The work is mysterious and important. We want to share it with the world.Mysterious and Important Works (MAIW) is a fanzine created in appreciation of the Apple TV show, Severance. We will feature art, short stories, poetry, essays, and merchandise created by talented fans in order to raise money for the labor rights nonprofit A Better Balance.
Who is running this?
This is a volunteer run project by fans of the show. We have no affiliation with Apple TV, Fifth Season Productions, or the Severance cast or crew.
What kind of things can I expect in this zine?
We consider this zine to be 18+, so works may show canon-typical depictions of adult subject matter like substance abuse, violence, and sexual content.
So, this is for charity?
Correct. The money from sales will go towards production costs, providing copies to our contributors (who receive no other compensation), and the charity A Better Balance.As described on their website, ABB is a labor rights charity based in the US that promotes “justice in the workplace, especially for women, caregivers, and people with health needs of their own. [They] work across every level of government to pass and enforce policies that combat poverty, advance racial and gender equity, and protect workers’ ability to care for themselves, their children, and their loved ones.” In addition, they also offer a helpline to provide information and support to those facing injustice in the workplace.ABB was selected by our mod team.
How are contributors compensated?
All contributors will receive at least a PDF version of the zine and all digital extras for their work. If we meet specific sales goals, we hope to provide physical copies of the zine as well.
How can I participate?
We will accept contributor applications between May 5, 2025 and June 9, 2025. Please check out the application page to apply.
What’s your stance on AI?
Work generated by AI will not be accepted as part of this project. We believe that part of the value of creative works is the effort that goes into creating them, and that value is part of what we’re celebrating with this zine.
Ms. Ellie
MAIW Department Manager
(she/her)Ellie has a B.A. in Journalism, a minor in Global Environmental Sustainability, and 15 years of experience writing fiction. She once worked as a sound designer for the podcasts Voice of All and Into the Woods, and now spends her time reading TTRPG manuals.Ellie’s outie shoots film photography and can recite the alphabet backwards without thinking.
Sev
Fiction Department, Social Media Department
(she/her)Sev has a B.A. in English Writing and a minor in Cinema and Media Studies. She currently works in the book publishing field, and hopes to work for a “big five” publisher in the future. In her free time, she writes original fiction and fanfiction.Sev’s outie logs every movie she watches on Letterboxd, watches Formula 1, and loves dark chocolate. Sev's favorite of the Core Principles is Cheer, because what is life without some joy.
LeeAnn
Art Department, Design Department
(she/her)LeeAnn is a creative! She does illustration, fashion design, graphic design, photography, and video editing. Her work is inspired by LOONA and movies from Studio Ghibli, and she loves reading manga. LeeAnn’s favorite core principle is Wit.LeeAnn’s outie is going through a post grad existential crisis and working retail while figure skating in her free time.
Ari
Nonfiction Department
(she/they/all)Good morning, readers! I’m told Innies and Outies from all over will get to read this zine, and I’m tickled pink at the opportunity to be a part of it!Apparently my Outie likes her coffee iced, not hot. Can you imagine, a machine that makes coffee cold? Wild, that anyone would even want that, when you could just let hot coffee sit! She likes to read. I bet she reads all kinds of cool books. She’s also very family-first! Unfortunately, when I asked the wellness counselor what family my Outie had to put first, it was counted as a third strike and my session was ended. .My favorite core principle is benevolence, because I choose to believe any work Kier gives us must be done in the name of said benevolence. We are here for the greater good.
Marti
Nonfiction Department
(all/she)Marti L Gadfly writes a column for the Kier Daily Chronicle exploring technology issues of our modern world, including the ethical minefield of the severance procedure. They were a lead organizer of Get Outta Our Brains: last year’s nationwide boycott of Lumon products. They have a BA and MA from Ganz College.In their upcoming book, Undercover at the Company Kier Built, they state that their favorite Kier core principle is verve. Pre-order to learn the harrowing tale of how this was received by Lumon executives.When not taking on the corporate powers, Marti enjoys mystery novels, birdwatching, making frittatas, and strong black tea. They live in scenic Soil Hill with their wife and two cats, Woodward and Bernstein.
Argo
Fiction Department, Art Department
(she/her)Argo has a BS in Physics and a double minor in Astrophysics and Dance. She’s currently working towards her PhD in Mechanical Engineering thanks to the generous and benevolent Eagan Fellowship Program. On the severed floor, you might catch her whistling a tune or skipping down the hallways!Argo’s outie plays seven instruments, and collects old currency!
Maggie
Fiction Department, Nonfiction Department
(she/her)Maggie has a B.A. in English and Film & Media Studies, with a concentration in poetry. She’s been writing fiction, poetry, and nonfiction alike her whole life and she’s also had a chapbook published, as well as pieces published in various journals and magazines! She currently works in the book industry as a bookseller, as well as in seasonal positions as a film and screenwriting teacher. She is so excited to be a part of this project!Maggie’s outie spends most of her time consuming media, thinking about media, but most of all talking about her cats (please ask her about them, it’s her favorite topic in the world)!