Tome of the Unknown is a collaborative charity zine celebrating Over the Garden Wall. Bringing together artists and writers from across the fandom, this zine intends to honor both the legacy of the show and the wonderfully creative community it has inspired.A zine intended for physical release, all proceeds will be donated to a charity of choice (as decided by our contributors).

Pre-Order Countdown

Please note that Tome of the Unknown: An OTGW Fanzine is not affiliated with Over the Garden Wall nor Cartoon Network. This zine is curated, produced, and distributed by the community for the community, with any profit allocated for donation.

This zine will feature subject matter from Over the Garden Wall (including Tome of the Unknown, our namesake and the show pilot). Inside will feature a variety of fan works, including visual art and writing. Alongside illustrations, the zine will also feature alternative mediums such as embroidery papercraft, doll making, and more...

Tome of the Unknown is will have both a digital and physical release. The book itself will be 6’ x 9’, 40 pages, 70lb satin paper, with perfect binding. The zine will include options for merch (e.g., vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, bookmarks, postcards, etc.) with a variety of bundles to meet various needs.The zine will release November 3rd, 2026 to celebrate the original release date of Over the Garden Wall and will feature work from over 45 different artists and 9 different writers! Physical zines will be shipped mid-October so they arrive safely in November.

PART ONE: The Old Black Train

Interest Check: March 30 - April 25
Contributor Applications: May 1 - May 28
Contributor Invitations: May 31
Contributor Confirmation Deadline: May 31 - June 5

PART TWO: Into the Unknown

Pitch Submission Deadline: June 12
Approved Pitches Distributed: June 15
Writer/Spot Artist Pairs Assigned: June 15

PART THREE: Through the Wood

Check in #1: July 15
Check in #2: August 15
Final Check in: August 22
Final Submission: August 31

PART FOUR: Returning Home

Pre-Orders: September 3 - September 17
Ship Date: Beginning of October
Digital Release: November 3

What is Tome of the Unknown?

Tome of the Unknown is a collaborative charity zine celebrating Over the Garden Wall. Bringing together artists and writers from across the fandom, this zine will be feature artworks and written pieces that explore all different parts of the Unknown.

What is a fanzine?

A fanzine is an independently published work that focuses on a specific subject the organizers are passionate about. Historically, many fanzines focused on bands or science fiction and were a low cost way for creators to share their thoughts without censorship. Fanzines have a short print run and are created in small quantities. Modern fanzines (like Tome of the Unknown) tend to be more polished and similar to an art book. Overall, zines prioritize reach and creativity over commercial success.

What is a charity zine?

A charity zine is an independently published work, wherein any proceeds are donated to charity. In our case, any purchases of Tome of the Unknown will go to the cost of production, and any profit generated will be donated. Afterwards, we will post a receipt as proof that the donation has been received.

Is this an official Over the Garden Wall project?

Tome of the Unknown: An OTGW Fanzine is not affiliated with Over the Garden Wall nor Cartoon Network. This zine is curated, produced, and distributed by the community for the community, with any profit allocated for donation.

Is this a physical or digital zine?

Both! A physical release will be available for pre-order, as well as a digital version that will be made available on November 3rd, 2026.

How much will it cost?

An exact number cannot be provided at this point, as we are unable to confirm final zine specs and scope of the project. However, we can promise that affordability will be a priority during pricing decisions.

Will this zine have merchandise?

Yes, this zine will feature both physical and digital merch. A variety of bundles will be available to purchase, as well as stretch goals for certain milestones.

What charity will you be donating to?

The charity will be selected by our contributors and announced August 16th. We intend to support a charity that uplifts children due to the nature of Over the Garden Wall. Charities mentioned during interest check include: Doctors Without Borders, Gamers Outreach, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and more.

What is the content rating of this zine?

This zine will be rated PG, however, please note that works within this zine may touch on dark themes present in the source material.

Are OCs and AUs allowed?

In the spirit of sticking to canon material, OCs and AUs will not be included in this zine.

Will ships be included?

Seeing as the majority of the cast are minors, shipping will not be featured in this zine.

Is use of AI allowed?

Any use of generative AI, art theft, or any other form of plagiarism is prohibited. Applicants found to practice such tactics will not be considered.

What is the timeline?

Interest Check: March 30 - April 25
Contributor Applications: May 1 - May 28
Contributor Invitations: May 31
Contributor Confirmation Deadline: May 31 - June 5Pitch Submission Deadline: June 12
Approved Pitches Distributed: June 15
Writer/Spot Artist Pairs Assigned: June 15Check-in #1: July 15
Check-in #2: August 15
Check-in #3: August 22
Final Submission: August 31Pre-Orders: September 3 - September 17
Ship Date: Beginning of October
Digital Release: November 3

How can I apply to participate?

Our zine is currently no longer accepting applications, but please keep an eye on our social media for any future projects!

What types of contributors do you accept?

While the majority of our contributors will be digital/traditional page artists, we will also be looking for spot artists, writers, and alternative art mediums (e.g., embroidery, crochet, woodwork, stained glass, papercrafts, etc.), please feel free to apply regardless.

Can I apply for multiple roles?

Yes, however please note that applying for multiple roles does not increase chances of acceptance.

What are the application requirements?

Please expect to provide a portfolio of current work, as well as 3 pieces that you would define as your best works. For those that work non-digitally please note that if accepted, we will expect high quality images of your submission.

How many contributors are you accepting?

While numbers will be finalized after the interest check, we are currently planning for 20-25 page artists, 3-5 writers, 3-5 spot artists, and 3-5 merch artists.

Is there an age limit for contributors?

Please note that applicants must be 18+. Both hosts and mods are adults, and prefer to work exclusively with other adults for ease of organization and handling personal information for shipping the final zine. Thank you for your understanding!

Am I required to have previous zine experience to apply as an artist/writer?

Previous zine experience is not required. We are most concerned with the quality and originality of work.

How will contributors be compensated?

We intend to provide contributors with a physical copy of the zine as well as any merchandise produced alongside it. Any profits from this zine will be donated.

Can contributors post their work?

Contributors will be able to post their submissions after the release date of the zine (November 3rd, 2026). During the production process contributors may volunteer for sneak peaks that will be posted on official Tome of the Unknown social media.

Do contributors own the work they submit to the zine?

Contributors retain the rights to their own submissions. Due to the exclusive nature of the zine, we ask that any monetary projects (e.g., prints, postcards, stickers, etc.) including submissions be released 1 month after the final zine distribution date (November 3rd, 2026).

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