Junk Pirate #15

I started Junk Pirate zine by basically just making photocopies of some of the more interesting images I would encounter at my job at an anonymous Oakland junk store. Rather than (or in addition to) hoarding all the original pieces, I would make photocopies on the administrator's office copier after work. In May of 2004, I compiled all these random bits (yearbook photos, game boards, children's book illustrations, vintage valentine's day cards, other people photos) into an 18-page zine, ran off about 30 copies after work, and gave 'em to my friends and co-workers.

The second issue soon followed, then the third, and within a few months developed a keen eye for finding the weird, nostalgic, tragic, ironic, and visually compelling imagery from the stacks of donations that constantly flooded the business. I made themed issues (other people's photos, the yearbook issue), step up the production to about 100 copies of each issue, and, after breaking the office copier, even legitimately paid for printing over at Copy Edge in Berkeley (2¢ black and whites!). A few online shops and zine stores (like Needles & Pens) started to carry it regularly, and around issue #8, Last Gasp in San Francisco started to distribute 'em around the globe.

Last year the greatest images of issues #1-12 were reprinted, along with extra tidbits, in one large volume: Junk Pirate volume one. The book is 170-pages, offset print with found endpapers, perfect bound, 100% recycled paper, soy-inks, made entirely in Oakland.
Someday soon I'll post a blog about my adventures in self-publishing, but in the meanwhile just know that in the Bay Area, 1984 Printing is the place to go for black and white offset printing and binding. They rule.

The book was released in December of 2006 to coincide with the reception for the spectacular Junk Pirate art Exhibition. This exhibit featured frames, shelves, and installations of several years worth of collected junk. There were a dozen Miss Scarlet cards from Clue, 78 Kool-Aid points, about 20 different video game controllers, lots of other people's photos, the evolution of Luke Skywalker action figures, Rambo vs. a Giant Ape illustrations, game cards, 200 different dice, and so much more. It was blogged about on FecalFace.com here. Lots of other images here.

Issue # 15 of Junk Pirate was recently completed and released. It features Russian children's workbook, instructions on how to make a police dog shadow puppet, "How the Mouse Trap Works" diagram, rowboat turning illustrations, Intellivision, "the most sensuous recordings ever made!", Star Wars grammar workbook, Rambo Black Flak bubble gum, El Borracho, magic tricks, Dreamers Doodle Pad for Men, photo comic panels, 1967 Panel of Judges, "When I Begin To Date" pamphlet, "Know Your USA" book cover, G.I.Joe from 1982, and a personal letter from President Richard M. Nixon! Plus about a hundred other things.
Full black and white, 18 pages, edition of 100.

Here is a color-stenciled promo flyer for issue #15. And for your viewing pleasure, I present "The Making of Junk Pirate #15" video. It's only 2 minutes long and you'll never wonder how such an amazing product is produced ever again.

Remember to check for Junk Pirate news, back issues, and color images at junkpirate.com!

Junk Pirate #15 is available through Last Gasp, fine zine shops nationwide, or you can own it now by ordering direct for only $1.00 per copy plus .75¢ shipping. Cheaper than a sack of nuts.