I took a few years off from making Portal Magazine but now I'm happy to be back. 2021 and 2022 were strange years. People were dropping like flies, inflation went up and many of us learned who was really in our corner and who we needed to let go of. I did a lot of soul searching. When I made the first issue I was really drawn to the idea of this underground independent magazine that had interesting content but also looked professional. I soon learned that not everybody understood the idea of a zine. I received unsolicited advice, Some people didn't understand why I would put my energy into something that may not generate income, without realizing there is a whole zine culture. To create your own magazine with your own interests and print it however you want is empowering. If you listen to what everyone says, you will lose focus on your own freedom of expression. Despite those little voices chiming in on the why and how of Portal, I still managed to finish the 2nd issue. The slight downgrade of this issue was really only to save money. For a few evenings I sat down and decided to make some collages. It was satisfying and the hours seem to vanish. I decided that I would use the themes that I was drawn to in the collage making process for this issue of Portal. I've also included some content that hopefully will inspire you to do some research on your own. I've welcomed back fiction writer Jonny CaMichael who is excited to continue his story in this issue and the next. Thanks for those who support and I hope you will continue this journey with me through the Portal.
