Every so often, time gets the best of us. There’s a lot of TV to watch (have you heard about The Antenna Network? Because I have, and it’s fantastic), comics to read, video games to play, and so forth. Admittedly, it got the best of me and I fell behind on some reviews. I figured the only fair thing to do was to get them done as soon as possible, at any cost – which for me, means reading a bunch of zines when I get a chance, which is when I’m taking the train into Manhattan from the suburbs. Here are my thoughts, as well as the reactions of some nosy, offended onlookers.
A Guide To Picking Locks Number 2
CrimethInc.
I was looking forward to reading this one, anticipating being able to do things like being able to break into the janitors closets at the train station while I wait for my transfer. But I can’t help but feel like this zine gets to be a little too big for its britches. I was hoping for a good how to, but it immediately starts off with “a true lock pick always finds the most easiest way to pick a lock – maybe that means sneaking in through an open window.” You know what’s easier? Just getting the explanation you were hoping for from some stupid thing. The whole thing is a little confusing in that regard, I haven’t “bypassed” any locks yet, but maybe that’s more on me.
Offended-onlooker factor: The conductor gave me an odd, dirty-ish look as he took my ticket.
How To Make Soap: Without Burning Your Face Off
Microcosm
Upon looking at it, I couldn’t help but think “why the hell do I need to know this? I can buy my own stupid soap.” But upon reading, it’s a reminder “oh, making soap is actually pretty difficult, and potentially harmful. Maybe that’s part of the reason that these hippies stop bathing in the first place. Maybe it would be nice to try to learn how to do this,” but by that point I’ve already fallen asleep, woken back up, and taken an hour long shower before going to work.
Offended-onlooker factor: An attractive “normal” looking girl gave me weird looks after she sat down next to me.
Shut Up & Love The Rain
Microcosm
A zine about sexual awakenings, including the authors own experiences, and an interview with his father shortly after coming out as transgender. Seeing as I’m in my late twenties and afraid of talking to women, I could not possibly be more of an opposite of the target audience for this one. Seriously, it was a little tough just reading comics about how the author’s friend “showed him the dick fold in trick” at all, let alone in public. But, it’s hard to deny that it’s heavy subject matter that fans of this sort of this thing would love.
Offended-onlooker factor: Stuffy old guy in a business suit next to me looked disgusted (if not secretly pleased).
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