Besides the fact that this ‘zine encourages people in mosh pits to try break dancing, and that as far as design goes, it’s tough to read sentences that get omitted in the photocopying, there is some well intentioned work. The main thing that bothered me is that some very personal axes are ground at certain groups in the Ottawa area. That is fine, that is what ‘zines are for but it is tough to know just what the creators are trying to say in those pieces if you don’t have the faintest idea who the SXE are and what they are all about. Anyway, there’s a good comic in this issue aimed at trying to demonstrate the nature of abusive relationships. The cycle of denial and escalation the cartoon narrative depicted was both poignant and haunting. Although men might be tempted to classify this as some sort of wimmin’s ‘zine, it wouldn’t hurt them to know a thing or two about cheerleading — which is spoofed — and the small editorial on the importance of masturbation should be of interest to all. The ‘zine also reviews a few eating joints in Ottawa, and there was a good piece on the exploitation of Rudolph and whether reindeer benefit from his oppression. Also, there were a few classy ‘vintage’ ads regarding how to be a good kisser, what a boy expects from a girl etc… Not an angry ‘zine really, but a ‘zine with a mission.
‘zine / publisher: Anarcho-Feminist, Lesbian, Terrorist, Punk and Skinhead Chix Collective / Main creators: Gillian, Lara and Anna / $ ? / 475 Bank Street #7, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1Z2