Back in 2013 I reported on the launch of a new
underground literary fanzine, PUSH. Three and a half years, twenty-three
issues, two Best Of PUSH books, the emergence of a raft of exciting writers, a
host of literary events, and the giving away of cupboardfuls of nick-knacks and
pop culture memorabilia during editor Joe England’s legendary raffles later,
the mag is folding.
When PUSH appeared, it took its inspiration from the tiny
independent press network, especially Blackheath Books, and since establishing
itself as leaders in the field has paved the way for the likes of Paper &
Ink and Hand Job to do a similar thing. None though, with respect, has had the
bite of the England’s collections of prose, poetry and art.
Neither burning out or fading away, the final Sandinista! issue, is full of
incandescent rage from an all-female cast. Some of the pieces make for
extremely uncomfortable reading, and this from a series that has never shied
away from confrontation or ugly truths. As Joe says, “I love this issue, and
really cannot see where I could take the fanzine forwards from here.” I’ve huge
respect for people leaving things at the top so credit to Joe, not only for
collating a tremendous amount of work but for being a key conduit in bringing
like-minded folk – writers and readers – together and giving them a platform. A
push, if you will.
A third Best Of PUSH will appear soon, published, once
again, by East London Press. The final issue of PUSH can be obtained from Joe
here.
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