I love this as a reminder to make zines, to prioritize zines, and to continue approaching zines (and writing) as a survival mechanism. It's not about making money, having all the right supplies, or having a history in art/book making. It's about getting your words out, sharing your story, being messy, embracing DIY-culture (the analog one, not the YouTube one), and inspiring others to make zines of their owns for their own reasons and in their own ways.
I can't remember what it was called but I'm sure I still have it somewhere. This zine reminded me of a hand-written zine I once got. The author made 20 copies, and by that I mean, they wrote 20 copies. They couldn't afford the print shop, so they wrote each of those zines. They were each unique not in that they had different art or words, but in that you could see the decline of the writer's energy as they created each zine. By the end, the handwriting was messy (I got one of those). At the beginning, the handwriting was neat (this is what was in the product photo). Like CALL IN SICK TO MAKE ZINES notes, I am also worried people will think that you need certain supplies or aesthetic to make a zine. I thought of that handmade zine and wondered if anyone was upset to receive a hand-written copy, rather than a photocopy, of the zine in the product photo. At the time I was appreciative but now in reflection, I'm amazed and proud and glad to be part of a community of people who share their thoughts on small folded paper.
Two minizines offering a quick jaunt into terrifying, horror nightmare trees around the world. I want to see them. I want to learn more. I like that some of these weird trees are populated throughout graveyards. I wonder if there is mythology tied to any of them. I wonder if, before the tree was discovered, humans were blamed for murders resulting from curiously touching plants. I wonder what it's like being a depressed person living nearby trees that can kill you in an instant. I wonder if any serial killers have used these fruits to take their prey.
A short but deep and heartbreaking zine telling a story of loss. Beautiful illustrations. Nice to touch.