The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction Fanzines: From NotFans to Modern Digital Publications

Science fiction fanzines represent one of the most enduring and influential forms of fan expression in the genre’s history. These amateur publications, created by fans for fans, have served as the backbone of science fiction fandom for nearly a century. From the legendary NotFans to countless other publications, fanzines have shaped discourse, launched careers, and preserved the collective memory of science fiction culture.

Whether you’re discovering fanzines for the first time or seeking to understand their profound impact on science fiction culture, this comprehensive guide explores their rich history, notable publications, and lasting influence on the genre we love today.

What Are Science Fiction Fanzines?

Science fiction fanzines (a portmanteau of “fan” and “magazine”) are non-professional publications created by and for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. Unlike commercial magazines, fanzines are typically produced on a volunteer basis, driven by passion rather than profit.

Key Characteristics of Science Fiction Fanzines:

– Amateur Production: Created by fans, not professional publishers
– Non-Commercial: Usually sold at cost or distributed freely
– Fan-Focused Content: Articles, reviews, fiction, and commentary by and for fans
– Community Building: Served as communication hubs for geographically dispersed fans
– Creative Expression: Platform for amateur writers, artists, and critics

Historical Context

The first science fiction fanzine, “The Comet,” was published in 1930 by Ray Palmer, just as the genre was establishing itself through pulp magazines like Amazing Stories. This marked the beginning of a parallel publishing ecosystem that would become essential to science fiction culture.

The Golden Age of Science Fiction Fanzines (1930s-1960s)

Early Pioneers

The 1930s saw an explosion of fanzine activity as fans discovered the power of amateur publishing. These early publications were often mimeographed or hectographed, with limited circulation but outsized influence.

Notable Early Fanzines:
– The Time Traveller (1932) – One of the first regularly published science fiction fanzines
– Fantasy Magazine (1934) – Influential in establishing fanzine conventions
– Spaceways (1938) – Known for high-quality fiction and artwork

The Rise of Fandom Networks

By the 1940s, fanzines had created an interconnected network of fans across the United States and beyond. Publishers traded publications, creating a complex web of correspondence and collaboration that predated modern internet communities by decades.

NotFans: The Legendary Anti-Fanzine

What Was NotFans?

NotFans occupies a unique position in science fiction fanzine history as perhaps the most famous “anti-fanzine” ever published. Created as a satirical response to the perceived pretensions and internal politics of fandom, NotFans represented a rebellious voice within the community.

Historical Significance of NotFans

The publication emerged during a period of significant tension within science fiction fandom, when debates about the direction of the genre and the role of fans had reached a fever pitch. NotFans provided an outlet for fans who felt alienated by the increasingly serious tone of fandom discourse.

Key Features of NotFans:
– Satirical Content: Sharp, often irreverent commentary on fandom
– Anti-Establishment Stance: Deliberately opposed to “serious” fan publications
– Influential Voice: Despite (or because of) its contrarian nature, widely read and discussed
– Cultural Commentary: Reflected broader tensions within science fiction culture

Impact on Science Fiction Culture

NotFans demonstrated that fanzines could be more than just amateur magazines – they could be vehicles for cultural criticism and community self-reflection. Its influence can be seen in later publications that challenged fandom orthodoxy and encouraged critical thinking about genre conventions.

The Evolution of Fanzine Culture

The 1960s Revolution

The 1960s brought significant changes to fanzine culture, with publications becoming more sophisticated in both content and production values. This period saw the rise of “new wave” fanzines that embraced literary experimentation and social commentary.

Influential 1960s Fanzines:
– Lighthouse: Known for experimental fiction and avant-garde artwork
– Speculation: Focused on serious literary criticism of science fiction
– Trumpet: Combined traditional fandom with counterculture influences

Technological Advances

The introduction of offset printing and photocopying revolutionized fanzine production, allowing for:
– Higher quality reproduction
– Increased circulation
– More complex layouts and artwork
– Lower per-unit costs

Regional Fanzine Scenes

British Fanzines

The United Kingdom developed its own distinct fanzine culture, often characterized by:
– Dry Humor: Quintessentially British wit and satire
– Literary Focus: Emphasis on critical analysis and literary merit
– International Perspective: Coverage of global science fiction developments

Notable British Fanzines:
– Vector: The publication of the British Science Fiction Association
– Platen: Known for high-quality criticism and commentary
– Ansible: David Langford’s influential news and gossip publication

Australian Fanzines

Australia’s geographic isolation led to a particularly vibrant fanzine culture, with publications serving as vital links to international fandom:
– Australian Science Fiction Review: Highly regarded for critical content
– Ethel the Aardvark: Representative of Australian fandom’s irreverent humor

The Art of Fanzine Creation

Writing and Editorial Standards

Despite their amateur status, many fanzines maintained high editorial standards:

Content Types:
– Reviews: Books, films, conventions, and other fanzines
– Critical Essays: In-depth analysis of themes, authors, and trends
– Original Fiction: Platform for aspiring writers
– Artwork: Illustrations, comics, and experimental visual content
– Letters of Comment (LoCs): Reader feedback that often became content itself

Production Techniques

Fanzine publishers developed innovative approaches to amateur publishing:

Traditional Methods:
– Mimeography: Stencil-based duplication, distinctive purple ink
– Hectography: Alcohol-based reproduction, limited runs
– Letterpress: Higher quality but more expensive
– Photocopying: Became standard by the 1970s

The Social Function of Fanzines

Community Building

Fanzines served as more than publications – they were community organizers:
– Correspondence Networks: Facilitated friendships across vast distances
– Convention Promotion: Advertised and reported on fan gatherings
– Debate Forums: Provided space for community discussions and disagreements

Career Launching Pads

Many professional science fiction careers began in fanzines:

Writers Who Started in Fanzines:
– Terry Carr: From fanzine editor to professional anthologist
– Ted White: Fanzine publisher who became a professional editor
– Susan Wood: Fan writer who won professional awards for criticism

The Digital Revolution and Modern Fanzines

Transition to Electronic Publishing

The internet fundamentally changed fanzine culture:
– Email Lists: Replaced traditional correspondence
– Websites: New platform for fanzine-style content
– PDFs: Digital distribution of traditional formats
– Blogs: Individual voices replacing collective publications

Contemporary Fanzine Activity

Modern science fiction fanzines take various forms:

Digital Fanzines:
– Email Publications: Distributed via mailing lists
– Web-Based: Hosted on personal or fan sites
– Social Media: Twitter threads and Facebook groups as micro-fanzines

Print Revival:
– Convention Publications: Limited edition prints for specific events
– Nostalgic Publications: Deliberate recreation of traditional formats
– Art Zines: Focus on visual content and design

Creating Your Own Science Fiction Fanzine

Planning Your Publication

Essential Considerations:
1. Target Audience: Who are you writing for?
2. Content Focus: Reviews, fiction, criticism, or combination?
3. Publication Schedule: Monthly, quarterly, irregular?
4. Distribution Method: Print, digital, or both?

Content Development

Building Quality Content:
– Develop Your Voice: What unique perspective do you bring?
– Encourage Contributors: Invite submissions from other fans
– Maintain Standards: Edit carefully, even for amateur publication
– Engage Readers: Include letters columns and feedback mechanisms

Modern Tools and Platforms

Digital Publishing Options:
– Desktop Publishing: InDesign, Scribus, or similar software
– Web Platforms: WordPress, Substack, or custom sites
– Distribution: Email lists, social media, convention sales

The Cultural Legacy of Science Fiction Fanzines

Influence on Professional Publishing

Fanzines have profoundly influenced professional science fiction publishing:
– Editorial Practices: Many professional editors learned their craft in fanzines
– Critical Standards: Fanzine criticism established evaluation criteria still used today
– Community Engagement: Professional publishers adopted fan engagement strategies

Academic Recognition

Scholars increasingly recognize fanzines as important cultural documents:
– Archives: Major libraries collect and preserve significant fanzines
– Research: Academic studies examine fanzines as early media communities
– Digital Preservation: Efforts to scan and preserve historical publications

Connection to Modern Fan Communities

Contemporary fan communities show clear connections to fanzine culture:
– Fan Forums: Online discussions mirror fanzine letter columns
– Fan Fiction: Digital platforms continue fanzine fiction traditions
– Podcasts: Audio medium with fanzine-style content and community focus

Famous Fanzine Examples and Case Studies

Landmark Publications

FAPA (Fantasy Amateur Press Association) Publications:
– Established 1937, continuing today
– Rotating editorship and distribution
– Maintained high standards for amateur publishing

The Futurian War:
– Series of fanzines documenting internal fandom conflicts
– Demonstrated fanzines’ role in community discourse
– Historical importance for understanding early fandom politics

Regional Variations

West Coast Fanzines:
– Often emphasized humor and irreverence
– Strong connection to Hollywood science fiction

East Coast Publications:
– More serious, literary approach
– Strong ties to New York publishing industry

The Economics of Fanzine Publishing

Cost Considerations

Traditional fanzine economics operated on break-even principles:
– Production Costs: Printing, paper, postage
– Pricing: Usually at-cost or small markup
– Labor: Unpaid volunteer work
– Distribution: Mail subscriptions and convention sales

Modern Economic Models

Digital publishing has changed fanzine economics:
– Reduced Costs: Minimal production expenses
– New Revenue: Patreon, donations, digital sales
– Wider Distribution: Global reach without shipping costs

Collecting and Preserving Science Fiction Fanzines

Historical Value

Science fiction fanzines are increasingly recognized as valuable historical documents:
– Cultural History: Record of fan community evolution
– Literary Development: Early works of later-famous authors
– Social Documentation: Insights into mid-20th century fan culture

Collection Strategies

For New Collectors:
– Focus Areas: Choose specific publishers, eras, or themes
– Condition Matters: Fanzines were often ephemeral, good condition is rare
– Digital Alternatives: Many historical fanzines are being digitized

Major Archives and Collections

Institutional Collections:
– University of California, Riverside: Extensive fanzine holdings
– Temple University: Significant contemporary collection
– Private Collections: Many maintained by individual fans and collectors

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Science Fiction Fanzines

Science fiction fanzines, exemplified by publications like the controversial NotFans and countless others, represent more than amateur publishing ventures. They embody the democratic spirit of science fiction fandom – the idea that anyone with passion and dedication can contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future, technology, and the human condition.

From their humble beginnings in the 1930s to their digital evolution today, fanzines have:
– Preserved Community Memory: Documented the development of science fiction culture
– Launched Careers: Provided platforms for future professionals
– Fostered Discussion: Created spaces for debate and criticism
– Built Communities: Connected isolated fans across geographical boundaries
– Challenged Conventions: Questioned established norms and practices

The legacy of science fiction fanzines continues in every blog post analyzing a new science fiction film, every online forum discussing the latest novel, and every podcast exploring genre themes. They remind us that science fiction has always been a participatory culture, where fans are not merely consumers but active creators and critics.

Whether you’re inspired to start your own publication, collect historical fanzines, or simply appreciate their cultural significance, understanding fanzine culture provides crucial insight into the heart of science fiction fandom. In an age of corporate-controlled media and algorithmic content curation, fanzines represent the enduring power of grassroots creativity and community-driven discourse.

The story of science fiction fanzines is ultimately the story of science fiction fandom itself – passionate, contentious, creative, and utterly devoted to exploring what it means to be human in an ever-changing universe.