Doctor's Ao3 Fandoms: A Whovian's Guide

Imagine, if you will, the Doctor – the Doctor, across all his regenerations – with a secret, a guilty pleasure, a hidden corner of the internet where he spends his free time. And what better place than Archive of Our Own (Ao3)? The Doctor, a being of immense intellect, curiosity, and a deep-seated love for humanity (and, let's be honest, a penchant for getting into trouble), would undoubtedly find the vast, creative landscape of Ao3 endlessly fascinating. But which fandoms would capture his attention? Let's dive into the hypothetical, shall we?

The Doctor's Love for Classic Literature and Historical Fiction

Given the Doctor's extensive travels through time and space, and his profound appreciation for history, it's a safe bet that he'd gravitate towards fandoms rooted in classic literature and historical fiction. He wouldn't just read; he'd analyze, comparing character portrayals across different fan works, noting deviations from established canon, and perhaps even leaving the occasional insightful comment.

Firstly, Sherlock Holmes would be a prime candidate. The Doctor, with his own brand of eccentric genius and a knack for solving mysteries, would find the intricate plots and deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes tales irresistible. He would likely be drawn to works that explore the relationship between Holmes and Watson, dissecting the nuances of their friendship and the subtext within their interactions. The sheer volume of fanfiction dedicated to this particular duo is a testament to the enduring appeal of their characters and the possibilities within their dynamic. Furthermore, the Doctor would be fascinated by the variations in portrayal, the different interpretations of Holmes' personality, and the various alternative universes fans have created. He’d probably have a favorite version of Moriarty, and be utterly exasperated by the more over-the-top characterizations. Beyond the stories themselves, he would also appreciate the dedication to research and accuracy that many authors bring to their stories, which is something that would definitely pique his interest as a time traveler who often finds himself in a new historical period. He'd also enjoy the fan theories and discussions about the mysteries, and would likely contribute his own thoughts on some cases. He'd probably have several favorite authors who he follows diligently, eagerly anticipating their new releases and engaging in lively discussions about the characters.

Secondly, Pride and Prejudice would be another likely choice. The Doctor, with his appreciation for human relationships and societal dynamics, would be drawn to the romantic entanglements and social commentary of Jane Austen’s classic novel. He'd find the slow burn romance and the subtle power plays incredibly interesting. He'd be particularly interested in works that explore the inner lives of the characters, especially Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, delving into their motivations and analyzing the complexities of their evolving relationship. The Doctor might even have a soft spot for fanfics that change the course of the story, or those that add in elements of fantasy or science fiction. The Doctor might even read the fanfiction to better understand the social norms of the periods they visit, or even the fashion sense. He'd be intrigued by the different approaches taken by various authors, and the ways in which they portray the characters. The sheer creativity of the fanbase would keep him entertained and engaged.

Finally, his exposure to historical periods might lead him to the Outlander fandom. He’d be especially interested in the time-traveling aspects and how the characters cope with different periods. He'd have an academic interest in the historical accuracy of the stories, as well as the depiction of the past. The Doctor would enjoy works that blend romance, history, and adventure, and Outlander ticks all the boxes. He would probably get invested in the characters' journeys and enjoy reading fanfics that delve deeper into their relationships and experiences. The fanfiction writers would use the canon as a starting point, then explore all sorts of scenarios and adventures.

The Doctor's Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fix

Of course, the Doctor, being a sci-fi icon himself, would be naturally drawn to other sci-fi and fantasy fandoms. He'd be looking for stories that explore complex themes, inventive worlds, and compelling characters.

Firstly, Star Trek would undoubtedly be on his list. The Doctor, having encountered countless alien species and galactic civilizations, would be fascinated by the diverse worlds and philosophies explored in the Star Trek universe. He would appreciate the emphasis on exploration, diplomacy, and the pursuit of knowledge. He'd especially enjoy the works that delve into the characters' personal stories and the challenges they face in their interactions with different species and cultures. He'd have an affinity for the characters, especially Spock, given the similarity in their logic-driven approach to life, even though the Doctor is less rigid with the application of logic. He’d be curious about the inner workings of different alien societies and how the stories use the world to talk about our own world. He would also be interested in alternate universe stories where characters from different series interact, or where events are altered in interesting ways. The Doctor might even ponder the technology depicted in Star Trek and how it compares to the technology available in the Whoniverse. The fan theories and discussions around the science of Star Trek would likely engross him as well.

Secondly, Star Wars. The Doctor would be intrigued by the blend of space opera, mythology, and good versus evil in the Star Wars universe. He'd be interested in works that explore the Force and the Jedi Order, and the various conflicts and political intrigues that shape the galaxy. He would probably have a particular soft spot for the morally gray characters and the stories that delve into their motivations and inner conflicts. He'd also be interested in the various forms of technology and how they compare with what he's seen. He would probably be drawn to the fanfics that create new stories and expand the lore of the Star Wars universe, and he would love to see how fanfics use the Force and explore its depths. He would, of course, have favorite characters that he always checks in on and would follow the new developments in their personal stories.

Finally, given the Doctor’s adventures in magic and wizardry, Harry Potter would be a natural choice for him. He would be interested in the worldbuilding, the magic system, and the exploration of themes like friendship, courage, and good versus evil. He'd enjoy the fanfics that explore the characters' backstories, their relationships, and the intricacies of the wizarding world. He would likely be drawn to works that delve deeper into the magical aspects and the philosophy of the world. The Doctor would probably enjoy exploring the different houses and Hogwarts, and would especially be interested in the various spells and magical creatures. He'd enjoy the fanfics that delve into the histories of the characters, their relationships, and the world itself. The different interpretations of canon events would be a great source of entertainment and discussion for the Doctor.

Unexpected Fandoms: Exploring the Doctor's Hidden Interests

While the Doctor's interests in literature, history, and sci-fi/fantasy are predictable, there might be some unexpected fandoms that would surprise us. These are the kinds of fandoms that would appeal to his curious nature, his appreciation for art, music, or perhaps even something a bit more… unconventional.

First, consider the Supernatural fandom. The Doctor, having faced countless monsters and supernatural threats, might find the world of Supernatural eerily familiar. He'd be drawn to the Winchester brothers and their constant battle against the forces of darkness. He'd be especially intrigued by the fanfics that explore the mythology and lore of the show, delving deeper into the monsters, demons, and angels that populate the universe. The Doctor would likely have a scientific interest in the creatures and their origins, which can be seen in his appreciation of the various creatures he has encountered. The Doctor would analyze the weaknesses and strengths of each monster and likely start his own version of a hunter's journal. He'd enjoy stories that delve into the brothers' relationship and the emotional toll of their work. The Doctor may even ponder the nature of good and evil as they have battled so many different beings.

Second, the Good Omens fandom. This is a match made in heaven (or hell, rather). The Doctor, with his appreciation for quirky friendships and the absurd, would adore the story of the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley. The Doctor, having encountered many unconventional friendships over his long life, would be instantly drawn to their hilarious, millennia-long friendship. He'd especially be interested in the fanfics that explore their relationship and the various adventures they have together. He’d appreciate the humor, the wit, and the subtle explorations of faith, free will, and the meaning of friendship. He would be drawn to the alternative universes and the exploration of different scenarios that fanfics offer, where Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship is tested or strengthened. The Doctor would likely chuckle at the absurdity of the plot, the characters, and the situations they find themselves in.

Finally, any fandom that features time travel. The Doctor would enjoy any stories involving time travel, but perhaps most particularly stories centered around fixing timelines, paradoxes, and the consequences of meddling with history. The Umbrella Academy would be a perfect example. While the show doesn't lean on time travel as the main plot point, it definitely takes advantage of it often. This particular fandom would interest him because of the dysfunctional family dynamic, the exploration of the consequences of their actions, and the creative use of superpowers. He'd also appreciate the fanfics that delve into the backstories of the characters and the development of their powers. The Doctor would probably be interested in exploring the scientific aspects of time travel and how different authors interpret the concepts.

The Doctor's Ao3 Habits: A Glimpse into His Online Life

So, how would the Doctor navigate the world of Ao3? He'd likely have multiple accounts, each under a different alias. One for serious analysis, another for casual reading, and maybe even one for writing his own fanfics (though he'd probably keep that a secret). He'd be a prolific commenter, leaving insightful and witty remarks on his favorite stories. He'd probably have a complex tagging system, categorizing stories by character, theme, and AU type. He'd be constantly searching for new works, recommending stories to his companions (though they'd probably be a bit bewildered by it all). The Doctor's Ao3 experience would be an extension of his personality: a blend of intellectual curiosity, boundless enthusiasm, and a deep-seated love for storytelling. His taste is also far more wide-ranging than most people would anticipate. He'd appreciate the creativity, the passion, and the sense of community that the fanfiction world offers, and it's a place where he can simply be a fan. He’d probably use his Ao3 account to discover new ideas for his own adventures in time and space, borrowing elements from the stories he reads. His time on Ao3 would certainly inform his many adventures across time and space.

In conclusion, the Doctor's Ao3 reading list would be as eclectic and fascinating as the Doctor himself. It would be a testament to his unending curiosity, his love for a good story, and his appreciation for the creativity of the human mind. It's a fun thought experiment, and one that suggests that even a time-traveling, alien-fighting, universe-saving hero needs a little bit of escapism and creative expression. After all, the Doctor is just a person, and everyone needs a hobby, even when they're saving the world.

For more insight into the world of fanfiction, I recommend checking out Archive of Our Own itself. It's a treasure trove of creative content!