This mysterious and innovative handwritten zine does a nice job of interpolating poetry, photographs and comics. But the best part is the imaginative writing, mostly done from the perspective of a butler. He breaks his tale down into small chapters and introduces us to an inner cabal of characters and settings in the mansion of the zine’s title. The description, interior monologues, and vague existentialist ennui are superb. The story is light but compelling, playing upon the voyeuristic nature and obligation of the butler’s servitude and station in life. It also comes with an ending that makes me curious how future issues will play out. (DF)
zine, #1, Nov. 2000, 30 pages, $1.50, E.C. Mallinder, 122 St. Patrick Street, suite F24/308, Toronto, ON, M5T 2X8