Stolen Sharpie Revolution

Editor: Joe Biel

Bibliographic Info:

Biel, Joe. (2003). Stolen sharpie revolution: a diy zine resource. Portland, OR: Microcosm Publishing.

Descriptive Summary:

Stolen Sharpie Revolution is a jam-packed guide to zine and mail art culture that also serves as a practical how-to guide on making and designing zines. Stolen Sharpie Revolution showcases the ins and outs of producing zines, selling and distributing zines, and reaching out to other zine writers. It also doesn’t shy away from some of the realities of zine culture, including predators who sometimes prey on potential victims through zines. Tons of resource lists and zines suggestions round out Stolen Sharpie Revolution.

Evaluative comments with rating:

4/5 TVs - Go outside and take this book with you

Stolen Sharpie Revolution is an invaluable resource for seasoned zinesters and neophytes just learning about zines. The writing is clear and never condescends, the step-by-step guides are straightforward and useful, and a number of different perspectives on zines and zine related culture are presented. Stolen Sharpie Revolution only falls short in that it may be a little inaccessible for those unfamiliar with underground and punk culture, it might prove a little overwhelming at first. However, once a reader delves into Stolen Sharpie Revolution and zine culture, this will serve as a lifesaver over and over again.

Suggested Audience (age range): 13+

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Inspirational, offbeat, reflective, candid, richly-detailed

Readalikes: Evasion, Cometbus, Maximumrocknroll, Broken Pencil, Zine-O-File, Ghost Pine - Jeff Miller

Booktalking hook:

From the intro:

Somehow Sharpies exchange hands over and over and I'd like to think that's a good thing. I think ideas are meant to be like that, shared and passed on so that everyone can appreciate them. That is what this zine is about, creative exchange. Not to show you how things must be done but to give you a jumping off point and a few hints to do things your own way.

Reason for inclusion:
Familiarity with the publishing company and their prior works.

Category: Magazine/Zine/Zines