In the original novel, Johan occupied a villain role so quintessentially devious that readers would pause their reading to punch pillows in his effigy. His machinations against the kingdom and particularly his vendetta against Carlton earned him devoted hatred across the fandom. When he vanished for over half a year following his ultimate betrayal—a calculated scheme to assassinate Carlton—readers celebrated with virtual champagne toasts in forum threads titled "JOHAN IS GONE PARTY (BYOB)".
Yet despite his moral bankruptcy, a significant faction of readers found themselves conflicted. Their moral compasses spun uselessly in the magnetic field of Johan's exquisite features. Forum signatures declared "Johan Was Wrong But He Looked So Right" and "I Can Fix Him (His Ethics, Not His Face)". The cognitive dissonance of despising his actions while coveting his appearance created a particular brand of readership whiplash.
