Category: Reviews

(Zine, 2023)

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Review No.5269 by Briyan Frederick:

#FOMOZINE, the latest creation from zinesters Juli Jumprope and Emily Morehos, is a beautifully crafted publication that delves into the ubiquitous phenomenon of FOMO—Fear of Missing Out. The zine stands out immediately with its high quality, showcasing a risograph cover on sturdy cover stock, multi-colored interior pages, and a distinctive touch with rounded corners. This attention to detail reflects the care and thoughtfulness poured into every aspect of this zine.

The content of #FOMOZINE is as engaging as its physical form. After a welcoming letter of introduction, readers are treated to a succinct guide on how to curate maximum jealousy—a cheeky nod to the essence of FOMO. This sets the stage for the varied and insightful pieces that follow, each addressing different facets of FOMO with humor and authenticity.

Juli and Emily use a mix of comics and written content to explore themes like pet FOMO, holiday FOMO, and even anti-FOMO. Their artistic styles complement each other well, creating a cohesive yet dynamic reading experience. The comics are particularly effective, using visual storytelling to highlight the absurdities and realities of fearing to miss out on life’s myriad experiences.

One of the standout sections is the exploration of pet FOMO, a delightful take on how our furry friends might perceive our comings and goings. The humor is light-hearted but also offers a deeper reflection on how we project our own feelings onto our pets. Similarly, the holiday FOMO segment captures the often overwhelming pressure to have the perfect festive season, providing both a relatable and cathartic read.

Perhaps most compelling is the anti-FOMO content, which encourages readers to embrace the idea of missing out—highlighting the peace and fulfillment that can come from stepping back and enjoying the present moment. This perspective is a refreshing counterpoint to the relentless chase for experiences that FOMO often entails.

Overall, #FOMOZINE is a triumph in both design and content. It’s a zine that not only addresses a contemporary issue with wit and wisdom but also showcases the unique voices and talents of its creators, Juli Jumprope and Emily Morehos. For anyone who has ever felt the pangs of FOMO or simply enjoys well-crafted, thoughtful zines, #FOMOZINE is a must-read.

Media: Zine.

“Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists and Their Zines” is a fascinating book that delves into the world of zine culture. Published by Phaidon Press, this book explores the rich history and vibrant diversity of zine-making through the lens of various artists who use this medium to express their creativity¹

Zines, small-circulation self-published works, have long been a tool for artists and writers to share their thoughts, ideas, and art with the world. They are a testament to the power of DIY culture and a platform for voices outside the mainstream.

This book, compiled by Kate Bingaman-Burt, an illustrator and educator, presents a curated collection of zines from artists around the globe. From personal narratives to political commentaries, from comic strips to collages, the variety of zines featured in this book reflects the limitless possibilities of this medium.

What sets “Copy Machine Manifestos” apart is not just its diverse collection of zines, but also the insightful commentary provided by the artists themselves. The book includes interviews with the artists, offering readers a glimpse into their creative process, their inspirations, and their perspectives on zine culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned zine enthusiast or a newcomer interested in DIY culture, “Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists and Their Zines” is a must-read. This book not only showcases the wide array of artistic expression found in zines but also celebrates the spirit of individuality, creativity, and community inherent in zine culture.

No.5213

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

“Telephone #5”, the brainchild of Andrew Shaw and a group of global collaborators, is a fascinating experiment in visual translation. Akin to a game of Telephone, each participant was tasked with interpreting a photograph using their phone’s camera, resulting in a series of images that are as diverse as they are intriguing.

The concept behind “Telephone #5” is truly unique. Drawing parallels between image translation and literary translation, the zine explores the complexities of conveying meaning across different mediums and cultural contexts. Just as a translator must decide what aspects of a text to prioritize, so too must each participant decide what elements of the original photo to capture in their own interpretation.

The images themselves are a testament to the diversity of the participants’ environments and perspectives. From Salt Lake City to Miami, from China to Kauai, each photograph offers a glimpse into the world of its creator. The array of different styles and subjects is a joy to behold, making “Telephone #5” a zine that you can return to again and again.

What makes this project particularly remarkable is the sense of community it fosters. Despite being physically separated, the participants are united by their shared goal of translating the original image. The result is a collection of photographs that feel both personal and universal, capturing the essence of our shared human experience.

“Telephone #5” is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.

Media: Zine.

Visit SaltGrass Printmakers

GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

8-Track Mind was a publication dedicated to the nostalgic charm and underestimated complexity of 8-track tapes. This issue was unique in its format, labelled as “The All-Letters Issue”, it featured 40 letters from readers and contributors, including notable names like Lynn Peril, Creepy Mike, and Dan Kroha.

Each letter was met with a thoughtful response, fostering a sense of community and dialogue that is often missing in conventional publications. These exchanges ranged from personal anecdotes and reflections on the 8-track era to deeper discussions about the cultural and technological implications of this often-dismissed format.

The issue also included a brief about Russ Forster’s film, “So Wrong They’re Right”. A 92-minute documentary that chronicled a 10,000-mile journey around America to meet with fellow 8-track enthusiasts. This inclusion further emphasized the magazine’s commitment to celebrating and exploring the world of 8-track tapes.

With a circulation of 700 and a digest format, Issue #92 of “8-Track Mind” was a testament to the enduring appeal of zines in an increasingly digital age. Despite its niche subject matter, the zine attracted a diverse readership, reflecting the broad appeal of 8-track tapes and the culture surrounding them.

Media: Website.

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GAJOOB Review by Bryan Baker:

$2 from Displaced Snail. Things Not to Do is a 4×3 (approx), 36-page, saddle-stitched zine published by the wonderful Joe Carlough’s Displaced Snail from Philadelphia, PA. Each page of the zine is a numbered listing of things not to do and there are thirty-four of them. #12 is “Don’t look down on people who are not as tall as you.” The cover has a tagline that reads, “Librarians, please categorize under: Advice,” (#16 is “Don’t follow Any advice. Ever.”).

Media: Zine.

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Mr. Sunday was another of my finds at Grid Zine Fest 2022 in Salt Lake City.

Mr. Sunday falls asleep on the beach and is abandoned by friends. A pirate ship sails by and he joins them for a promise of grog and booty a’plenty (and maybe a shirt). Sea Sirens lure the rodent pirates with their songs, except for Mr. Sunday who still pines for his lost love. The grub is nothing to write home about. The zine includes stories, essays and other zine things. –Reviewed by Bryan Baker .

PRICE: free online or $4.44 print editions by mail.

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