"I'm starting my own witness protection program, with myself as my only client," says Libby in the introduction to this power-packed collection of writing and art, gracefully telling her readers how drastically her life has changed since she's written the last introduction. It's on the inside of a purple cover so well-designed that it shines with graphic excellence. This issue's artwork was designed and executed by Amy Esche, a friend of Libby's, met through an online journal that Libby kept at one point.

Limousine is written better than 90 percent of the work I've seen so far. Libby rambles from time to time, getting off the subject, but weaving it back around so that somehow -- it fits. At first glance, it seems small, thin. This first impression doesn't relay exactly how much is inside, though. It's like the magic box of zine-dom.

In #9, she tackles some pretty interesting issues: gynecological exams, bad car alarms, a rant on why she hates Clinton, mixed with bits of wit and humour like her Girls With Lawn Mowers club photo and 20 Life Lessons that her mother forwarded to her in e-mail, with her own added commentary added to each.

My one complaint? The zine is so well-designed and clear-to-read that it looks just a little sterile. There's a happy balance for small-press work, somewhere between messy and too commercial. She's commited neither of these "sins," but a little more personality might do some good for this issue. It's still a whopping good read and the illustrations/artworks are great -- definitely worth the $2 price tag.

This Libby is the same Libby that owns Glovebox Zine Distro, and as such, many of her back issues can be found there, as well. For copies send $2 plus postage to Libby Donovan, Limousine, P.O. Box 11, San Mateo, CA 94401-0011.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]