Fanfic Forensics

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This section will contain necessary background information about the fanwork samples used in this research -basic information about the source work they are based on ('Harry Potter') and how that work was received by Japanese- and English-speaking audiences, basic information about the functioning of the respective fan communities, and a detailed explanation of the history and characteristics of dojinshi as a medium. Since the characteristics of fan fiction have been described in detail elsewhere, I will refer to previous research rather than go into much detail regarding fic.

For now, I'm working on 100 dojinshi stories and 100 fanfic samples that have been selected to be as representative as possible of the 'Harry Potter'-based fanworks created in Japan and in English online. Additional samples of Japanese-language textual fanworks and pieces of fanart created within the English-language community will be considered in a later stage of the project. Basic information about the dojinshi and fanfic samples can be found in the dojinshi data set and fanfic data set, to which I will add more detailed information about various narrative and visual elements as the research progresses.

HP and its impact in Japan

Since Japanese dojinshi are the main focus of this project and the reception of 'Harry Potter' in English-speaking regions is quite well-researched already, I will concentrate on the reception of 'Harry Potter' in Japan while explaining the work to the extent that is required so that readers who are not familiar with the story wil still be able to understand the discussions of 'Harry Potter'-based fanworks that will take place.

As we will see, Japanese 'Harry Potter' terminology is quite relevant to the research, since wordplay and the interpretation of English or Latin terminology by Japanese fan authors has an influence on the way they portray the 'Harry Potter' characters. 'Harry Potter'-related terminology will be included in the glossary of dojinshi terminology that will function as an appendix to the dissertation.

HP fan communities

• Japanese fan community (in detail)
• English-language online fan community (not too much detail, refer to existing research)

Relevant points from previous research

• Fanworks produced
• Nationalities represented

Introduction to dojinshi

• History
• Physical aspects and use of technology in production
  • Print dojinshi
  • Online dojinshi
• Community
• Economy

Sample selection process

Here I describe the criteria used to select the sample dojinshi and fanfics described in the data sets.