Darby Romeo,
Ben Is Dead

Selection: "Fruitleather Underwear," by Cliff Thurber (page 49)

Recent review (from Underbelly): "Ben Is Dead has an off-kilter viewpoint and a staff that's not afraid to put it's obsessions on the page. Also, it embodies that great zine ideal of examining a subject—any subject—until it's completely, utterly exhausted."

Why publish a zine?
In general? Cause I hate trees! No, it's the private personal outlet that extends ones insides to the social world order which otherwise she can not relate. It also serves as a house cleaning, and point to move from.

What can you tell us about the selection you provided for "The Book of Zines"?
It doesn't represent us in any way. One issue doesn't really represent us. It's eight years of growing and suffering and even the 30 issues of Ben Is Dead fall short to expressing what Ben Is Dead has encompassed. each had a time and a place, and though they hold up well, it's really gone totally retro.

Have you ever published any other zines?
The I Hate Brenda Newsletter.

Any general tips for aspiring zinesters?
Suffering is good.

What's your favorite part of doing a zine?
Getting it done (after I cry about the mistakes of course). Actually I used to cry. I don't anymore. Now I laugh—hysterically.

In my other life, I'm a:
A Canasta pro touring Florida on a big tricycle. WHAT?