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Wow! I'm very surprised that I haven't heard more about this 'zine! I've always enjoyed Tiger Tyger's fic and was excited that she'd written a novel sized 'zine. I wasn't disappointed by it at all. There's some great Jim-angst as we get an in-depth look into his psyche. Blair is surprised to learn that Jim has an aunt he is very attached to and loves deeply. But Blair and Jim's aunt Victoria both realize that those Jim really loves and needs are those he says the least about. Consequently, the aunt hadn't heard much about Blair either! We do get a neat little murder mystery in this story, but the main focus is on Jim's coming to terms with losing yet another very important person in his life. Through this process Jim is forced to admit his love for Blair, though he fears the consequences of that admission. Jim soon learns that love doesn't always have to end in loss. Although from my description this may seem like a slow, sleepy novel, it's not. I picked it up and didn't lay it down again 'til I'd finished the last page! It's harder to explain a novel based on character growth and introspection than one based on car chases and explosions!
 

Amy's Review!:

I just loved this story. It was beautifully written, with a good amount of hurt/comfort, smarm, love, and caring. The new character of Jim's aunt was wonderful, as was the relationship that Jim had with her, I really liked how the author revealed through out the story the depth of their relationship. I also appreciated the struggle Jim and Blair had with their changing relationship.

I would recommend this zine highly. There is some lovely b/w art in the zine, but the story really didn't need it. It was compelling and I read it in one sitting. I tend to do that when I really like a story. I would love to see more from this writer in zine form, perhaps another novella.

The story was well edited, and there were very few typos. The cover art is just beautiful. I like the way this zine is put together, the binding, the font size and the interspersed art. Bravo.

Patt's review!:

Catalyst By Tiger Tyger

Review by Patt

THE ART

All of the artwork in this zine is done by TACS. The cover is beautiful. I just love it. It shows the love between these two men, like no other has in a long time. That not quite kissing picture is what I long for now and then. Thanks, C.

Page 3: Blair with his hands up during a robbery. This one is self-explanatory. It shows fear in Blair’s eyes so well that I found myself staring at it for a long time. Okay, I’ll admit it I love Blair angst. LOL And Blair owies are my next favorite. I’m sick, I know.

Page 35: Serious Jim. God, I love any of Jim, but this one is breathtaking. I just love it. Isn’t it weird how some pictures and art just affect you differently than others? Well, this is one of them. Someone might glance at it and think, ‘oh it’s Jim.’ While I on the other hand found it dreamy. He looked so vulnerable. Yup, I loved it.

Page 75: Now this one wasn’t one of my favorites. See what I mean? It just doesn’t do anything for me at all. However, it’s a nice picture of the guys, just not one of my faves.

Page 135: Holey Moley Batgirl. This picture of Blair is almost evil looking. Holy shit. Astounded me. Now this one I loved. I’m telling you, I think I’m getting odder by the day. (Like I have to tell anyone this.) It’s great, C. I loved it.

Page 173: We have the cover picture here, done in Black and white. You know what? I’m really hooked on Black and white sometimes. This is a beautiful piece. Good job, C. And thank you for them all.

THE 'ZINE

Catalyst By Tiger Tyger

I don’t know if you all read my reviews of Primal Instincts 1-4, but Tiger got me hooked on her work there. And she stayed true to form. I picked this one up and couldn’t finish it in one day, but I sure tried. It took me two nights. It’s a wonderful zine.

Blair answers the door one day to an older woman and it’s Jim’s Aunt Victoria. The story revolves all around Jim, Victoria and Blair. Did I mention that it was the holidays? What a great Christmas Present for Jim. He loves Nana so much, that it was heartbreaking thinking about her ever leaving him again. I think it’s one of the first stories that shows Jim so open and vulnerable. He adores this woman who tried to stay in his life no matter what William said. I just loved this character. Tiger did such a good job of writing it, that before long I felt as if Victoria was my aunt or Nana.

I will say I had one complaint about this zine. Why did we have to wait so long for sex? Haha. Okay, I’m kidding. The way the story is written, you don’t really even notice and when it finally does come, you’re very happy. Pardon the pun.

I’m not going to tell everyone the entire story because I know that sometimes I get a little carried away with telling too much. Therefore, I will say that you will love it. No matter who you are. It’s fantastic writing. What’s not to like?

I loved the spiral binding. So much easier to read that way.

I don’t remember finding one editing error. I was so involved with the story, I wouldn’t have noticed, I don’t think. That’s good, I guess. Nevertheless, sometimes I’d like to keep you informed of things like this. Oh so sue me. Haha.

I have to now find out if Tiger has any more zines. Good golly, I loved this one. Hot damn. On to find more of her things to read.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me off list. As you all know, they don’t call me Ramblin Rose for nothing.

Why you should buy this 'zine: Much coveted, highly sought after Jim angst!!

Why you shouldn't buy this 'zine: Original character death.

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