Don't Look Back!

I've wanted to write this post for a long time, and this seems like the moment to do it. We all need some positivity, and I am especially aware of all the things in my life I am grateful for. So here is a probably incomplete list of all the reasons I love the Zombies, Run! fandom.

* There's no gatekeeping (only gate-raising). More than that, it is the single most welcoming fandom I have ever had the chance to be a part of. Every time someone new appears on the tag, there's always someone to say a warm hello and welcome them to the club. A particular shout-out to @scorrigan and @arlidenrunner5 for this one, I always see you interact with new Runner 5s and it warms my heart every time.

* Everyone genuinely loves Zombies, Run!. It seems obvious. It's a fandom, right? Isn't the definition of fandom to come together over something we love? Welp, not anymore. The more time I spend on the internet, the more I see people complaining about the things they claim to love. You search a tag looking for people to gush about something with, and end up reading the 1000 ways that thing you wanted to gush about is actually terrible. The ZR fandom has become the only corner of the internet where I feel like I can breathe, and love something without being told I'm wrong.

* There's no hierarchy; every contribution matters. When I first came into the fandom and saw all of the incredibly talented fanartists and fanfic writers who created beautiful things for ZR (@nokkiart, @hippyexd, @hanahakisack, @lucidii, @iamrunner5 and many others), I was very, very intimidated. And when those people starting following my little blog, reblogging my stupid memes, drawing my Five and getting excited about my weird Sims challenge, it blew my mind. Turns out, when your fandom is tiny, everything is exciting. Every new contribution is something to share and comment on and interact about, and I find that beautiful. Which leads me to my next point...

* It's like an internet family. Perks of a small fandom: most of the active posters get to know each other. We become mutuals, learn about each other's lives, celebrate each other's achievements and look forward to personal updates just as much as ZR-related posts. I'm a sucker for community, and I am so happy I get to be a part of this group of people who have never actually met and still really care about each other. Special shout-out to @ijustcantwaittobeme who is a ball of pure loveliness and excitement whose comments and tags always brighten my day.

* Every headcanon is accepted (and respected). You have no idea how much shit I've gotten (and given myself) for loving anything self-insert. I've always wanted to be a part of the things I loved, always pictured myself inside the worlds, interacting with the people. So the fact that Zombies, Run! is entirely based on whoever is playing being the main character blew my mind. Not only that but, no matter which ideas are most popular, I have never seen someone look down or say anything negative about another person's headcanons or ships. Every time someone shares anything about their Runner 5, most of the comments and tags on reblogs are about what a good Five it is (and let's be honest, everyone here is low-key crushing on at least one other Five. I can think of at least four of them myself, and I'm lowballing there).

I also wanted to shout my appreciation to lots of people who didn't necessarily fit into one specific category, including but not limited to @runnerzero, @notebooksnshoelaces, @runnerable, @otakupunk, @dorkylittleweirdo and @abeltownshipslittlebitch. You rock.

I'm sure I'm going to be kicking myself for forgetting something or someone as soon as I post this, but there you go. I discovered ZR over a year ago but I really got into it last September, when I had just moved to do my master's in a new town, away from my friends and my community. This fandom has brought me so much and made me feel surrounded when I was alone, and I am incredibly grateful for you all. Feel free to add on to this and tell me the reasons you love the ZR fandom!

First of all, I love this fandom, I love all of you, and I can't thank you enough for the support and positivity you've given me. Looking back at my silly comic series, it started out horribly, but even then, you guys were in full support mode, which allowed me to continue, because I knew there are people out there who I can make happier with my silly drawings.

I wouldn't count myself into the circles of "huge artists of the fandom" because I'm just like all of you, I just share what I love, and I absolutely love seeing all the different Fives and other characters various appearances and headcanons and everything that other people come up with.

Another thing is that people interact with each other. Even when it's just a small little text post or a full detailed fanart, there will always be someone adding something to it, which I personally love. People reach out, they show their love and appreciation, and that they care.

I just love how nice everyone is, and how much love you guys have to give, and I grew so much because of you. Everyone in this fandom is awesome, and every single one of you inspire me to do better, so I can make your day a little more fun with my horrible comic pages xD

Even just the fact that @littlelionmay mentioned me in this post alongside artists I look up to has me in tears. Thank you so much, all of you, for being awesome, and for making this fandom the positive and safe place we all need.