Distance Runner is a collection of photos and ruminations by Aaron Bedard and James Siboni of Bane. There is a somber tone to the narrative, even when relating epic karaoke singalongs to Biohazard or the lighthearted fun of friends on tour. A strong current of introspection can be found throughout—thoughts of tours past, choices made, and lives led. Above it all is the understanding that this is the last hurrah. The last tour of Japan. Another nail in the coffin of a band going over twenty years strong. One of the underlying themes that runs throughout Distance Runner is that all doors eventually close. What we are left with are images, photographs, and memories. The zine not only captures the bittersweet swan song of a great band, it also strives to capture an understanding of the Japanese culture: “There is a deep feeling of respect that blankets nearly everything here….What lesson did [Japan] find in defeat that they could make an entire country bloom like that?” Bedard and Siboni do an admirable job distilling what, in their minds, is the essence of Japan. What develops is not just an examination of a moment in the life of a band, but an exploration of the powers of friendship and an examination of another culture. It’s a complex mix of themes and emotions, but I’d expect nothing less from one of the greatest lyricists in hardcore. –Paul J. Comeau ([email protected])