It's no secret that print is regaining a foothold. In a world of infinite scroll, short-form video, and AI showing you what you'd look like as a Simpson or whatever, print has reemerged to combat ephemerality and make things feel "real." As a former magazine editor-in-chief and ongoing zine and photobook collector, I value that realness. So, on a rainy Saturday afternoon, I ventured out to Richmond Zine Fest. 

I spend more money than I should every year, but the best purchase of the day came from the booth of a nine-year-old named Wyatt. His mother told me that after NPR and Virginia Public Media were defunded, Wyatt took matters into his own hands, selling hand-illustrated zines to raise money for his favorite programs. Those funds are then matched by Mom's employer.

Wyatt’s Minecraft zine, The Enderman, tells the story of the titular creature stepping in to save friends and asking for nothing in return. The second zine I purchased from Wyatt, Super Adventure Mash Up!!!, borrows elements from Pokemon, Lego, Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario, Minecraft, and a creature of his own creation, the giant smeckle-schmorp. They go on an adventure and celebrate by building a pizzeria. Themes of selflessness, collaboration, and community emerge in both.

My favorite thing about Richmond Zine Fest, outside of its strict "No AI" policy, is getting to be face-to-face with makers and see work imbued with humanity. The zines I bought weren't cut perfectly, but they were handmade and true to a singular vision. These zines represent unbridled creativity and care. In a world full of stakeholders, reviews, and revisions, they remind you that sometimes you need an outlet to express yourself honestly and truly. No edits, no holding back.