X-APA is Back!
Writers, Artists, and Reviewers Welcome to Join!
X-APA is a bimonthly fanzine devoted to Marvel Comics' X-Men. It's compiled of individual 'zines written (sometimes illustrated) and photocopied by members and distributed by the Central Mailer through the U.S. mail. This is its 22nd year. Members are requested to contribute at least four pages every other issue (that's an average of a page/month).
Things that may be found in a typical 'zine:
- reviews of the x-comics
- convention reports
- comments/essays about various characters
- artwork (usually X-related) or photos
- fan-fiction
- an update on how the contributor's life is going
- mailing comments: responses to/ remarks about the 'zines in the last issue of X-APA
How it works: most 'zines are word-processed or typed. The writer makes several copies, equal to the number of members plus a few extra (at the moment, it's ten copies) and sends these to the Central Mailer. The CM collates all the 'zines, information about expenses, elections and other APA affairs, and the issue cover, slaps one into an envelope for each member, and sends them all out book rate. Postage is evenly divided between the members; each of whom has an account with the CM.
Mailing comments are what sets APA's apart from online fan forums. Most members will write comments on every 'zine in the previous mailing, so you get feedback on your contributions, answers to your questions and challenges, and the APA becomes really interactive. Sure, there's a two-month lag in between, but that makes sure people actually have time to read the issues and to write new material and MC's.
We've been on hiatus for almost a year because our CM left. I'm taking over as new CM and most of the old membership should be returning, plus some new members. If you are interested, the next deadline is 4 February 2001. You'll need to deposit $3 in your account to start off and I strongly recommend starting out with a 'zine to tell everyone that you've joined. If you are interested, contact me at rteed2000@yahoo.com
- Rebecca Teed, 1 October 2001
The X-Men are copyright and trademarked by Marvel Comics.
My first contribution, to X-APA #93, dealt with the use of archetypes in comic books, particularly in the X-Men.
