Parasocial Relationships

First of all what is a Parasocial Relationship and where do we find them?

Basically, a parasocial relationship is a one-way or non-reciprocal relationship with a character or persona. This is therefore the psychological term given to the attachment of 'fans' to characters or celebrities. These relationships can be formed with television characters, video game characters, literary characters or even real people.

Just about everyone with access to different forms of media have established parasocial relationships; from your favourite children book characters, like Harry Potter to your favourite characters on Netflix originals, obviously Piper Kerman, they all fall under the umbrella term of a parasocial relationship.

The most famous case of parasocial relationships in pop culture is the forming of the fan base the brown coats. These are the avid fans of Firefly, the Joss Whedon television programme cancelled after only one season. These fans petitioned and met regularly at conventions and shin digs in order to raise awareness of the loss of their favourite television show. Ultimately this led to a successful blockbuster film Serenity being made, picking up where the last show left off. This captures just how extreme parasocial relationships can actually become- which is amazing considering they are only enforced by one person. It also showcases the implications of these relationships, as actors jobs were apparent again along with an entire work force used to create a large blockbuster movie.

So now if you're watching TV, reading a novel or comic and think wow! They're my favourite character, well now you know why. You have a strong parasocial relationship with the character in question.

Cassie Cage - Daughter of Johnny Cage & Sonya Blade and so much more announced!

Finally at the E3 conference this week Ed Boon announced new playable characters, locations and moves for the upcoming game Mortal Kombat X, and we were not disappointed! Ed Boon explained to us that this game will pick up just where the previous Mortal Kombat 9 (or 2011) left off and will span for twenty five years after. He then went on to explain that due to the time frame we will see new characters introduced into the MK Universe along with aged iconic characters.

Top 10 Mortal Kombat Characters

With the release of the trailer for the upcoming game Mortal Kombat X this week, I thought I would keep with the theme of Mortal Kombat (and of course ten, X). I have been a fan of the Mortal Kombat series since I remember, having been heavily influenced by a grand father who loved the game (and ignored the age restrictions, for which I'm thankful- in his defence MK1 graphics really weren't brutal or intimidating at all).

Throughout the years the story lines and Kombatants from the Mortal Kombat universe have adapted and become intricate detailed and fascinating tales! With that in mind I thought it would be nice to tell you all of my personal favourite characters from the Mortal Kombat universe. Majority of people always vote for Sub-Zero or Scorpion but many other huge fans, like myself, know that there are a lot more interesting and multi-dimensional characters than just the iconic and well known 'marketing material' characters. Thus I have given you my favourite ten characters and information about them. Each is unique and represents different elements and qualities that are apparent in the highly successful gaming franchise.

Mortal Kombat X Announced with Trailer

\ Mortal Kombat X (MK X) the tenth consecutive game of the series has been officially confirmed by Ed Boon, Creative Director of Netherealm Studios and Co-Creater of The Mortal Kombat series, whom earlier today released this trailer for the upcoming game.
The above trailer incorporates iconic characters from the Mortal Kombat series. Sworn enemies Sub-zero (left) and Scorpion (right).The game will be available on many gaming platforms such as PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC and will be available in 2015 (further release details will be given closer to the time).