by Zines, Feminism
[Zines][Comics][Feminism] Archive of independent feminist and riot grrrl zines from the 1990s, capturing the DIY ethos of underground feminist publishing and third-wave feminist activism. These zines reflect the radical self-expression, cultural critique, and grassroots organizing that defined the era, tackling topics such as gender identity, body politics, sexual violence, punk culture, and systemic oppression. Distributed through zine distros, music scenes, and mail order, these publications exemplify the alternative media networks that challenged mainstream narratives. Archive of six staple-bound zines, averaging 20-40 pages, with hand-drawn illustrations, collage layouts, typewritten text, and cut-and-paste aesthetics. Includes:
[1] Fondreist, Mary and Erika Reinstein. Wrecking Ball. Chicago, IL: Self-published, c.a. 1993. A raw and introspective feminist zine exploring themes of self-worth, power dynamics, and the lingering effects of abuse and oppression. With a fragmented, poetic style, the author reflects on the struggle between internalized inferiority and self-empowerment. Features hand-drawn elements and typewritten text on bright blue pages.
[2] Fondreist, Mary and Erika Reinstein. Wrecking Ball #2. Chicago, IL: Self-published, c.a. 1993. Another edition of Wrecking Ball, highlighting themes of intersectional feminism, class struggle, and underground activism.Features a striking yellow cover with punk-inspired cut-and-paste imagery and direct, urgent prose critiquing capitalist exploitation and gender hierarchies.
[3] lamm, nomy. i'm so fucking beautiful #3. Olympia, WA: Self-published, c.a. 1995. A self-reflective feminist zine centering on body image, fat liberation, self-doubt, and cultural critique. The author challenges conventional beauty standards while exploring the emotional toll of systemic oppression. Features poetic prose, mixed media collage, and a distinctive purple cover with bold feminist statements.
[4] Taylor, Val and nomy lamm. The Nerdy Grrrl Revolution #2. Olympia, WA: Self-published, c.a. 1995. A sharp, energetic riot grrrl zine documenting the authors’ experiences as feminist punks in male-dominated spaces. This issue blends humor, personal reflection, and cultural analysis, addressing everything from underground music to DIY ethics. Features typewritten text, handwritten annotations, and cut-and-paste layouts.
[5] Kennedy, Sarah. Growing Pains #1. Chicago, IL: Self-published, c.a. 1996. A deeply personal and political zine reflecting on the author's experience as a queer feminist navigating urban isolation, punk community, and personal growth. Rooted in the riot grrrl movement, this issue documents the challenges of DIY publishing and feminist organizing while emphasizing self-discovery. Typewritten text on green pages with bold, black collage design.
[6] Kimberly and Shannon. Miss Priss #5. Lake Havasu City, AZ: Self-published, May 1996. A special issue dedicated to the memory of the editor’s aunt, Miss Priss blends personal loss with feminist resistance, tackling subjects such as AIDS awareness, body image, and punk girl solidarity. Features intimate poetry, raw personal narratives, and a DIY punk aesthetic with hand-drawn artwork and xeroxed collages.
Overall, very good condition, with minor handling wear and light creasing to covers. This archive provides a compelling snapshot of 1990s feminist zine culture, preserving the voices of young women and queer activists engaged in self-publishing, punk feminism, and radical resistance. (Inventory #: 21391)
[1] Fondreist, Mary and Erika Reinstein. Wrecking Ball. Chicago, IL: Self-published, c.a. 1993. A raw and introspective feminist zine exploring themes of self-worth, power dynamics, and the lingering effects of abuse and oppression. With a fragmented, poetic style, the author reflects on the struggle between internalized inferiority and self-empowerment. Features hand-drawn elements and typewritten text on bright blue pages.
[2] Fondreist, Mary and Erika Reinstein. Wrecking Ball #2. Chicago, IL: Self-published, c.a. 1993. Another edition of Wrecking Ball, highlighting themes of intersectional feminism, class struggle, and underground activism.Features a striking yellow cover with punk-inspired cut-and-paste imagery and direct, urgent prose critiquing capitalist exploitation and gender hierarchies.
[3] lamm, nomy. i'm so fucking beautiful #3. Olympia, WA: Self-published, c.a. 1995. A self-reflective feminist zine centering on body image, fat liberation, self-doubt, and cultural critique. The author challenges conventional beauty standards while exploring the emotional toll of systemic oppression. Features poetic prose, mixed media collage, and a distinctive purple cover with bold feminist statements.
[4] Taylor, Val and nomy lamm. The Nerdy Grrrl Revolution #2. Olympia, WA: Self-published, c.a. 1995. A sharp, energetic riot grrrl zine documenting the authors’ experiences as feminist punks in male-dominated spaces. This issue blends humor, personal reflection, and cultural analysis, addressing everything from underground music to DIY ethics. Features typewritten text, handwritten annotations, and cut-and-paste layouts.
[5] Kennedy, Sarah. Growing Pains #1. Chicago, IL: Self-published, c.a. 1996. A deeply personal and political zine reflecting on the author's experience as a queer feminist navigating urban isolation, punk community, and personal growth. Rooted in the riot grrrl movement, this issue documents the challenges of DIY publishing and feminist organizing while emphasizing self-discovery. Typewritten text on green pages with bold, black collage design.
[6] Kimberly and Shannon. Miss Priss #5. Lake Havasu City, AZ: Self-published, May 1996. A special issue dedicated to the memory of the editor’s aunt, Miss Priss blends personal loss with feminist resistance, tackling subjects such as AIDS awareness, body image, and punk girl solidarity. Features intimate poetry, raw personal narratives, and a DIY punk aesthetic with hand-drawn artwork and xeroxed collages.
Overall, very good condition, with minor handling wear and light creasing to covers. This archive provides a compelling snapshot of 1990s feminist zine culture, preserving the voices of young women and queer activists engaged in self-publishing, punk feminism, and radical resistance. (Inventory #: 21391)