The Future of the Homestuck Fandom (Patreon)

Homestuck is something I hold dear and close to me. It has helped me through tough times, it has let me meet some amazing people, I still enjoy whatever content comes out official, and much of the unofficial, fan-made content. And while the Webcomic itself has been over for a long time now, between the Epilogues, Pesterquest, and Hiveswap, there's always that spark that there's more in the works behind the scenes.

Whatever sort of expansion or continuation to the story, or new adventure awaits us, however, we can only imagine, as it's likely still a couple of years away. Yes. There's absolutely no way something big could drop out of nowhere.

Absolutely no way.

...

FUCK-

In all seriousness, I planned on writing this a while back, and I am so glad I waited for 10/25. To see an 'official', 'canonical' continuation to the comic come out of quite literally nowhere was an absolute thrill, although I could definitely do without people memeing and clamoring to 'let it die'. Then again, if you've clicked on this article about Homestuck and the future of the Franchise, written in 2019, I'm imagining you're already on board for more content, unironically.

Hussie and the WhatPumpkin Team have spoken at large regarding the future of the Homestuck franchise. They want it to be a Fandom-driven project, something that, while 'official' in its nature of being approved by Hussie and being created by the WhatPumpkin at large, is still a product of love by people who love the content, and the characters. This break-off from Canon has been pushed towards since the Epilogues came out, and with the current state of the Team, it's already evident what they're aiming for.

As of writing this essay, there are two official branches of content regarding Homestuck, both canon and non-canon in their own ways. Homestuck^2 on one hand, continues after the events of the controversial Epilogues, and with their talk about listening to the Fans, Fandom Input, and the Team behind it, it's almost an assurance they're leading towards a brighter future for the characters. Sure, Jane may still be an asshole for a bit longer, and Dirk may be... Dirk. But already in about 30 pages, they've showcased a more Homestuck-like humor than the Epilogues, and have showcased him as fallible and broken, rather than a manipulative mastermind. We're headed towards Catharsis after the Low Point that was the Epilogues, and I am excited to see that.

On the other hand, there's Pesterquest, which expresses a direct dislike towards the events of the Epilogues. Its entire premise is based around the fact that the MSPA Reader doesn't like the direction of the story, and finds the means to warp back into Canon and edit things. They may not remember anything anymore, but their actions have already put an end to SBURB, while also allowing Trolls and Humans to meet under safer circumstances. It's a power fantasy building an entirely new AU in which the characters don't have to be traumatized going through the game and dying in order to get together and live their lives.

Both from a canonical source, both count as author-approved Timelines, both seem stable enough to continue building forwards. One taking the reins of the story after the Epilogues, one rejecting the story entirely and clinging to the characters. This split is the first real instance we see towards this 'Fandom-driven' mentality of the project as a whole. Those who dislike the Epilogues can find solace in Pesterquest, as more Homestuck content that delivers on the characters they love, and agrees with them in wanting to see them be happy and push past all the bullshit. And those who can handle the Epilogues or enjoy them, can look forward to seeing how things get resolved at the ending, and where the Story goes next.

At the same time, this split, alongside the nature of Paradox Space as expansive when it comes to Alternate Timelines and Alternate Universes, encourages the Fans that want more content but aren't satisfied with either presented option, to actually make up their own timelines. Comics, drawings, fanfiction...

A lot of people are calling WP out on being 'lazy' and having 'no ideas' or making the Fans come up with the plot instead of making something engaging and coherent themselves. What I feel these people are missing is the fact that their call for Fans to take hold of canon isn't them saying they want others to do all the work. It's their acknowledgement of Fan interpretation and input at this point being just as valid as their own, because the WP team are fans making their own story alongside Hussie. They know they have more 'weight' than fan-content because they are 'official', but they are presenting their work as one of many different ways the story could go.

With this mentality, I could see the future of Homestuck including something along the lines of what Paradox Space used to be. Little snippets and comics, some more canon than others, about interactions and stories that we didn't see happening during the comic, or could've happened in another Timeline. Perhaps mixing it with what the Snapchats were attempting, telling side-stories, potential futures for the characters, an exploration of various things that made the story enjoyable, more in-depth.

And that's without even considering the potential of more side-games to start popping up. Pesterquest and Friendsim are fun, but they're just a dating-sim format in the end. Hiveswap's development was delayed heavily, but it's revving up again. With this push towards a variety of content and exploring non-conventional routes for the story to head towards... How about a Fighting Game of some sorts? Or some official SBURB simulator-style of game. Those are a lot of work, yes, and a huge expense, but as the Franchise keeps evolving and changing and expanding... It wouldn't be out of the question.

Finally, I'd like to address the fact that Hussie has been peripheral in these projects. He's still there. He made the outline for Homestuck^2, he's evidently involved with the Team, and always there, but he's also not a primary component for the games or Homestuck^2. Who knows what this cryptid could be planning? Maybe he's taking a well-deserved vacation, or perhaps he's planning on doing something more with the franchise.

After all, we all certainly love to call Homestuck our favorite anime.

Regardless of what comes in the future, Homestuck is here to stay. If you're a fan that's getting burnt out of the constant content, it's okay to take a step back, and enjoy Homestuck for what it WAS to you, rather than what it's pushing towards now.

But also, for people that still want more, like this? This is a very exciting time to be a fan, and I cannot wait where Hussie and the WP Team go with all of this.

See you everyone! <3