Fan Phenomena: Supernatural Lynn Zubernis (West Chester University, USA) 9781783202034

Supernatural premiered on September 14, 2005, on what was then called the WB Network. Creator Eric Kripke was inspired by Jack Kerouac's On The Road, putting his heroes, brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, in a big black '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 'cultural attractor' 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 show's initial success, and Supernatural found its niche when it combined demon-hunting adventures with a powerful relationship drama that explored the intense, complicated bond between the brothers. Supernatural is as much a story of familial ties, love and loyalty as it is of 'saving people, hunting things.'

Fan Phenomena: Supernatural 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 show-runners 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.

Lynn Zubernis is a licensed psychologist and associate professor at West Chester University. Katherine Larsen 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/Practice and authored Fandom at the Crossroads: Celebration, Shame and Fan/Producer Relationships, and Fangasm: Supernatural Fangirls.

'If you love Supernatural, you'll love this book. '

'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciated learning new things about my fandom. My personal opinion? Go ahead and just buy this book now; the well rounded articles, essays and academic viewpoints are well worth this books induction into your collection. You will not be disappointed.'

'Truth is; if you really want to understand fandom - whether you are part of the community or not - you can't just look at it from one point of view. That's what's so great about Fan Phenomena: Supernatural, it presents a variety of perspectives from bloggers to academics to actors that have appeared on the show, all of whom are part of the Supernatural fandom in their own way.'