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 Voume 4 Issue 9

Whether you are feeling the heat of deadline pressures of the warmth of summer this issue has the perfect theme for you: fire!

Did you see our new Zine header on the cover? Chiefly designed by A.I. and if you look in the upper left corner you will see the mini version of the new comic club logo chiefly designed by Kanami. Both the logo and the header contain embellishments by Kage, and Matabo. Thank you to everyone who sent in submissions there were so many great ideas!

So many people are interested in our end of year party, May 27th, we have had to make it invite only. All comic club contributors are allowed 2 tickets each. We will be showing animation and giving prizes for best costume.

Another great cover by Max.J. A flaming angel? Where does he think of these things?

Matabo’s burning with passion so this time he decided to write a poem rather than make an illustration (p1).

The Dark Rabbit: Little Usagi Riku is back with a short strip “The Fire Trick” (p2). I love her unique and nuanced style full of grit and detail!

On page 3 Kaname is reverting to her older toning technique, which should look better with our new production methods. Kaname joined Aidou, Makoto, & Itachi, in helping with Kami’s Chibi Adventures (p9) a team effort that reads a like an episode of Zippy.

K.K. has a cute cat for you to enjoy on page 4. It’s a happy kitty!

Then we have the beautiful drawing talents of Ryvirus starting on page 5. Lots and lots of Fire and don’t forget to check out the burning back cover she created for this issue.

We have the second installment of the late blooming hit “Fated” by Tangerine and the little cliff hanger at the end left my heart racing. Make sure your sitting down when you read this one. Where did she get those wonderful story telling skills?

AI is bringing back Sin on page 15. It’s an amazing 10 pages that will make you laugh, make you cry, make you wonder why, and it may even leave you a little itchy. It looks like all of the work pestering her has paid off because there are quite a few things resolved in this episode. For all fans of Sin, including myself, this issue is not to be missed.

Konoha ends the issue with a 4-page installment of Bonded with another beautiful cover by our art director Kage. If you want the lowdown skinny on all things bonded you will have to read her letter (which can be found on pIV of the readable pdf file).

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