Danganronpa, a fandom of hope and despair

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    Danganronpa, a visual novel game and anime depicting a world where there are high school students with incredible ability, somewhat like prodigies. These students are labeled as "Super High School Level (Talent)" or more commonly referred to as "Ultimate (Talent)". Students with such talents are scouted by the school "Hope's Peak Academy" where they will be able to hone their skills as the worlds hope. Every year there is also a lottery that takes place, where the winner is accepted into the school with the talent of "Lucky". However when the main character gets to the school, he blacks out, wakes up in a classroom with bolted windows, and a note saying to meet in the gym. He meet several other students, making 15 total, as a small black and white bear appears telling the Ultimate's that they will be locked in the school until one of them gets away with murder. The students become terrified, and try to live peacefully, until one student decides to try. Once the body had been found, an investigation began and the students held a trial to try and deduce who was the murderer, known as "The Blackened". This goes on until only a few students are left, and they find a way to break the game. This situation plays out in the three main games of the series, resulting in around 45 character minimum for the public to love or hate, depending on their character and their fate. 

Group photo at a cosplay convention.
(One's with black and white split hair are the villains)
Cosplay

    With so many characters in the series, it allows a wide variety of options for cosplay. Cosplay is the practice of dressing like a character from a series, whether a show, game, or web comic. Many fans of Danganronpa have found characters that they love to dress as, and some even dress like fans do already. Some of these fans will go to conventions and panels where they gather with other fans. Even some voice actors of the character will dress as their characters, or fans will seek out those voice actors for their thoughts on their cosplay. Some fans even as young as 10 y/o will spend days making pieces for their costumes

Fanart



Left to right, Shuichi Saihara (Ultimate Detective), Kokichi Oma
(Ultimate Supreme Leader), and Gonta Gokuhara (Ultimate Entomologist)
    Another large aspect of the fandom is the fanart created. Different levels of skill and styles are proudly showcased to the fandom, and everybody can appreciate cute art. Fanart is a way for fans to show their love for specific characters, put them in unique situation, or in some cases, have them interact across games. The character with their own designs tied to their talent allows a little room for customization, though you can't change their outfits in the game. most fans will either stick with their most common outfit or opt to put them in more comfortable clothing.

Fan Yola96 post on alternate outfit designs

Fan Games

At least 16 fan games exist listed on the Danganronpa Fangan projects page. These fan games were created by the fans as a way to create a new and fresh experience. With the main three games, once you've seen the game and played the puzzles, they don't change very much, meaning the victim is still the same, as well as the killer, and a double murder in chapter 3 (a common staple in the series). This leaves it up to the fans, to take what they've seen and create their own. Many of these projects are well liked and well developed, but the fans still hold the main three games close to their heart. Though some may be frustrated with translation or ambiguous wording, they still find ways to laugh.

Memes

    What a better way to end this dark games fandom, then with some good laughter. Most "Memes" involving the game are either text posts shown in a character point of view, or small references and spoiler content. I have done my best not to spoil much of this series as I believe it is worthy of seeing in full. If you do not wish to see spoilers do not click on these links, but enjoy spoiler free images.













    With all of these different ways the community surrounding this game engage with others and the creators, it's not hard to see how easy and enjoyable it is to get involved in the series. Even just watching someone else play the games or watching the animes are great ways to get started. You may find a favorite, but don't stay too attached, they could kill or be killed before you know it.

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