Slenderman = Modern-Day Bigfoot

Image by x-Tsuka-x

I hate horror movies with a passion.  I hate the suspense, I hate the gore, I hate the sad/bad endings, and I hate not being able to sleep at night after watching one.  So I'm more than a little surprised to find myself saying that my latest obsession right now is with a horror character.  He's not from a movie, though.  He's sort of an Internet myth, like a modern-day Bigfoot.  And his name is Slenderman.

Slenderman originated from an online paranormal Photoshop contest that took place on Something Awful forums in June 2009.  The point of the contest was to turn normal pictures into creepy pictures, complete with a background story.  Victor Surge, one of the forum users, posted two photos featuring a tall, thin figure dressed in a black suit (one of the photos is below).

Image by Victor Surge

The photos went viral, and soon enough, people began to pick out similar Slendermen in various photos, historical accounts, and even video games.  Slenderman was featured in fan art, short stories, Youtube videos, and conversations across the Internet.  Some people actually believe that Slenderman exists, like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.  I learned about him from a computer game that someone created called "Slender" featuring you-know-who (for a full history of Slenderman, click here).

I think Slenderman exists as much as I think Bigfoot exists (i.e. not at all), but I was intrigued by the game "Slender."  I downloaded the game (it's free) and watched my husband play it.  It was so scary!  But contrary to how I usually feel about horror, I loved it!  I refused to play it for the longest time, but I enjoyed watching other people play.  Why?  Because I love watching people get the poo scared out of them!  There's just something funny about people (especially grown men) screaming like little girls and cowering in their chairs.  It's the same reason why I like watching scare pranks on "Just for Laughs" or the scare section of "America's Funniest Home Videos."  It's just funny (does that make me an evil person? haha).  To see what I mean, click on any of the links in the previous sentence, or check out the (clean) "Slender" reaction montage at the end of this blog, although I would recommend watching the video of me playing "Slender" first to get an idea of what the game is like.

It took me weeks for me to gather up the courage, but here's a video of me playing "Slender"!  After laughing at so many people getting scared by Slenderman, it's my turn.  *gulp*  My husband pointed out that I talked too much during this video, but I guess it was my way of dealing with the suspense.  Enjoy my fear!

Man, I was shaking for fifteen minutes after playing that round!  And I promise you, it will never happen again!  I did this all for you!  xD

Finally, here is a "Slender" reaction montage that I edited but did not compile.  I love watching people react to "Slender," but they all cuss like sailors, so I've censored this one.  Below this video are more links and information about the "Slender" games.  Enjoy!

Original video by elliottad

To download the original in-the-forest "Slender" game, click here.

To download the "Sanatorium" Slenderman game that I played, click here.

To download the awesome recording device I used to capture my "Slender" gameplay, click here.

The best thing about all three links is that they are all free and they are all safe. 

Have fun, and remember, Slendy is always watching!  ;)

Image by nick-tyrrell