Whatcha Mean, What's a Zine?

by Esther Pearl Watson, Mark Todd, Ben Bush (Contributor)

A zine is a handmade magazine or mini-comic about anything you can imagine: favorite bands, personal stories, subcultures, or collections. They contain diary entries, rants, interviews, and stories. They can be by one person or many, found in stores, traded at comic conventions, exchanged with friends, or given away for free. Zines are not a new idea: they’ve been around for years under various names (chapbooks, flyers, pamphlets). People with independent ideas have been getting their word out since before there were printing presses.

This book is for anyone who wants to create their own zine. It’s for learning tips and tricks from contributors who have been at the fore front of the zine movement. It’s for getting inspired to put thoughts and ideas down on paper. It’s for learning how to design and print your own zine so you can put it in others’ hands. Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine? is for anyone who has something to say.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Writing, How To, Comics, Creative, Crafts

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ciara · Rating 1 out of 5]

in retrospect, i'm amazed that i had such high hopes for this book. not that my hopes were especially stratospheric, but that i had hopes at all is really kind of sad. i should have known from experience that books about zines are pretty much always a complete letdown, they miss the point, they contain ridiculous quantities of misinformation, & they seek to commercialize & trivialize a part of my life that is huge, important, & personal. i need to just stop reading books about zines. this one claims to tell people how to make zines, as if it is something that can be learned from a book & not an exhaustive series of trials & errors. it even has templates thatyou can copy & use to simplify layout. like...are you kidding? i seem to recall that it also offers an overview of different genres of zines, & as almost all its predecessor books about zinesare wont to do, it heaps completely disproportionate praise & attention on comic zines. i generally dislike comic zines quite a lot, i think there is littlemeaingful overlap between the zine community as a whole & the comic world, & i think most comic artists who want to tell the world their opinions about zines should pretty much shut the fuck up. so i hated that part of the book a lot. i have heard some people say that this book introduced them to zines, & that's nice, but i just can't relate. i think this book is pretty much a waste of trees.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realize I am quite late to the party, but I am now in love with zines! I want to read them, make them, and give them away. I was prompted to start reading this book because I decided to change up the final project in a class I am teaching, so instead of annotated bibliographies -- zines! This book inspired me to not only learn how to make and teach the art of zines but also to brainstorm what zine projects I could still undertake this summer as fun side projects. Great instructions and ideas. I am sure the many contact lists are dated by now, but still a great read.

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been volunteering for the Girls Rock Camp Austin. The girls have been rocking AND rolling. It's been fantastic. One of my favorite things about camp is that the girls are exposed to a variety of workshops. My friend's Jess B. & Jessica Champion (the jessicas) created and ran the zine workshop. Today was Jess B.'s day and I helped her out and oh man it was so much fun! It was only an hour so we ran through a super fast "what's a zine" "why make a zine" "how to make a zine" then let the girls go nuts with the cuttin' & pastin' to make a collective girl's rock camp zine.

Anyway, last night to get pumped up for this I rented $100 Dollars and a T-Shirt: A Documentary about Zines in the Northwest US then I pulled this book off the shelf. Jessica Champion gave this to me way back when for my birthday and it's a really good gift to receive/give. This is a great reference about the wonderful world of 'zines but it's not just a guide! This books provides a lot of inspiration and motivational words to sit on the floor and start writing, cutting and pasting. Check it out or give it as a gift! I usually don't write reviews on this site but after the day at camp I feel like sharing more of the wealth. yeah!

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a complete novice, I really enjoyed this book. If you are already into zines, I can see how it might not be great -- it lays out instructions for making a zine, which seems counter to the independent, trial-and-error spirit of the zine world. I did pick up some good tips from the book, but it's main value for me was just that it was creatively inspiring, and I really enjoyed the insights and visual contributions of various zine and mini-comic creators. Also, I now have a crush on Anders Nilsen.

[Marta Boksenbaum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this book. As a linear reader, I found this book extremely hard to read and it was obvious to me that I wouldn't much enjoy reading zines either. However, for a reader who likes unraveling each page full of handwriting and drawings that do not necessarily tell one cohesive story. I'm sure many readers would find this book informative and fun. I did like that it was written in the format of the genre it was describing, and includes very specific instructions on the construction of a zine as well as the content.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only heard the term "zines" recently, but I've been running into these little mags for years. This was a really cool collection that really provides a nice overview of the concept of zines, and what all goes into their conception, production, distribution, and culture.

If you're interested in making or buying zines, or just want to learn about something new, then I highly recommend this one to you.

[Ericka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Esther Pearl Watson, but I'll stick to her comics.
This should be called Watcha Mean, What's a Mini-Comic?
The layout is so chaotic I felt like I was developing ADD just trying to read this book. Decent resource for young beginners (especially those interested in mini-comics), but I'm not a young beginner, so...

[lucy black · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this pretty try hard and too hip. It's also really patronising and too comics focused. I'm looking for a good book on zine making and the zine scene for my 73yr old dad who wants to make a simple zine of his poetry, this isn't it.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

More like, whatcha mean, how do you read this friggin book?
I understand what a Zine is. I understand the appeal. It's not until the end of the book that they explain how to actually make it. The other pages, while featuring all things zine, was quite literally, all over the place.

[M Aghazarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was an updated edition for some of the resources but still looks like a good guide for folks

[Ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew, this was both a helpful resource and headache inducing! But mostly the latter (and not in a good way)!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful and informative for a newbie to zines

[Cindy Kelly Benabderrahman · Rating 1 out of 5]

SUMMARY
In this book, someone hoping to learn the basics of zine-making can find lots of information. There are pages and pages artfully crafted with a vintage typewriter and lots of pens and markers by more than 20 contributors that presume to inform young zinesters. There is a section on the 200 year history of zines, another section about how to make your own zine. There are lists of ideas for young people who can't think of their own ideas. There are suggestions on how to use the copy machine brilliantly, and alternative ways to print the zine. Then there are sections about binding and collating, and distribution. The book leaves the reader with a list of resources, zine libraries, and a glossary of terms.

EVALUATION
I’m glad I didn’t purchase this book. While it provides limited useful information (mainly as a strictly inorganic how-to instruction manual for people who don’t get the trial-and-error, organic process that zine-making is), it is sorely lacking in describing the spirit or the art, and it focuses way too much on the comic strips. Coming from the creators of one of the longest running and better known zines out there, I had higher expectations. I’m no zine connoisseur but I buy my fair share (even contributed to several), and I published a 6-issue zine called Lunch with a Ladybug in high school and and sold it in the cafeteria. I now publish chapbooks of poetry and a literary journal (all hand-bound), and I appreciate the zinesters even more. One of my favorites is a double zine (read one, flip it over, read the other one—they meet in the middle) called Risk Oblivious Youth / Chick Pea. At the end of the first side (in this case, Risk Oblivious Youth, because which is the first side could potentially be a chicken/egg debate), there is advice for those who are feeling blue. Number two on the list says that I should borrow fish identification books from the library because “reading something so methodical and orderly about a part of nature so hidden to us really [takes:] the edge off.” I should take this book back and get a book on how to identify fish. Or flowers. Or something. I can show some kids how to make a zine myself.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone looking to make a zine. It also has some good general advice, like writing prompts, for others who want to make something for the world to see! The book made zine-making sound so fun that I am kind of considering making one at some point, but I've got so much on my plate already, I don't think I'll ever get around to it.

My trouble with this book is I kept reading it and thinking, I prefer my blog and my physical sketchbooks. The book addresses the zine-versus-blog issue a little bit, but not very much. Probably I'm just a publishing snob... I don't like photocopiers; the toner makes my nose itch. If I made a zine it would definitely be of the slick, conventional variety -- I don't like illegible text or unfinished-looking drawings!

Now I'm reading other reviews of this book though, and I realize this book may have focused on only particular types of zines... which are themselves the only zines I've been exposed to (and the ones I don't much like). If anyone reading this review has zine recommendations, I'll take them in comments!

[Tarlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salah satu buku di koleksi perpus art & craft yang paling aku suka: Cara membuat zine, media yang di awal tahun 1990 banyak beredar di Bandung dan dibuat oleh komunitas. Dengan gaya manual: tulisan di buku ini menggunakan gaya tulisan tangan dan mesin ketik, juga layout kolase, buku sangat terasa menampilkan semangat zine sebagai media komunitas yang mandiri.

Penulisnya bener-bener memaparkan dari A sampai Z serba-serbi membuat zine. Dari mulai sejarahnya, semangatnya dan sampai ke hal teknis. Mulai dari layout, cetak sampai distribusinya. Buku ini tuh bener-bener menyemangati pembacanya untuk membuat media sendiri dan kukira buku ini sangat cocok sebagai panduan komunitas independen dalam membuat sendiri media publikasi mereka.

[Ahmad Nizamuddin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book all about zine making and it's in a very fun way, the most fun I got so far. The layout is all either type-written look or hand-written look. The two authors started the book writing about how they got into zine-making and stated that they make this book that they wished they'd find when they first started their mini-comics. What's a zine? Why zine? History of zines? Materials exploration? What to write about? How to do an interview? How to do reviews? Possible zine formats? Experimenting with photocopy machines, pro-printing, silk-screening, bindings, tips on distributing...read them all in here. Also contains comics and comic convention and zine trading plus artworks. Pick this one up if you need guidance to start your zine.

[Sue Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource book for anyone who's interested in trying their hand at making their own zine. It definitely covers all the basics anyways and has lots of testimonials from lots of great people who have blazed the trails ahead of everyone else. I really liked the advice on folding so you know exactly where each page will be.

Excellent reference pages at the back for where to send your zines to sell, but if you're Canadian you'll have to find another source. Some mention of one or two spots, but otherwise it's non-existent in this publication. Regardless, it's a treasure trove otherwise.

[Printable Tire]

Embarrassing title aside, this book is awesome. I wished it existed when I was in high school. I can't figure out the book's demographic audience- it seems to be geared toward high schoolers, and indeed I found it in the young adult section of the public library, yet at least 50% of the stuff in here I don't think even I have the technical know-how to do, let alone the average high-schooler. But that's just good motivation to try it, I guess, and everything is explained in a pretty simple and entertaining way.

I've got to buy a copy of this sometime for my reference library.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book jumped out at me on a YA display end at the library when I was going to pick up King Dork. I thought that it was going to be a super cheesy, but it turned out to have really practical advice and a bunch of cool people giving input like Eric Nakamura (Giant Robot), Debbie Stoller (Bust), Bwana Spoons, and Salee Oh. If you ever wanna make a zine, I will happily be yr partner.

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written (and illustrated) book on creating zines. Answers a lot of question, using a comic-book (or zine) format. Different ideas are fully explored and explained. The back of the book shows different folds, stitches, and stapling ideas to create your zine.
Best part of the book is the encouragement to create your own work in ways that satisfy you, without worrying what everyone else is doing. Very supportive of creativity.

[Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. By far it's my favorite of the "how-to" zine books. It feel like a zine and again, I love how accessible it feels. I am so big into things being accessible for everyone. I hate snotty shit. I like the idea that a girl in bumfuck nowhere can pick up this book and start making zines and changing people's lives.

[Shanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really great information about the technical side of zines. If you know a lot about zines already, though, you're not going to hear anything new.
I really love Watson's "Unlovable" comic and was maybe expecting something more like that. That's my fault.
Really great for teens and those unfamiliar with zines.

[AnnaBnana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are kids still into zines? I think adults who want to think they're cool want kids to be into zines, when really they're more into the electronic stuff. I probably wouldn't recommend this book unless the reader was really asking for this kind of content or had some kind of project to do (there's a good how-to section).

[Danni Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made my first zine a couple weeks ago and realized that if I wanted to make any more zines (which I do!) it would probably be a good idea to read up on how to do it! This book was a great introduction, full of useful tips and inspiring ideas. I loved the overall feel of the book and the different styles of each contributor. I am excited to make some more zines!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiring, comprehensive and seriously chill overview of making zines. I absolutely loved it.

It's a very visually stimulating book. As a person with attention issues I worried I wouldn't be able to absorb the content very well with all that was going on but it was fine.

Highly recommend it.

[Heather Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read, and it was cool to see a million different art styles. At first, all the text being from a typewriter or handwritten was a little annoying, but I got used to it. I would love to make a bunch of zines now! But I don’t know what my subject(s) would be. Lots of cool ideas here, through!

6/17/21 re-read. Got in a zine-making mood and wanted to our eyes on this again.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is awesome. It has a huge resource section with lots of templates and "how-to" guides for different aspects of zine making. Also applicable for people interested in book making jusssssst in general.

[Chris Hays · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are interested in the specific task of creating mini-comics, magazines, or other random printed material for more than one person than this book might be for you. If you prefer to work on-line or do not want to spend your time in the world of zines do not bother.

[Lauryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book would be helpful for people who have no experience with zines, but I feel like it struggled on two polar opposites of either being way too beginner or going in too deep with the ins and outs of screenprinting on a two page spread. It's certainly given me some inspiration, though!

[Ricardo Baptista · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a series of anecdotes about zines/mini-comics than a how to. Some are really well done while others aren't.
Ironically, considering the importance of contrasts in zines, some parts are difficult to read.