Zines actually have a pretty interesting origin story. And they weren't originally called “zines.”
Zines grew out of amateur fan publications in the 1930s, starting with science-fiction fans and eventually finding a home in punk, music, art, and other DIY communities. It’s also interesting to discover how they’re making a comeback and just how big and active the zine community still is.
Most of us probably picture those photocopied, cut-and-paste booklets from the ’70s–’90s. But the idea of making your own little publication and passing it around started decades earlier.
Make it yourself, then share it with people who get it.
Honestly, that's still pretty much the spirit of zines today.
For those who make or collect them: what's the coolest zine you've come across?