The television series Stranger Things is a global phenomenon. The show has garnered a massive fan base since its premiere in 2016, with millions of viewers around the world. Part of this fandom includes the ever-growing community of adult fan art, or “R34,” based around the series. While this art is widely popular with some members of the fandom, it is also the source of controversy. In this article, we’ll take a look at what R34 is, where to find it, and why it has caused so much controversy.
R34 is a type of adult fan art that typically features characters from a widely-recognized series or franchise depicted in provocative situations. It is particularly popular with fans of the Netflix series Stranger Things, with images of characters like Eleven, Mike, Will and the Demogorgon appearing in the art. R34 is widely available on websites like DeviantArt, Tumblr and Reddit. Many of these websites also offer chats, forums and other services that cater specifically to the R34 community.
At first glance, it may seem harmless enough. But many members of the Stranger Things fandom have voiced concerns over the explicit and often pornographic nature of the R34 art. Many of the images depict pre-teen characters in sexual situations, while others are adult versions that can also be construed as being violent or dangerous.
There are a few reasons why the R34 art has caused controversy. First and foremost, there is the obvious question of the legal implications. While the “artists” of R34 are not actually violating any laws, the age of the characters depicted in the images has led to concern over the potential for child exploitation.
The next issue is the way in which the art is presented. There have been reports of R34 being circulated on mainstream social media sites, such as Instagram and Twitter. These sites have policies against the distribution of pornographic content and will often remove such images as soon as they are reported.
Finally, there is the question of how the Stranger Things fandom is viewed by outsiders. Many fans of the show have expressed concern over the R34 art and its potential to negatively impact the reputation of the entire fandom. While this may seem like a stretch to some, it’s worth noting that there are millions of fans of Stranger Things who may be less inclined to watch or enjoy the series if they are exposed to the inappropriate graphics of R34.
Despite the controversy and criticism, R34 remains popular amongst a segment of the Stranger Things fandom. For those who enjoy it, the art is a creative outlet and a way to express their love of the series through art. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how they want to engage with and express their fanhood.
All things considered, Stranger Things R34 is part of a growing movement of adult fan art that exists alongside and in response to the series. While it is often the source of controversy, it’s worth pointing out that it is still within the boundaries of the fandom and has provided a creative outlet for those who enjoy it.
