The myths and realities of the toxic fan base "Star Wars" from a Comic-Con point of view

These are all fan-initiated events that have recently defined the band as a whole, tagging them as a toxic fan base. "The loudest voice in the room is the one that has the most heard that the fans who have the most negative opinions are the strongest right now," said Chris Polansky, a fan of "Star Wars" on the Comic-Con. exhibition floor. "This has had unfortunate consequences, but for the most part, the fandom is great."

In the San Diego Convention Center, located between the store and the autograph area in Sails Pavilion, is a small corner of the Con that houses companies and organizations looking to increase their reach. Among them are annual "Star Wars" cosplay and charity organizations, including the 501st Legion, or Vador & Fist and Rebel Legion (pictured above), organizations that visit hospitals and perform regularly during charity events. The groups claim a strong and growing membership of tens of thousands worldwide.

Another sister "Star Wars" organization, the Mandalorian Mercs, is also camped on the corner of this mid-level convention center which is also home to many popular card game rooms for things like "Pokemon "and" Magic the Gathering ".

C & Is here that arises the question of a toxic fan base, obviously, these individuals are big fans, but no one among them think that the rhetoric and actions of a few represents the whole

Jamie "Diamond Dog" Tobitt, a member of the Imperial Sands garrison of the 501st Legion, does not defend dissenting voices but understands them.

"Some people have the right to talk about it. They are so packed in but that does not mean that they stop loving it.Maybe they just try to push it in another direction.I do not agree with people who say that They want Kathleen Kennedy to be fired and that sort of thing – it's just a story. However, it's a complicated story, and it's a story that has been going on for decades. "

The most vocal of the contingent appear to be males, and some fans, like Michelle Waxman, member of Sunrider's base of the Rebel Legion"

"I think that a little bit of [the toxic fanbase] is there because the change is difficult and because it is the men who drove in the past.I think for some, it's a hard pill to swallow, I think that's an evolution in the good direction, because there are so many female fans, "said Waxman.

"I think there's a little I think that they're putting a lot of weight on the editorial side, they seem to have a lot of impression … Male fans are a bit saturated .

based or not, the prevailing feeling is that it is a problem that should not taint the entire fanbas e.

"The real things that have been online are a very , very small minority, "said Leslie Camerino, a member of the 501st team in a stormtrooper uniform." There are critics out there in the real fan base, but not a lot of hate. "

Real fans of the franchise may not not like every decision taken, but they look and try to enjoy all the nuances of the universe of "Star Wars" – whether it's these are originals, prequels or new iterations.

"I appreciated them, I also realize that I am not the target audience, I am in my 40's." I grew up with the original trilogy presented in theaters, not the special editions that were remastered by George, or the prequelles.It's not my particular "Star Wars", but it's still "Star Wars." It's marketed for a new generation, and that's what We want to bring in more fans, "says Polansky

" Personally, I did not think "Solo" was necessary, but it was fun, we had a good time watching this movie. "

In the end, it's about sharing the fandom without owning it, even if the franchise evolves over time.

"It's more multi-level inclusive." Even with characters My mother, who is half Chinese, wanted to be Rose Tico, she's 72 years old, "said Waxman (1965). 9012] "There is nothing better than seeing the impact this brand has on people of all ages and all forms of life. "