< resource >
XEROGRAPHY DEBT #14
edited by Davida Gypsy Breier
($3.00 from Davida Gypsy Breier / PO Box 963 / Havre de Grace, MD / 21078 USA. Web:
www.leekinginc.com)
Review by Jessica Bublitz
Almost every zine reader has picked up at least one issue of
Maximumrocknroll and I think the best way to describe
XD is to compare/contrast the style between the the two.
The number of zine reviews is much larger in
XD because that's its main focus. There are also some "perzine tendencies" with the inclusion of columns and announcements focused on the zine world and also a little info on each of the contributing writers.
MRR doesn't include a look into the writers but does
include disparate columns on a mishmash of topics and more review items including music, so that could be positive or negative for many readers. The most important contrast is the agenda in reviewing. Where
MRR's reviews are generally jaded and slam the new but praise the established,
XD is very informative as to what the zine really contains plus its style. The reviewers also give constructive criticism when it applies and that's important for the zines' creators and helps the readers make informed decisions.
Most review zines cater to a certain type such as activist or political, music, personal, etc. but there is a good variety and openness to the submissions and the reviewers in
XD. This issue features 20 reviewers and each takes on 5 to 17 zines! Also, some zines are reviewed by different people to give them another view, which is a great idea. So while some are reluctant to spend $3.00, there are more than enough honest recommendations for all your favorite genres.
I really couldn't find something I didn't like about
XD. This is the only publication I can think of where the agendas of hippies, punks, literary buffs, artists, and everyone in between are seen with open minds. This is a great resource that I'd recommend for those starting to check zines out for the first time and of course anyone that wants to find something new to read.
[ Link to this review ]
