Series I: Filing Cabinet Files

Hanna's alter ego Maggie Fingers' collection of loosely centralized narrative fiction covers a variety of themes, such as masculinity in the context of oppression of women by partners and fathers, objectification, and sexual abuse. Fingers also addresses the ubiquity of the white male perspective, oppression and stereotyping of racial minorities, the tensions and superficiality endemic to family life, and the power and entrapment of beauty are explored. Writings on sexual fantasy and relationships counter musings on isolation and abandonment. A theme of medical sickness applies in text and imagery throughout, and the narrative point of view changes.

This zine, put out by the members of the riot grrrl band Bikini Kill, features illustrations, lists, photographs, advertisements, song lyrics, short essays, information on female musicians, and an extended interview with another the band Mecca Normal. White privilege, the importance of female musicians, female empowerment, and resisting jealousy are important themes.

The second issue of riot grrrl band Bikini Kill's zine provides updates on the band's touring and publishing exploits and reacts to their mainstream media coverage. The social movement is also considered in broader terms, with discussions on complacency and dogma that diminish radical activism, origins of the movement, and calls for participation. Manifesto writings by Kathleen Hanna are included. Other themes include the questioning of acting and being perceived as cool and the refusal to explain feminist motives and actions to men. Also contains a letters from male and female fans about feminism, an excerpt on fat oppression and liberation, an interview with dyke band Tribe 8 on punk and challenging conceptions of lesbianism, a piece on sex worker self-advocacy, and and extended list of debunked male criticisms of feminism. Local scene news is also discussed.

Xeroxed in red, blue, and black, Hanna's critical fanzine centers on Evan Dando as a complex symbol of male desirability and oppression. Her obsession with the public figure is documented as both a distraction from and an abstract reflection on her continuing areas of thought. She discusses his background of privilege, ability to successfully exploit his sexuality for fame, and considers the vapidity of his personality on the basis of his public persona. This is contrasted with discussions on the demonization of sex workers, and musings on the antisocial serial killer of feminists, Mark Lepine. Hanna reiterates her frustration with the tension between her feelings of desire and repulsion toward Dando.

Riot Grrrl [NYC] [no. 5]

Quotes from various girls about what riot grrrl means are dispersed throughout this zine. Media critiques include examples of the backlash against the movement in the press, as well as critiques of the mainstream girls' magazine Sassy. Calls for participation include sexual abuse and radical activism projects. Personal writings cover relationships with mothers abundantly, in addition to the destructive effects of drug use to friendship. The zine features reviews of books and local art concerning women and women's issues. An audio compilation of spoken word to support pro-choice movement is described. The zine concludes with an extended interview with Jennifer Blowdryer and an excerpt from her book Wrong Wrong Wrong.

Riot Grrrl: A Free Weekly Mini-Zine [DC] [no. 4]

Issue four of this Washington, D.C.-based mini-zine focuses primarily on personal writings. Beginning with a piece describing the feeling inspired by live female performance in music, the zine continues with a musing about the freeform nature of riot grrrl: the lack of codification, leadership, or a specific agenda or set of goals. Later entries include a memoir concerning domestic violence in the family, sketches, and a "fashion doctrine corollary" that considers personal appearance in light of social and personal struggle. Following are first-person writings on empathy, the desire to share strength with women who have been sexually objectified by men, critiques of religion in the context of domestic violence, and the insecurity of adolescence. Personal top ten lists also appear throughout.

Riot Grrrl: A Free Weekly Mini-Zine - 7.10.91

Members of Bratmobile and Bikini Kill from Olympia, WA published the first issue of mini-zine during their time in Washington, D.C. Intended as a weekly, this issue contains an introduction, ideas for subversive riots and scams, and extensive local news relating to new zines, live and recorded music, events, and other miscellany. The upcoming International Pop Underground festival is emphasized. Following entries contain personal writings covering female empowerment (Kathleen Hanna's "Burn Down the Walls that Say You Can't"), the oppression of heteronormativity, ironic erotic fiction, the D.C. Metro, and sexist, violent attitudes toward women. Concludes with a call for submissions.

Riot Grrrl Press: Spring and Summer Catalog 1998

Issued when the distribution service relocated to Portland, this catalog contains an alphabetical listing of zines spanning several years and numerous topics including music, travel, sex, politics, and personal issues. Author-submitted descriptions are included, as are names in some cases. Available films and compilations are listed, in addition to other distros. The origins of the press are also discussed, as is its mandate to distribute anything sent in.

Riot Grrrl Press Catalogue: Early 1994

This copy of the distribution service catalog was actually mailed in 1995. Contains news and information about the press and its operations funding. Discusses six main reasons why the press is important. Zines, spanning several years and numerous topics including music, travel, sex, politics, and personal issues, are listed alphabetically. Author-submitted descriptions are included, as are names in some cases. Information and addresses for non-distro zines as well as several riot grrrl chapters are also included.

Riot Grrrl Press Catalogue: Early 1994

This issue of the distribution service catalog was actually mailed in 1995. Contains news and information about the press and its operations funding. Discusses six main reasons why the press is important. Zines, spanning several years and numerous topics including music, travel, sex, politics, and personal issues, are listed alphabetically. Author-submitted descriptions are included, as are names in some cases. Information and addresses for non-distro zines as well as several riot grrrl chapters are also included.

Riot Grrrl Review! no. 3 Winter 1996 / Spring 1997

This review zine, based in Ft. Myers, FL, contains a listings and reviews of zines, distros, and relevant resources with associated address information for ordering. Author Kristy also responds to feedback from the previous issue, briefly muses on riot grrrl, explains her reviewing policy, and provides her top ten list of zines from the issue.

Hanna's personal newsletter zine, published with two different covers, serves as a blanket response to questions commonly asked in her deluge of fan mail. Early in the zine, she describes her role as a resource for women seeking counsel about domestic violence and sexual abuse, as well as her inability to maintain this effort for the large number of victims seeking support. She offers advice and points toward alternative media and resources centered on these issues. Numerous updates on Bikini Kill are provided, as well as personal recommendations, reviews, and contact information for zines and music. She also answers basic questions about riot grrrl and describes her dissociation from the movement. The backstory and jailing of Mumia Abu-Jamal is covered in detail, and Hanna calls for support and publicity of a movement for his cause.

Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of Riot Grrrl band Bikini Kill, writes about her struggle with alcoholism and its effect on her life in this personal zine. Also included are non-destructive ways to get high, things that are better when sober, and a conversation about addiction with Brian Starhawk of Fitz of Depression.

This tribute zine is dedicated to the memory of Molly Ann McMahon and contains multiple color photos and illustrations of the subject at various ages. Also contains a short writing passage.