All around us are stories of the paranormal and fairytale worlds. Recent big-screen films have focused on hidden doorways to far off places (Chronicles of Narnia), talented wizards (Harry Potter) and even a crafty kid with an animal spirit sidekick (The Golden Compass). We've been inundated with ghosts, goblins and, yes, vampires.

The recent cancellation of "Moonlight" caused outrage in fanboys and fangirls everywhere. Thousands of viewers signed petitions urging CBS to change its mind. Rumors circulated that another network may pick up the show for a second season, but that didn't happen. "Moonlight" bit the dust for good.

But as one series ends, another rises in its place. Alan Ball's upcoming series "True Blood" will air next season on HBO. Based on Charlaine Harris' "Southern Vampire" novels, "True Blood" is set in a small town in Louisiana. It's a humorous and horrific look at vampires and humans who are somehow able to coexist. The protagonist is a human named Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin) who winds up falling for a vampire named Bill (Stephen Moyer).

So what's the cause of our vampire obsession? Take a bite out of this!

A Reality Beyond Our World

People are drawn to vampires simply because they aren't human. Vampires present a world that is so unlike our own sense of reality. In our confines we deal with the every day monotony of work, school and family. However, in author Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series, Forks, Washington has become a place where readers long to escape to. After reading the first book, many may clutch it to their heart wishing they could be a part of the storyline. Some have even been known to walk around chanting "Team Edward" or "Team Jacob," only wishing these characters could come to life. Others will eventually travel to Forks, stand still with the wind blowing in their hair and close their eyes, envisioning the location as belonging to Bella and Edward, when in reality it's all just a figment of one writer's imagination. "Twilight" is heading to the big screen this December.

Sex Appeal

Maybe we are attracted to vampires based purely on their exotic appearance. Many are described as having pale, milky white skin with dark eyes the color of an onyx stone. Some may have dark hair or red hair, blonde hair or no hair. A few will sport human clothes and participate in human activities, while others don cloaks and sharp fangs. Fans watched "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" not only for the drama but because the actors were nothing short of gorgeous. It's the irony that such a monster who may be coldhearted or evil on the inside (not all though!) can be so beautiful and appealing on the outside.

Conflict of Struggle: Who Will Win?

Who doesn't like to witness a conflict complete with twists and turns? Isn't drama and conflict the sole reason we go to see action movies, play videogames and engulf ourselves in imaginary worlds? We believe our main characters will fight to their deaths, but ultimately believe they will survive. But what if they don't? What will happen next? Is it really true that a main character cannot be killed off? In an episode of "Charmed," one of the main witches was killed, and it still managed to be a hit show. When it comes to our favorite fantasy worlds, we are looking for drama, excitement and passion. Despite an obvious outcome, there will always contain that hint of doubt. The 'what-if' element is what makes our outside dreams come to life.

Fun

Of course there's always the idea that believing in these characters is just plain fun. It doesn't cost money, risk our lives or even feel like work. By simply turning on the TV or cracking open a book, we lose ourselves in a world unlike our own void of our common problems and enter one so inviting. In essence, it's our escape from a lifestyle common to many but yet so unique we ache for it to be ours. Fans around the world have most likely longed for Buffy's fighting skills, dreamed of having a boyfriend like Edward Cullen or a friendship like Angel's.

Source: http://www.starpulse.com

I'm the same way Assai, I don't care for most of the vampire TV shows. Never really did. And the latest movies, they just don't have the flair of the old ones. I do however plan on watching HBO's upcoming vampire series to see if it's any good.

I don't know? I didn't watch Moonlight except for maybe the first show.

You're not off topic at all. It's all related to vampire entertainment!

Oh ok, I remember her from Underworld.

Yes, this is true! But you didn't have to point it out! 
Wilhelm, don't you encourage her! Remember there's certain parts of the dungeon that you haven't ventured into or have been pushed into yet.

I didn't catch on to Buffy for awhile, then out of boredom, I started watching the re-runs and slowly got hooked, but I thought that last two seasons of Buffy weren't all that great, compared to earlier seasons.

That's why you fit in here. We're all mad you see.

I liked Buffy and Angel. Loved the characters. I would have liked to see them bring Riley in for the grand finale of Buffy since they drug it on for extra seasons. They could have went out with a bang if Season 5 was the end.

I am a writer and my favorite subject of them all is vampires. I write sci-fi and fantasy as well. But my vampires pull me like nothing else. I will neglect my other books and characters for my vampires. I don't know if this obsession is a result of being an Anne Rice fan or watching The Lost Boys a thousand times. Vampires,to me,are the best to write about.

The appeal of the vampire is so strong,so overwhelming that I cannot stop myself. Vampire are the ultimate subject for me to write about. They look human but they aren't. It's hard to put in words,but they are alluring to me. So many things I can write about,explore,and just say through them.

I just love em.

Then that would make me the maddest of them all

The last vampire movie I saw that was good, had to be Bram Stoker's Dracula. I don't know about TV shows and series, I haven't found any decent ones yet.

Why the obsession? I think it has to do with the mystique of it all.

When I first became interested in vampires I was really young and most everything I knew came from folklore. Dead rotting corpses roaming around and the like. But, I was still extremely attracted to the vampire mystique. Why? I think because of the blood and the idea that a need for something could be so strong it could transcend death. For example in some cultures the legends say a alcoholics, sex addicts, etc would come back for that particular thing.

The allure, for me anyway, was that while the soul apparently passed on (no reflections) the body remained and reanimated just to sustain the need. I find it both horrifying and fascinating that an addiction could be that strong.

Also, being sang I could, on some levels identify with the need even before I knew I was sang.

That is just my own experience though. I think for most people is, as already stated on this thread the allure and sexuality. Also the immortality.