Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 …: is this $3.5 stack worth it for Films?
If you have ever felt the specific ache of watching a beloved, terrible movie prop slowly rot in a closet, you know that preservation is rarely about money alone. It is about community, memory, and the stubborn belief that a specific piece of celluloid history deserves to survive. That is the exact emotional hook behind the Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 Issue, a digital publication from the Super Mario Bros. Movie Archive. It is not just a PDF; it is a direct line to the restoration of the original Yoshi puppet from the 1993 cult classic. For three and a half dollars, you are buying a 30-page collection of new, custom-made content that funds the physical preservation of a film artifact most people thought was lost forever.
The 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie is a cultural paradox: it is bad, it is beloved, and it is now a preservation target. The Winter 2023 Issue serves as the financial engine for that preservation. By purchasing the zine, you are contributing to the official SMB Movie Archive’s effort to restore the original Yoshi puppet and other props. This is a niche buy, but for the right person, it is a perfect one. It combines the tactile joy of a well-curated fan zine with the moral satisfaction of supporting archival work.
Quick answer
| Best for | 1993 SMB Movie fans, film preservation supporters, and collectors who want new, exclusive fan content. |
| Skip if | You are not a fan of the 1993 film, or you are looking for a general gaming history textbook. |
| Price | $3.50 |
| Format | 30-page digital PDF (66.5 MB) |
| One-line take | A low-cost, high-impact way to support the restoration of the original Yoshi puppet while reading fresh fan art and editorials. |
What you’re actually buying
At $3.50, the Trust the Fungus Fanzine is priced like a coffee, but the content is curated like a small press release. You are getting a 30-page digital package that is entirely new material. This is not a reprint of old articles or a scan of a VHS tape; it is a fresh creation designed specifically for this issue. The core of the zine is its visual component: 12 custom-made Super Mario Bros. fan artworks. For a film that is often defined by its practical effects and puppetry, seeing new interpretations of those characters in a high-resolution digital format is a treat for the eye.
Beyond the art, the zine includes a dedicated editorial on SMB collecting. This is a crucial piece for anyone who has ever tried to track down a piece of 1993 memorabilia. It provides context on the value and history of the props, which ties directly into the charity mission of the project. There is also a piece of fan fiction, which adds a narrative layer to the visual and historical content. The file size is a modest 66.5 MB, meaning it downloads quickly and is easy to store on any device. You are buying a complete, self-contained experience that honors the source material while funding its physical survival. (Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 Issue)
Why it’s on our radar
This project stands out because it solves a real problem in the film preservation world: funding. Restoring a puppet from 1993 is not a trivial expense, and the SMB Movie Archive is using the zine as a direct vehicle for that support. The specificity of the goal—restoring the original Yoshi puppet—is compelling. It is not a vague “support our channel” donation; it is a tangible outcome. Furthermore, the content is not filler. The inclusion of 12 new artworks and a collecting editorial means the buyer gets genuine value for the money, not just a receipt. It is a rare case where the product and the cause are perfectly aligned, making it an easy recommendation for anyone who cares about the 1993 film.
What actually matters
When you are considering a niche digital publication, a few specific checks will help you decide if this is the right fit. First, verify your interest in the 1993 film specifically. If you are a general Mario fan but have never watched the live-action movie, the context of the zine might feel distant. The content is deeply rooted in that specific production. Second, check your device compatibility. Since it is a 66.5 MB PDF, it should open on any standard reader, but if you are on a very low-end device, the file size is still manageable. Third, consider the format of the art. The 12 fan artworks are the highlight, so if you are primarily interested in text-heavy analysis, you might find the visual focus more appealing than the editorial. Finally, remember the charitable aspect. Your purchase directly supports the restoration of the Yoshi puppet, so you are buying a product and making a donation in one transaction. (Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 Issue)
Mid-check
If you’re still on the fence, open Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 …, skim two reviews (if any), and ask: would I use this this week?
FAQ
Is the Trust the Fungus Fanzine a physical book? No, it is an all-digital product. You will receive a PDF file that you can read on any device. The $3.50 price reflects the digital nature of the file and the charitable purpose of the project.
What exactly does the money go to? The funds raised from the Winter 2023 Issue go to the official SMB Movie Archive. The primary goal is the restoration of the original Yoshi puppet used in the 1993 film, along with other financial needs for preserving movie props and memorabilia.
Is the content new or recycled? The listing specifies that the zine features “brand new custom-made content.” This includes the 12 fan artworks, the collecting editorial, and the fan fiction. It is not a compilation of previously published material. (Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 Issue)
How long is the zine? The publication is 30 pages long. With 12 artworks and several text pieces, it is a substantial read for a digital zine, offering a complete experience rather than a quick snippet. (Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 Issue)
Bottom line
The Trust the Fungus Fanzine - Winter 2023 Issue is a small, sharp, and purposeful buy. It is not for everyone, but for fans of the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie, it is a perfect fit. You get a well-curated 30-page digital zine with new art and editorials, and you directly support the preservation of a cult classic artifact. At $3.50, the barrier to entry is low, and the impact is high. If you have ever wanted to do something tangible for the preservation of a film you love, this is a straightforward way to do it.