The Rise of Jinlong: A Meme Explained
The internet is a wondrous place. It's a constant stream of memes, trends, and inside jokes that can quickly become a global phenomenon. One such phenomenon is Jinlong, a character from the Donghua (Chinese animation) series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". While the series itself is popular, it's Jinlong's unique character design and the way it's been used in memes that has brought him to fame.
Who is Jinlong?
Jinlong, often called "Golden Dragon", is a character in the popular "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" series. He's known for his bright yellow, scaled armor, bright red eyes, and prominent fangs. In the series, he's a formidable warrior, a member of the Iron Blood Gang, and the sworn brother of Guo Jing. While Jinlong is a strong and loyal character, his unique appearance has become a source of humor and inspiration for internet users.
The Memeification of Jinlong
The meme potential of Jinlong's design lies in its unintentional humor. His bright colors, oversized fangs, and almost-humanoid appearance create an immediate visual punchline, perfect for meme-making.
Here's a breakdown of how Jinlong became a meme:
- The Original Meme: The first Jinlong meme originated from a scene in the series where Jinlong is roaring in anger. The image, with its exaggerated expression and color scheme, went viral, inspiring others to create humorous captions and scenarios using the image.
- "Jinlong is..." Memes: These memes became extremely popular. People would use Jinlong's image with captions like "Jinlong is when you're trying to look intimidating but you're just a big softie." The absurd humor resonated with viewers.
- Jinlong Comparisons: People started comparing Jinlong's appearance to everyday things, such as a "spicy chicken nugget," or a "stuffed animal that's seen some things." This highlighted the absurdity of his design.
Jinlong Beyond Memes:
Jinlong's popularity has gone beyond just memes. He has been used in:
- Fanart: Fans have created countless pieces of art featuring Jinlong, ranging from traditional illustrations to digitally-drawn fan art.
- Cosplay: The character's unique design has inspired numerous cosplayers to bring him to life.
- Merchandise: You can now find Jinlong-themed merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and even phone cases.
The Power of Memes
Jinlong's rise to internet fame is a testament to the power of memes. What started as a character in a popular series has evolved into a beloved meme, bringing humor and joy to people around the world. His popularity highlights how online trends can quickly take on a life of their own, turning even the most unexpected things into cultural icons.