Vampires: What’s Not to Love?
I was never interested in the vampire genre at all. I had thought the whole idea gross and too scary for me. However, I was always interested in the supernatural. It started in grammar school when we read mythology in our Literature class. I couldn’t read enough about the Greek gods and goddesses. Every trip to the library meant at least 3 books about a different mythological creature. Imagine my disappointment when I had to come to terms with the fact that there really were no mermaids in the sea and no such thing as unicorns.
As I grew older, I found I was still searching for some morsel of truth that this world actually existed, but I still steered clear of the vamps. Then Van Helsing came along. Now, before you laugh at me and point fingers, let me remind you that I couldn’t stand the idea of a species that looked and acted human, in most ways, but lived off of human blood. Ew! Vampires also went against my christian upbringing in a violent way. So for me to be addicted to this movie was a complete “huh?”, and it opened up a door to me that I could not resist exploring. I was helped along by my friend and fellow True-Blood.net creator, Claudine, when she introduced me to Sookie Stackhouse. I couldn’t put these books down, and I think I read through the first seven books within two weeks.
So what’s the draw? What’s the big deal about vampires? What keeps us looking for more vampire novels, waiting impatiently for the next vampire movie, shaking our fists in the air when our favorite vampire tv show is cancelled? Kathryn Sparks, a writer for Starplus.com, voices what I have concluded quite well, in an article entitled Vampires: Why the Obsession? Take a look:
All around us are stories of the paranormal and fairytale worlds. Recent big-screen films have focused on hidden doorways to far off places (Chronicles of Narnia), talented wizards (Harry Potter) and even a crafty kid with an animal spirit sidekick (The Golden Compass). We’ve been inundated with ghosts, goblins and, yes, vampires.
The recent cancellation of “Moonlight” caused outrage in fanboys and fangirls everywhere. Thousands of viewers signed petitions urging CBS to change its mind. Rumors circulated that another network may pick up the show for a second season, but that didn’t happen. “Moonlight” bit the dust for good.
But as one series ends, another rises in its place. Alan Ball’s upcoming series “True Blood” will air next season on HBO. Based on Charlaine Harris’ “Southern Vampire” novels, “True Blood” is set in a small town in Louisiana. It’s a humorous and horrific look at vampires and humans who are somehow able to coexist. The protagonist is a human named Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin) who winds up falling for a vampire named Bill (Stephen Moyer).
So what’s the cause of our vampire obsession? Take a bite out of this!
A Reality Beyond Our World
People are drawn to vampires simply because they aren’t human. Vampires present a world that is so unlike our own sense of reality. In our confines we deal with the every day monotony of work, school and family. However, in author Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, Forks, Washington has become a place where readers long to escape to. After reading the first book, many may clutch it to their heart wishing they could be a part of the storyline. Some have even been known to walk around chanting “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob,” only wishing these characters could come to life. Others will eventually travel to Forks, stand still with the wind blowing in their hair and close their eyes, envisioning the location as belonging to Bella and Edward, when in reality it’s all just a figment of one writer’s imagination. “Twilight” is heading to the big screen this December.
Sex Appeal
Maybe we are attracted to vampires based purely on their exotic appearance. Many are described as having pale, milky white skin with dark eyes the color of an onyx stone. Some may have dark hair or red hair, blonde hair or no hair. A few will sport human clothes and participate in human activities, while others don cloaks and sharp fangs. Fans watched “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” not only for the drama but because the actors were nothing short of gorgeous. It’s the irony that such a monster who may be coldhearted or evil on the inside (not all though!) can be so beautiful and appealing on the outside.
Conflict of Struggle: Who Will Win?
Who doesn’t like to witness a conflict complete with twists and turns? Isn’t drama and conflict the sole reason we go to see action movies, play videogames and engulf ourselves in imaginary worlds? We believe our main characters will fight to their deaths, but ultimately believe they will survive. But what if they don’t? What will happen next? Is it really true that a main character cannot be killed off? In an episode of “Charmed,” one of the main witches was killed, and it still managed to be a hit show. When it comes to our favorite fantasy worlds, we are looking for drama, excitement and passion. Despite an obvious outcome, there will always contain that hint of doubt. The ‘what-if’ element is what makes our outside dreams come to life.
Fun
Of course there’s always the idea that believing in these characters is just plain fun. It doesn’t cost money, risk our lives or even feel like work. By simply turning on the TV or cracking open a book, we lose ourselves in a world unlike our own void of our common problems and enter one so inviting. In essence, it’s our escape from a lifestyle common to many but yet so unique we ache for it to be ours. Fans around the world have most likely longed for Buffy’s fighting skills, dreamed of having a boyfriend like Edward Cullen or a friendship like Angel’s.
