$2/20 pages/Quarter size
by Polly
"I could see her fuming inside with anger and insult,keeping it in as if it were not right to protest."
This zine first comes off as an eye-opening, semi-political zine centered around what has been said about women in our society. Namely, women's reproductive rights. And although this issue of the zine is that, it's also much more. As a woman, I know that these issues exist - of course I do! But there is something about seeing it gathered up like this, mixed with the zine author's accounts that make it all too real.
There is a mix of visual tools used: patterns, advertisements, backgrounds - all used to accompany an element of each piece of writing.
"That's partly what this zine is about, actually.
Being brave and being loud, putting my thoughts out into the open,
even though I'm scared."
Review by Celia Medrano
$2/24 pages/Quarter size
by Polly
"I don't need an excuse not to talk to someone."
In this issue of the zine, the author appears to be more comfortable with her medium and her own voice. It seems that her voice is more entwined within the work, making it more about who she is.
"Meanwhile, I'm sitting over in the corner frozen solid
except for my mouth, which has permanently affixed smile
in case anyone happens to glance over at me. 'There, I smiled at you!'"
This zine issue is so much more personal and it's what makes it resounding - ironic to what its title implies. At one point in the zine, the author offers a series of issues to which she would be open to talking about - inviting the reader to begin a dialogue with her. This is an interesting engagement that I would love to embark in!
Again, this issue has unique layouts for sections, making the background a part of the author's story.
Review by Celia Medrano
$2/40 pages/Quarter size
by Polly
I have the pleasure of being friends with Polly in real life and it is wonderful to read a zine from her that contains such a strong writer's voice. Polly is quiet, hence the name of her zine, but when I read her writing, I feel how loud her thoughts and opinions are and I love it. Polly writes about intuition, re-defining herself, body image, and memories.
Not only is this zine a great read, but the layout is super rad.
I'm trying to take ownership of myself and my creations. My diaries are documents of myself at a specific point in time, and instead of being embarrassed, I can embrace them and in doing so, embrace that 12, 14, 16 year-old me. and love her for who she is.
A Magical Guide to Getting Off the Internet
$3/32 pages/Quarter size
by Maranda (Telegram) & Dave
I was excited to read this zine because I have personally found myself stressed out over the internet. Maranda and Dave interview each other about their internet usage, breaking bad internet habits, and include good tips on setting healthy boundaries. Maranda writes a list of alternatives to being on the internet, questioning the internet and an internet love & hate list. Dave discusses the value of mindlessness and quitting Facebook.
The first thing Dave said that stuck with me was this: If something doesn't make you feel good, why are you doing it? And it's true; spending so much time on the internet was not making me feel good at all.
$4/16 pages/Half size
by Joseph
A review zine of records with a difference.
Although considering some pretty epic records in the first place, Carlough explains what each record means to him; the hows and whys that explore the history and personality of the writer. This issue focuses on David Bazan and Pedro the Lion.
Review by Kris
$4/52 pages/Half size
by Steve
"Amazing."
And it's really as simple as that. One word that is often repeated throughout this zine also does the job of describing the work as well. This zine, which is text and illustration heavy, is about Steve's tour around half of the U.S. with his band, Thou. Plenty of intricate illustrations accompany each of the stories, each one serving as a snapshot of the particular memory.
Frankly, I didn't know what to expect from this zine, but what I found was insight into a world that I could never even think to imagine. A world of people making music and friendships - a beautiful chaos. And with lines such as, "As dusk falls, my spirit is lifted somewhat when I spot some fireflies. I really wish we had them back home," it made me think of the quiet moments we all experience, but might not take the time to realize.
Review written by Celia Medrano
$1.50/20 pages/Half size
by Jenn
The definitive guide to B movies based on the legend of our favourite Big Foot. If you believe, then you need this zine. If you don't, you still need this zine. Inside you'll find facts about Sasquatch and 13 movie reviews, including kill counts and best quotes! Yes!
I love B horror. Would rather see some guy in a rubber suit over fancy CGI any day.
$2/20 pages/Half size
by Sage & Kris
Kris is an art student from England that spent three months interning at Sweet Candy Distro. Security Check is their zine describing various adventures, things Sage introduced to Kris, the bizarre & unusual roommates Kris had, two pages of British slang, funny commentary, super lovely drawings by Kris, an interview with the two, and a BONUS mini zine by Kris called Terrorist Cat. This compilation project is not your average split zine.
$2/56 pages/ Quarter size
by Jen
I relate to Jen's story and understand the complicated emotions being expresed. It's confusing to love and care for someone who is abusive and then try to process the memories and feelings after that person has passed away. Jen writes about the unhealthy relationship she had with her father, growing up with him, and coping with his death.
And yet, even when I was at my most scared of you, if you hugged me or held me, everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, in my world was righted. And that was our pattern.
Disclaimer: This zine deals with abuse, addiction, and family. If any of those are triggers for you, please read with care.
She's So Very... 11
$2/38 pages/Half size
by Melissa Ann
This issue has an awesome positive vibe! I believe it is the passion that Melissa Ann has for making great changes in her life. She has some fun adventures in 2008 such as recording Jerk Alert's first album, taking a trip to California, getting a tattoo, voting in a Primary, and getting to see Eddie Izzard in concert. She includes interviews, lists & her latest obsessions!
An excerpt," I have lots of things that I would like to do in my life, and sometimes I feel like I have to do them all RIGHT NOW, but then I remember that if all goes well I have quite a few years ahead of me. And the idea of learning belly dancing and starting a burlesque group when I'm a few years older sounds even sexier than it would if I were doing it now!"
June-December 2008
$1/34 pages/Half size
by Melissa Ann
In her usual diary style layout, Melissa Ann catches us up on what has been going on in her life since her last issue of She's So Very. She covers some things such as her recent travels on the east coast, pregnancy & IUD anxiety, a detailed list of things that she would like to do/learn, and loneliness. Melissa Ann also includes a Le Tigre interview from 2000, attending awesome shows and a great deal more! As always, it is an enjoyable & text heavy read!
An excerpt, "I hate it when things are unknown; I hate it when I have no stability. I like to have fun, even be spontaneous but it's like a controlled spontaneous. I will never just pick up and make any sudden decisions about my life, or do something that is going to put me in a hard situation that may be difficult for me to get out of. I like that about myself ..."
january - may 2009
$1/24 pages/Half size
by Melissa Ann
Melissa records her adventures during 2009, such as her awesome trip to Las Vegas with her best friend and meeting Chris Hardwick at his stand-up comedy show. She writes about friendship, fears, and celebrity obsessions. Melissa shares her experience being DJ Dumptruck Molly, dancing & her new turntables! I totally related to the bit she wrote about being tossed into the "straight girl" category. I would really love to see Melissa write more about this topic in the future.
Melissa writes about Los Angeles, "Life is life, no matter where you're parked; you still have to work and struggle. So I just need to go there and visit ... and if it still tickles my fancy, maybe we'll see what happens ... "
june 2009 - january 2010
$1/20 pages/Half size
by Melissa Ann
Best friend adventures, 10-year high school reunion experience, DJing, and birthday talk fill this issue of She's So Very. Melissa Ann discusses physical fitness and trying to be as healthy as she can. I was inspired by her financial accomplishments and how she is getting her finances in order. The Gossip, traveling, True Blood, Anne Rice, Lady Gaga and more; oh my!
An excerpt, "... but for the most part, we're totally disposable. That hurts my feelings a little, but there are people I've disposed of. People grow up and grow apart. I just hope that everyone looks back on the time we spent together as fondly as I do."
April - December 2010
$1/16 pages/Half size
by Melissa Ann
Melissa Ann writes about all of her exciting projects, such as a Lady Gaga rock 'n' roll tribute band, joining her local burlesque troupe, completing birth doula training, and seeing Crispin Glover & Chris Hardwick perform. She shares her mixed emotions about being a part of the Bloomington Burlesque Brigade, 29th birthday party plans, and going back on antidepressants.
I know that all of this is a part of my fear of letting go. My fear of doing hard work, putting myself out there and opening up the possibility for real failure. But like, why do something that's really not important to my life if it's going to make me cry?
six letters addressed to you
$2/ 44 pages/Half size
by patrokolos
Patrokolos' writing is smart, deep and intriguing. This zine is made up of six, lengthy letters to various people. The subject matter covers things such as, love, traveling, relationships, work and politics. I enjoyed how text heavy each of the letters were and the inclusion of text heavy book quotes.
An excerpt, "I used to look back at our time together as the brightest of my life, though I know it held darkness too. Perhaps it will be the brightest, but I think I can feel it getting light again, I am still breathing and the air is refreshing once again and being is starting to once again shine forth."
$2/16 pages/Half size
by Chloe
Dear Reader,
I hope you are having the kind of day where you peel your entire orange in one piece, or the kind of day where someone lets you go first.
And so begins the lovely first issue of Social Animals, a zine meant to not only engage the reader, but have them participate. I am a sucker, like most people, for wonderful first lines and that, my readers, is a fantastic first line. It made me feel as if I had just received a hug by someone who cared how my day was going.
The author warns in her introductory letter to her readers that this zine is different than those they have experienced in the past. She's right, to say the least. In this zine you will find personal experiences written in the second person, tidbits of motivation and writing exercises to get the ideas flowing.
As someone who loves to write, I am impressed and motivated by the prompts given in this zine. Also, the personal inserts from the author is definitely what grabs my attention - you don't know what's coming up as you turn the page! If you are someone who loves to write, or just likes to read good writing, pick up this zine!
Step One: Believe you have something worth saying.
Review by Celia Medrano
$3.50/36 pages/Half size
by Kendy
Kendy is a vegan and eco-friendly zinester who has compiled a text heavy zine with DIY tutorials and recipes, such as Super Simple Queso, Kitty Coat & Skin Care, Instant Cat Toy, Gluten Free Buffalo Bites, and Salsa Scramble. She also writes a great piece about veganism, including a shout out that vegans come in all sizes! Kendy shares different ways to save money on food & stuff and includes vegan fashion talk.
$2/32 pages/Quarter size
by Taryn
I like it when people give it to me straight without candy coating the situation. While I like candy a lot, I like people opening up & sharing the "real" stuff even more. The words that Taryn writes are not all pretty but she is opening up in a way that she feels she has never opened up before in a zine. Her words focus on things such as, her body, her mind, her surroundings, the death of a loved one, and fighting. I applaud Taryn for being extremely raw in this issue and shedding light on the darkness that we all have.
An excerpt, "I'm finally stepping back & saying "I'm totally full of shit. I don't know what I'm doing". Because I don't. I never did."
$2/32 pages/Quarter size
by Taryn
I completely related to Taryn's stories regarding female friendships, the pointing of fingers when things go bad and questioning if you may be the problem when the "break-ups" occur. She writes, "I'm so tired of needing someone but hiding behind the idea that I don't need anyone. Pretending like I'm as strong as I used to be & able to do "this"."
Taryn describes her relationship with her sisters and being 28. I chuckled while reading her Twenty-Something & No Better Off piece, love it!
$2/32 pages/Quarter sizi
by Taryn
Reflecting, wandering and her history are a few of the topics Taryn covers in this issue. An incident at a retail store causes Taryn to look back on her childhood, where she grew up in an unloving and hostile environment. She reflects on her writing, how it makes her feel and questions her focus when it comes to her life goals. Taryn also discusses her nomadic lifestyle.
An excerpt, "I want too much out of life, always have. If I could be happy with getting everything, maybe life would be easier, maybe I would be happier."
$2/32 pages/Quarter size
by Taryn
Taryn writes about her experience interviewing Gwen Stefani for BUST magazine. It was very cool to read about the interviewing process and the large amount of work that was involved. Taryn also describes the love she has for her store, MY MY and the transformation her business made from being online to going brick & mortar. This issue is about dreams; having them, following through with them and giving it all you've got.
An excerpt, "This is just a brief glimpse into what I do, if you care. Everything I do, I do with all my heart & so, if I fail I at least fail with all my heart."
$2/32 pages/Quarter size
by Taryn
Sub rosa #5 was written one year after issue 4. Taryn's life changed immensely during that time, personally and as a business owner. She describes going from her marriage (an 11-year-relationship) to being single. Taryn meets someone and details both the excitement and heartache of crushes. This zine is about memories, second chances and new beginnings.
An excerpt, "The life I had was broken and maybe I wasn't entirely responsible for destroying it but I did have a part. Just like how I'm now creating something new but I'm not doing it alone. My support system has changed and it not longer includes my husband but it's stronger than ever and I'm the one controlling it. I'm the one calling the shots."
$2/32 pages/Quarter size
by Taryn
remove the demons, set her free
Today is the day I perform my own humidity-induced exorcism.
The words above perfectly describe the battle that Taryn is fighting. Recently divorced from her husband, she is struggling with her ex-husband's infidelity, being alone and feeling the pain of it all. Taryn began to drown herself in whiskey to help fill the holes, but in the end she realized that she must make major changes and decided to embrace sobriety.
An excerpt, "I would look around and it would hit me, just how enormous the world was and just how much pain was in it and how small I was in comparison and it would break my heart all over again."
the sobriety issue
$2/32 pages/Quarter size
by Taryn
I admire how brave Taryn has been throughout her journey of getting sober. In this issue of sub rosa, she takes us back in time and introduces us to young Taryn who had a drinking problem in high school. Taryn writes about her marriage to another addict and their divorce. After a night in jail for "being a danger to herself and others," Taryn kicked booze to the curb and recently celebrated two years sobriety. Lots of raw & honest writing.
Addiction was my future from day one and I never tried to fight it. Or maybe I should start this story from the time I had my first drink, which was somewhere around the age of twelve or thirteen.









