PRE-ORDERS ARE NOW LIVE!
Order your physical book copy on our Big Cartel site or sign up with our Google Form to receive your digital copy.
Pre-Orders are available from July 06, 2021 to September 05, 2021

________

What is the "Yu and Ai: Connected" zine, you ask? The "Yu and Ai: Connected" zine is an unofficial, non-profit YuGiOh VRAINS fanzine, specifically focusing on the relationship between Yusaku Fujiki and Ai. This zine is meant to highlight and celebrate Yusaku and Ai’s relationship, partnership, and love and may feature any version of the two characters (Yusaku, Playmaker, ignis!Ai, Soltis!Ai, and yes, even monster!Ai).

MEET THE MODS

venus

Hi all, I’m the creator of the “Yu and Ai: Connected” zine, CEO of AiYusa brainrot, and expert at crying about my OTP at 2am. I also write fic. I’ve been a huge YuGiOh fan for over 10 years. Little did I know AiYusa would become my OTP to end all OTPs. I love them so much! So, here I am, putting together a zine for my beloved ship. I want this zine to reflect what I believe is one of the most beautiful relationships in the YGO franchise, so I’ll do my best to make this zine as beautiful as their bond is! ♡

Pronouns: she/her & they/them

*icon art credit to wizqevelynart

ellie

Heyo! I'm your design mod. Basically, I'm responsible for making this zine look pretty. I'm also your local disabled activist and abolitionist who adores Yu-Gi-Oh! non-stop, ended up loving this OTP by the end of Vrains, and overall sucks at introductions. Looking forward to working with everyone and my partner in AiYusa crAImes to bring this beautiful zine to life! ♡

Pronouns: he/him & she/her

JEAN

Hey! I'm the art mod. You may remember me from when Vrains ended and I lost it over AiYusa (most art over at yuaifusion). Vrains was my first proper introduction to YGO, so despite being terribly distracted from it by GX and Fubuki Tenjoin, AiYusa is my first big YGO ship and I love it dearly! I've been slacking on drawing them lately, but I'm ready to create a nice piece and foresee everyone else's! Let's spread some love for the boys! ♡

Pronouns: he/him

timeline

We are planning to release only a booklet (no postcards, keychains, stands, etc.)
Ideally, zines will be printed and mailed within 3-4 months (October-November).
An exact date will be announced after pre-orders close.

FREQUENTLY ASKED Q'S

What’s a zine?
A zine, short for fanzine, is a fan-created, self-published compilation of stories and/or artwork focusing on a single topic or theme.

Is there a theme to this zine?
The theme of this zine is the love between Yusaku and Ai. We will accept fanfic and fanart focusing on their relationship or partnership. While we hope to highlight their relationship in a more romantic light, platonic love is also very much welcome! Basically, as long as the fanfic or fanart celebrates Yusaku and Ai’s relationship and how much they love each other, we’re happy to feature it!

Is the zine NSFW?
This zine will feature works rated K-T or, using AO3’s rating system, General Audiences and Teen and Up Audiences ONLY. We will allow mildly suggestive themes, language, and art, but the content is up to our discretion, and you may be asked to edit your content. Nothing rated M or above will be featured.

When can I apply to be a contributor?
Applications will open on February 14 and close on March 13.

Who can apply?
We are looking for any artist or writer who loves AiYusa! If you love AiYusa and write fanfic or draw fanart, please consider applying! Writers are expected to provide at least 3 samples of prose, while artists are expected to provide at least 3 samples of art. Examples do not have to be strictly AiYusa.

How many copies will be sold? Can I buy this zine if I miss the pre-order period?
We will print only as many copies as we get pre-orders for. If you place an order during the pre-order window, a printed copy will be available for you. We will announce pre-orders as early as possible and keep the pre-order window open for two months so that you will be able to place your order. If you are unable to purchase a physical copy, a digital PDF copy of the zine will be available for download and will be free of charge.

Will this be a for-profit project?
No, this zine is NOT for profit. This zine will be available in both printed and digital formats. The digital zine will be made available for free. As stated above, the printed zines will be available for pre-order only and sold at a price to cover printing costs.

How many contributors will there be for the zine?
Ideally, we are looking for 8 writers, 13 artists, and 2 cover artists. Depending on how much interest the zine gets, this number may change. A limit will be placed if the zine generates too much attention (to keep printing costs down), but as of now, these are our numbers. We do not plan to release merchandise.

Writers: Your piece will have a maximum of 2500 words
Digital artists: Your illustration will need to be 5 x 8 inches at 400DPI
Traditional artists: Your scanned illustration will need to be 5 x 8 inches at 600DPI

There will be a small border around each artwork, making the final page size of the zine 5.5 x 8.5 inches.

From where will you ship the zine?
Zines will ship from the United States.

I live in X Country, can I still get the zine?
Yes! As long as your country is able to receive shipments from the US at the time of shipment. Please check with your local post about any shipping and import restrictions that may affect your order during the COVID pandemic. We are not responsible for any packages that are lost or delayed as a result of shipping restrictions.

When will the PDF copies of the zine be sent out?
The digital PDF copy of the zine will be sent out about a week after physical zines are shipped.

Will the contributors to the zine receive free copies of the zine?
Yes, Venus is paying out-of-pocket printing expenses to ensure all the contributors receive one free copy of the zine.

Are traditional artworks accepted?
Yes, but you must have access to a scanner that can scan your picture at 600 DPI.

Are cosplays accepted?
No, we are not accepting cosplay.

Will extensions be allowed?
Under certain circumstances, yes, extensions will be allowed. Venus is a full-time graduate student and works full-time as well. She knows the struggles of real life. Sometimes real life happens. Just talk to us. We think we’re pretty chill and understanding, and we don’t want anyone stressing over a fanzine!

Additional questions?
Please send us a DM via the zine’s official Twitter page or send us an email at [email protected]

MEMBERS