I have been thinking about this since I saw some of the stuff for the Amazon LotR show. And I got to thinking about this in regards to the MCU and other Franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek.
Let me Explain what I mean by my title with a couple of examples.
I did not enjoy the Lord of the Rings books Or the Hobbit book By Tolkien. I just never got into them. But I really enjoy some of the stuff that came from them. I enjoyed all of the movies. I enjoy the LotR Card game on my Switch, The Shadows of Mordor and Shadow of War. I love the LotR Minis game by Games Work shop. To be honest I know next to nothing about most of the characters or the lore. I understand the story from the LotR movies. But when it comes to characters outside of the main cast, the history of the world I draw a blank. You can name 50 characters and unless they were part of the Fellowship I would have no clue who you mean. I just know I love the movies and love the games as stand alones. So I think of myself as a fan of LotR
My friend really loves Mado and Bad Batch on Disney Plus but hates the original Star Wars Movies. He thinks of himself as a Star Wars Fan.
Another friend loves the MCU and the tv shows but wouldnt read a comic if you paid her a 100 bucks. She thinks of herself as a fan of Marvel.
So can you be a fan of the Franchise but note enjoy or like what the franchise came from? Or for that matter most of the franchise? I know how a lot of the hardcore fan boys and real fans think. But how about you guys. What are your takes?