Why like Hetalia?

[Russia]

I mean, canon Hetalia has been largely overshadowed by fanon Hetalia that the line has blurred, like a lot. If we were to look at Hetalia, and just the comics and not growing fanbase, why would you like it? I'm very curious.

Personally, the largest attraction to me about Hetalia is the fandom. Becaue we already have our share of crazies. But we also have brilliant fans who are very deep and intellectual, or who can actually make history fun.

But as for canon Hetalia, in all honesty, the first thing I noticed was the bishie-ness of the character. The very first strip I read on Hetalia was Chibitalia. And the sheer cuteness had me hooked. The cutness carried me throughout reading all the comics. But the surprisingly deep moments with hints of historical facts was the one that really pulled me in.

And while Himaruya has gotten better in his anatomy, most of his characters tend to look similar. No offense Himaruya, I love you, but yeah... However, I think Himaruya has a fair grasp on his backgrounds. They look very pretty.

That's about all that I liked about Hetalia. It was cute. It had some really sad moments that broke your heart. But for the most part. The comic is all around silly and made for shits and giggles. The majority of the serious-shade given to the comic, from what I can see, comes from the fandom.

So, tell me. What do you like about canon-Hetalia?

[Vietnam]

Hmmm... I think it's a very clever idea in itself, and the comics are sometimes just..... like, have you ever felt that it's PERFECT? I don't care much for the canon art, so the funnies and the historical accuracy would make me happy, but I wouldn't be OBSESSED if it were not for the amazing fanbase. But fans these days are sooo creative! Have you noticed most of the big fandoms are those which allow for a lot of fanon? Such as touhou, vocaloid, etc? Anyway, I have to say I love serious-talia, which is almost completely fanon, a lot more. Hetalia characters are really unique, and though I don't think Himaruya meant for it to happen, they can actually be REALLY, REALLY deep, too, if you dig far enough.
So I'd not be as much of a fan if it weren't for the fanbase. even though sometimes it annoys me.

[Russia]

Hmm... I suppose. It's just sometimes. I feel that the fanbase blows everything out of proportion. They treat Hetalia as the Be All End All, when it's not. The fanbase is basing things on something that is not serious and they are making something serious of it. And some it are amazing and awesome, but sometimes, I don't know... Don't you think we ever go too far?

And take things a little too seriously? Because, Hetalia is just another historical satire about WWII.

I get nervous when I think about it, sorry.

[Vietnam]

Actually, no. I am soooo guilty of blowing out of proportion. It's not supposed to be serious, but... a lot of people want it to be, so they do something about it. They keep the characters and the satire and the ideas, but they make it more serious. A good friend of mine is very, very history-savvy and has even went to her university's library, which holds a few official American federal documents, for the purpose of using what she read for hetalia. Our Vietnam War roleplay, actually.
As for taking things too seriously? Like... how? Getting offended? I don't get offended, but I'll tell you something Poland did. xD The Polish president said America basically wasn't a hero anymore (in a more.... un-hetalia way of course.) and she freaked out and ranted for three days about how Alfred is totally a hero. She's kind of seeing the real America and Alfred as interchangable now, but I swear it is making her have outrageous passion for her country xDDD
What have you seen that goes too far, though?

[Russia]

Hmm... I see.

Well, alright I'm going to be outright honest then. My fear is that people see how seriously we take Hetalia, and get the impression that canon Hetalia is this badass comic. When, that's why I asked what you liked about canon Hetalia, it's really not that great. And the fandom is where the party really is.

It irks me when they go into Hetalia, read it, overestimating and thinking it's much more than what the canon can offer, and end up getting really disappointed.

To get into Hetalia, well you can't really take the comics seriously. But people do, so when they come in and see it beneath their expectations, they think it's making fun of history or whatever.

People see our super serious fandom, take it seriously, get disappointed, and we get a bad rep... People complain that the characters are inaccurate, well duh! It's satire! But they see it as an accurate reputation and...

You have to laugh at Hetalia first and then go explore the hidden UST, is what I'm trying to say.

(Feel free to ignore what I said in the strike)

[Vietnam]

Oh, that's true! I've seen it happen countless times... I tried to get some of my anime friends into it, right, and I told them it was silly, so they watched it and read a few strips and they were okay with it. I tried to get them into the fandom but the show was too silly for them to think there was any depth, and so they didn't bother looking at fandom. And they don't understand why I'm so into it.
And vice-versa it doesn't work either. I get frustrated, and then it seems like I'm trying to stuff a stupid show down someone's throat. Only done once, I swear it. xD
I agree with you though, the person looking has to be pretty patient and open minded too...

[Russia]

Mmm. Hetalia is one of those shows where you either love it or hate it. It's really rare to find a middle-ground. Because when you get really interested by it, the fandom will do the rest. But if you get put off even once, the dislike tends to pile up... -sigh-

But I've made up mind. I don't care what other people say. If they are interested, they'll have to ask first.