Orlando Zine Fest is a testament to print aesthetics and activism

It’s that time of year again.

Well, yes, it’s that time of year. But we’re talking about Orlando Zine Fest, the yearly showcase of local DIY devotees and print practitioners. Zines, a slangy truncation of magazine, are self-published pamphlets and booklets that wildly span both format and subject matter. Personal, professional, political, pulpy — anything goes here, with tiny stapled booklets nestling next to glossy bound tomes next to cassettes next to prints. 

The connective tissue, or Scotch tape and glue if you will, is a commitment to their independent voices, production and distribution. Indeed, the very notion of independent publishing, establishing alternative DIY networks to distribute resources, information and art, as well as platforming diverse voices, all takes on an added note of urgency in a time of creeping authoritarianism — both in Florida and the country at large. 

“DIY and self-publishing spaces play a critical role in countering authoritarianism through info sharing and resistance to narrative control — ‘imagination is resistance,’” Moriah Russo, a steady organizing hand behind Orlando Zine Fest for the better part of the last decade, tells OW. “The medium is a mode of building collective power, and zine-making builds networks of solidarity.”

There are well over 60 participants set to table this year, a mix of old faces and new forces including Psych Cat, Illuminated Paths, Confessed Lover, Fatal Entries, Pizzeria Press, Space Coast Zine Club, Queering the Dots, Selena, Bellows Rock, Rowdy Zine and 8thHousePress. This is not some creaky nostalgia fest for the pre-internet age; this is a multigenerational gathering of folks entranced by the possibility of print and eager to share ideas.

“With anywhere from 40 to 60 participants each year, there’s always turnover, but a handful of zine makers consistently show up and help anchor the fest,” says Russo of this year’s lineup. “Be sure to admire the printed matter by artists and educators Rachel Simmons and Ashley Taylor, two peas in a niche Central Florida risograph printers pod who have helped to make Orlando Zine Fest a reality this year and last. Another cornerstone of the community is David Wallens, who’s dedicated to hosting regular zine meet-ups across Central Florida. Don’t miss his zine 44:16, covering punk, BMX, photography and all things DIY.”

OZF tabler and DIY true believer Maisie Haney says, “Using zines as a way to get information about bands and shows, etc., makes you feel encouraged to participate and an almost inherent belonging. Had we been relying on more regulated and expensive publications there would be so much information we wouldn’t know!”

“I’m so happy to be participating this year with Matty, who has the vision for a great pop zine, Keep Yer Secrets. We’re honored to be included and excited to see what will be there.”

Haney will also be repping her Beauty Blitz zine with Viviana Uribe. (This kind of busy collaboration is pro forma in the zine world.)

This Saturday, OZF takes over Blackbird Comics in Maitland, a home that makes sense; Blackbird stocks a well-curated selection of independent comics and zines for perusal and purchase year-round. And they’re whipping up a special food and drink menu just for the night.

“Last year was our first year hosting the OZF, and it was fabulous. Forty tables featuring creators proffering zines that they had poured their souls into,” Candice Craig, co-founder of Blackbird, tells Orlando Weekly.  “To be part of an event that allows so many people to share their homegrown publications, it’s very meaningful and inspiring.”

“Independent comic stores represent a vital part of the independent and self-publishing ecosystem, and supporting them strengthens the entire community. Blackbird’s dedicated patron base has been especially enthusiastic and since hosting the fest there, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in engagement from indie comics creators,” says Russo of the event host. “While our past venues like Will’s Pub and The Nook offered their own unique and appreciated atmosphere, holding the fest at a comic shop brings a different tone.”

As long as we’re talking about different tones, there’s an added air of defiance — even more than usual — at OZF this year. 2025 was a year marked by rising authoritarianism and corporate consolidation that have both impacted access to information and the very nature of free speech.

“Threats to self-publishing and free expression now extend beyond traditional forms of information control. The rapid rise of AI technologies has intensified concerns about consolidated wealth, corporate power and social control,” warns Russo. “The authors of the zine AI MUST DIE: Critical Perspectives on the State of Artificial Intelligence, Myke Walton and Cam Smith, describe this moment as a ‘convergence of AI hype and increasingly fascist governments.’”

In Why Self-Publish Under Fascism?, longtime Chicago zine writer and publisher Marc Fischer makes the eloquent and forceful point that it is paramount that people possess the tools and skills to create and disseminate information, their stories and (yes) art and creativity in the physical world —  especially with the digital realm walled off and surveilled in billionaire-controlled virtual fiefdoms.

If that sounds heavy, it is. But at Orlando Zine Fest you can watch this theory turned into joyful practice.

“For me personally, as a former schoolteacher who used comic books and graphic novels in the classroom as a tool for promoting the love of reading and art, I find the Orlando Zine Fest to be a vehicle that promotes true freedom of expression; art with no rules — which is something that fosters personal and creative growth,” says Blackbird co-founder Craig. “That’s a positive message, not just for students, but for everyone.”

(7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse, 500 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland, instagram.com/orlandozinefest, free)

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This article appears in Dec. 10-16, 2025.