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Hi guys, and welcome to a new Top Ten Tuesday! Today is all about fandoms.
According to Wikipedia:
Fandom is a term used to refer to a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest.
Now, I admit I am a HUGE fangirl. The phrase “I don’t like, I OBSESS.” definitely applies to me. I just love feeling passionate about something I like, and sharing that with other fans who feel the same. It’s why I started blogging about books. It’s why I love going to live shows by my fave bands and artists. It’s why I love fan fiction and fan art.
That’s why I think I’m a member of a LOT of fandoms. I could never really limit it to just ten, so I decided to feature a few fandoms that are the ones I believe have made the most impact on my life so far. They are the ones I will think about first when I think about fandoms and the ones I believe other people may connect to me the most. Am I still active in all of them? Not necessarily. Do I love every single song by that band, or every episode of a show? Not necessarily. But do I still care deeply about them all and will I still keep excitedly rambling on about it when the opportunity arises? OH YES.
Also, I didn’t really feature the book fandom, because… duh. I think we can also assume that I am in the fandom for all of my all-time favorite books. So these favorites are mostly movies, tv and music. Let’s go!
Harry Potter
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry,
but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
Ok, I know I just said that I wasn’t going to feature any bookish fandoms, but making this list without Harry Potter just didn’t feel right. I ADORE everything Harry Potter. Though I’ve always loved reading, these books got me out of a high-school-required-reading-slump and are pretty much the reason I’m still reading and loving books today. I love this world and am looking forward to revisiting it through a re-read or movie marathon at least once a year.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
“If the apocalypse comes, beep me.”
I love tv shows, but I don’t think I’ve ever loved a tv show as much as I loved Buffy The Vampire Slayer. I still remember watching my first episode when I was 13 or 14-ish (The Pack, which was the hyena episode in season one) and thinking “What is this?” and “Ok, I need more”. I watched all episodes as they were released on tv, got the DVD’s when they were available and rewatched every episode multiple times. It was also the time before I had internet at home, so I spent time looking up pictures of the cast on the computer at the library ( #hardcore). Still love the show to this day and love rewatching it on a regular basis.
Stranger Things
“Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?”
I wanted to come up with a more recent tv show in contrast with Buffy and had some trouble deciding which one, because honestly, I love a lot of tv shows. But I thought to myself “Which one have I watched lately that made me the most excited and obsessive?” and TADAA, we have Stranger Things. I watched this show last year and fell in love. The atmosphere, the story, the soundtrack, THE CHARACTERS! So ever since finishing season one, I’ve been getting my Stranger Things fix by scouring Pinterest for anything I can find, convincing myself I don’t need all the Funko Pops (and not really succeeding) and counting down the days until season 2
Linkin Park
“I don’t know what stressed me first, or how the pressure was fed.
But I know just what it feels like to have a voice in the back of my head”
This is the band that defined my teenage years. I couldn’t imagine my life without them in it. Before Linkin Park, I wasn’t really that much into music. I mean, I still liked music, but I only limited myself to the top 40 hits, without caring about what else was really out there. But then I heard the song ‘Crawling’ somewhere and it was love at first hearing. I looked them up, got the CD ‘Hybrid Theory’ and became obsessed. It was the first alternative/rock band I ever listened to and they inspired me to look up more similar music. And my music tastes have become so much more varied since then, so really my music obsession actually began with Linkin Park. I have seen them live twice and will see them live again this summer at a festival in Belgium (SO EXCITED!). I may not love every single new song they release, but I still love them as a band and am so happy they are still touring and playing together.
Fall Out Boy
“We’re the therapists pumping through your speakers
delivering just what you need.”
Another band that means the world to me. I discovered them when I was going through a rough period and listening to their songs helped me get through that so I’ll always be thankful. Like Linkin Park, they have also been instrumental in making me discover more bands and new (to me) music styles. I love their songs, I love their lyrics, I just love them as people. I’ve seen them live about 3 times and I cry from happiness every single time. I still remember their comeback a few years ago and how happy it made me. If I could only choose one band to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be this one. Hands down.
Pokemon
“I want to be the very best, like no one ever was.”
Yeah, I’m not afraid to admit I’m a big Pokenerd. No shame. I loved this anime when I was younger. It used to be on tv in the morning before school and I would get up just a little earlier to be able to watch it before leaving. I also was obsessed with all the Gameboy games. I had the red, yellow and silver editions and played them all the time. I still have an old Gameboy and still like to play them now and then actually. I have a stuffed pikachu that I still can’t get rid of even though it’s already about 15 years old. And I LOVED Pokemon Go when it was released. I’m not really playing it anymore, but that’s only because I prefer the older games. But still, I’ll always love Pokemon.
Hamilton
“I’m past patiently waiting
I’m passionately smashing every expectation
Every action’s an act of creation!”
Hah, I NEVER thought I would get into a musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton, and yet HERE I AM. Not just into the musical, but pretty obsessed. I heard a lot about it last year and decided to give it a listen to see what all the fuss was about. And at first I was like “Ehh, this is okay, but not really for me”. But then I listened again. And again. And again. And now I love listening to this soundtrack and play it weekly. I especially love playing it in the car and singing along. And nothing makes me more proud of myself then when I have succesfully sang along every word of a song (Guns and Ships, guys!). My only regret is that I’m pretty alone in this fandom IRL as none of my friends or family even knows about this. Luckily, there’s the Facebook fan group where I can share the love with other Hamilfans, and this blog where I can ramble about it occasionally!
Marvel and DC Comics
“Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.”
I’ve always considered myself a big Marvel and DC Comics fan, but I’m also a little self-conscious about it because (please don’t judge) I’ve never read any of the comics (they’re just so intimidating). I have loved watching pretty much all of the cartoons when I was younger and I’m loving all the movie and tv show adaptations lately. Does that still count as being a fan? I think it does. Also, not sure if it’s somehow blasphemy to like both Marvel and DC, but I do. My favorite heroes are Spider-Man, X-Men, Batman and The Flash.
Yuri!!! On Ice
“I’m a pork cutlet bowl fatale that enthralls men.“
While I watched a few animes when I was younger, I hadn’t kept up with any new anime in years. Until last December, when I found myself in need of something to occupy my mind, saw a lot of buzz surrounding something called ‘Yuri on Ice’ and decided to check it out. One season, 12 episodes later and I WAS OBSESSED. I loved and related to the characters so much, I loved the story, I loved the music, I loved the ice skating routines, I loved the Yuri/Victor relationship. I rewatched the season about three times, created my own Yuri On Ice book tag, read the fan fiction, browsed the fan art and then finally decided to look for more anime to fill the hole in my heart. Here’s hoping for season two!
Death Note
“The human whose name is written in this note shall die.”
Thanks to the Yuri On Ice hole in my heart and the recommendation by the lovely Prabhleen (thanks again!), I checked out the Death Note anime. And what do you know, I became OBSESSED. I finished the anime and found myself in love with the story, the moral questions it raises, the characters, just everything about this dark and gritty psychological thriller. So after finishing the anime, I watched the movies, the tv show and even the musical. I’m getting the manga collection as soon as I saved up enough money. I have read so much fanfiction, it’s crazy. I may even have changed my phone background to L’s signature letter AND my ringtone may also be L’s theme. Yeah… remember when I said that I don’t like, I obsess? This is proof right here…
I keep hearing so much about yuri on ice, but is nowhere available here. Sad face. Pokemon was a part of my life as well for a while.
If you want to, you can always look Yuri On Ice for free online on Crunchyroll (if you’re ok with a few video ads in between) or on Kissanime. Hoping it’ll be available soon though! And yes, Pokemon is definitely a big part of my life as well 🙂
My #1 fandom right now is Doctor Who. But the first one I got into was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I used to be obsessed with it. I should really do a re-watch of it sometime. 🙂
Oh, Doctor Who! I’ve been wanting to get into that so badly, but I feel like there are so many seasons out already so it’s just a bit intimidating… Maybe I should just start and just jump into it! And yay for Buffy! I’m definitely with you on the re-watch 😉
Harry Potter is on my list, of course, but I also enjoy Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park as well. I keep hearing amazing things about Stranger Things but haven’t tried to watch it yet. My Netflix obsession at the moment is Grace & Frankie, although I didn’t think to put it on my list this week.
So happy we share a love of Harry Potter, Fall Out Boy and Linkin Park 🙂 Stranger Things definitely is amazing, but the wait for season 2 is still crazy long (until Halloween this year) so if you want to check it out you may want to hold on just a bit longer 😉 I haven’t watched Grace and Frankie yet, but I have heard some great things already, so I’ll have to check it out!
Love Stranger Things!! I am just reading Harry Potter (a little late oops!) and loving it. One more book to go!!! I totally get the obsession with all things HP now!!
Haha, don’t worry, it’s never too late to join the Harry Potter obsession 😉 So happy you’re enjoying them, I would love to be able to read them for the first time again! Enjoy the last one!
OMG, we have so many fandoms in common! I also love Harry Potter, Stranger Things, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Are you a fan of Angel as well?
I have heard nothing but glowing reports about Hamilton as well. I can’t wait to see it.
Here is my TTT
Oh, I’m so happy we share so many fandoms! 🙂 Yes, I definitely love Angel as well and watched all the seasons! Hope you’ll love Hamilton! 🙂
Have you seen the photos from the Buffy reunion? Gives me all the nostalgia feels.
YES! They definitely made me feel all nostalgic as well! Made me want to binge-watch all seasons again right away 🙂
Hi! I never watched Buffy but I feel like I should have, like it’s a show I would love. I loved HP and didn’t think I was going to! 🙂
My TTT
Leslie
Buffy definitely was one of my fave shows back then, but I feel like I’d still enjoy it just as much if it aired today. So happy you also loved HP! 🙂
WONDERFUL picks! If I had done a list, mine would have been very similar. I took a bit of a detour this week though and wrote about my top ten favorite HP merch items.
Thanks so much! Glad we have some similar fandoms 🙂 Oooh, HP merch, will have to check it out 🙂
Yay for Stranger Things! That series was SO good and creepy as all get out. Pokemon is just awesome, and yes to the comic movie too.
Stranger Things was indeed amazing! The wait for season 2 is making me crazy 🙂
I’ve heard about Death Note and have been kind of curious but haven’t tried it yet since I’ve never read manga. But damn, your obsession has me really wanting to try it now!
Oh, I haven’t read the manag yet myself either (hope to do so soon though), but I do highly recommend the anime 🙂 Hope you’ll enjoy it when you give it a try!
Buffy, Marvel and Harry Potter — be still my heart, I miss those fandoms! can you believe Buffy is 20 years old??
I know, I can hardly believe it myself that Buffy is already 20 years old! I was shocked when I saw it, it didn’t feel like so much time had already passed 🙂
We have a few in common! I’ve actually had the first few Death Note books for years but I still haven’t taken the plunge. I know what an expensive hobby manga is! I’ve been debating watching the anime… Great list 😀
Manga is indeed super expensive, it’s crazy! I’d love to read the Death Note manga, but the cost is kind of holding me back a little. But the anime is really good, so I’d definitely recommend it 🙂
Love Harry Potter! And Hamilton!
They both are so amazing indeed 🙂
I’m also obsessed with Hamilton! I’m so proud of myself that I can rap/sing along for the entire 5 minutes of My Shot. 🙂
Here’s my post, if you’d like to check it out: http://newberyandbeyond.com/what-im-into-april-small-goals-my-top-ten-favorite-fandoms/
OMG, My Shot, that is an amazing feat indeed! I’m not a 100% there yet, but I’m working on it and once I can do it for the entire 5 minutes I will be equally proud 😉
We have so many of these in common 😀 Pokemon was my childhood and I still love all the original stuff SO much. I’m not really sure what’s going on with the new stuff, but the original 100 Pokemon will be in my heart forever. I can’t even express how huge Harry Potter and Fall Out Boy were for me. I would spend my days on Livejournal endlessly talking about both of them. Also, so much love for Hamilton, Stranger Things and Marvel/DC! Although, I’m relatively new to DC and haven’t read too much yet!!
Oh yes, I still know ALL the original Pokemon as well! The newer ones… ehh, maybe a few here and there 🙂 Yay for Harry Potter and Fall Out Boy! I owe both so much as well. And of course Hamilton, STranger Things and Marvel/DC. I have a small preference for Marvel, because I just know more about it. Hoping to get into the comic books someday though 🙂
Marvel and DC Comics!!! I am such a fangirl. So much love for characters in those fandoms like Captain American, Hawkeye, Black Widow; Oliver Queen, Superman, and Barry Allen. So many favorites. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks so much for visiting Finding Wonderland, Lindsey. As always.
Yay for a fellow Marvel and DC comics fangirl 🙂 Oh you have some great favorites! I LOVE Bary Allen especially 🙂