Full size / 30 pages / $3

This is a zine produced in prison and released by Reb (Fanorama) who has been on this mission for years. I received a zine for review (Left Back) years ago under his distro that I realized was an old friend so I got in touch. Small world! That is one story among many, hopefully, that sheds light on Reb’s contribution to the zine community. COB #25 is a collective effort in the crude cut n’ paste setting that I’ve always been fond of. The content is a chaotic mix of personal stories, rants, obituaries, poetry, and interviews. What you won’t find is a zine dedicated to the doom of life on the inside, but rather ragings, silliness, and musings of a few who happen to be there. I would have been more engaged if the stories were less vague, meaning I wanted to know more. Also, the shit-talking about other zines was a HUGE turn off, specifically targeting reviewers of this one. The last thing I want to read is a list of ‘fuck yous’ to zines that wrote their own honest opinions in review. I don’t know if it reflects the contributors of COB as a whole though, afterall this one is on it’s 25th issue! So other than that sour note, it’s got it’s place in the zine world. (Hatchet)

109 Arnold Ave / Cranston, RI 02905

reviewed in Profane Existence #59