A Gathering of the Zines

On the way into DC Zinefest’s main hall, visitors first walk past a series of long tables piled high with curiosities: Pamphlets and papers of all shapes and sizes, some in color, others black and white, many with hand-drawn illustrations peeking around the text. The tables were available for consignment sales--if space could be found.

For Richmond’s Skinny Dipper magazine, a spot opens up as if by magic. At $20, it costs more than most zines, but it’s glossy and lush with photographs and original artwork. One of its creators scratches a Venmo address onto an envelope that will otherwise be used by organizers to collect cash from sales. Then, she drifts off in search of a burrito, leaving behind ceiling fans that spin furiously overhead, whining against the heatwave that had pushed D.C.’s July temperature into the 90s.