Zine: no phobia here, 1965

Web-based information sharing and discussion (particularly the kind found in blogs) may be considered the natural descendants of the 20th century fandom phenomena and its use of fanzines as network hubs connecting enthusiasts of various pastimes. Articles and images--original or lovingly swiped--as well as trade/sell lists, opinion and reader comments abound in these grassroots do-it-yourself publications. Much of fandom's etiquette and jargon would be familiar to blog readers of today.

Even the worst-executed early fanzine can be fascinating, if only to admire the effort involved for its day in getting a work self-published purely for the love of its content and desire to share it. Zines largely were not very slick until the 70s when the latest reproduction technologies came with lower cost and easier access (...and some even then...). The always wonderful Golden Age Comic Book Stories blog has an excellent, image-rich post regarding one particular, well-crafted comics fanzine from the 1960s-80s, The Rocket's Blast and The Comicollector.


"My tie and pipe are social expectations, not affectations. Seriously."

Here we find the zine sharing a 1965 article (apparently from Long Island's Newsday) about some very early comic collectors before the average person could conceive of a time where this kid's stuff would become valuable, let alone culturally relevant. Bless 'em.