2729 Mission St. #201, San Francisco, CA 94110Vol. 6, No. 2 (summer 2003), free, 15 pp, standard, newsletter, DTP I m not generally a big fan of newsletters, but I think anyone interested in underground press should send for a copy of Ink Reader, because it will keep you informed on what is going on in the underground culture and what you can do to get involved. It is important for everyone to read this or something like it in order for us to have a more cohesive community, and what these people are doing is amazing. - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Sic the Magazine -

J. Godsey Booksellers, 14 Pleasant St. Methuen, MA 01844#3 (Summer 2003), half-size, 50 pp, DTP, $? Sic is superb. It has articles for everyone from bibliophiles to creepy bibliophiles to people who like to read books occasionally. What the hell does happen to dead people s books? - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Fuzzy Letters are Better - fhabzine@interlog.com

#11, 60 pp, DTP, glossy inserted photos, $? A thesis-type zine about letters (as in sent by mail, not the ones that bring you Sesame Street). Organized, clean, intriguing. - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of July 20th - July 26th 2003

#1 - Bitch - www.bitchmagazine.com

1611 Telegraph Ave. Ste. 515, Oakland, CA 94612#21, $5 ppd, 96 pp, standard"Bitch examines all aspects of the world through the eyes of a feminist, without being completely negative. It a balanced zine and an exceptional information source." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - BOB - www.njghost.com

30 Locust Ave, Westmont, NJ 08108#1, $1.50 ppd, 10 pp, journal"In his self-titled zine, watch Bob take one look at any aspect of society and promptly dissect it. I like it, though - for instance, the article titled College Education and Other Fairy Tales? is just the kind of thing that every young person should have to read. This is only the first issue, but I would recommend keeping your eye on BOB. And Bob." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Boxcutter - boxcutter@lists.riseup.net

#1, $?, 20 pp, mini"This is a zine put out by the Boxcutter Collective, a group of people that have committed themselves to becoming part of a solution to the American Problem(s)(s)(etc.) They talk about affecting issues here, and there is a lot of opportunity for expansion. This zine is a good vehicle for their ideas." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of July 13th - July 19th

#1 - Low Hug - http://lowhug.blogspot.com

POB 2574, Champaign, IL 61825-2574#9, $3 ppd, 40 pp, half-size"A.J. has been putting out Low Hug for years and I'm not sure if it gets the recognition it deserves. There's so much humor and smart deconstructing of the world. She is right when she describes her zine/self as unpretentious and honest, but I think she should add superb." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - The Urban Hermitt - www.microcosmpublishing.com

c/o Microcosm Publishing, POB 14332, Portland, OR 97293#15, $2 ppd, 44 pp, half-size"A personal zine written in a literary style. She's a good writer, and has all sorts of work out there." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Sister Friend - http://sisterfriend3.tripod.com

POB 4539 Fairview Heights, IL 62208#10, $?, 22 pp, half-size"These girls are simply lovely and so is their zine, a lighthearted double-personal zine." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of July 6th - July 12th 2003

#1 - Fierce - www.fiercemag.com

595 Piedmont Ave, Suites 320-331, Atlanta, GA 30308#1, $5 ppd, 48 pp, standard"This is a stunning work of art, an intellectual look at women's issues, and entertainment all wrapped into one amazing publication. I can't say enough good things about Fierce, the strong women who run it, and the subjects covered within this mag. Powerful." -Alicia Dorr

#2 - The Urban Farmer's Almanac - www.urbanfarmersalmanac.com

POB 14609, Minneapolis, MN 55414#1, $2 ppd, 18 pp, standard"When you read this zine you can actually feel the enthusiasm and energy jumping off the page. The cut-n-paste format needs to be revised, but the content is great. There's also a lot of inside perspective on farming and the issues that surround agriculture in America today." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Parfait -

c/o Emily K. Larned, 440 Broadway 5L, Brooklyn, NY 11211$6 ppd, 72 pp, mini"This is a charming little publication, with varied subjects and a prosy writing style. It?s visually appealing, and it spends it's time winding its way through issues while alternately dream-like and extremely focused or humorous. Good stuff." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of June 29th - July 5th 2003

#1 - Doris -

c/o Cindy POB 1734, Ash, NC 28802#15, $1.50 ppd, 25 pp, journal"Doris is a consistently fantastic zine. #15 is titled The Anti-depression guide? and it is one of the best issues of Doris yet. Cindy presents her tips, which are extremely effective and honest, through her comics. She covers the life of a young person and all the things that get us down, and offers hope and amusement to boot." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Slave to the Needles -

c/o Aimee, 1463 E. Republican St. Box 131, Seattle, WA 98112 #1 (May 2003), $2 ppd, 42 pp, standard"Let's hear it for DIY handbooks! This one is about all things knitting, and it includes instructions on how to knit particular things (like vibrator cozies and legwarmers) as well as deals with issues (such as feminism and knitting). It's based around super cute comics and is informative without being dull." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - The Justice Xpress -

POB 1226, Occidental, CA 95465Vol. 11, No. 3, $?, 47 pp, standard"The subjects in here are things that do not get a lot of media coverage, or popular subjects examined from a different angle. I really appreciate a zine that uses the proper citing of sources but doesn't succumb to that dry version of journalistic writing." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of June 22nd - June 28th 2003

#1 - Comet - www.cometmagazine.com

711 Hilldale Ave, Berkeley, CA 94708Vol. 4, #1, $5 ppd, 56 pp, standard"Because art is such an individual thing it is often hard for artists to come together as a community. Comet is solving that problem - by providing information on independent art galleries as well as artists, empathetic essays, what's going on in art, interviews with truly remarkable people, and much more." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Green Anarchy - www.greenanarchy.org

POB 11331, Eugene, OR 97440#13, $3 ppd, 35 pp, tabloid"This is angry, but it's so positive. Packed full of information on what's going on, why it's wrong, and how you can get involved. Great artwork." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Silly Little Trouser Monkeys - http://users.net66.com/-bushwick8

703 N. Ohio St. #4, Tuscola, IL 61953#19, $1 ppd, 30 pp, standard"A bunch of self-deprecating and sarcastic jokes, but damn if they aren't ridiculously creative with it! They are also dedicated. I heart SLTM." - Alicia Dorr

Picks June 15th - June 21st 2003

#1 - There's Nothing Good on Television -

one shot, 14 pp, $?, mini"This is an amazing little book. There are facts, distressing stories, and words on how negative TV really is. This is something we all know, but do you really know it? Reading a piece like this could change your mind in an instant." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Know Your Regime - www.thesecondrevolution.com

#1, 27 pp, $?, digest"This zine provides excellent information about the government and its buddies, revealing the US, through statistics and concrete evidence, as the corporate oligarchy that it is. Zines like this completely necessary." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Escaping Suburbia -

11 Ascot ct, Welland ON, L3C 6K7 Canada#4, 36 pp, $1 ppd or trade, digest"A rough, cut-n-paste work of art following two girls through learning and experience and Canada. It's cute, it's interesting, and it's never dull." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of June 8th - June 14th 2003

#1 - The Big Takeover - www.bigtakeover.com

249 Eldridge St. No. 14, New York, NY 10002-1345#52, $5 ppd, 312 pp, standard"It is rare to find a music mag of this size that isn't kind of repetitive or boring. Though there is a load of information here, it is the kind of zine you can read front to back without getting lost." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Post Amerikan -

POB 3452, Bloomington, IL 61702#1, free, 19 pp, tabloid"This great reading for political activists. In their first issue alone they tackle the Patriot Act, sex, Wal-Mart, guns, mental illness awareness, 10 worst corporations of 2002, and peace. I know that sounds scattered, but it's not - it's our lives. PA is on the right track for becoming a comprehensive news source." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Coldhandsdeadheart -

83? Howell St. Apt. 2, Rochester, NY 14607#16, 42 pp, $2 ppd, mini"Life's experience told in run-on sentences and drawings, works of art with no punctuation and relaying the point all the same." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of May 19th - 25th

#1 - Factory Direct -

POB 19742, New Orleans, LA 70179-0742 #3, $10, 3 zines in an envelope with indie art on it, various sizes"When I meet someone who doesn't know what a zine is, I think I could give them this and they would understand. It covers it all. Each manila envelope has a different, completely original piece of artwork from a different artist on it. He puts three different zines inside the envelopes, including his own, selling them for only $10 (an AMAZING deal, when you see what you're getting). Abram came up with the idea of turning his pain into art, and this is, in a word breathtaking-heartbreaking-extraordinary-impressive. Support this idea." - Alicia Dorr

#2 Rated Rookie - www.ratedrookie.com

562 Park Place, #3 Brooklyn, NY 11238Vol. 2, no. 4, $3, 46 pp, standard"Every article feels like - 'touch*'. The format is clean. It is organized without being rigid at all. There's so many pieces I don't even know where to start except to say, simply, clever." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Angry Left-Wing Mofo -

St. Jude's, Knocknagoran, Omeath, Co. Louth, Ireland#1, 2 Euro (approx. $2.50), 35 pp, half-size"He's got some work to do, but this crazy man has a good handle on what is going on in the world, and what he thinks about it. Everything is vaguely political, but not strictly so. He covers changes in music, food, and basically all the things that affect a political, thinking person." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of May 11th - May 18th

#1 - Reviewer - www.reviewermagazine.com

POB 87069 San Diego, CA 92138#13, free (stamps?), 10 pp, tabloid"Reviewer finds some way to cover all types of media without ever seeming spread too thin, breaking at the seams, or even becoming apathetic. There is a certain point when some publications seem to get bored with their specialties, giving off a seen-it-all arrogance, but Reviewer keeps it fresh. Something I like a lot is their coverage of photography alongside books and music. I would recommend picking up this issue if you can, as it covers a lot of interesting topics with its scary 13/horror theme." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - h2so4 - http://h2so4.net

POB 423354, San Francisco, CA 94142#18, $4 ppd, 50 pp, standard"H2so4 covers philosophy and how it relates to our times, and uses one of the best mediums - humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously, so that I can." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Standing Behind Me -

c/o Dave 147 NE 56th St., Seattle, WA 98105#1, stamps/trades, 18 pp, half-size"Perzines sometimes get a bad wrap for monotonous and self-involved, but when someone like Dave puts his thoughts out there it isn't like that at all. It is fun, depressing, and finally affecting because he has let you in on so many peculiar parts of his life that you feel as if you know him." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of May 4th - 10th

#1 - Book of Letters - www.richmackin.org

c/o Rich Mackin, POB 890, Allston, MA 02134#17, $3 ppd, 36 pp"I honestly think that it is impossible for me to praise (Rev.) Richard Mackin's enough. For those of you who haven't checked it out yet, this is a collection of letters that Mackin sends out to various companies, corporations, and sometimes individual people and their replies (or lack thereof). It is hilarious and eye-opening, because while Mackin pokes fun at these products and people he is actually pointing out things that every consumer needs to know in order to make healthy choices. His satirical pranks make more of an impact than anyone who takes themselves too seriously." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - We Need to Eat -

c/o Stacy, POB 3438, Tempe, AZ 85280-3438#1, $?, 46 pp, half-size"This is a comprehensive guide and recipe book for vegans. It covers many of the questions that arise for anyone interested in this lifestyle, and there are a lot of really yummy sounding recipes. Good stuff." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Backwash -

252 W. 20th St. #1B, New York, NY 10011 #18, $3 ppd, 45 pp, journal"This zine is crazy. It's sort of the Guiness Book of oddities for zinesters. It's the details that make it particularly great, like at the bottom of the page where the page number usually is there are strange facts and just random funny phrases. Very entertaining." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of April 27th - May 3rd

#1 - Pussy -

c/o P5!, 287 Bedford Ave. #12, Brooklyn, NY 11211#12, $4 ppd, 100 pp, standard"Pussy is such a marvelous hodge-podge of kickass material. This zine really makes women (and men, for that matter) really take a look at the misconceptions and bullshit doctrines that rule their every days, but it is not extreme about it. Pac Man is the theme of this issue which I think anyone can agree rocks." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - My Life as a Liar -

c/o Gabrielle Moss, Box 971, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 01002#1, $2 ppd, half-size "This perzine/comic has that understated, hipster feel that reminds me a little of Ghost World. The monotone way that each story is presented is complemented by interesting illustrations." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - The Pornographic Flabbergasted Emus -

c/o Wred Fright, POB 770332 Lakewood, OH 44107#5, $?, half-size"This is a serialized novel, which I think is a good idea for a zine. It's generally entertaining, too. Mostly talk about a band, and all the idiosyncrasies of its members from different points of view. It's interesting when taken as a whole, but each issue can stand alone. Fun." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of April 20th - April 26th

#1 - Layers - www.layersmagazine.com

c/o Brian Bush, 15140 Evergreen Dr., Apt 3d, Orland Park, IL 60462#4, $5 ppd, approx. 100 pp, spiral bound, 11 x 8.5"Brian Bush puts out a completely singular publication. Political, philosophical, idealistic, and, above all else, artistic. Even the advertisements are beautiful. Layers is a solid recommendation for any type of reader. This is also a zine one should consider advertising in." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - Broken Pencil - www.brokenpencil.com

POB 203, Stn P, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S7 Canada#21, $5 ppd, 80 pp, standard"Broken Pencil is a great resource for Canadian zines and other independent art. It takes an interesting look at issues that affect all types of artists from a lot of angles. This issue addresses the ever-present dilemma for artists who want their art to be noticed but do not want to sell out." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - High Maintenance - www.highmaintenance.org

c/o Chris Cummins, POB 63022, Phila, PA 19114-0822#2, $3 ppd, 53 pp, standard"This is a pretty new zine and they have a few things to work out, but it has a lot of the right ingredients. A good read." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of April 13th - April 19th

#1 - For Weeks Above the Umbrella - www.the2ndhand.com

c/o Todd Dills, 1428 W. Walton #GF, Chicago, IL 60622#1, $7 ppd, 70 pp, half-size"I like Todd Dills and I like his writing. He calls it fiction but I might call it prose. A collection of suggestions of the senses, anecdotal-type stories, and completely random meanderings into the mind of Anyone Anywhere or Todd himself. No matter what you call it, though, For Weeks Above the Umbrella is truly a work of art." - Alicia Dorr

#2 - FOUL - www.foulinc.com

#12, 11 pp, newsletter"Young, chock full of energy, anger, humor and absurdity. From interviews with bands to reasons why Andrew W.K. is and is not the Devil, Foul keeps getting better. Now, if only it could get just a tad longer." - Alicia Dorr

#3 - Metal Rules - www.metalrulesmagazine.com

c/o Jeff, 2116 Sandra Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043#16 - 5th anniversary issue, $5 ppd, 99 pp, standard"Metal Rules does, in fact, rule. It's so funny. This kind of enthusiasm is so contagious, and it covers anyone who is anyone in the metal genre. Seriously. You have to give in." - Alicia Dorr

Picks for the Week of April 6th - April 12th

# Rant - http://carlarant.tripod.com

c/o Carla Rant, POB 10997, Tempe, AZ 85284#26, small donation + stamps, 28 pp, half-size Though the title might suggest that it is not as well-informed or comprehensive as some of its political activist zine counterparts, Rant is very intelligent. It covers so many issues that need to be looked at, and for the most part they are fresh topics every time. This zine has fire in its belly, and it will stir that in its readers as well. Alicia Dorr

# The Abstract Artist -

c/o Al Newman, 6677 Colfax Ave., #424, Denver, CO 80214one shot, $?, 7 pp, digest, comic I really like this comic. It says a lot about an artists philosophy, and the reality of being torn between obscurity and selling out. The drawings themselves are uncluttered, and the story is relatable. Excellent. - ADorr

# Brain Birth -

c/o Dann Berg, 11706 N. 131 St., Scottsdale, AZ 85259 #2, $?, 30 pp, mini-size This a kind of crazy little mini-zine. It meanders through humorous pieces, poetry, random pictures and photos. Sometimes its nice to put down the more organized zines and just relax with a quirky copied piece of someone s mind. - Alicia Dorr

Picks For The Week Of March 23 - March 29 2003

c/o Microcosm POB 14332 Portland, OR 97293-0332#1, $1 and a stamp, 19 pp, 6.5 x 5 This zine takes an objective look at Martin Luther King Jr. s death, suggesting his assassination is linked to the CIA and FBI. This zine is very engaging and hard to put down. Rather than just asking questions without any support the writer uses logic, facts and sometimes evidence to support the ideas. When presented with this kind of concrete information it is difficult to marginalize the writer as being a conspiracy theorist. Good title, good zine. - ADorr

#2 - Infiltration - www.infiltration.org POB 13, Station E, Toronto, ON, M6H 4E1 ninj@infiltration.org#20 (March 2003), $2 ppd, 32 pp, digest The folks at Infiltration are kickass, bringing their readers to interesting places where they could otherwise not go and making it fun and interesting on top of that. This issue takes you underground the Twin Cities, complete with photos. Very cool. - ADorr

#3 - Razorcake - www.razorcake.com POB 42129 Los Angeles, CA 90042#13 (April/May 2003), $3 ppd, 90 pp, standard Razorcake is like my roommate s poop: It s regular, it s consistent, it brings joy and every once in awhile there s a big blowout... issue, that is. - ADorr

Picks For The Week Of March 30 - April 5 2003

1701 Date Ave Torrance, CA 90503Vol. 1, #5 (November/December 2002), free (stamps), 47 pp, standard This is an extremely clever publication. Articles like Wash your face! and So you wanna be a punk? will have you laughing. The interviews are interesting and the feature on the war on drugs is very well done. A fabulous balance of serious issues and funny stuff. - ADorr

#2 - You Idiot

#3 - Breakfast

An entire zine dedicated to the first meal of the day! The writers tell stories about different breakfast experiences, including a breakfast travel adventure. There s a lot of content on donuts, but that s cool, a lot of people like donuts. Yummy. - ADorr

Picks For The Week Of March 9th - March 15th 2003

#2 - Get Bent c/o Ben POB 7273 York, PA 17404#10, $4.75 ppd and selective trades, 5 mini zines all about 12 pp eachThis is a comic based on a Queen song, with each mini-comic dealing with a different character and a different lyric. It s a great concept. Subtly clever, kind of sad, drawn well. Pricey, though." -ADorr

#3 - Emerge and See Unity c/o Dakota POB 3 Leola, PA 17540#1, $2 ppd and selective trades, 94 pp, digest"Dakota writes about his experience of being just another guy in middle class suburbia to being diagnosed with mental illness. He also covers all the area in between, explaining in such detail how things changed that you almost don t notice it yourself. He brings new perspective to both sides because he s been there." - ADorr

picks for the week of March 2 - March 8, 2003

#1 - TMO - www.geocities.com/tmobsession2003

#1 (Winter 2003), $1.50 ppd

"Incredible photos, engrossing words, brilliant ideas." -ADorr

#2 - Nervy Girl - www.nervygirlzine.com

POB 16601 Portland, OR 97292

Vol. 4, No. 3 (March 2003), $4 ppd

"Nervy Girl is a much clearer voice for feminism than some of it s counterparts. Each month they pick a relevant theme and examine it from objective places, without losing a personal angle." -ADorr

#3 - My Imaginary Boyfriends - myimaginaryboyfriends@yahoo.com

"This is lighthearted and fun. The layout is clean and it s really engaging. Tr* cute!" -ADorr

picks for the week of February 23 - March 1, 2003

#1 - Mouth - www.mouthmag.com

POB 558 Topeka, KA 66601-0558 mouthoff@mouthmag.com

#76, $4 ppd, 47 pp

"Mouth reclaims the handicapped space for those that actually are. It's brilliant, and brimming with unexpected dark humor." -Britzel + ADorr

#2 - Semination - www.stinkzone.com/semination

5723 N. Omaha Portland, OR 97217 semination@stinkzone.com

#1, $5 ppd, 44 pp

"I think I'll let this zine speak for itself in an excerpt from 'Dumb Anarchists Unite!': "Are you tired of being told how to think by our non-leaders? Are you tired of having to explain to people the paradox of an anarchist system?I have the answer. We must overthrow the anarchist movement!" Semination is saying what needs to be said, but never without a little tongue-in-cheek humor. Finally, a breath of non-polluted air." -ADorr

#3 - Resident Alien

c/o AJC 1810 Sealy Galveston, TX 77550 minkeyking@aol.com

#1, 50 cents/trade, approximately 12 tiny pages

"Ajc points out some things that most people never would think of, about things like 'hyphenated Americans' and people not wanting what they think they want. This is some damn good writing, I only wish there was more." -ADorr

picks for the week of February 16 - February 22, 2003

#1 - Impact Press - impactpress.com

#43 (February/March 2003)

"This is such a great political zine. It brings up the kind of topics that need to be brought up." -ADorr

#2 - What Comes Around Goes Around

c/o Melanie 6270 St. Rt. 113 Bellevue, OH 44811 rebelgirl89@hotmail.com

#1, $1 or trade, 32pp

"I don t know if it s the format or the mini-size, but this zine seems a lot more diverse in content than Melanie s other zine, Rebel in Magenta. What Goes Around is well-written. There are so many good thoughts in these pages. Good drawings." -ADorr

#3 - Nero Fiddled While Rome Burned

c/o Jacob David POB 3050 Eureka, CA 95502

#2, 16 pp

"Jacob s writing style is sharp, the kind of sharp that pokes you in the ass on some random Tuesday when you re being lazy and makes you get up and DO something." -ADorr

picks for the week of February 9 - February 15, 2003

#1 The Hungover Gourmet - www.hungovergourmet.com

POB 553 Lutherville, MD 21094-5531 Phone: 410.828.9212 Fax: 410.828.0502

#6 (fall/winter 2002), $4 ppd, 46 pp

A professor told me once that when you don't know what to write about, you should write about food. When you don't know what to read, reach for the Hungover Gourmet - a medley of delicious food, humor, travel and fun. 5 stars (and you are right in the assumption that it is out of 5). -Alicia Dorr

#2 Rock Out - www.angelfire.com/hi5/riveter

POB 5027 Chicago, IL 60680-5027

#1, $2 ppd, 52 pp

This is an impressive zine and an amazing resource for anyone remotely interested in the world of DIY shows. It is clear, thorough and extremely well-organized. It's nice to hear from the females on this. -Alicia Dorr

#3 Cinema Sewer - mindseyecomics@telus.net

#12, $4 ppd, 40 pp

Robin's ability to present the filthy with style knows no bounds. -Alicia Dorr

picks for the week of February 2 - February 8, 2003

#1. Read Magazine #21 (Summer/Fall 2002), $3 ppd, 99Adam has that gift of making the most mundane occurance into one spectacular, comical event. The interviews are notable, the articles are amusing, and the reviews aren't all carbon copies of the next. Good stuff. - Alicia Dorr

#2. Gunmoll c/o Terra 7009 N. Glenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60626#3 (December 2002), $2 ppd, 36 ppGunmoll is diverse in all the best ways possible. The varied topics of the articles and experiments are well-researched, applicable and very entertaining. Visually interesting. - Alicia Dorr

#3. Slouch 1700 Golden Gate #24 San Francisco, CA 94115 Phone: 510.208.1709#3, $2.50 ppd, 34 ppSlouch is vaguely political, subtle and intriguing. Sharp. -Alicia Dorr

picks for the week of January 26 - Febuary 1 2003

#1. East Village Inky - www.ayunhalliday.com #18, $2 ppd, 38 pp"The East Village Inky has proven itself to be witty, fun, and charming each time it is published. The creativity of Ayun and her family knows nobounds, making for an amazing, unique zine every time." - Alicia Dorr

#2. The Neo-Comintern - http://www.bmc@neo-comintern.com c/o Joel Katelnikoff 97 Maxwell Crescent Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada S7L 3Y4#9, $1 ppd, 18 pp"It's easy to get lost in this zine, with it's off-the-wall topics and comic stories. A very clever zine. - Alicia Dorr

#3. The Birthday Diary - edacherry@aol.com c/o Cherry Thomas POB 931333 Los Angeles, CA 90093#1, $2 ppd, 18 pp"This zine is simple, nothing more than diary entries from birthday's past. But in the end, though it certainly not as complicated as others of it's kind, this zine is revealing - for the writer and the reader." - Alicia Dorr

picks for the week of January 19 - January 24, 2003

#1. Modest Proposal - www.modestproposalmag.com POB 3211 Tempe, AZ 85280 480.540.4049#1, $2 ppd, 30 pp"Modest Proposal is hilarious. From the front cover to the back it is literally packed with hilarious interviews, articles, lists, and more. There are a few things that need refining, such as the printing which makes some sections hard to read. But with the content and quality of the first issue being so fantastic it is certain that Modest Proposal is on it's way to being a truly superior publication. You don't really know what you're doing with your money - put it in these people's hands where it belongs." - Alicia Dorr

#2. Lime 4541 Xerxes Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55410#9, $1 ppd, 18 pp"Ariana's personal style is so simple and fun that it honestly gives me hope about becoming an adult without having to worry about becoming fossilized. When reading this zine I find myself wishing her friends were mine too, and the same goes for her life perspective. This zine reminds me why I want to do almost everything that I want to do." - Alicia Dorr

#3. Psychlone - marlsj@yahoo.com #9, $1 ppd, 28"This zine is engaging and witty. It has a good balance of politics and fun, without ever giving up originality. Impressive." - Alicia Dorr

picks for the week of January 12 - January 18, 2003

#2. Polar Bear Vixen - polarbearvixen@hotmail.com c/o Flying Fish Publishing and Distributing Co. 549 N. Jarrett St. Portland, Oregon 97217#34, 2 ppd, 34 pp"I do not know how or why, but I cannot get this zine off my mind. It is often crass, it is entirely devoted to pro-wrestling, it has chauvenistic tendencies and, despite everything, it is one of my new favorite zines. PBV is brimming with humor and delightfully glossy color pictures. Maybe you're not a fan of pro-wrestling or titty pictures, but if you are a fan of zines then I guarentee you will enjoy PBV."

#3. Cineaste - cineaste.com Vol. 28, No. 1 (Winter 2002), $6 ppd, 61 pp+ "Cineaste never fails to impress me. The articles and interviews are interesting whether or not you are a film buff. The content and look of Cineaste are both stellar content - pleasing, uncluttered, extra-ordinary. This is a quality zine any way you look at it."

picks for the week of January. 5 - January.11, 2003

#1. Crimewave USA - crimewaveusa@mindspring.com issue 14, $3 ppd, 50 pp"This zine stands out above the rest, no question. From start to finish it keeps you laughing and interested. Mark, Linette, and all of their friends are the kind of people who can present anything in such a way that you would devour every word with delight. I would follow these people to hell if that's where they were going. At least I would have funny commentary on how hot it is." - Alicia Dorr

#2. Clamor - clamormagazine.org issue 18 (January/February 2003), $4.50 ppd, 66 pp"This is an amazing zine. The content is interesting and the layout is aesthetically pleasing. In issue 18, an issue dedicated to questions concerning technology, there is a page that gives a list of 78 reasonable questions to ask about anything, put under headings such as 'moral' and 'political.' That is just one example of how insightful, interesting and even entertaining this zine is." - Alicia Dorr

#3. Counterpoise - civicmediacenter.org/counterpoise Vol. 6, No.1/2 (January/April 2002), $18 ppd, 98 pp"This is an amazing publication. The cover price may be a little high, but it has information on every alternative written resource out there. I love the alternative reviews - they are in depth without giving unnecessary information. I like to imagine my high school librarian buying this, distributing it, and following it like a bible. At least it's a comfort to know that those librarians exist." - Alicia Dorr