Lecture Summary: The Rise and Fall of Homestuck

Introduction

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• Focus on a young woman analyzing an old fandom, specifically Homestuck, on the 13th of April.

Homestuck Overview

• Began as a webcomic by Andrew Hussey 12 years ago on April 13.
• Transitioned from a simple project to a massive fandom.
• Involved cosplay, art, fan fiction, and raised millions for a game.

Development History

• Andrew Hussey: Creator, started with simple projects like Jailbreak, Bard Quest, Problem Sleuth.
• Homestuck's Format: Mixed media project, initially interactive with user suggestions.
• The Fandom: Known for its size, creativity, and complexity.

The Plot of Homestuck

• Main Story: Kids playing a game called Spurb, accidentally end the world, attempt to create a new one.
• Notable Characters: John Egbert, Rose Lalonde, Dave Strider, Jade Harley.
• Trolls: Alien species, became hugely popular and pivotal in expanding the fandom.

Homestuck's Peak and Fandom Culture

• Act Structure: Act 5 introduced trolls, resulting in a fandom explosion.
• Popularity: Known for fan art, role play, and the concept of 'Troll Sonas.'
• Conventions: Homestuck cosplayers were infamous at cons for their antics and sometimes poor behavior.

Controversies

• Representation Issues: Debates over character ethnicity and the "caucasian" incident.
• Character Controversies: Vriska Circuit was a divisive character, leading to debates within the fandom.
• Community Backlash: Forum drama, shipping wars, and meme culture.

The Kickstarter and Hiveswap

• Kickstarter Campaign: Raised 2.5 million dollars for a game.
• Development Issues: Numerous delays, changes in development teams, and restructuring.
• Hiveswap Release: Eventually released after years, followed by minor projects like Friend Sim and Pester Quest.

Decline of Homestuck

• Homestuck's Conclusion: Final acts and epilogues received mixed reactions for their writing and closure.
• Homestuck 2 and Beyond: Attempted continuation faced backlash, poor reception.

Legacy and Impact

• Homestuck is an internet phenomenon that changed fan culture.
• Despite its decline, it remains a significant part of internet and fandom history.
• The series was innovative for its time, influencing how stories could be told on the internet.

Conclusion

• Homestuck’s journey from creation to decline reflects the transient nature of internet culture and fandoms.
• While its legacy is mixed, its impact on fan communities is undeniable.