Howdy! For those who do not know, Josh Strider is an Australian-Canadian YouTuber who is most well-known for creating Top Ten lists on YouTube [13]. His iconic stage name “PhantomStrider” suits him because of how he roamed around at night to be active when he was younger [24]. With his politeness and delightful charisma towards viewers, he has won the hearts of possibly hundreds. Ever since he became confident enough to show his face and quirky abilities in acting at his desk, he became more notable for his critical analysis of cartoons and movies, especially by how he produces countdowns [13] [53]. Due to several small changes throughout his legacy as a critic, his series of countdowns and other content might as well be sorted into:
Season 1 (2014 – 2015)
Season 2 (2015 – 2016)
Season 3 (2016 – 2017)
Season 4 (2017 – 2018)
Season 5 (2018 – present)
Since a few aspects of Strider’s past still remain today, such as when he did the voice of Sousuke Sagara from the Full Metal Panic series for his first own anime fandub [17], let us look through how he has progressed since those moments.
Strider’s South Park avatar with Butters and Boo. [53]One of Josh Strider’s epic moments during the third season of his countdowns. [43]Strider was originally a casual voice actor for a few male anime characters under the username “PhantomStrider8” during the golden age of YouTube [8] [9] [17]. Many of his fandubs were unfortunately taken down by a copyright combat, yet it is quite a relief that his first fandub still remains on his channel today for memory’s sake. His calming Australian voice and serious tone suit Sousuke Sagara’s appearance and personality well [9], despite the lack of frustration and anger for when Sagara lashes out at Al [6]. Strider even did some fandub collaborations with another user back in August 2008 [8] [9], using his natural voice and yet actually showing some emotion for when Shinbo’s heart breaks over Sumono’s break down [8]. We all have to start from somewhere in order to discover who we are cut out to be. An example of starting somewhere would be a younger Strider’s laid-back vocal performance over the footage of Sergeant Sagara from Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid during the beginning of 2008 [17].
PhantomStrider’s first word! YouTubers grow up so fast. [17]Alas Sumono, we knew you well. [8]Between 2007 and 2013, Strider wrote his own novel titled “The Chronicle of Ragnarok Network Evolution” [34] [35]. It can still be read in his DeviantArt gallery as a backup copy for those who may be interested in reading it. Writing each chapter was a coping mechanism for Strider as he tried to cope with his difficult experiences at the times during his early adulthood [20] [34] [35]. This personally makes him more relatable to me since I am an aspiring writer who also had some difficulties in the past and used her ambitions in writing and drawing as ways to express them. Comparing how Strider was like back in his early adulthood to how he is in the present proves how he has the ability to stay proactive and can embrace the magnificent progress he has made through such hard work. Even though he believes that some parts of his novel may be poorly written [35], he still has a wonderful grasp of the English language by how he writes the scripts for his countdowns.
It took a younger Josh Strider five years to complete a novel. [34] [35]Strider’s first Top Ten list was uploaded in March 2014, simply titled “Top 10 Best Futurama Episodes Of All Time” [46]. It was back when Strider still had the number 8 at the end of his nickname and his microphone quality was rather low [45] [46]. And of course, it was way after he left the navy and the thrilling ocean race he took part in [13]. The first season of his Top lists was possibly the edgiest season. An example of this would be him dropping some profanity like a naughty boy in his Top Ten Best Simpsons Episodes list [48]. Another example would be his controversial cartoons list that would feature him clumsily censoring profanity from a rude Dexter [49]. It is fascinating how Strider has moved on from his days in the navy in order to pursue a whole new ambition, even though he was not that well known back then. Since Strider did not show his face on YouTube throughout 2014 and early 2015, the colour of his shirt might not have been maroon, so some of us may wonder what the colour of the shirt was back then.
And let us not forget how Strider would remind his viewers to read the disclaimer during the first season of his countdowns, sometimes in a different voice. [46] [49]Strider’s popularity began growing during 2015 and 2016. The first time Strider showed his face and iconic maroon shirt on camera was when he reminded every viewer to call the suicide prevention line in their country in his Top 10 Worst Family Guys episodes list back in summer 2015 [51], which was one of the early signs of his true colours. It was not very long until Strider began adding moments of goofy acting in his countdowns, notably in his Top Ten Worst Cartoons list. Strider’s humourous reactions add to his charming persona, making his content at least somehow refreshing within the current era of YouTube [25] [29] [50]. His collaboration with Ryan Duncan was another sign that his popularity was steadily growing in late 2015 [4]. What also helped Strider become unique in late 2015 and early 2016, compared to other critics on YouTube was that he would sometimes wield a lightsaber or be with his companion, who is simply a friendly black Boo [25] [29] [40] [41] [42]. In an adorably dorky way, Josh Strider has developed such a likeable persona that he would always put himself into for his loyal followers.
Strider showing compassion and empathy towards those who may be feeling suicidal by attaching suicide prevention lines. [51]As the countdown craze carried on, plenty of YouTube and DeviantArt users criticized it for being “unoriginal” and sometimes flawed, comparing Strider to the likes of WatchMojo.com and Jonathan Rozanski, who is also known as “The Mysterious Mr. Enter” [3] [7]. As someone who admires Strider, I personally believe that Rozanski brought up more valid points and more detailed explanations on the horrific flaws of the most notable episode of Ren & Stimpy: “Adult Party Cartoon”, “Ren Seeks Help” in his review of it [14]. Additionally, a commentary on from a user known as “MangaKamen” pointed out how Strider’s choices for his Worst Remakes list were actually sequels and follow-ups back in September 2016 [10]. I and a few other users are also aware that even though Strider included Mega Babies in his Top 6 Worst American Cartoons video, it was actually a Canadian cartoon [12] [42]. Nevertheless, Strider responded to the commentary from MangaKamen in a rational and mature manner [10]. The good-natured fellow seems like the kind of man who is open to constructive criticism and would be willing to figure out how to prevent his countdowns from becoming repetitive, predictable and stale, according to those who called him out [7].
Strider responding to a commentary on him in a polite and rational manner. [10]Strider created his second YouTube channel, LiveStrider and began playing video games with his brother while he answered questions from his followers during the first half of 2016 [26] [27] [28]. Strider’s followers could tell that he got his South Park from his South Park: The Stick of Truth data [27]. In September 2016, his made three solo Let’s Play videos, featuring a few moments of Goku from Dragonball Z living the Minecraft lifestyle [21] [32] [33]. As Goku explored the world of Minecraft, it was a pleasure to listen to Strider’ calming voice as he commented on Goku’s actions [33]. In addition to this, who could resist occasionally hearing his cute laugh as he plays other games with his brother by his side [27]? It is quite a bummer that the brothers have not made a Let’s Play video for answering questions for LiveStrider since 2017, aside from two of his charity livestreams, but at least Strider has moved onto other things in order to prevent his YouTube legacy from turning stale. However, it would be nice to watch Strider comment on some events in Minecraft again in his free time in the future [21] [32] [33].
The introduction of many of Strider’s Let’s Play Videos with his brother. [26] [27] [28]
Josh Strider as a sim in The Sims 3. [28]Summer 2016 was when Josh Strider first started to discuss anxiety and depression and obsessive-compulsive behaviors and offer advice on how to cope with issues related to them [24] [36]. Likewise, he admits to having Asperger’s, but calmly describes it as “being differently wired” rather than being diagnosed with a mental disorder [24]. I also admire how he explained how negative thoughts can be changed with more realistic thinking as it is refreshing and relatable and can help people like me think positively whenever they suddenly feel inferior [24]. His compassion towards the viewers who may have also have anxiety, autism, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder makes him so much more than just “The WatchMojo.com of Cartoons” [24] [36]. Along with how his vocal performance started to improve with more emotion and the humour of his live-action moments as he got used to wearing specific attire, Strider’s ability to discuss mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression in a helpful and respectful manner has made him far more memorable than how he was during the days of his anime fandubs and early countdowns [24] [36].
“Always remember that you are not alone. And you are okay.” [24]Deep breathing with the adorkable Australian. [36]A darker version of Strider’s South Park avatar debuted in April 2016 [16]. Dark Strider was finally brought into live-action in October 2016, looking at users menacingly in Strider’s DeviantArt gallery [18]. A few ways to describe Dark Strider could be:
Menacing by the gravelly tone of his voice [11] [37]
Feisty by the way he slaughters white Boos [41]
Mysterious by the darkness around his eyes [11]
Quite outspoken by his ability to rant on The Slim Shady Show [38]
Aware by how he takes a slow deep breath to change back into Josh [11] [37]
Sometimes cynical by how he once stated that there was no hope for cartoons [38]
How Dark Strider would occasionally occur not only increases Strider’s individuality within the cartoon community of YouTube, but shows the viewers more of his ambitions in acting since his first theatrical role as a vampire [13]. Despite his surreal appearance and wrathful nature at times, maybe if Dark Strider gives you a bucket, you’ll become one of his best friends in the whole wide world [43]. It worked for the normal Josh Strider and his friend Victoria [43], didn’t it?
The first appearance of Dark Strider by Mike Jensen, one of Strider’s allies. [16]DAAARK Strider! [11] The beloved content creator who would nowadays greet his followers with a “Howdy!” eventually became a more charitable chap, beginning with his livestream at the gym back in February 2017 [22]. His chosen charity for his first livestream was the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention [22]. He once again raised money for the charity in a livestream of him and his brother playing Sonic Mania as a splendid flashback of their Let’s Play videos from 2016 [23] [26] [27] [28]. The amount of money from his followers he donated to the charity not only further proves how seriously he takes suicide, but how he seems to hope for a happier future in a proactive and compassionate manner. Despite how some users even gave Strider the nickname “PhantomMojo” whilst comparing his countdowns to the countdowns produced by the folks from WatchMojo.com, he at least deserves a lot of appreciation for having a big heart of glistening gold and hosting some livestreams for a good cause [22] [23].
Strider running on a treadmill at a gym during his first charity livestream. [22]Strider and his brother taking turns in playing Sonic Mania [23].And would you believe that Strider has become so popular that he featured the one and only Nostalgia Critic in two of his countdowns [47] [52]? Due to his reliability and sweet nature, he has developed companionships with several other YouTubers besides Ryan Duncan, including Robyn Barry-Cotter, an anime critic who is otherwise known as “AnimeAmerica” and the well-known creepypasta fan and critic known as “Dennis” and “HoodoHoodlumsRevenge” [1] [44]. Not only does Strider treat his fans respectfully with empathy and kindheartedness, he is also capable of collaborating with other YouTube personalities in a very reliable and co-operative disposition [2] [5]. With Barry-Cotter and Jonathan Rozanski, Strider even had the funny bone to spoof the Steamed Hams skit from the episode of the seventh season of The Simpsons titled “22 Short Films About Springfield” [31] [54]. As the woman who sang for Strider’s parody of the skit [31], I would say that he truly deserves the popularity he gained for his friendly and diligent nature towards other users in social media.
Strider’s anime avatar from one of the collaborations he did with Robyn Barry-Cotter. [1]Mr. Enter about to have an unforgettable luncheon with PhantomStrider. [31]Strider’s legacy kept on taking small steps through an amazing evolution with new aspects and a few changes. After Dark Strider was blown away by a few critically acclaimed cartoons, the normal Josh Strider was in a stunning orange shirt, looking satisfied [38]. It was heartbreaking to see his orange lightsaber break in summer 2017, but at least his Boo led him to his next lightsaber that consists of a bright shade of green [41]. Aside from his new shirt and lightsaber, Strider also began to act in front of a green screen to increase the variety of backgrounds and achieve more room for acting freely [39] [40]. The progress of adding a different background has not only increased his effort in producing countdowns but made the format somehow refreshing for those who keep on watching him [39] [40]. Strider also began making his own commentaries on his more recent countdowns [15], which would first be uploaded onto his Patreon page as something else new to keep his audience tuned [19]. With these small upgrades, Strider’s individuality still stands out magnificently among the cartoon community of YouTube.
Indiana Strider witnessing the presence of a Zubat. [39]Aye-aye, Captain Strider! [40]Strider eventually started posting short vlogs on his Instagram page in 2018, usually in his green sports T-shirt or a casual brownish beige T-shirt [30]. Currently, he would use his Instagram account to inform his followers on which projects are in development and which ones are finished. This would increase the navigation of finding out about the progress of Strider’s works for the followers who adore browsing pictures and videos on Instagram, thus making him more trustworthy when it comes to accessibility to his main content [30]. Additionally, many of his photographs and short videos within his gallery feature him expressing his fondness for Australian nature, which expands on his angelic personality [30]. One of his latest short videos on his Instagram page could be somewhat classified as an ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) video due to how quiet and calming he sounded while listening to birds tweet in a forest [55]. The adorkable cartoon critic even manages to remain admirable as he roams through any place he visits within his local area, reminding us of the pleasant aspects of being alive [30].
One of Josh Strider’s cutest moments. [30]In conclusion, throughout the years, Josh Strider has been known for:
His anime fandubs from his early adulthood [6]
His Top Five/Six/Ten lists that are often considered to be quite flawed [7]
Collaborating with a few other YouTubers
His mysterious alter-ego, Dark Strider [11] [16] [18] [38] [40] [41]
His companionship with a black Boo [40] [41]
Wielding a lightsaber [29] [41]
Giving advice on how to deal with anxiety and depression [24] [36]
Running for the sake of his own well-being [22]
Treating his fans with outstanding respect [20]
Instructing viewers on how to meditate [36]
Raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention [22] [23]
Aside from the flaws of some of his countdowns, the ways he has shown himself to be an active, hard-working and kind-hearted gentleman really show how inspirational he is as a very good role model for today’s youth. How he has evolved into the charming fellow in an orange shirt we know today is really amazing. Whatever he might do next, he would be delighted to welcome you to his community. If you can face the terror, chaos and uncertainty of the world with kindness, empathy and positivity, you will always carry his deepest respects with you [47].
Thanks for reading Laura’s article and thanks for watching Strider’s videos. [47]References:
blameitonjorge. (2017). 8 Worst Ripoffs of Dreamworks Films (feat. PhantomStrider) | blameitonjorge.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Nvtfm44cQ. Last accessed 6th Aug 2018.
Demon Slayer. (2017). Mr. Demon Slayer Rants #3 PhantomStrider: The WatchMojo of cartoons!.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2mt9RuWIbQ. Last accessed 1st Aug 2018.
Rozanski, J. (2014). Animated Atrocities #59: “Ren Seeks Help” [R&S Adult Party Cartoon].Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHxbSpbRTFw. Last accessed 1st Aug 2018.
Greetings and welcome to another one of my humble portfolios. My name is Laura Williams and it is nice to meet you. This is where I will be expressing my ambition in video game journalism, along with my blog on Blogger. You are more than welcome to read them. :)
I am also interested in voice acting, games design, screen acting, concept art, cosplaying, comedy, fashion modelling, photo manipulation, poetry, literature, scriptwriting and nail art.
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5 thoughts on “The Exceptional Evolution of PhantomStrider”
Glad That You Saw A Few Of Phantom Strider Videos Laura I Didn’t Know That He Voiced Male Characters Have You Subscribed To His Phantom Strider/Live Strider You Tube Channels? He Even Does Fan Mail Opening Videos I’ve Subscribed To Both Of His Channels And Have Sent Him Fan Mail Letters To His Fan Mail Address That He Has Thanked Me For If You Haven’t Look Up His Fan Mail Opening Videos On His Live Strider Channel His South Park/Sponge Bob Square Pants The Simpson’s Plus Anime Video Game Videos Have Been My Favorite I Even Subscribed To His BFF Robyn From Anime America YouTube Channel Where I Even Sent Her Fan Mail Letters That She Does Fan Mail Opening Videos And Thanked Me For They Both Is Nice To There Fans.
Laura's Ambitious Writing 
Glad That You Saw A Few Of Phantom Strider Videos Laura I Didn’t Know That He Voiced Male Characters Have You Subscribed To His Phantom Strider/Live Strider You Tube Channels? He Even Does Fan Mail Opening Videos I’ve Subscribed To Both Of His Channels And Have Sent Him Fan Mail Letters To His Fan Mail Address That He Has Thanked Me For If You Haven’t Look Up His Fan Mail Opening Videos On His Live Strider Channel His South Park/Sponge Bob Square Pants The Simpson’s Plus Anime Video Game Videos Have Been My Favorite I Even Subscribed To His BFF Robyn From Anime America YouTube Channel Where I Even Sent Her Fan Mail Letters That She Does Fan Mail Opening Videos And Thanked Me For They Both Is Nice To There Fans.
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I sure have watched his videos. He’s been so nice to me and I’ll always be grateful for how he has been a great coping mechanism for me. 🙂
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