How to Make a Comic Zine
- 1). Determine what content you'd like your zine to focus on. Choices range from reviewing weekly comics, to focusing on one specific character, creator or company. You can also run interviews, in depth character analysis, commentary or any combination you care to choose.
- 2). Create a name for your zine. Catchy titles can help attract readers and keep them coming back for more. It's also helpful if the name of your zine reflects the content readers will find inside. For instance, if you want to solely focus on superhero comics, having the words "super" or "hero" in the title will help relate that directly to the reader. It will also help your zine draw hits from search engines when people search for super hero-related content.
- 3). Register for a blog account such as Blogger.com. (See Resources) Blogger.com allows for easy customization with simple to follow instructions that will get you up and running in no time.
- 4). Use artwork that will draw in your audience. Comics are, after all, a visual medium. A growing number of comic books are published with a disclaimer stating artwork may be reproduced for the express purpose of reviewing the comic. Take advantage of that to spice up your reviews and columns with images of the characters your reader has come to know and love.
- 5). Write content regularly, then set a schedule for updating your zine and stick to it. If you tell your readers you'll update the zine every Friday, most will come back every Friday expecting new content. If it isn't there, chances are they won't be back the following week. Blogger.com also enables you to update your readers on new content via email notifications and RSS feeds.
- 6). Diversify your content but stick to your main theme. If you primarily publish reviews of one particular superhero comic, only those few who share your love of that hero and your particular view will stick around for more. If you focus on reviews of that hero but also have articles examining different facets of his persona, as well as the occasional interview with a writer or artist who works on that hero's stories, you'll broaden the overall appeal of your zine and grow your readership.
- 7). Spread the message about your zine. There are at least 10 major comic book message boards in existence where comic fans are allowed to post comic-related information. Take advantage of these venues to get the word out on your zine. You can also use social networking sites to let people know what you're doing.
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