Otaku
I’ve had the privilege of being able to read this zine since issue number one and watch Jeff, with each issue, become a better writer and storyteller. In number five, Jeff has just about perfected his style, which if anyone has read a past issue of Otaku, will know what I’m talking about – this is both a good and a bad thing. Jeff finds inspiration in travel; lonely highways; diners at night; bottomless cups of coffee; stories from best friends, punk shows in basements and all the hidden spaces in Ottawa, his hometown, which he is yet to entirely discover. His writing has always been introspective, reflective and revealing. At it’s worst it can be too earnest – but that is a rare occasion – and at it’s best it can be lyrical, beautiful and often poetic. Jeff’s not out to save the world or hoodwink the reader with sentimental moments, but merely to understand himself, and I think with issue number five he’s almost there. This is easily of the best issues of Otaku, and perhaps one of the best Canadian zines likely to fall into your hands. I hope issue number six will find Jeff taking a new perspective on his life, on his city and I’ll be right there, mug of coffee in hand, to read what he has to say. (KJ)
zine, #5, $2, Jeff Miller, 114 Canter Boulevard, Nepean, ON, K2G 1M7