Mid-Atlantic minicomics and zines collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

The copyright and related rights status of this collection have not been evaluated (See http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/)

Preferred citation:

Mid-Atlantic minicomics and zines collection, C0316, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
3 Linear Feet 5 boxes
Abstract:
This collection contains zines and minicomics created by individuals and small presses from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, created from 2012-2021.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Mid-Atlantic minicomics and zines collection, C0316, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains zines and minicomics created by individuals and small presses from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, which includes the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, as well as Washington, District of Columbia.

Materials were created between 2012-2024. Topics vary - see inventory for more details.

Biographical / historical:

Zines are small, handmade publications, usually self-published with limited runs. The subjects covered by zines run the gamut of humanity's interests, as anyone can be a "zinester." Zines often include art, poetry, and the personal interests and experiences of the zinester, or author. Zines are "DIY" by nature, and are usually only available in limited quanities.

Zines - short for "fanzines" - became popular with underground science fiction fan circles in the 1930s and 1940s, and grew exponentially in underground and counterculture circles in the 1960s and 1970s. The invention of the copy machine in the 1970s expanded growth even more. Zines and zinesters have continued to thrive into the 21st century.

Minicomics, similar to zines, are small, handmade, self-published comics. Minicomics differ from zines in that their primary content features comics, cartoons, or graphic narrative. Minicomics are not always small, and can range in physical and narrative size.

Acquisition information:
Donated and purchased by Stephanie Grimm, Art and Art History Librarian at George Mason University Libraries from 2018-present. Jake Lahah's zines were donated by the artist.
Custodial history:

Some of the materials in this collection were directly donated by the author to Stephanie Grimm, who then in turn donated them to the Special Collections Research Center.

Processing information:

Processed by Amanda Menjivar in May 2024. Finding aid completed by Amanda Menjivar in May 2024.

Accruals processed and added to finding aid by Amanda Menjivar in June and November 2024.

Arrangement:

Arranged by acquisition date.

Accruals:

Future accruals to this collection are expected.

Physical location:
R 54, C 3, S 1, 3
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard