Swarm: Answering the Call is a zine reflecting and celebrating the triumphant return tour of American rock band My Chemical Romance.
FAQ
WHAT IS A ZINE?A zine--short for magazine--is a self-published printed work made up of art, writing, photography, etc., that centers around a specific theme.WHAT IS THIS ZINE ABOUT?SWARM: Answering the Call is a zine reflecting on and celebrating the triumphant return tour of American rock band My Chemical Romance.71 shows, 18 countries, one zine. Artists, writers and creatives from all over the world united to share what made this experience special to them.This zine features over 120 pieces of original art and 35 written works spanning all tour dates. Plus, an introductory essay by Cassie the Venomous and exclusive interviews with Mark Beemer, tour photographer, Marina Toybina, costume designer, and The MCR Archive, tour historians.WHERE CAN I BUY IT?We are currently accepting pre-orders at our Big Cartel storefront. Pre-orders will close on October 31st at 12:00pm EST.IS THERE MERCH?Alongside the zine, we are also offering some awesome items that reflect the fervour and passion of the tour. Each item was chosen and designed with fans in mind. Our merch bundles should provide something for all needs and budgets.HOW DID YOU GET THESE INTERVIEWS?We asked nicely :)Our interviewees were incredible gracious with their time, and we are honoured to have spoken to them about their work as it relates to the reunion tour. As always, we ask that fans remain respectful and do not harass or pester anyone associated with the band for information.WHO ELSE IS IN THE ZINE?
Check out our talented contributors on their chosen platforms.
IS MCR5 HAPPENING?The zine does not contain any news of a new album. You are welcome to use our Summoning Bandana to try and help things along, though.WHERE DO YOU SHIP?Everywhere we can! We will ship orders from the United States to all countries accepting international mail. Our shipping hub is primarily US-based, so please understand that international shipping fees may become steep. We’ve tried to keep them as low as possible.HOW MUCH WILL SHIPPING COST?Here’s a guide to shipping costs both within the United States and internationally.
| Order | Domestic (USD) | Canada (USD) | International (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bundle #1 ZINE | $8.00 | $15.49 | $19.99 |
| Bundle #2 GNAW | $8.00 | $15.49 | $19.99 |
| Bundle #3 GO HARD | $11.43 | $19.49 | $26.99 |
| Bundle #4 OFF LEASH | $8.00 | $19.49 | $26.99 |
| Bundle #5 UNKILLABLE | $11.43 | $19.49 | $26.99 |
WHEN WILL I GET MY ZINE?Pre-orders are open from 12:00pm EST October 1st to 12:00pm EST October 31st 2023.Our goal is to start filling and shipping physical orders late November of 2023.Unfortunately, we cannot predict shipping times right now. We will update this section when we get more accurate information.Please note that unexpected circumstances like holiday timing, delays, or any issues with product quality upon first printing may change this timeline. Our promise to you is the highest-quality zine product in the most reasonable timeframe.Digital copies will be sent to you by email after pre-orders close in early November.CAN I GET (ITEM) BY ITSELF?
We currently plan to offer individual items as leftover stock after bundle pre-orders are completed, there is no guarantee. If you have your heart set on something, we encourage you to grab it in a bundle during this pre-order period!If you love an item in particular, please send us a message on our Tumblr, Instagram or Twitter so we can better gage popularity and potential for future stock.CAN I JUST GET A DIGITAL COPY?In order to make the zine as accessible as possible, we will be making it available as a digital only purchase early next year.WHERE WILL PROFITS BE DONATED TO?Our charity was selected by our fans and followers, so we could champion a cause that truly means something to the fanbase.All profits from zine sales, after production costs are accounted for, will be donated to Black and Pink, a United States prison abolitionist organization supporting LGBTQ and HIV-positive prisoners. As LGBTQ rights are under attack across the US and around the world, we believe it's important to support LGBTQ people of all backgrounds, including those who are incarcerated, who often have unique needs and face discrimination from all angles.The group organizes a pen pal program, distributes a prisoner-written newspaper to its incarcerated members, provides court accompaniment, and educates people on their rights.WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?We are actively posting zine updates, including news and reminders for contributors, on our Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter.It would really help us if you share our posts to help us reach a wide audience. We want SWARM Zine to reflect and reach MCR fans all over the world.
SUBMISSION GUIDE
1. Submitted work will be based around a tour date.In your application, you will be asked to nominate a minimum of three dates that you feel comfortable creating work around. Your piece can touch on broader themes of the tour, but think of your single date as the focal point.It does not have to be a date you attended in person. Just one you have something to say about.2. Creations should be new, though old work can be adapted or remixed.You have probably already made and shared work about this tour, but we ask that your final work for the zine be fresh and unseen by the public. If you find yourself struggling, old work could be redone, remixed or adapted as part of new work. Just let us know.The zine team won’t be hardasses about this, but as the zine will be sold for profit with donation to charity, we’d like to ensure the final product is worth every penny!3. All printable mediums of art/writing are accepted. Experimentation and self-expression are greatly encouraged.All printable mediums of art are welcome, but will need to be submitted as a digital file.Please take care when referencing photos or submitting collage that you use images within public domain or with commercial copyright.Some genres of writing you may consider are:
- Poetry
- Short essay
- Letter
- Interview
- Conversation
- Narrative.Space will be limited. Artists will have one page of the zine. Writers are limited to maximum 700 words.If you have a wild idea, please speak with the team about how we may be able to accommodate it.4. Some content restrictions are in place. We are shooting for an M rating.This means swearing, blood and mature themes are fine. However explicit sexual imagery or gore will not be accepted.In addition, we will not be accepting stories featuring shipping or invasive material about the band members.If you’re unsure if your work maintains these boundaries, please reach out to the team. We’re more than happy to give any advice, free of judgement and with complete privacy.5. Final specifications for art and writing submissions will be made available for successful applicants.If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out! We are more than happy to discuss your ideas.
KEY DATES
Here's what to expect from the next few months:Pre-orders open: October 1st
Pre-orders close: October 31stDigital copy distributed: Early NovemberOrder fulfilment begins: Late NovemberKey events will be added as the team confirm them.
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
We're so grateful for the enthusiasm you've given the zine so far. Thank you for every follow, like and application!You will hear back by May 21st.Please don't hesitate to get in touch with the team via Tumblr Instagram and Twitter if you have any questions or concerns. 🪰More news and updates for the zine will be provided over the coming months.
MEET THE MODS
NICK
any pronouns
Sometimes you do crazy things for My Chemical Romance. Nick wants to create a space for fans to share how this tour impacted them. They're also really excited about all the spreadsheets.
LUCA
they/them
The amount of love and friendship on this tour, whether on or off stage, between members of the band or between fans, is so amazing to see that it keeps Luca awake at night if they think about it too hard. And what are zines if not the language of that love. Also, they are a writer sometimes.
Icon drawn by Nick (knock3)