Think of zines as a people's medium that attracts and reflects members of the communities we serve who are underrepresented in our library catalogs—young, poor, or those with ideas outside the mainstream. These sometimes messy, other times beautiful self-publications provide thoughtful, accessible commentary on topics such as class, gender, race, street activism, and body image. To learn more about zine librarianship, see “Your Zine Tool Kit: A DIY Collection” (LJ 6/15/06).

Zines come in various styles and genres, with many overlapping and others defying categorization. Because zine librarianship is still fairly new, there isn't agreement on what to call certain 
types of zines (e.g., “comp zine” or “compzine” vs. “compilation zine”). Just remember, to some extent we're still figuring things out as we go. It's fun. Join us!

One description and review for each of five zine genres follows, with five more coming in the September 1 issue. Look for columns on minicomics and medical zines in May and November, respectively.

ART ZINES tend to have higher production values than other zines (e.g., specialized paper and binding construction or printing techniques like silk screen, woodcut, or letterpress) and are rivalrous to artists' books, with a more inclusive feel.

Matthes, Colin. Ideas in Pictures. #5. 2006. 36p. ¼ size. $3. Distro: J, M, PP

In previous issues, Matthes depicts Tyson workers on strike and the horrors of veal production in his rural Wisconsin hometown. This time around, he invites fellow artists from the Justseeds/Visual Resistance Artists' Cooperative to react to the realities of modern warfare, “not from the frontlines, but from…its interconnectedness with american culture.” The resulting drawings are almost as harsh as their subject matter and just as astonishing. Not for the kiddies, but highly recommended for any collection exploring artistic responses to war.—Alycia Sellie, Pratt Inst., Brooklyn, NY

COMPILATION ZINES are generally themed and feature solicited contributions.

Bylander, John & Megan Milks. Mildred Pierce. Vol. 1, #2. 2006. 56p. Full size. $4.

Scholarly but accessible, this issue, which is loosely framed around the subject of mythology, contains a withering critique of the Body Worlds exhibit, a provocative interview with the creators of Pocket Myths (a serial zine that reinterprets a different Greek or Roman myth in each issue), and a piece about James Frey, capitalism, and the suppression of meaningful stories. Dense and text heavy, this zine has an eye-catching, two-color silk screen cover. Recommended for academic libraries and anyone interested in well-informed cultural criticism.—Stephanie Kirkpatrick Conover, Greensboro, NC

FANZINES, fan magazines, were written first about sf and later punk music. Now they cover topics including pro wrestling and public transportation.

Fastwolfe, Corina & Phlox Icona. Sugar Needle. 16p. ½ size. $2. PO Box 66835, Portland, OR 97290. Distro: M

In publication for ten years, Sugar Needle is devoted to all things candy. With photocopies of candy wrappers, hand-colored images, and handwritten text, it invokes the pre-Internet zine era. Fastwolfe and Icona review the likes of Gummy Bacon, Sofa Surprise Candy, and Red Wine Kit Kat. They imagine edible packaging and a candy-coated Stratocaster. Other recent features include an exposé on high fructose corn syrup, info on changing standards for chocolate, and an interview with Amy Sedaris. A friendly, cavity-inducing read for all ages.—Jerianne Thompson, Linebaugh P.L., Murfreesboro, TN

PERSONAL ZINES, often referred to as perzines, are written about one's experiences with and reactions to daily life.

Roche, Dave. About My Disappearance. 54p. ¼ size. $1. poodrow@hotmail.com. Distro: M

Author of the successful On Subbing, Roche wrote this zine as a response to his being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. His frank, genuine style provides an intimate look at the experience of suffering from a traumatic medical condition. He gives a chronological account of the five-month period between discovering symptoms (there are semigraphic accounts of medical procedures and losing control of bowels) to the present. He speaks with candor from the point of view of a vegan, straight-edge punk. Some adult language.—Sonya Green, Fairhaven, MA

POLITICAL ZINES cover a wide variety of topics including class, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Their perspectives range from anarchist to far-right conservative.

Durden, Krissy. Figure 8. #4. PonyBoy Pr. 2007. 35p. ½ size. $3. Distro: M

In this zine dedicated to fat activism, Durden publishes pieces about discrimination against fat people and debunks issues related to the weight-loss industry. This issue's subtitle, “Refuse to feel shame about your body!” neatly summarizes its tone. Topics covered include a discussion of Alli, a new weight-loss drug, and its unpleasant side effects; tributes to longtime fat activists Lynn McAfee and Heather McAllister; and lists of online resources for women's clothing. Highly recommended.—K.R. Roberto, Univ. of Denver