Zine

A zine (/ˈzn/ ZEEN; an abbreviation of fanzine or magazine) is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier.

A popular definition includes that circulation must be 1,000 or fewer, although in practice the majority are produced in editions of fewer than 100, and profit is not the primary intent of publication. They are informed by anarchopunk and DIY ethos.

Zines are written in a variety of formats, from desktop published text to comics to handwritten text (an example being the hardcore punk zine Cometbus). Print remains the most popular zine format, usually photocopied with a small circulation. Topics covered are broad, including fanfiction, politics, poetry, art and design, ephemera, personal journals, social theory, riot grrrl and intersectional feminism, single-topic obsession, or sexual content far outside of the mainstream enough to be prohibitive of inclusion in more traditional media. The time and materials necessary to create a zine are seldom matched by revenue from sale of zines.

Fanzine

A fanzine (blend of fan and magazine or -zine) is a nonprofessional and nonofficial publication produced by fans of a particular cultural phenomenon (such as a literary or musical genre) for the pleasure of others who share their interest. The term was coined in an October 1940 science fiction fanzine by Russ Chauvenet and first popularized within science fiction fandom, from whom it was adopted by others.

Typically, publishers, editors and contributors of articles or illustrations to fanzines receive no financial compensation. Fanzines are traditionally circulated free of charge, or for a nominal cost to defray postage or production expenses. Copies are often offered in exchange for similar publications, or for contributions of art, articles, or letters of comment (LoCs), which are then published.

A few fanzines have evolved into professional publications (sometimes known as "prozines"), and many professional writers were first published in fanzines; some continue to contribute to them after establishing a professional reputation. The term fanzine is sometimes confused with "fan magazine", but the latter term most often refers to commercially produced publications for (rather than by) fans.

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Latest News for: 'zine

The 8th Annual Zine Fest Coming To The Downtown Library This May

The Pulse 24 Apr 2025
What is a zine? A zine (pronounced ZEEN) is an independently made magazine-like publication that can include short stories, nonfiction prose, poetry, artwork, found objects or any other type of ...

Miami Zine Fair Returns to Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary

Miami New Times 12 Apr 2025
If you think print is dead, the return of the Miami Zine ...

Miami Zine Fair celebrates the art of indie publishing

The Miami Herald 11 Apr 2025
... remembers the first time he attended the Miami Zine Fair.

From A to Zine: Printed Matter Society explores creative mediums, DIY art

Daily Bruin 09 Apr 2025
The club deals in collages, bookbinding, printed photography and, most prominently, zines ... “A zine issue is an encapsulation of where you are in life at a moment in time,” said founding member and first-year art student Lily Wuertz.

RISD celebrates community zines, print at 2025 Unbound Art Book Fair

The Brown Daily Herald 07 Apr 2025
a celebration of “books, zines and experimental printed matter,” according to the event’s website ... The zine in particular, she said, centers around themes of anti-imperialism and resistance.

Local art gallery hosts an art book and zine exhibition

Columbia Missourian 05 Apr 2025
All FOLD events are hosted by stop-gap projects, located at 810 E. Walnut St ... .

Spokane to release illustrated zine on civic engagement at April 17th Lilac City Live event

The Spokesman-Review 05 Apr 2025
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the formation of Spokane’s neighborhood council system, the city will release a zine explaining city government and describing the different ways residents can get involved.
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