fanzine

A fanzine, short for fan magazine, is a nonprofessional, noncommercial publication produced by enthusiasts for distribution within a specific fan community. Fanzines are typically created outside the traditional publishing industry and rely on voluntary labor, such as writing, editing, artwork, layout, and distribution.

Fanzines originated in science fiction fandom in the 1930s and 1940s and later diversified to other genres. They typically include fiction, essays, criticism, reviews, letters, artwork, and news about the community. Produced by individuals or small groups, they use inexpensive production methods such as mimeograph, ditto, or photocopy and are circulated by mail, at conventions, or through clubs. Letter columns and reader feedback are common features, fostering conversation within the community.

In the modern era, many fanzines have moved online as webzines, PDFs, or other digital formats, while some continue as printed publications. Fanzines are now common in science fiction, comics, music, anime, gaming, and other subcultures, functioning as collaborative, participatory media that center fan voices, critique, and artwork. The model emphasizes accessibility and grassroots involvement rather than professional publishing pipelines.

Fanzines have served as training grounds for writers and artists and as informal archives of subcultural discourse. They remain a touchstone for independent publishing, illustrating how fans can create and sustain communities outside mainstream media. The term “zine” has broadened to encompass a wide range of self-published, noncommercial periodicals across many topics.