REVIEWS OF GREENZINE #14
2004-2005

"This issue of Greenzine is a tremendous read. Coupled with very realistic drawings, (also done by Cristy) this issue of Greenzine is tremendous. The format is of a perzine, but there is politics throughout, most likely an extension of the very political life of Cristy eirself. What is most striking in this issue is the discussion Cristy has about the formation of sexuality, especially the fact that Cristy can go and see "a man and a woman identify as man and woman while they engage in intimacy didn't bother me at all...a coercive power structure could be evident in any relationship." The most important step here is the fact that Cristy shows individuals that "queer" does not necessarily mean "gay/lesbian", and the deconstruction of that thought pattern is essential for moving beyond the dichotomous ways most people are inculcated currently. There are a number of other pieces in this issue, which crests again when Cristy discusses the possibility that individuals can live together ("whites" and minorities) without the forces of gentrification weighing in and pushing out the original inhabitants, much as what has happened in Harlem, as well as practically any other large city in the United States. The culmination of politics and personal life in Greenzine #14 really allows for an individual to get behind the eyes of an activist and understand better the person and the lifestyle. And hell, as evidenced by the prevalence of personal philosophy in this issue, a person's views may be changed as well. " -Altar Magazine, September 2005

"Greenzine, written Cristy C. Road, confirms my feelings that women quite possibly make the best zines both content-wise and graphically. The graphics in the issue of Greenzine #14 kind of reminds me of the old comic (and one of my all time favorites) Love and Rockets. Hell, if I had the money, I would pay her to do the graphics for this website. Content wise, Ms. Road shows her knack of relaying her incredible sense perception in her own life, as well as the environment around her; which translates well into a zine format. Real people who struggle, fumble, and actually live life frantically and honestly make the best story tellers. Ms. Road tells her intriguing story and packages it eloquently in Greenzine. I am very excited to hear that she is working on #15. In the meantime, I have to get my hands on all of her previous zines, and suggest you do the same." - Mystery and Misery, September 2005 "It is difficult to give an unbiased opinion on a zine that is already one of your personal favorites. That being said...this issue is a bit more relevatory in content, at least in regards to gender identity and sexuality. A bit of vagueness in covering these topics was prevalent in past issues and this time it is more specific and no holds barred. Both of these aspects are positives. Overall, I'd recommend this issue to everyone , and will be sure to lend it out to my friends, because it's just the type of zine everyone should read." - Wonkavision, August 2005

"This thing is pretty nice to look at - filled with writing broken up by these graet illustrations of punks eating, talking, applying makeup, etc; thrift store punks, not the studs & spikes kind. No ads or reviews. It's all personal/political writing and covers a lot of ground - protests, sex, cities, abuse, rape and accountability, travelling, immigration, drugs, activism. Every few pages Cristy uses words differently than they are used in standard (or even punk) English. Dumb white people make an appearance acting as foils for the editor's rightousness, which is indeed quite righteous. At times she talks about her feelings surrounding an issue while leaving the actual issue kind of nebulous, so the reader ends up with a better picture of her thoughts than the situation. I'd already bought this before it was assigned to me. It rules - you should do the same." - Maximum Rock and Roll, August 2005

"Cristy writes about her process of change and self discovery as she moves away from her home in Florida to Philadelphia and then to New York, every move bringing both farewells and introductions. She is really a talented writer who has a knack for blending stories about drinking with friends to a confrontation in the midst of the FTAA protests. She also tactfully discusses complicated issues of queerness, being Cuban-American and punk, and, growing up in what is mostly a white-hetero (and for that matter, male) scene. This is a dense zine full of great stories and illustrations." - Heartattack, August 2005

"Ive been reading this zine for a while, and thoroughly enjoying Cristy's writing and artwork, which Im seeing more and more lately of all over the punk place. This new issue is excellent, and it also marks a bit of a transition period in her life. She has always had a very passionate and ecstatic youthful way of describing her adventures in life, and that hasnt changed, but the transition I speak of is the sort of things that you start to ponder and question when you stick with things for awhile. She is out of college now, and has moved out of Florida so shes got some perspective on which to dig deeper into her past, present and future, and I really enjoyed getting to know her even more through it. She grew up in Miami and went to art school in Sarasota, but Miami and her Cuban culture are still very mich a part of her. I really enjoyued getting to know about the Cuban Americans in Florida and thep erspectiv es that are a bit different on revolution, community, family, etc. She writes about what it was like to grow up speaking Spanish and the ways in which that accent was desireable and the sphere in which it was like a taboo mark on your forehead. I really got into this whole side of her life cause its something I knew nothing about. She also writes a lot about what it was like to plan for the FTAA protest in her home city abd how that coming together of worlds affected her mind. Eventually she goes out travelling, from here to there, and falls in love with Philadelphia, where she eventually moves. She dedicates herself to fighting sexual abuse and assault and working to support survivors and educate our community. What I really like about this zine, besides the depth which it probes to, is that it reads like one narrative, and its a good dense read that is full of her rad art illustrations of activist punk kids. The stories weave from the present back into the past and discuss issues and topics as well as her personal relationship to eachcircumstance and situation. The way it all weaves together feels very fullfilling. And ofcourse a mixture of activism, queer identity, punk rock, and the lifestyles which weave them all together and touch on passion, pain, love, family, community, protest, bike rides, all with a youthful have fun traveling and laughing and hanging out with your firneds vibe....well, what more can I say....this zine is amazing and if I tell you anymore itll only be taking away from what you could be reading. Highly recommended!!!" -Slug and Lettuce, August 2005

"Chances are you've come across Cristy Road's artwork but if you haven't then you need to now! Her words are as inspiring as her illustrations. Green Zine is full of inspiration, hope, and fucking awesome critiques on everything that needs to be dissed (not least the 'proletariat' dictatorship of Cuba). This has everything a good zine should have - in spades, humor, passion, and honesty. Oh yeah, and someone who has a clue about what they're talking about. You need to get a copy of this fanzine." - Last Hours, July 2005

"Journal style writing about traveling, friends, music, revelations and other introspective writing. Lots of beautiful drawings of people and places that come off as very personal and charming. A lot of the writing is reminiscent of Aaron Cometbus, but maybe not as poetic." -Proper Gander, March 2005

REVIEWS OF GREENZINE #13
2003-2004

"This is one of the best looking zines that have come my way. Cristy is a fantastic artist and this zine is filled with her drawings of the punk women done in a gray wash style that looks great. This is a powerful personal style zine and this is issue has a big focus on sexuality. A lot of the writing is by Cristy and a lot of it is contributed. Included are stories about sexual blossoming and the writers speak candidly about orgasms, sex, and sexuality. These stories are all told as a discovery of sexuality and pleasure and strength and finding confidence. Then there is a section about sexual assault, abuse, and rape, where a number of women share their stories. There are lots of stories about Florida, the south, youth, girl power, sisterhood, traveling, finding comfort in a place and so much more.While the contributed writing is all credited, I found myself jumping around trying to follow the narrative and who had written what cause there are not many headlines to start a new story. I was hooked onto this- and thoroughly enjoyed all the stories and the honesty and shared experiences that all have an underlying female strength and empowerment force behind them. This is a Rad zine." -Slug and Lettuce, July 2004

"This zine is a collection of stories written by a woman by the name of Cristy Road, who I met this fall and never really had the chance to talk to. This is the first issue I have read, but if she keeps putting it out, it wont be the last. I must say that Cristy is very talented on many levels. She is an amazing artist and a good storyteller. These qualities combined make this zine a ten. The stories are of personal content about growing up, friendship, an traveling. This is definitely worth out." -MAXIMUMROCKNROLL, April 2004

"Wow, this is a cool zine!  Honestly, I don't know where zines like this come from.  It makes me wonder what else is out there that I'm missing.  Cristy is not only a good writer; she's also a phenomenal artist.  Her black and white drawings expand across two-page spreads, dividing up the neatly typewritten sections of text.  Most of the writing is Cristy's, although the later sections also include some contributions from other people.  Topics explored include the power and value of friendship, different types of relationships, sexual assault, traveling, home, coming of age, and activism.  This is a powerful read, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. " -New Pages, 2004