Synopses & Reviews
Supernaturaland#160;premiered on September 13, 2005, on what was then called the WB Network. Creator Eric Kripke was inspired by Jack Kerouacand#8217;sand#160;
On The Road,and#160;putting his heroes, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, in a big black and#8217;67 Impala and sending them in search of the urban legends that fascinated him. The series attracted a passionate fan base from the start and was described as a and#8220;cultural attractorand#8221; that tapped into the zeitgeist of the moment, reflecting global fears of terrorism with its themes of fighting unseen evil. The chemistry between the lead actors, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, contributed to the showand#8217;s initial success, andand#160;
Supernaturaland#160;found its niche when it combined demon-hunting adventures with a powerful relationship drama that explored the intense, complicated bond between the brothers.and#160;
Supernaturaland#160;is as much a story of familial ties, love, and loyalty as it is of and#8220;saving people, hunting things.and#8221;
Fan Phenomena: Supernaturaland#160;explores the ongoing fascination and passion for a show that developed a relationship with fans through eight seasons and continues to have an impact on fan culture to the present day. Essays here explore the rich dynamic that has developed between fans and producers, actors, writers, directors, the show creator, and showrunners through online interactions on Twitter and Facebook, face-to-face exchanges at conventions, and representations of fandom within the show's meta-episodes. Contributors also explore gender and sexuality in the show and in fan art; the visual dynamics, cinematography, and symbolism in the episodes as well as the fan videos they inspire; and the culture of influence, learning, and teaching in the series.
Synopsis
A relative newcomer to the paranormal-teen drama scene, the hit TV show Supernatural has already developed a rabid and deeply committed fan base since its debut in the fall of 2005. When their dad mysteriously disappears, brothers Dean and Sam Winchester join forces to bring him home and are pulled headlong into the world he knew bestone full of demons, spirits, monsters, and ghouls. Featuring essays from three lucky fans as well as leading writers and pop culture experts, this insightful anthology sheds light on a variety of issues, including why such a male-centric show has such a large female fan base, Wincest” and homoeroticism, how Supernatural can be interpreted as a modern-day Brothers Grimm, and the questionable nature of John Winchesters parenting habits.
About the Author
Lynn Zubernis is a licensed psychologist and associate professor at West Chester University. Katherine Larsenand#160;teaches courses on fame, celebrity, and fandom in the University Writing Program at George Washington University. She is the principal editor and Zubernis the associate editor of the Journal of Fandom Studies. They recently coedited Fan Culture: Theory/Practiceand#160;and authored Fandom at the Crossroads: Celebration, Shame and Fan/Producer Relationships, and Fangasm: Supernatural Fangirls.and#160;
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lynn Zubernis and Katherine Larsen
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Teaching through Supernatural: Using SPN in the College Classroom
Paul Booth
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The Monstrous Male Body
Bridget Kies
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I See What You Did There: SPN and the Fourth Wall
Lisa Macklem
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Post, Reblog, Follow, Tweet: Supernatural Fandom and Social Media
Jules Wilkinson
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Fan Appreciation no. 1: Ash48: The Vidder
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Family Donand#8217;t End with Blood: Building the Supernatural Family
Mary Frances Casper
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Supernatural: Making a Difference is the Meaning of Life
Mary F. Dominiak (and#145;Bardicvoiceand#8217;)
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Life Changing: Supernatural and the Power of Fandom
Misha Collins
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Fan Appreciation no. 2: Serge Ladouceur: The Cinematographer
and#160;
The Pro of Cons
Richard Speight, Jr.
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Contributor Details
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Image Credits