The Darkness is a manifestation of malevolent chaos that consumes and corrupts the media multiverse, drawing inspiration from the toxic aspects of fandom culture. It embodies the negative influences that can arise from overzealous and toxic fan behavior, such as destructive criticism, exclusionary practices, and manipulative fandom dynamics that can warp characters and narratives.

This all culminated in the Darkness being formed. It seeks to finally form the perfect world for the toxic fandom users.

Of course, this doesn't go well.

WHAT IT CAN DO (So far)

• Anyone who gets too close to the Darkness risks immediate assimilation, or even death. The only way to stay safe is to maintain a distance from its reach.

• The Darkness exhibits utter ruthlessness in its methods. One main example is outright killing someone so that they can get corrupted with no way of getting uncorrupted.

• Apex Zombies have the unique ability to interact with the fourth wall, to the point where they can even breach into our world. We're screwed.

• It can prey on the insecurities of both the characters and the fans.

• The Darkness can even take down entire worlds, leaving them as nothing but mere voids.

EXAMPLES OF MEDIA THAT GOT CORRUPTED

• Sonic the Hedgehog: The fandom can get notoriously toxic. From nitpicking the slightest things like Sonic's quills (and most recently, as of editing, a song in the third movie), to an unnatural vitriol towards Sonic Prime. Of course, this means that Prime!Sonic got killed by the Darkness. This is it for him. No coming back. To satisfy them.

• Rick & Morty: Naturally. Even more so because in the April Fools 2022 broadcast for [adult swim], Morty is seen corrupted for a bit.

• Gacha Life/Club: Because of the cesspool of toxic Gacha kids.

• My Little Pony: Since the Brony community has had its fair share of toxicity, especially back then, it's an obvious choice. Not hating MLP fans in general, though!

• Cookie Run: Well, I mean, what game page are you on? Beast X Ancient Shipping, ship discourse, etc...

There are some other examples, but those are some of the ones I felt like including.