Why Is The Edgelord Arch-type So Popular?

[ThrillingHuman]

Seriously, why do people like these characters? Why do people make their protagonist like this?

They're all boring and lack any substance other than, "Oh, I'm so cold-hearted and strong. If you dare get in my way, I'll kill you." .

Like, shut up, man. You sound goofy as hell.

because
The Beast Inside of Me
I Never Let You See
I Keep It Caged But I Can't Control It
So Stay Away From Me
The Beast is Ugly
I Feel The Rage And I Just Can't Hold It

But really, what is it to you if people like it? Do they force you to read it? Nobody likes a party pooper

 

[Representing_Tromba]

It's easy to write and a lot of people think it's cool. Don't know why but I think most people go through some kind of edgy teen phase whether they wanted to or not.

 

[MisterEnigmatic]

lol why the fuck cant you just let people enjoy things? fuck off and read what YOU like. It may be annoying, i get it. But it aint hurting you. I understand the need to vent, but saying they need to "grow up" just because they like a certain kind of story is incredibly childish in itself, mate. Just saying. Live and let live.

Listen, I agree with that and all. Hell, Anos Voligoad is the epitome of an edgelord, and I bloody love that guy, lmao. It's just that people acting like characters are 'well-writen', is irksome to me. Because, man.

 

[georgelee5786]

Cringe teens

 

[MisterEnigmatic]

because
The Beast Inside of Me
I Never Let You See
I Keep It Caged But I Can't Control It
So Stay Away From Me
The Beast is Ugly
I Feel The Rage And I Just Can't Hold It

But really, what is it to you if people like it? Do they force you to read it? Nobody likes a party pooper

That song goes hard. But more often than not, I end up reading a story where the MC's character development boils down to becoming edgy. Feels bad man.

 

[CubicleHermit]

Listen, I agree with that and all. Hell, Anos Voligoad is the epitome of an edgelord, and I bloody love that guy, lmao. It's just that people acting like characters are 'well-writen', is irksome to me. Because, man.

I've only seen the anime, where he wasn't really that much of an a-hole. Kind of an unchanging, overpowered protagonist but that's no worse than say, the James Bond films, and if you ignore possibly the worst-named protagonist character in recent history (for anyone who doesn't see it immediately, it basically sounds like he's Voldemort's butthole) it's a pretty entertaining series

That song goes hard. But more often than not, I end up reading a story where the MC's character development boils down to becoming edgy. Feels bad man.

It's often better than starting edgy for no reason; I didn't love Arifureta, but it shows the nice-guy-to-hardened-killer transition better than many of these.

 

[zephyrzane]

There are a lot of people out there whose emotions are constantly in a state of turmoil (for whatever reason) so the idea that they could embody this emotionally-controlled, unaffected character is appealing. A lot of people are pushed around by society, so writing about someone who has immense strength is cathartic. Many yearn for a world where they're effortlessly cool and desired.

Characters like this can be done well, but I think they can usually only be done well by people who have been through this sort of...cringe period of their life and come out the other side. Otherwise, the ability to see beyond the 'cool' aspects and give proper flaws, motivation, and backstory could be missing.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Listen, I agree with that and all. Hell, Anos Voligoad is the epitome of an edgelord, and I bloody love that guy, lmao. It's just that people acting like characters are 'well-writen', is irksome to me. Because, man.

there is a difference between well written characters and entertaining characters that people often confuse, yeah. They glorify the character because they like them. Its annoying and we do gotta keep them humble by pointing out the flaws in their beloved characters when the fans get too uppity..."But can he beat Goku" type shit. Annoying cunts smh....but yeah. It aint gonna change any minds

 

[Deleted member 84247]

there is a difference between well written characters and entertaining characters that people often confuse, yeah. They glorify the character because they like them. Its annoying and we do gotta keep them humble by pointing out the flaws in their beloved characters when the fans get too uppity..."But can he beat Goku" type shit. Annoying cunts smh....but yeah. It aint gonna change any minds

But can it beat superman?

 

[sanitylimited]

But can it beat superman?

---

super man loses to rock. which means he only beats paper. though i guess lex is bald, so it makes sense for him to be the arch enemy of a demi-god.

heero yui is the best gundam protagonist though. the way he wipes releenas tear and whispers into her ear "ill kill you". pure loving relasionship done right.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

But can it beat superman?

lol i get the joke.
TBH tho, beating either superman or goku aint even that hard....they've never shown much defense against hax. A powerful telepath, for example, can just shut off their brain or make them think they are a chicken. Supes in particular has resistance to it, but its only resistance.

Raw power doesnt often beat hax. Unless, you know. Plot lol

 

[Seihara]

Yeah, that's the problem. People need to stop enabling that BS and tell them to grow up.

I agree that enabling toxic behavior is very harmful. But, as a fiction trope that works as a selling point or coping/venting mechanism for the author it's alright, isn't it?

Besides before edge lords became popular people were saying similar things about the good all-around saintly protagonists because that had become boring; enter the rise of the anti-hero.

But, making harsh ungrounded judgements of people's mental and emotional maturity because they use this in their stories is a bit too much. Most of us here are strangers so we don't know the place seemingly over critical opinions are coming from. Maybe we're hot off of reading something absolutely atrocious and need to vent??? Even then it's best to choose our words carefully, letting kindness lead, or keep unconstructive criticisms to ourselves to avoid hurting anyone or stirring up unnecessary trouble.

Not saying don't vent, that's what journaling (preferably offline for own safety), talking to God/praying, talking with a trustworthy confidant, etc. is for. Be annoyed or angry but not destructive.

It'll be okay...?