The first punk fanzine, launched in New York in 1975, was called Punk.
Punk was created by cartoonist John Holmstrom, publisher Ged Dunn, and Legs McNeil, who was described as the magazine’s “resident punk.” The team combined underground-comic artwork with irreverent coverage of the emerging New York scene.
Although the project began in late 1975, its first issue appeared in January 1976, featuring Lou Reed on the cover. The magazine focused heavily on performers associated with CBGB, including the Ramones, Patti Smith, Blondie, and the New York Dolls. Its energetic visual style helped define how early punk was presented to a wider audience.
A common mix-up is Sniffin’ Glue, an influential British punk zine that began in London in 1976. Flipside and Maximum Rocknroll were also important later publications, but neither was the first punk fanzine. Punk published 15 issues during its original 1976–1979 run.