The Evolution of Popularity and Images of Characters in Marvel Cinematic Universe Fanfictions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new topic model to analyze yearly trends in Marvel Cinematic Universe fanfictions, revealing increasing diversity in character appearances and positive reception of multi-dimensional character development.

Contribution

It presents a novel topic modeling approach to study character popularity, character images, and vocabulary patterns in fanfictions over time.

Findings

Character appearances in fanfictions have become more diverse over the years.

Multi-dimensional character development of Captain America is well-received.

The model uncovers evolving themes and vocabulary patterns in fanfictions.

Abstract

This analysis proposes a new topic model to study the yearly trends in Marvel Cinematic Universe fanfictions on three levels: character popularity, character images/topics, and vocabulary pattern of topics. It is found that character appearances in fanfictions have become more diverse over the years thanks to constant introduction of new characters in feature films, and in the case of Captain America, multi-dimensional character development is well-received by the fanfiction world.