Fanzines: A review

Fanzines have a rich history within DIY creative practice. These small, independent, grassroots forms of communication and expression connect fans with each other and with their subjects of interest, creating cultures and generative modalities of fandom. Fanzines celebrate an interest and celebrate being a fan. This article reviews fanzine scholarship in two sections. It first overviews themes in research on zines, including a focus on politics and subjectivity, expression and materiality, archives, and research and teaching. It then explores research on key themes within fanzines themselves and how these have attracted scholarly interest. These themes include fanzines on music and bands, sports, fiction, celebrities, places, and stuff and things. The article concludes by reflecting on the influence of fanzines within research and broader culture.