Zines Past and Present
A zine (short for magazine), is typically a small-circulation, self-published piece of original or borrowed texts and images. While zines are often reproduced on a copy machine today, they have a history that predates photocopy machines.
Elysia, the owner of Irvington Vinyl & Books, discusses the history of zines, and their current significance in the Indianapolis community.
The history of the zine is extensive, going all the way back to Sci-fi fandoms of the 1930s. And this is what’s crucial to note, zines have always been about connecting fans to artists, and more importantly some might argue, is fans to each other. The 1950s and 60s saw an explosion in underground media with the poetry community taking zines a step further, only they called them chapbooks. No matter the language, the concept remained the same. Easily made paper booklets containing counter-culture media and designed to foster connection. Through the 80s and 90s zines emerged yet again in the music world as a means of fans documenting their love for artists and commenting on the state of music and the world. It’s here where the use of zines as a grassroots political tool starts to take off and now when considering zines in the modern day context that’s where they occupy the most space. Though poets still make chapbooks. The world of poetry and zines is not as hand in hand as it once was. More often, we find zines as a revolutionary tool giving voice to those that the mainstream media suppresses. Which is why we carry them at Irvington Vinyl & Books–it’s important for us to curate a collection that really reflects the history of the world as fully diverse as possible. For those that find themselves also passionate about paper projects, zines, and chapbooks we recommend connecting with @gluestickzinefest on Instagram or through their website: gluestickzinefest.org and following their annual event and monthly opportunities. Founder and organizer Kelsey Simpson is the backbone of zine culture in Indianapolis. If you want guidance or support in making and duplicating your own zine, reach out to us as well. Our store is connected with Caliban Arts Co-op which focuses on printing zines and selling them around the city for local creatives.
Zines are commonly 5.5″ wide by 8.5″ tall, and less than 1/4″ thick. To protect a zine collection, BCW has a few solutions. 6″ x 9″ Photo Sleeves are a good fit. Another storage method, especially if you also collect comics, is to use Current Comic Bags and Backing Boards. This is especially useful for booklets that are larger than the “standard” size. Another advantage is the flap on the comic bags seal the zine completely, maximizing protection. In addition to a bookshelf, zines with comic bags and boards fit in Comic Boxes, Comic Bins, or even Comic Stor-Folios.