What is a zine?

Zines are miniature magazines filled with images and text, usually trying to spread some kind of message. They’re a small-circulation of self-published work of original or appropriated texts and images, usually reproduced via a copy machine. Zines are the product of either a single person or of a very small group, and are popularly photocopied into physical prints for circulation.

The difference between magazines and zines is that magazines are often produced by publishing companies and zines are self published. Magazines also focus on selling advertising space and making a profit, whilst zines are mainly created for spreading bold, strong, revolutionary ideas.

History of zines:

Zines were first created in the science fiction fandoms in the 1930s and they were names “fanzines” which means fan magazines. Before the internet, zines allowed fans to create networks, share ideas and analyses, and collaborate on writing and artwork. The very first zine dates back to May of 1930 in the USA. A little publication called The Comet was first created by the Science Correspondence Club. The letter section of the zine was a prominent feature, where fans discussed science as well as science fiction.