28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com CULTURE Michael Nevares and Alex Ramirez feel that creating something just for them is a mutinous act. And they were able to do it with five photos and about 2,000 words in their self-published zine, titled New Mutiny, with about 100 copies. Following a traumatic brain injury due to a mountain biking accident in 2023, Nevares found himself with a lot of time on his hands. Ramirez often takes solo walks and brings his camera along. The project was born after Ramirez started sending photos to Nevares. The latter would then conceive short stories about the photos but asked Ramirez not to tell him any information about where, when or why the photo was taken. “It was a totally blank slate of inspiration,” Nevares says. Ramirez adds, “The genesis of this whole thing is that we’re skateboarders and we see things differently.” Collaboration among friends is a hallmark of skateboarder culture, the duo say. “Skateboarding imbues people to build something out of nothing,” Nevares adds. The two went to Minutemen Press to publish the zine with $524.85 of their own cash. They say making art is worth it. “That’s more important of a message today than it ever has been,” Nevares says. He wrote short stories, some humorous, others sad, but all offering lessons. The first story in the zine is inspired by a photo of a Cup of Noodles spilled out onto shrubbery with a fork sticking out of it. Nevares weaves together a tale about how it was swatted out of the hand of a man who wants to see his baby son in Fresno by a jealous yet loving second wife. Conflict, love and resolution are all present. One of the more uncanny stories is written about the last photo in the zine that shows a large crack in pavement and Ramirez’s foot taking a step. The story is inspired by a funeral that Nevares saw on his way to pick up his child, only to find out it was Ramirez’s godfather’s funeral. The stories and photos in New Mutiny only exist in print. The project yields no cash flow, but that’s the rebellion they’re after. “We’re on this ship that’s being driven by tech people to force us into line so they can sell us shit,” Nevares says. “I felt like it was time for a mutiny.” New Mutiny is available for $12 at Old Capitol Books, 482 Alvarado St. (upstairs), Monterey. DANIEL DREIFUSS Photo Pirates Two local skateboarders publish a new zine of short stories inspired by photos with no context. By Sloan Campi Alex Ramirez, left, and Michael Nevares are skateboarders and friends who became zine collaborators. Ramirez takes photos and Nevares writes stories about the images. Carmel Tasting Room San Carlos & 7th • 831.626.WINE (9463) Estate Winery & Tasting Room 1972 Hobson Ave, Greenfield SCHEIDVINEYARDS.COM Enjoyfriends. sips. Pouring daily from 12pm OCEAN AVE 7TH AVE 8TH AVE MISSION ST Carmel Plaza Sunset Community & Cultural Center SAN CARLOS ST DOLORES ST
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