The problem with zines that are really highly regarded or often recommended is that, when you finally see the real thing, they often don't live up to the hype. The guy at my local zine distro just raved about New Year #4, and I was, of course, dubious.

With it in my hot little hands, I was even more nervous. Blue tape made up the spine. The front was hand-watercolored, but badly. The first page was hand-written in white text on black, making it nearly impossible to read. I set it aside, afraid to lose the optimism, and really forgot about it.

When I re-examined it, though, I found a really interesting mix in this zine. It's a dual-sort of thing, with a fiction story/myth that loosely relates to her nonfiction story, weaving between the two throughout the whole issue. (I'd be more specific, but that would ruin the story, and it's better if it's a surprise. Just trust me on this one.)

Really, it's genius. Add in her drawings and photography, and the way she leaves in her typos, "x"ed over ... it's just charming. Creative. Wild in a calm sort of way.

Luckily, I'm happy to report that this is one that lives up to the hype and is worth every penny of that $2 cover price. Get your own by mailing P.O. Box 112, Seattle, WA 98111.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]
Rambles: 28 April 2002