The zines featured in the Salt Lake City Public Library’s alternative press collection run the gamut in geography as well as topical interest. Among the “cream of the crop” in the collection are the following:

The Mormon Worker – Clinton Watson calls this tabloid newspaper the “local spin-off of the Catholic Worker.” A recent issue, for example, featured a long commentary on economic democracy and a critique of American intervention in Iraq, what might not be typically found in discussions among traditional Mormon church members. It epitomizes the zine culture precisely. It is an independently produced publication: “All proceeds from sales of the Mormon Worker newspaper and Mormon Worker memorabilia are used to cover the costs of printing the newspaper. Any proceeds beyond what are needed to cover printing costs are donated to the welfare program of the Mormon Church as fast offerings. The Mormon Worker is edited and published by an unpaid staff.”

Papercutter – One of many zines edited by Greg Means, whom Watson says is one of the strongest proponents of zine culture. Means also is head librarian and founder of the Independent Publishing Resource Center based in Portland, Oregon. This zine won the Ignatz Award from the Small Express Expo in 2007. Incidentally, the award is named after a character in the legendary Krazy Kat comic strip. The comic-book style issue reviewed here included three stories: “Graveyard,” “Snowstorm,” and “Night Moves.”

Not My Small Diary – One of the many personal zines that comprise the bulk of the library’s zine collection. Most personal zines are extremely restrictive in potential audience outreach but Watson says many readers will readily appreciate the inviting, easy-to-read comic-style format of Not My Small Diary, featuring the author’s slice of life ramblings. A reviewed issue was bound with safety pins and featured reflections from childhood days, pleasantly universal in their appeal.

American Born Chinese – This has been widely discovered and was recently expanded into an award-winning graphic novel. Created by Gene Luan Yang, the zine contains three stories, the first being a retelling of the classic Monkey King folk tale. The second and third stories take on, respectively, the issues of second-generation immigrants and their native cultural influences and stereotypes. The third tale features a white boy (Danny) who is not enthused at the visit by his cousin Chin-Kee who displays every imaginable Chinese stereotype. The graphic novel version brings all three stories together into a compelling comic book narrative with workable twists and surprises.

Stolen Sharpie Revolution – This zine celebrates the ubiquitous character of the classic marker. As with many of the finest zines that come from Portland (or as Watson calls it, “zine central”), SSR is a do-it-yourself reference book, published by Microcosm. Watson recommends this zine as a great starting point for the creator who wants to publish and distribute an alternative press book.

Come Look At My Brain – A funny anthology of poetry, prosaic bits, and literary moments published by Kevin Eldridge (“a personal favorite” for Watson). Two examples are worth sharing:

The mime’s performance
Was completely ruined
By his Siamese twin
Who was a ventriloquist

Don’t leave money for a tip;
Be more creative.
Leave some of those tasty eggs!

Beck Street – Locally published by Elik Press, the book is a collection of essays by Andy Hoffmann, who holds a doctorate in English from the University of Utah. His stories, essays, and poems have appeared in a number of national literary journals, and his work has won awards and grants for fiction and non-fiction from the Utah Arts Council. His collection, “Five Stories”, was published from a Pennsylvania Council of the Arts grant. He recently completed “Carrion”, a collection of stories, and is currently working on a collection of essays. He also is director and lead editor of Elik Press.

Swinj – Trent Call, local artist, edits this compilation of sketches, drawings, and other artistic media by local residents.

Bright and Beautiful – A locally produced, beautifully executed zine that epitomizes the best public access characteristics associated with alternative press media. This cover is from 1985.