The The Zine Volume 4 Issue 10

There’s Anakin Skywalker, not even ten years old, piloting a pod racer around a tight curve. Another pod is closing in on him, the other pilot (who is not human, nor a close approximation) snarls or maybe burps, when suddenly his pod bursts into flame. A small clique of Tuskan Raiders (or Sand People to the uninitiated) is perched above the bend, the one holding a still smoking rifle raises it over his head and bellows an all to familiar sound.

This sequence takes all of five or maybe seven seconds. It does not advance the plot and it does not advance character, and yet here it is. A part of film history, so to speak. It’s been ten years of Star Wars, Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and yet this one instance, the Raider with his gun and his immediately recognizable yawp of victory and success, how many Star Wars fans remember it happening?

While it’s hard to call this sequence “fan service,” given that the limited Tuskan Raider dialect has no word for “lewd” or “racy,” it’s not hard to draw a connection between the two.

Some readers of anime and manga, certain fans of the genre, have an appetite for titillation. The human form, as idealized by the artist’s hand, should never be censored even at the expense of narrative. Yes, Story should be God in the hearts and minds of aspiring writers, but every now and then, eye candy plays the scantily-clad emissary of His word. And comics, while being a medium to convey the tenets of Story, are first and foremost a visual medium. (They won’t be releasing a Watchmen audiobook anytime soon, or at the very least, they shouldn’t.)

There are aspects of this issue which are explicit. Young artists have bravely tackled human sexuality, homosexuality, lust and other prurient tracks often thought of as
“mature.” But this issue isn’t trying to titillate for the sake of titillation (unlike “professional” fan services). These writers aren’t composing (ahem) “dirty pictures” for the sake of being dirty. This issue is, by this writer’s estimation, a reflection of an entire culture’s current trend towards provocation. If there is a controversy at the heart of fan service, it’s this: Why be titillating for the sake of titillation? Should anyone hear such a
question posed in earnest, respond simply, “Why not?”

What you, dear reader, will find within this issue is nothing more or less than a testament to the human condition. And to the artists who bravely submitted their most personal works for this issue, you have my sincerest gratitude.

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The The Zine Volume 4 Issue 6

Ninja. What a great topic! You could have happy ninja, sad ninja, emo ninja, ask a ninja, and FLYING NINJA!!! Yes Flying Ninja is back, but first.

We have a nice little cover featuring the stylings of Max J who has been busy in this issue. He also wrote and illustrated two poems which Flare claims will be inspiring to the artist in us all (p3). Then he also submitted some nice art (p5).

Speaking of Robert aka Flare we start this issue off with a poem of his recommended by Max J (p1). Flare seems to be reaching for some new forms and I’m excited to see where it takes him.

Lu² is back with her second submission of the year (p6). I’m sure it’s hard being a senior trying to squeeze everything you can into that last year.

Oh. eM. Ge. Geee. You can’t see me. Mee. I’m blending in just like a pine tree. TREE! Sorry about that I just got a little distracted for a moment. Ahhh speaking of pleasant distractions Pa-San has placed two of them in this issue (p8 & p39)!

With a theme like Ninja Chewy is in her element so of course we can expect something great coming from her. She has submitted her first work as an author (p9) and she has been inking Big Pride’s work again Where we discover the origins of the FLYING NINJA (p10)!

Wangsta’s back (p11) and with a great new story involving ninja and coeducational intrigue. Can you say layout talent? The execution is so good on this one: layout, pacing, character variety. I hope there is more!

AI the once and future mangaka has some laughs waiting for you on (p17). All sprouting from a very little ninja surprise in the world of Sin!

Then Star continues to explore the relationship between Star, Biocide and Bio’s brother (p20). There is nothing like familial competitiveness to add drama to a story.

Winding down the issue is the continued team effort by club officers Kage and Konoha in Bonded (p 23). Then Konoha brings us back from the Land of Muse in Dragon’s Dream (p 28).

Finally we close the issue with the latest contribution by our dark horse contributor Lil Usagi Rikku taking up the coveted back cover location.

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The The Zine Volume 4 Issue 4

First Kiss

How do they do it!?! Quality work keeps rolling in!

Did you see the cover by Cocoa? Isn’t it great! She’s taking a break from contributing a story this issue, but she did turn in some art to tide you over! (p1) Genius!

Max J’s at it again busy with another great back cover and poem with illustrations! (p2) Don’t forget
to check out his other pieces First Class (p3) and Soul Relaxation (p5) I’m sure you will agree he’s the king… er president of style!

We also have a poem by Robert Folayan! (p4) Just as I promised in issue 2. He’s throwing in some graphic stylings of his own just to keep up the visual interest. You will not be disappointed!

Jack Ferobruesse is making his debut contribution on (p5) with a great little character sketch he did in his notebook! He’s a hard guy to track, but when he stops long enough to put pen to paper craziness is quick to follow!

There is so much to be excited about in this issue of The The Zine. Like the return of Flying Ninja! (p6) I love Flying Ninja! I want the shirt, the lunch box, the plushy! Most of all I want more Flying Ninja Comics! I can not gush enough! You must read Flying Ninja! … Flying Ninja!!!

Then Pa San cracks open our minds with her unique collage of kissing culture and some tongue in cheek commentary at the end (p8). Continuing to blow comic making conventions out the window Pa San’s work is exciting both for it’s content and it’s form.

This is Wangsta’s debut issue and what a piece to come in on! Already a master of pacing 1st Kiss (p10) is a 5 page roller coaster of love! You’ll feel like you’ve lived a whole life when you’re done.

Then the stuff that keeps bringing me back, Sin! (that sounded bad) (p15). Wrath seemed pretty determined to put the moves on the royal hostage. What’s this!?! Where is Baka Ranger Red and who is this A. I. impostor? Has the author of Sin been taken hostage too? No worries folks; I did some investigative work and found out that B.R.R. is just changing her name. Different name same great work. Enjoy!

Then the trials of Star and Biocide continue in Shadows of Doubt (p21). The tension is so thick you could cut it with an axe, but I prefer a chainsaw. It’s a real hand wringing nail biter and frankly it’s giving me an ulcer. Star is doing an excellent job at keeping everyone even the Zine crew on the edge of their seats!

I am so happy to say that Konoha is continuing to reveal more about the land of Muse in Dragon’s Dream. (p24) including some exciting back story on Cia Siab aka Emajin8: 122.13.7’s muse. I’m really enjoying this one. With subtle and deep back-story behind every character the more I read the better it gets!

Then Hue Lor is back with “Moments in My Life” (p28) his tell all biography of what he’s been doing in the years since he published last. This time I know he’s here to stay because he’s got the next two issues canned and ready to go.

Remember that piece by Charles McGregor I promised you back in issue 1? Well he is finally presenting the first installment of Tribal. (p29) If you’ve been waiting for an action story it’s here

Then if you’re looking for something short funny and sweet we’ve got Alice’s First Kiss by first time contributor Kaname (p36).

Finally we end on the dark side of love with this amazing first time contribution by the talented storyteller Annie Moua (p37)

Where does all this amazing talent come from???

Harding Comic Club of course!

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The The Zine Volume 4 Issue 3

The Comical Tragedy.

Even with the most intense publishing schedule of any zine crew to date a high volume of work is still coming in! We even held a vote and decided to keep our bi-weekly deadlines! I’m so excited I forgot what periods are for!

To add to the exciting news a forum has been added on a trial basis to the website HSCCLUB.NET where we can discuss comic club! We’re still working out details and any suggestions for improvements to the site would be appreciated!

This issue marks the first writing published in The The Zine! A great poem by our president Max.J! (p1) It’s accompanied by a great drawing by one of our newest members
Michael Cellier! If you have a story or poem you would like to contribute please bring it to a club meeting and we will consider it for publication in The The Zine!

We have another great first time contribution by Big Pride and Chewy (p7) a whimsical piece about flying Ninja’s! It’s sooo great I hope it becomes a regular series for The The Zine!

Another new contribution, just in time for Valentines Day, is Chocolate Wars by Monkey and Cocoa! (p8) Find out who got the most chocolate from the girls on Valentines Day!

Regular readers will be excited to see the conclusion of Cocoa’s Valentine’s Day! (p3) This was such a sweet (& cruelly tragic) story! I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Moo²’s back (p4) with another short sweet and tragically funny story about snow people in spring that just gets funnier every time I read it!

And please don’t miss Pa San’s Comically Tragic “Tragedy of Love!” (p5) She makes such great little strips!

Then it’s time for the big three dramatic anchors of Zine! The latest episode of “Sin” (p13) has Wrath introduce the royal guest to the dangers of the forest & maybe a little romantic intrigue as well! Keep up the good work Baka Ranger Red!

Then in “Shadows of Doubt” will Star stay with Biocide or will his fatal flaw drive her away? (p19) With mentions of new characters It looks like Star’s in it for the long haul on this one!

Finally Konoha takes us to The Land of Muse in “Dragon’s Dream!” (p23) We finally learn about the muses & what they think of people!

Finally another blast from the past with the final episode of Copyright Morons! (p29) Where Professor Aragorn presents the rebirth of Captain America!

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The The Zine Volume 4 Issue 2

Love & Pain: Romance & Horror.

Aaahhh February! Soon it will be Valentines day and with this day comes hearts and arrows; roses and chocolates, but we here at The The Zine are not so optimistic about this dark holiday feigning innocence. Valentines day is the day when hearts are broken, arrows are sharp, and the roses have thorns. Not to mention that anyone expressing true long term affection would pack you a healthy lunch not a box of chocolates! As you can see from our wonderful cover by club president Max.J. the theme for this issue of The The Zine? is Love & Pain: Romance & Horror.

Just so we don’t leave you too shocky we have some first time contributions from Pa on pages 2 and 10 to give us some short breaks from the horror and romance. Then right away on page 3 we jump into the inevitable with a beautiful first time contribution by club member Cocoa.

Baka Ranger Red is back with her second contribution displaying cunning situational humor. A story called “Sin” (page 5) wherein three rascals debate ethics while the fate of innocent royalty is on the line.

This is followed by Star’s second contribution in a story titled “Shadows of Doubt” (page 11) where romantic intentions are interrupted. Oh and don’t forget to check out the sweet back cover also designed by Star.

Finally this issue is brought to a close with the second installment of Dragon’s Dream (page 17). Konoha promises that she will be explaining the muses in the next issue, but in the mean time enjoy the antics as we get to know Zaj and the mysterious muse Ares a little better.

Finally I would like to introduce two of the main forces that have brought Comic Club back for another year our new club president: Maximillian Jay and The The Zine art director Kage! No one has spent more time in comic club over the years than these two. Don’t miss Max.J’s letter immediately to the right.

There is a lot of great work coming down the pipe as The The Zine? goes bi-weekly!

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