Internet Rule 63: Exploring the Gender-Swapped World of Fandom
Yo, readers! Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of Internet Rule 63, where anything with a male character has a female counterpart, and vice versa. This fascinating phenomenon has taken the online world by storm, captivating the imaginations of countless fans and inspiring countless works of art, literature, and cosplay.
Origins and Meaning
Internet Rule 63 traces its roots back to the early days of the internet in the 1990s, when online forums and image boards began to proliferate. As users shared and discussed their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, and video games, they noticed a curious trend: many of these characters seemed to have gender-swapped versions floating around the web.
The term “Rule 63” was coined in 2006 by American cartoonist T.S. Luikart. It quickly caught on and became a widely recognized internet meme, representing the idea that for every male character, there exists a female counterpart, and vice versa.
Gender-Bending Fandom
Internet Rule 63 has had a profound impact on fandom culture. Fans of all ages and backgrounds have embraced the concept of gender-swapped characters, creating a vast and vibrant subculture that spans countless online platforms, communities, and conventions.
Fan Art and Cosplay: One of the most visible manifestations of Internet Rule 63 is in the realm of fan art and cosplay. Artists and cosplayers alike have taken to creating stunning gender-swapped versions of their favorite characters, from iconic movie heroes to beloved anime protagonists.
Fanfiction: Internet Rule 63 has also inspired countless works of fanfiction, where writers explore the possibilities of gender-swapped characters and relationships. These stories often provide fresh perspectives on familiar characters and delve into themes of identity, sexuality, and gender norms.
Subversions and Variations
While Internet Rule 63 typically involves a simple gender swap, there have been countless variations and subversions of this concept over the years. Some popular variations include:
Reverse Rule 63: This variation takes the premise of Rule 63 and reverses it, creating male versions of female characters.
Rule 63+: This variation allows for more than one gender swap, creating characters with multiple genders or non-binary identities.
Rule 63-: This variation does away with the gender swap altogether, presenting characters in their original gender.
Internet Rule 63 in Popular Culture
Internet Rule 63 has made its way into mainstream popular culture in a variety of ways, including:
Movies and TV Shows: Gender-swapped characters have appeared in movies such as “Ghostbusters” (2016) and TV shows like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
Video Games: Many video games have incorporated gender-swapped characters or costumes, such as “Super Smash Bros.” and “Mortal Kombat.”
Pop Music: Pop stars like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga have released songs inspired by Internet Rule 63 or featuring gender-swapped characters.
Table: Types of Rule 63 Subversions and Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Reverse Rule 63 | Male versions of female characters |
| Rule 63+ | Multiple gender swaps or non-binary identities |
| Rule 63- | No gender swap, characters in original gender |
| Gender-Bend | Simple gender swap of a single character |
| Femboy | Male character with feminine characteristics |
| Butch | Female character with masculine characteristics |
| Crossplay | Cosplaying a character with a different gender than your own |
Conclusion
Hey there, readers! I hope you’ve enjoyed our dive into the fascinating world of Internet Rule 63. This phenomenon has revolutionized fandom culture, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and cosplay. Be sure to check out our other articles for more in-depth explorations of your favorite internet memes and subcultures.
FAQ about Internet Rule 63
What is Internet Rule 63?
Answer: A tongue-in-cheek internet rule that states for any given male character, there exists an identical female counterpart, and vice versa.
Where does the name come from?
Answer: The term “Rule 63” is derived from Usenet Rule 34, which states that there is porn of anything conceivable. It is a humorous play on that rule.
What is the purpose of Rule 63?
Answer: Rule 63 is primarily used for entertainment purposes, sparking creativity and encouraging fan fiction, artwork, and cosplay.
Does Rule 63 only apply to fictional characters?
Answer: No, it can also be applied to real-world people, celebrities, or historical figures.
What are the exceptions to Rule 63?
Answer: While Rule 63 is generally assumed to hold true, there are some rare exceptions, particularly for characters with ambiguous or genderless appearances.
Is Rule 63 sexist or discriminatory?
Answer: No, Rule 63 is not inherently sexist or discriminatory. It is simply an observation about the popularity and appeal of gender-swapped characters.
Is Rule 63 limited to gender reversal?
Answer: Not necessarily. Some interpretations of Rule 63 also include other forms of gender expression or androgyny.
Can Rule 63 be used for commercial purposes?
Answer: Yes, Rule 63 content can be used for commercial purposes, such as merchandise, artwork, or entertainment products.
What are some examples of Rule 63 in popular culture?
Answer: Examples include female versions of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Bowser from the Super Mario franchise.
Is Rule 63 a universally accepted rule?
Answer: No, Rule 63 is not universally accepted. Some people reject the premise or do not find it appealing.