Stapled and Xeroxed Paper #1

Stapled and Xeroxed Paper #1.

Zine: Stapled and Xeroxed Paper
Issue: 1
Created by: Spike Jonze
Format: 8 1/2" x 11"
Where: Torrance, CA
When: 1989

When Freestylin' Magazine master cluster members put out a zine, it's like the fucking Beatles putting out limited edition, unpublicized  solo albums right alongside Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Andy had Bend, Lew had Chariot of the Ninja, Spike had Stapled and Xeroxed Paper. Thankfully, no one at Wiz Pubs was Ringo. Spike Jonze did this one probably not too long after joining the staff, and I base that on the background images of the (likely) Nikon FM or FM2 with the MD-12 motor drive. The zine is image heavy, loaded with outtakes from Freestylin' and very little text. Shots of Hadji, Mad Dog, Rich Sigur, Marty Schlesinger, Brett Downs, Andy Jenkins, Mike Dominguez, Dino DeLuca, Brett Hernandez and Eddie Fiola. Visually, it's one of my favorite zines, like a little art installation that arrived in my mailbox in 1989.

Notes: The sideways stack of cardboard as a background usage is brilliant. 

Loft #4

Loft #4.

Zine: Loft
Issue: 4
Created by: Club Homeboy
Format: 8 1/2" x 11"
Where: Torrance, CA
When: 1988

Another great issue of Loft from Jenkins, Jonze and Lewman. This one boasted a full-color supply section centerfold. I have two copies of this issue, though one is missing the centerfold, so I can only assume that I must have ordered something. 

Notes: Loft #4 showed up recently as a "reissue" printed on yellow paper on Amazon for $20 plus $9 shipping. Curious...

Loft #2

Loft #2.

Zine: Loft
Issue: 2
Created by: Club Homeboy
Format: 8 1/2" x 11"
Where: Torrance, CA
When: 1988

Loft was the official zine of Club Homeboy, what would now be called a "lifestyle brand" but back then was just another way to see what coolness the Freestylin' magazine master cluster of Andy Jenkins, Mark Lewman and Spike Jonze were up to. You paid your membership dues and you got a t-shirt, wrist wrap, stickers and a laminated membership card/security badge. For those who care (or don't), my member number was 342. You also got a copy of Loft in the mail every once in a while. 

Notes: "Loft" was the name of the zine from issue two forward. I don't remember what issue one was called, because I don't have it. I learned a new word from this issue – habiliments. What I'd give now for a "Factory" t-shirt for 8 bucks. Also, Jive Handles grips were available for $8.75, which was a steal.

Bent and Mutilated #1

Bent and Mutilated #1.

Zine: Bent and Mutilated

Issue: 1

Created by: Matt Bennett

Format: 8 1/2" x 11"

Where: Whitby, Ontario

When: 1988

Matt Bennett had a certain style when it came to making zines. Much like Nor-Cal Swami Scott Davidson and his myriad titles, you could always tell it was a Bennett product by the fisheye photos, the text stylings and the high-contrast layout. There are many toilets, bathroom stalls and a closing page urinal in this issue. There's Mel Bend, standing in a sink. It's all so... art school. And I love it.

Notes: Bennett also created Death of Bruce Lee and Style Zone. 

Skew Zine

Skew Zine. 

Zine: Skew Zine
Issue: The Rude Issue
Created by: Andy Zalan
Format: 8 1/2" x 11"
Where: DC
Date: 1989?

Always a great combination of freestyle and skateboarding, excellent photos and art from some of the best. Contributions from Greg Neal, Bryan Wendzel, and Andy Jenkins with a Wrench Pilot centerfold. The zine review pages are a who's who of the greatest stapled and xeroxed paper at the time... Slime, Committed, Chariot of the Ninja, Disobedience, Whiplash, Bent and Mutilated.

Notes: The brief "fire distinguisher" story is one of my favorite things, ever.