Reirajustrei - Rei, Just Rei

Thank you so much!

Today marks 1 year of me being a fan of Balan Wonderworld

Holy guacamole! Where do I even begin? I can’t believe a year has already passed. Allow me to share with you how I got into BWW.

It all started on September 22, 2021 with a blog post that I saw in Fimfiction. That blog post contained a YouTube video of BWW. The thumbnail consisted of the video game logo and the titular character whose appearance reminds me strongly of NiGHTS the Nightmaren. I searched up Balan on Google Images and immediately, I was awestruck by how cool and charming he looks, particularly his eyes, grin, hat, dreadlocks, outfit, and height.

I decided to watch some of the gameplay, cutscenes, and several Balan’s Bouts on YouTube, as well as listen to the entire soundtrack, and all of them brought me feelings of wonder, whimsy, and nostalgia. I found it intriguing that the game has themes surrounding mental health, which is a great step forward. Plus, I was impressed with how strong Balan is when it comes to destroying obstacles and beating Lance, as well as the deep sound of his voice.

I ended up having a crush on Balan and shared my thoughts about him right here on Tumblr, leading me to make friends who are fans of BWW. I eventually became less active on Fimfiction and more active here to write and post blogs about Balan, which has helped me a lot to get through the day while the COVID-19 pandemic still goes on.

Balan’s charisma, confidence, and personality brought me so much joy that he became not only my fictional crush, but also my comfort character. I listened to comic dubs on YouTube, faved a lot of fan art here and in DeviantArt, and read NSFW headcanons written by @balan-wonderworld-imagines who unfortunately hasn’t been active since April 30, 2021.

The song that I listened to many times while looking at images of Balan is Sister Ray by Foxes. I chose that song because the glittery synths and the thumping beat made me imagine myself dancing with Balan on stage, having the grandest time of our lives. The other songs that I listened to many times are One More by SG Lewis ft. Nile Rodgers, Church Girl by Laura Mvula, Spotlight by Jessie Ware, As I Try Not To Fall Apart by White Lies, and Asking For A Friend by CHVRCHES.

I referenced 5 of the 6 songs in my Balan fanfiction that I started writing in November of last year. Everytime I listen to those songs, I feel like I was performing in front of him, for him, or with him. Balan inspired me to embrace my authentic self and get liberated from the constraints of an unfair and cruel world. That’s how great of an impact he has made in my life and I’m forever thankful for that.

Despite the negative critical reception of BWW, I’m super grateful to be part of this loving and supportive fandom. In fact, I would like to give a shoutout to each and every one of you.

Friends I’ve made along the way @sundove88 @kayssweetdreams @pennyadodumuss @crystalviolin321 @violetfeatherwind @disneysonic1991 @itz-arianna-lunar @orphanedgrace @deci-bellz @maestro-ofmystery @timerbunneh @nightmarephiliac @paladansworld @your-clairy-godmother

Artists whose content brightens up my day @ratintank @silverpsychedelic @daleespringdraw @dreamiamy @julili @whatchamarkallit @fenydreamz @weaponimagination @saltystingray @emirrart @kitsketches @tempo-tales @dreamiiiiie @spiritxshackle @asktheshortmaestrogremlinborb

Other people I came across in the fandom @lovelyteng @rae-u @lolbit-nerdy @alex-frostwalker @nightsflyingthroughtheskysblog @goddess-of-lunaria @thetropicalfairy @loveowous @sodasplatoon @clockspur @empressofthesix @viperpitsfilly @maestrozaverick @futuristicstrawberrycake @bat-snowyllama @peppermintcakez @reirajustrei @charmy126 @the-not-witch-time-forgot @lesiasmadness @thehypercutstudios @the-jester-block @aratlesbian @siren-darkocean @gatoseestheinternet @agakikama @rexiedemibunny @ineedmydowntime @quetzalgirl27

To celebrate, here’s the song that led me to my BWW hyperfixation. I recommend listening to this with headphones as the upbeat feel and the excellent bass will give you a completely euphoric experience.

I was fortunate enough that I didn’t suffer online harassment for liking BWW. However, I went through several unfortunate experiences within the fandom. I won’t go further into those as I’ve already made peace and moved forward.

I may no longer be hyperfixated as I once was, but I will always be a fan of the majestic serotonin-inducing maestro. I would give Balan a big and warm hug as a genuine way of thanking him. He definitely has a special place in my heart.

P.S. While I don’t have a problem with fans adoring Balan’s true form, a.k.a. his anime pretty boy appearance, I personally love the fan interpretation of Balan still having dreadlocks and black complexion without his hat because underneath that hat is a beautiful and adorable being with a fun-loving and gentle soul.

ENA and Moony :D

Putting powdered sugar on the post below

Anon Con