1. Hair Fetish. The hair is always fairer on someone else’s head, and this local zine explores fully the author’s (and our) lock envy. Steeped in historical information about hair fetishes, personal anecdotes and cartoons, it can be ordered with an attached real, genuine hair bookmark. Or not, if that makes you need to vomit.
2. Plant. In its sophomore issue, this one-girl Canadian production is full of stunning fashion images that reflect on nature and the feminine body. This edition features articles on the nonexistence of hipsters and even an article on mushrooms. For just a fiver, this is definitely worth the price.
3. Lindzine. Hamburger Eyeland has an abundance of artsy fashion zines to their growing name. The best is easily their simple Lindzine, dedicated to all things Lohan. Filled to the brim with simple black and white pictures of Lindsay Lohan and only ran in a limited number of 100, but it seems as though there are still some available? So get one now!
4. About My Disappearance. On a more serious note, Dave Roche aims to share his personal struggles in dealing with a serious disease through thoughtful and detailed writing. The zine describes his life before and after he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and how it has since affected his once healthy and cautious life. It is a powerful yet beautiful series about how our lives can be so seriously changed without us knowing.
5. Zine Librarian Zine. This is a zine for the librarians who work specifically in a zine library. So it is especially useful if you’re looking to work in the zine business or start up your own DIY zine conglomerate in your area. But now I feel like I’ve said the word “zine” too many times and my brain hurts.
6. YOU. This zine takes the form of an anonymous letter addressed to you, the reader which is handwritten by various writers and then sealed in a paper bag. The letter received is often signed off by “from Luke,” which may (if you’re anything like me) make you dream up of a handsome brooding writer somewhere far away. Or, like, Luke Perry.
7. With Love From Me to You. This is a full colour, tiny little cute zine that is dedicated to the authors love of mail art. Unfortunately it is now out of print, but you can view a copy at the Toronto Zine Library. It will totally warm your love. Because who doesn’t love mail and spending the time to create something to send to someone half way around the world?
8. Whoosh! Subtitled “the zine for whale lovers,” this zine isn’t lying. Written by Portland girl Katherina Audley, it contains essasy and stories of personal experiences with whales, including her adventured swimming with them. And it’s not just writing; there is also art and photography. Seems like a whale of a zine! No? Okay, we’ll be going now.
9. Let It Be Beautiful. Get all six of the Toronto-made, Urban Outfitters-approved Beatles zines on, where else, Etsy. Soon to come: a nine-volume rewriting and illustration of all 300 Beatles songs by the zinemakers, Elizabeth Barker and Laura Jane Faulds.
____
Christina Welton is a contributor at Toronto Standard.
For more, follow us on Twitter at @torontostandard, and subscribe to our newsletter.
