Every once in awhile I’ll get something in the mail and upon glimpsing through its first few pages it becomes readily apparent this is someone who loves zines. Not only that, but after a good reading it’s clear that this is also someone who loves making zines, and that kind of enthusiasm is what really shines in this quarter-sized pocket of fun.

The first half is primarily composed of show reviews at local venues in Northern Washington Sate. Unlike a lot of zines covering their regional music scene we’re given a look at a wide array of different bands, with genres covering everything from Cambodian psych-pop to crappy black metal and folk-ska bands. The author has a casual, laidback writing style that feels like you’re shooting the breeze with one of your best buds, and by the time he’s done you kind of wish you were there in-person, if for nothing else than the epic drinking stories you’d have to share.

In the second half of the zine we follow along to Seattle’s hostel scene and check out the local vegan eateries. There’s also great piece about the fundamentals of the postal-driven “mailart” platform happening all around country, breaking down how it works and how to get involved. To top it off we’re given what I believe to be the first ever “Jail Review,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a rate-and-grade of one contributor’s forty-eight hour stint in Perry County lockup, complete with an overview of the evening’s dinner menu (it was hotdogs and mac n’ cheese, just in case you’re ever headed there yourself).

As if all of the above isn’t incentive enough to pick this up, the art and design from cover to cover flies off the page, filled with illuminating collages and a gritty eye for detail that would make any Xerox jockey salivate. When all is said and done I’m sure it took more than a few toner cartridges to put this little guy together, but sometimes the power of a pair of scissors and a gluestick is all you need.

-Sean Logic

Related posts:

1. Darlene Rock-N-Roll Fanzine #4
2. Welcome To Bend
3. Goteblud; SF’s Premier Zine Archive

anarchymo.wordpress.com

This is a true DIY zine with ripe anarchist spirit! Mo Karnage (the woman who single-handedly put this zine together) tops the simple charm of black and white photo-copying with write-ins and her journal-esque style. The only problem with the homemade aspect of this zine is formatting – some pages don’t match up. Aside from the manual glitches, a proofreader would have been great. That said, this is a Richmond, Virginia-concerned zine – and it is great to hear about so many people in action!

Karnage covers anarchist/social justice activity in Richmond. Here are a few highlights: the really really free market, an awesome place for locals to bring and take reusable items (to keep them out of landfills!); anarchy against prison (supporting prisoners and stopping construction of immigrant detention centers); gay rights; Richmond food not bombs (offering healthy vegan meals); animal liberation; squatting for political reasons and much, much more. I particularly enjoyed Karnage’s safe-sex ad (it’s important, right?) and her views on polyamory and monogamy. She’s really got personality. You may not be a Richmond vegan anarchist but Cuddle Puddles is full of ideas, inspiration and hilarity.

-Vanessa Ta

Related posts:

1. The Urban Hermitt, Issue 22
2. The Young Adult’s Pocket Guide to Ritual Sacrifice
3. Pajomo #02

The issue opens with the delights of KRS-One weaved into a contemplation of Jesus, not prepping us for the hilarious trendiness (i.e. hipster Christians, fish ale bumper stickers, etc.) in the stories that follow; and things get more interesting after adding a little queer into the mix. The passion for healthy living and a healthy planet don’t go unnoticed in this label-loving granola experience; though it could do better with an editor.

–Vanessa Ta

Related posts:

1. Bad Date Zine; Tales of Woe Issue No. 2
2. Tortilla, Issue 1
3. Ashcan Magazine Issue #2