Grimdark vs. Nobledark: Which fiction do you prefer?

[Eldoria]

Grimdark vs. Nobledark​

Grimdark is a dark fantasy with a gloomy, dark, traumatic, corrupt, and hopeless atmosphere.

The characters are usually broken, cynical, and corrupt or morally gray (including MCs).

In general, the moral of this fiction is very nihilistic, emphasizing how broken the world is to the point that there is no hope left, only an endless cycle of darkness.

Examples of grimdark: A Song of Ice and Fire and AoT.


Nobledark is a dark fantasy with a dark, gloomy, traumatic, and corrupt atmosphere but still has a trace of light (hope).

The characters (usually MCs) still hold a moral compass, carrying hope for a better life despite the consequences and sacrifices to achieve peace are very expensive.

In general, the moral of this fiction is bleak but humane, emphasizing maintaining hope and humanity amidst the darkness (immorality) of the world.

Examples of nobledark: The Witcher and One Piece.

 

[Bartun]

I'm writing Nobledark, so yeah, I prefer it.

 

[AliceMoonvale]

I like both equally. I have an epic nobledark fantasy novel in my archives I've written over many years.
Written plenty of other short nobledark stories. And now I'm currently writing a grimdark~ They're all fun!

 

[VanVeleca]

I have absolutely never heard the word "Nobledark" used to describe anything, I didn't even know that was a word that existed this whole time I guess??? As for nobledark tales, those I think I know? If I understood the term correctly...as well as prefer.

Nobledark book rec: fuckin, uhhhh, Devilman by Go Nagai

Grimdark book rec: Perfume by Patrick Süskind

 

[Shamiko]

def enjoy both of them. I find it really interesting reading the characters' thoughts and how it influences their actions no matter if it's positive or negative. Idk I js like learning about human behavior, it's truly fascinating.

 

[CinnaSloth]

Prefer Both as long as the story is dark.
reading: grim
writing: noble
but I guess that also depends on mood. It tends to vary per chapter.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Never seen nobeldark except in gaming. Would probably prefer it but have no real examples to call upon.

 

[RepresentingSilence]

Grimdark is literally pointless there is no victory there is no success there is no hope there is no reason to read other than to feel miserable
I HATE!!! miserable things stories and people
There IS ALWAYS HOPE!!!

 

[AnonUnlimited]

There is no regular dark?

 

[SouthernMaiden]

Nobledark reminds me of this book. Sooo dark, gory, demonic. Worst of human nature. But a a glimmer of light that must be protected at all costs

 

[CharlesEBrown]

There is no regular dark?

Man lives in the sunlit world of what he believes to be reality.
But, unseen by most, there is another side, just as real but not as brightly lit.
Tales from the Dimside...

 

[MarekSusicky]

I like Nobledark, but I write Hopepunk

 

[Naravelt]

Noble Dark. I write one myself.

The Grimdark story I remember most is the infamous Ideon. The way the story ends shocked me. I honestly think the writer was kind of crazy.

This is one example.

 

[MFontana]

Grimdark vs. Nobledark​

Grimdark is a dark fantasy with a gloomy, dark, traumatic, corrupt, and hopeless atmosphere.

The characters are usually broken, cynical, and corrupt or morally gray (including MCs).

In general, the moral of this fiction is very nihilistic, emphasizing how broken the world is to the point that there is no hope left, only an endless cycle of darkness.

Examples of grimdark: A Song of Ice and Fire and AoT.


Nobledark is a dark fantasy with a dark, gloomy, traumatic, and corrupt atmosphere but still has a trace of light (hope).

The characters (usually MCs) still hold a moral compass, carrying hope for a better life despite the consequences and sacrifices to achieve peace are very expensive.

In general, the moral of this fiction is bleak but humane, emphasizing maintaining hope and humanity amidst the darkness (immorality) of the world.

Examples of nobledark: The Witcher and One Piece.

Given the main (internal) conflict of The Elarian Chronicles (Hope-vs-Hopelessness) definitely what you're calling "Nobledark" here is what I prefer to write in.
As for reading, it really is a case-by-case basis. IE: Berserk - Nothing "hopeful" about that one but I enjoyed the series quite a bit.
At the same time, I also really enjoyed V for Vendetta, and V (the remake tv series) which were closer to Nobledark by your definition. (It is admittedly the first time I'm seeing the term used this way though).

 

[AnEmberOfSundown]

Nobledark.

If I wanted Grimdark I'd just keep doomscrolling.

 

[Cookiez_N_Potionz]

Nobledark

 

[Fox-Trot-9]

Nobledark for me!

Never seen nobeldark except in gaming. Would probably prefer it but have no real examples to call upon.

Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Dark Tower?

 

[Doctah_Quack]

Never seen nobeldark except in gaming. Would probably prefer it but have no real examples to call upon.

The DC absolute universe?

 

[CharlesEBrown]

The DC absolute universe?

Never heard of that one, unless you're saying that is the current DCU?

 

[Doctah_Quack]

Never heard of that one, unless you're saying that is the current DCU?

Nope

Absolute Universe - TV Tropes

Absolute Universe is a story initiative from DC Comics starting in 2024 alongside DC All In. However unlike All In, this isn't just a new initiative direction but also the launch of a new universe meant to run parallel to the titles in the …

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Nobledark reminds me of this book. Sooo dark, gory, demonic. Worst of human nature. But a a glimmer of light that must be protected at all costs