What do Edward Cullen, William the Bloody a.k.a. Spike, Angel, and the cast of True Blood have in common: they’re all vampires and craved by females.

The blow-up in the media over the “Twilight” series has shed new light on the vampire fetish. But, why now and why the fascination?

Donald Holly, an anthropology professor, said he wrote a research paper which detailed the fascination between women and vampires.

Holly’s research paper titled “What’s In a Coin? Reading the Material Culture of Legend Tripping and Other activities,” explores the logic behind this.

According to the paper, “The appetite of teenagers for these images seems especially insatiable. Whether they identify with the vampire’s marginal place in society or are attracted to the power and sexual symbolism of vampires, teenagers and young adults are among the primary consumers of vampire-themed media.”

Some of the attraction can be pinpointed toward old horror films and the emergence of the gothic sub-culture.

As far as having a sexual fetish towards vampires, Holly explained some possible circumstances that could’ve led to the growth of this phenomenon.

He said it could be the penetration taking place that biting and releasing blood and the sexual release that may come from it.

The vampires of earlier times were seen as more psychotic and demented, therefore, they were scarier.

While recent portrayals of vampires like Edward Cullen, Angel, and Spike seem to exert more human qualities, and therefore, people can relate to them because they share human emotions, and hence, fall in love with them.

The fantasies of being with a vampire still exist even today.

Lauren Minow, senior elementary education major, said vampires like Edward Cullen were attractive to her.

“It’s like a fantasy,” Minow said. “It can never happen, it’s not real, it’s something you want but can’t have.”

Gina Dimuzio, a sophomore undecided major, said she’s also attracted to vampires like Edward Cullen, Spike and Angel.

“It helps since the characters are good looking,” Dimuzio said. “I’m obsessed with ‘Twilight,’ and Edward is like the perfect man.”

The fascination picked up speed when the first “Twilight” film released in theaters, though historically, it is drawn back to the days of Nosferatu, Lestat and Dracula.

Get your vampire fix

Getting started: “Twilight” book series by Stephenie Meyer

A little bit hotter: “Twilight” the movie (out on DVD) and “New Moon” in theatres Nov. 20

Steamier still: “The Vampire Diaries” on the CW Thursdays at 7 p.m. (It’s like “The O.C.” with fangs)

So hot you will burst into flames: “True Blood” season one out on DVD and season two re-runs on HBO

Classics you can die for: “Interview with a Vampire” out on DVD starring Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas and Christian Slater; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” the movie out on DVD or the TV series also out on DVD; “The Lost Boys” out on DVD; and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” out on DVD

Jose Gonzalez can be reached at 581-7942 or jlgonzalez@eiu.edu