In the life of human beings, there are either the ties that are forged by DNA or the ones that are formed out of the ethereal and fine threads of love or friendship. There are countless other bonds that man creates at every nook and corner of life which do not even have a name, but just memories etched deep inside the heart. However, there are some different kinds of connections as well which transform the monochromatic existence of man into an explosion of colours. These associations are the fandoms that form a different world altogether comprising ardent devotees and admirers of characters who are so lifelike that the fine lines between reality and imagination are often blurred, rendering more pragmatism to the world of alternate versions of realities and dimensions than the one limited with time and hopelessness. To some, it might be utter madness to join a group of frenzied people who hero-worship some characters or imagine themselves as an extended member of a fan family. But for some enthusiastic admirers, this is their uncompromising love, devotion, and faith in their heroes and a fictional universe that always topples the chaotic reality from where they want to escape. Fiction is very often believed to be the distorted version of reality or some kind of dystopia that gives refuge in moments of inexplicable vulnerability and misery. Some believe that hiding in a world of magical forests or seeking shelter inside the nameless trenches of any uninhabited island in an imaginary world of fiction is nothing but a manifestation of the weak mind and escapism. Nevertheless, there are numerous fandoms all across the world that have evolved through the decades to prove otherwise. Lets know more about biggest fandom in the world, following is the list of some fandoms that have never been just the shelter for the escapists but a lesson for many ignorant and sceptics, delivered through the excellent amalgamation of intellect, wit, and generous amounts of imagination.
The Beatlemaniacs
One of the pioneers of pop culture, the Beatles had a tremendous impact on society in the ’60s. Not only did they revolutionise music, but also vocalised their opinions on many social issues which inspired human rights movements. It is through their songs that the band promoted peace and a world free from injustice and inequality.
Star Wars fandom
One of the most respected fandoms that dwelled upon epic battles with flashing lightsabers and intergalactic wars, Star Wars has taught about the sacrifices that need to be made for the creation of safer worlds free from all kinds of evil. It taught the people that no matter how hard it is to make a choice and give up everything, eventually, you have to make a choice for the greater good. Thereafter it cannot be denied that Star Wars belongs to a position in the list of famous fandoms, being the biggest fandom in the world that are not just about fights between heroes and villains, but rather, an inspiration for people to become better human beings.
Star Trek fandom
Created in the mid-60s the Star Trek franchise has continued to enrapture the minds of the audience with its utopic ideologies and scouring the complexities of humans in the fabric of space exploration. Having been made into animated series and movies, the fans have never been disappointed by the attempts of the creators to revive the series and cater to audiences of every age. Solidifying its place as the biggest fandom in the world. There is a massive fan culture for the Star Trek fandom that follows the philosophical ideologies and moral values that are thematically explored throughout the franchise.
The Tolkienite’s Quest
When JRR Tolkien created the world of the Hobbits, little did he know that decades later there will be millions of fans who will join the Fellowship and find solace in the adventures that span across the trilogy. The world of the Lord of the Rings showed man that everyone who is wandering is not lost and there is always some good left in this world that makes every ounce of fight worth it.
The BTS Army
One of the successful strategies of South Korea to bring itself to the forefront of global culture, and popularisation of K-pop, is the music band BTS. Setting their fans in a state of frenzy with their catchy rhythm and stylish representation, the Bulletproof Boy Scouts, also known as Bangtan Boys, experienced their meteoric rise to international stardom in the late 2010s. In every corner of the world, there are a very small number of teenagers who are not part of the BTS Army, the biggest fandom in the world, as the fans of the band affectionately call themselves.
The Marvelites
When Captain America screamed ‘Avengers! Assemble’ it was not just the heroes that roared back in answer to fight back with everything they had, but the billions of Marvel fans across the world who were also fighting that battle beside their favourite heroes. The Marvelites taught the world that even in the unlikeliest of circumstances you will find people who will stand up to your cause and support you in their own quirky ways, and they will always stand up for justice.
The Potterheads
Apparently, there is nothing uncommon in the story of an orphaned boy finding himself in a world of magic and slowly discovering a lot of unusual things about his past. But when Harry Potter boarded the Hogwarts Express along with his friends Ron and Hermione, it was not just them, who were going to the magical school for the first time. In fact, it was millions of alienated souls across the world who realised that there will always be a home for them at Hogwarts and no matter how dark their life becomes they will always have love as the strongest power and their beacon of hope.
Being a part of a fandom is just like meeting a group of familiar strangers who you do not know personally, but feel a profound connection because of a mutual passion that you share for your favourite character or fictional world. No matter how disappointed you are with your super boring life, you will always have your fandom to bounce back on and seek support when you feel that nothing is working right for you.
