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*The various [[automobile]] manufacturers, such as [[General Motors]] and [[Ford]].
*The various [[automobile]] manufacturers, such as [[General Motors]] and [[Ford]].
*The long running [[science-fiction]] franchises [[Doctor Who]], [[Star Trek]], [[Star Wars]], [[The Matrix]], [[Godzilla]] and [[Babylon 5]].
*The long running [[science-fiction]] franchises [[Doctor Who]], [[Star Trek]], [[Star Wars]], [[The Matrix]], [[Godzilla]] and [[Babylon 5]].
*The competing tabletop role play game systems [[D&D]] (and [[D20]]), [[World of Darkness]], and [[GURPS]].
*The competing tabletop role play game systems [[D&D]] (and other [[D20 system]] spinoffs), [[World of Darkness]], and [[GURPS]].
*The Japanese style of animation and comics, also known as [[Anime]] and [[Manga]], respectively.
*The Japanese style of animation and comics, also known as [[Anime]] and [[Manga]], respectively.
*The comic book brands [[DC Comics]] and [[Marvel Comics]].
*The comic book brands [[DC Comics]] and [[Marvel Comics]].

Revision as of 17:11, 29 May 2007

Fanboy is a term used to describe an individual (usually male, though the feminine version fangirl may be used for females) who is utterly devoted to a single fannish subject, or to a single point of view within that subject, often to the point where it is considered an obsession. Fanboys remain loyal to their particular obsession, disregarding any factors that differ from their point of view. Fanboys are also typically aggressive and hateful towards the opposing brand or competition of their obsession regardless of its merits or achievements.

Background

Fanboys are attributed with a sycophantic devotion to the creators and principles behind a work with which they are currently enthralled, but will quickly move their attention elsewhere once something better or just newer comes along. Fanboys are noted for a very emotional attachment to their chosen subject, often taking negative remarks about it as a personal attack. They will readily engage in debates, but will fall back on emotional responses. For example, a "fanboy" may go out of their way to point out negative and often untrue statements about their obsession's rivals; this is commonly known as FUD.

The stereotypical image of the fanboy is as an unkempt, socially awkward, young man who may be perceived as a loud mouthed pseudo-intellectual. As electronic entertainment gained popularity, the term became increasingly applied to video gamers and television addicts. As a result, a subculture emerged which readily labeled itself as fanboys. Within this group, more effort is taken to fit in with a perceived standard, resulting in a more outgoing attitude, even among those with insecurities. This outgoing stance is often felt to be abrasive by those not involved in the culture as deeply.

More recently, especially in the video game industry, fans of a particular video game console manufacturer have begun exhibiting slavish devotion to their brand of choice. Conversely they hold an unreasonable amount of animosity towards the other brands which they consider to be competition. They are extremely rude to fans of the other companies or even people who don’t exhibit complete and utter devotion to the object of their fanaticism. These people seek out every opportunity to annoy others whose opinions differ from theirs. This trend has caused the term “fanboy” to acquire an increasingly negative connotation.

History of fanboys and the term

The term originated in comic book circles, to describe someone who immersed himself in the fictional worlds of comics and the culture of comics fandom. The term is often used in a derogatory manner by other less obsessed fans. In the songs of the fannish parody musician Luke Ski, many characters proudly consider themselves fanboys. The term is most commonly associated with adolescent and teen males but can be applicable to any age or sex. Common subjects of reverence by fanboys are TV shows, movies, music, anime, comic books, cars, video game consoles, video games, operating systems, MMORPGs, hardware and software companies.

Popular depictions of Fanboy stereotypes include the Comic Book Guy on The Simpsons and columnist Larry Groznic from the satirical newspaper The Onion.

The earliest published uses of the word "fanboy" have been dated to 1982. One reference is to the cover of the "Official Underground and Newave Comix Price Guide". On this cover page are sketched overweight, overzealous comic book collectors wearing T-shirts that state "Fanboys of America," and are describing the extreme measures they would go to, including moving to San Francisco, to preserve their comics. Also published in 1982, a comic strip appeared in Jim Engel and Chuck Fiala's "Fandom Confidential" comic. In the strip, Jim and Chuck met comic artist/writer John Byrne and collapsed into "mindless paroxysms of adoration." The John Byrne character responded that they were "a couple of fanboys in bondage" which was a play on words referring to a Monty Python skit in which an Elizabethan era character reads what she claims to be "'Gayboys in Bondage' by William Shakespeare".[1] Another early use is in a smart-alec editorial reply by "Ambush Bug" to a letter in his comic in 1985.

Subjects of obsession

Some current examples of brands and products which have fanboy supporters:

Media

Comic Book

Television

Radio/Podcasts

Webcomics

See also

de:Fanboy

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