Rule 63 is an internet meme stating that for every male character, there exists a female counterpart, and vice versa. It's a playful observation on the prevalence of gender-bent versions of characters across various media. The term doesn't inherently refer to only female versions; it encompasses the existence of both male and female counterparts for any given character.
Understanding Rule 63
The core principle of Rule 63 is simple: gender-swapping. This involves taking an existing character and reimagining them with the opposite gender. This can manifest in various ways, including:
- Fan art and fanfiction: Much of Rule 63's existence is fueled by fan creations depicting gender-swapped characters. Examples include female versions of popular male characters from video games, comics, and anime.
- Reboots and reimaginings: Sometimes, official adaptations or reboots will intentionally incorporate gender-swapped characters, directly reflecting the spirit of Rule 63.
- Speculative discussions: Rule 63 often prompts conversations about how a character's personality and traits might change if their gender were different.
The application of Rule 63 is widespread across various media and fandoms. Many examples exist online, showcasing the diverse interpretations and creative approaches to gender-swapping characters.
Examples:
- A female version of Superman (Superwoman)
- A male version of Wonder Woman
- Gender-bent versions of characters from Pokémon, Star Wars, and other popular franchises
It's important to note that Rule 63 is a meme and a playful concept; it is not a rigid rule or a statement about gender identity. It's a reflection of the creative impulse to explore alternative character portrayals. The quality and reception of gender-bent characters vary greatly depending on the execution.
