Fandom

Celebrating Fan Culture & Communities

Fandom

Explorations of fan culture across books, films, games, and digital communities—analysis, commentary, and the stories fans tell together.

  1. The 15 Valar from J.R.R. Tolkien's Silmarillion, in the style of Byzantine icons. by Dan Hainsworth

    Doing Religions Right in DCC

    Every role playing game that I have ever run into with the exception of Dogs in the Vineyard has done religions wrong in role playing games. These are my notes on how to get DCC closer to a relgious system that works for a believer and a role player.

  2. An image of an open book, with intricate shadows cast from symbolic shapes above. The shadows twist and slither on the page, drawing attention to the hidden shapes that create them. A soft light emanates from the background, symbolizing the overarching theme of light and understanding explored in the article. by Ted Tschopp

    From Shadows to Light: A Journey Through Fantasy Literature

    This article delves into the author's lifelong fascination with fantasy literature, starting from childhood favorites like 'The Chronicles of Narnia' and 'The Hobbit.' It explores the transition from innocent wonder to darker themes, ultimately leading to a profound understanding of the light and symbols behind the shadows.

  3. Wired magazine cover featuring the headline 'Inside The First Virtual World: Tolkien’s Megafans Take on Hollywood' with stylized runic text. by Unknown

    Reprint - The Fellowship of the Ring

    An in-depth look at how Tolkien fandom evolved during the making of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, from spy photos and online debates to questions of authenticity, myth, and cultural ownership. The article traces how fans influenced Hollywood while Middle-earth inspired generations through literature, games, and live role-play.