Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zine?
A zine is a collection of creative works made with the intent of being put together as a book, themed around a certain subject. The term "zine" is derived from the word "magazine." A zine can be created by an individual or as a collaborative team project.Reach For The Stars is a collaborative zine centered around the connections between the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and space. This zine will be digitally released for free!
How do I join?
Contributor Applications will be posted to our Tumblr and Bluesky on August 27, 2025! You must fill out the designated form for the role(s) of your choice before September 27 to be considered for acceptance. Application results will be sent out on October 19.If you're interested in joining the moderation team, Mod Apps will open on July 26, close on August 16, and results will be sent out on August 23.For more information about our schedule, please see here
What type of content is allowed?
This zine is rated T according to AO3 guidelines. This means that canon-typical violence, non-graphic depictions of injuries, romance without explicit sexual interaction, and depictions of grief and trauma are allowed and may be included in the zine. Any content with maturity beyond the listed is not allowed.
Regarding OCs:
OCs can be included as side or background characters. They cannot be featured as the main character within your piece.
Regarding AUs & Redesigns:
As this zine aims to highlight the connections between space and canonical events within the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, we'd like to focus more on official material. However, AUs may still be permitted by the mods on a case by case basis. We are more open to allowing canon divergent stories over full-blown alternate universes.Redesigns are permitted as long as the base character is still recognizable. This means that including headcanons—such as adding freckles, paw pads, etc.—or outfit changes are allowed.
Regarding Ships:
Ships are allowed as long as they are canon or ambiguously depicted within the work. This means blushing or hints to a crush/relationship are allowed.Any ships between family members or minors/adults are NOT allowed. This includes but is not limited to: Sonic/Tails, Shadow/Maria, and Sonic/Eggman.
Regarding Darker Topics:
Canon-typical violence and angst is allowed within this zine. If it's something that could potentially be included or explored in official Sonic media, then it's permitted for the zine.
Regarding NSFW:
Absolutely no suggestive, explicit, or sexual content will be permitted.
Will there be any physical copies of the zine?
No, this zine is digital-release only.
Do I have to join the Discord server?
Yes, Discord will be the primary form of communication between the mods and contributors. Joining the discord is required in order to stay up to date and contribute to the zine. If you don't already have a Discord account, please consider making one if you wish to join!
Which form do I apply to?
| Artist App | Writer App | Animator App (MAP) | Misc Artist App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Page Art | Short Story | Animator | Photography |
| Comic | Article | Background Artist | Voice Acting |
| Spot Art | Poem | ... | Cosplay |
| Merch Art | Journal Entry | ... | Chef |
| Asset Art | Etc. | ... | Etc. |
Can I apply for multiple roles?
Yes! Please keep your workload in mind, especially if you take on additional roles. Your primary assignment, which will be given to you by the mods, will be your priority before moving onto other pieces.
I don't have any zine experience. Can I still apply?
Of course, we'd love to have you! No experience is required to apply!
What is...?
...Page Art?
A complete illustration with a background, usually featuring at least one character.
...Spot Art?
A smaller illustration that is made to accompany another work, usually writing.
...Asset Art?
Simple drawings used to decorate empty spaces and/or for promotional social media posts.
...Merch Art?
Art with the outcome of being able to be used by others. Since this is a free digital zine, possible merch options would include Discord emotes, wallpapers, printables, and more.
...Misc Art?
Any form of art that doesn't fit in with the other listed roles. This can be anything like voice acting, music, cosplay, and more! This zine is open to all kinds of mediums!