Never heard of a zine before? Think of it as an independently published mini–magazine or comic book, often devoted to an arts or music scene, but mostly based on the creative whimsy of its author. Basically, it's artistic expression and strong opinions in pretty books. Since the event’s taking place on campus, a casual stop–by could lead to a discovery of your artistic or counter–cultural sensibilities. Plus, we hear there’s food… and free underwear.
1. Decades of Confusion Feed the Insect Yes, the title confuses us too. Get a sense of Philadelphia’s underground cultural scene with artist and musician Justin Duerr. His zine features obsessively detailed and otherworldly drawings in pen and watercolor accompanied by “electrical zig–zag” text conveying poetry and essays. This dude won an award at the Sundance Film Festival and has tri–state fame for drawings done in sharpie. 2. How Not to Flirt Because you thought your attempts at dating were bad. Writers Johanna and Mary will be offering refreshments and silk–screened panties along with their sagely advice about everything from grooming to ending that terribly bland conversation in the form of hysterical real life anecdotes.
3. Philly Comix Jam Interested in simultaneously satisfying your thirst for cartoons and alcohol? Meet this ensemble of local cartoonists who organize regular drinking/drawing sessions. If you pick up a copy and think you’d be able to add something to the mix, just show up to one of their next meetings at Manny Brown's Bar on South Street with a brush and bottle in hand.
4. Shooting Wall This one is for cinephiles and prospective filmmakers. To understand what you just watched at the Philly Film Festival or to find out what upcoming films will be on Oscar Awards circuit, make sure to pick up this group’s current zine, in which Philly film theorists merge history, movie reviews and recommendations for the cinematically curious.
5. Threadbear If you have a soft spot for the handmade, then take a look at the comics and talents of Fiona and Connie. Their wide range of techniques, such as embroidery and drypoint, might seem old–fashioned, but it just may perfectly complement their subject matter: post–apocalyptic science fiction, punx, anti–consumerism and werewolves.
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