BtVS
In 1992, Buffy the Vampire Slayer came out in theaters. A campy movie, it was not seen as anything more than a comedy/"horror" about a teenage girl that was chosen as her generation's vampire slayer.
In 1997, a television show with the same name premiered as a mid-season replacement. The show gained popularity and continued for 7 televised seasons, had a spin-off, and it currently continues in comic-book form. There has and still is a large fandom around BtVS (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and even though it is not on television anymore, fans are still creating movies, fanfiction and more.
BtVS is not only part of popular culture. Academia has also delved into BtVS and "more than 200 teachers at all levels of secondary and post-secondary education across the globe currently employ Buffy to teach multiple subjects in diverse styles in disciplines such as religious studies, gender studies, English literature, composition film studies, first-year seminars, philosophy, linguistics, history, American studies and communications" (loc 51 of 4046, Kreider & Winchell).
It makes sense, why BtVS was and still is so popular, especially among teenagers. BtVS is a coming of age story. A story about kids that started out in high school and their struggle to find friends, fit in, and fall in love. We followed them while they explored their identities and grew as characters, all while fighting demons and dealing with the end of the world on a regular basis.
Sounds a lot like high school, even the demons and the end of the world, or what seems like it at the time. In addition, teenagers that find the story relatable, are able to connect with people of all ages and find a community that accepts them, something they may not have in their own schools and towns. Creation is a risk and what is nice about any fan community I have explored or been a part of, is that it welcomes people with open arms and is supportive of their work. It helps people to express themselves and gives them the space to think critically, knowing that they will not be cast aside based on their beliefs. Sure, there may be fanvids touting Buffy and Angel’s love to be true and others that believe Spuffy (Spike and Buffy) to be each other’s one true love, but in the end, fans support the universe as a whole and are eager to add more to it.
Forums:
- http://www.buffy-boards.com/ - Buffy Boards: Buffy Forums
- http://www.slayalive.com/forum.php - Slay Alive: Buffy forums
- http://whedonesque.com/ - Whedonesque - all things Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy
Podcasts:
- http://www.buffybetweenthelines.com/ - Radio drama, between the seasons of Buffy. While the podcast was a mix of all ages, the character Dawn was played by a teenager. The podcast was storyboarded, scripted, beta edited, cast, recorded, and then edited with special effects and music. All characters also had a role in the production of the podcast.
Videos:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMDWwbb8yKw - Character Study of Buffy - fan began as a teenager. Her videos have over 1 million views.
- http://www.youtube.com/user/trophyeyes1989/videos?query=buffy - Buffy videos - fan began as a teenager.
Blogs/Websites:
- http://confessionsofateenagefangirl.wordpress.com - a teen's critical commenta about fandoms including Buffy
- http://buffypratt.tumblr.com/post/34667327024 - a teen's Tumblr (microblog/multimedia blog) - this one post about female strength reblogged or liked over 3,000 times
Kreider, J. A. & Winchell, M. K. (2010). Buffy in the classroom. Essays on teaching with the vampire slayer. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers.