It is a rare occasion that I come across a zine that is at once amazing, satisfying and completely original – this is one of those moments. Carousel is a beautifully written account of a (fictional) descent into madness. One that is not exactly linear, and not particularly coherent, but thoroughly compelling. The intelligent writing, which switches narratives from third to first person, and switches from small typewritten fonts to spastic handwriting adds to the sense of chaos and despair. Interspersed are crude drawings, which can only be described as people showing the worst sides of themselves. We are drawn in, and held captive to the often ugly thoughts and accounts of this character’s dementia…and I didn’t want to leave. Get this. (KJ)
zine, #2, Thomas Lacroix, $3, 201-350 2nd Avenue East, Vancouver, BC, V5T 4R8