Although this newsletter is still fairly new, it dives into something incredibly fascinating and ever-present: fandom. Whether it’s my love of the Hokies, Foo Fighters, or nerd culture in its beautiful forms, fandom, and fanhood is an expression of what means the world to us. What we love and where we spend our time when we want to escape the burning dumpster fire we often find ourselves.
Fandoms; those communities of fervent enthusiasts, have become a powerful and intrinsic part of popular culture. Whether you're obsessed with a book series, a TV show, a movie franchise, or a video game, there's likely a fandom that shares your passion. But how did these communities of devoted fans come to be? To understand the history of fandoms, we must embark on a journey through time, tracing the roots of this extraordinary cultural phenomenon.
The Birth of Fandom:
[ fan-duhm ] noun: fans collectively, as of a celebrity, a movie, a book, or a professional game or sport.
The concept of fandom may seem like a modern phenomenon, but its origins can be traced back to the roots of terms like fanatic, which we didn’t see shortened to fan and used in print until 1682. Before this, fanatic was usually a term in response to someone who was mad or had aggressive religious beliefs.
The Early Twentieth Century: Science Fiction and Fanzines
The early 20th century saw the rise of science fiction fandom. Pioneered by groups like the Science Fiction League and publications like "Amazing Stories," fans began to connect and express their love for the genre. Fanzines, short for "fan magazines," played a pivotal role in this era, providing a platform for fans to share their thoughts, stories, and art.
This plants the seeds for what we would refer to today as fan fiction.
The Birth of Modern Fandom: Star Trek and Comic-Con
The 1960s marked a significant turning point for fandoms. "Star Trek" and its passionate fanbase, often referred to as Trekkies or Trekkers, played a crucial role in popularizing the term "fandom." These fans organized conventions, wrote fan fiction, and even campaigned for the show's return when it was canceled.
In 1970, San Diego Comic-Con emerged. Initially a small gathering of comic book enthusiasts, it later expanded to include fans of all forms of popular media and became the blueprint for modern fan conventions.
The Rise of Online Fandoms: The Internet Era
The advent of the internet in the late 20th century revolutionized fandoms. Online forums, social media, and fan websites enabled fans to connect globally. The Harry Potter fandom, for instance, thrived on fan websites like MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron. Fan fiction communities, such as Archive of Our Own (AO3), allowed fans to create their own stories within established universes.
We’d be remiss not to mention Tumblr as a core place for fandoms to congregate, connect, and share content. If you lived through the “superwholock” days, you might be entitled to compensation.
Fandoms in the 21st Century: From "The Avengers" to K-Pop
In the 21st century, fandoms have reached unprecedented levels of visibility and influence. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) brought superheroes to the forefront, while "Game of Thrones" inspired millions to join the realm of fantasy fandom. Fandoms like those around "Harry Potter," "Star Wars," and "Doctor Who" continue to thrive.
Music fandoms have also seen tremendous growth. K-Pop, with groups like BTS and BLACKPINK, boasts a massive international following, showcasing the global reach of modern fandoms. Their fans are actively engaged and can get them trending on Twitter (X) whenever they want their voices heard and they are showcasing global impact.
The Impact of Fandoms
Fandoms are not mere gatherings of enthusiasts; they are social and cultural phenomena that have influenced media, entertainment, and even social and political landscapes. Fans' passion has led to the revival of canceled shows, the expansion of book series, and even the creation of entirely new content based on fan demand. Take a look at the latest Five Nights A Freddy’s movie, which is a love letter to the fans.
Fandoms have also contributed to charity work and social causes.
The history of fandoms is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and community. From humble beginnings in the 19th century to the global, internet-driven communities of today, fandoms have shaped and continue to shape our culture. As long as there are stories to be told and worlds to explore, the journey of fandoms will never truly end.
Want to learn more about fandoms? Check out:
Framing Fan Fiction: Literary and Social Practices in Fan Fiction Communities by Kristina Busse
Textual Poachers: Television Fans and Participatory Culture by Henry Jenkins
The Art of Immersion: How the Digital Generation Is Remaking Hollywood, Madison Avenue, and the Way We Tell Stories by Frank Rose
Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game by Craig Calcaterra
Fandom can feel magical, and passionate, and can be destructive when parasocial relationships remove the necessary boundaries between fans and what they love.
We will continue to see how fandom shapes not only how we express our love for various media but also how it ripples into other parts of the world.
Until next week, may all your fan dreams come true.
CG