Even prior to the coinage of the term, the stereotypical traits of the subculture were identified in a 1981 issue of "Fan Rōdo" (Fan road) about "culture clubs". These individuals were drawn to anime, a counter-culture, with the release of hard science fiction works such as "Mobile Suit Gundam". These works allowed a congregation and development of obsessive interests that turned anime into a medium for unpopular students, catering to obsessed fans. After these fans discovered Comic Market, the term was used as a self-confirming and self-mocking collective identity.