IT vs. Stranger Things

Attribute	IT	Stranger Things
Setting	Derry, Maine	Hawkins, Indiana
Supernatural Elements	Pennywise the Dancing Clown	The Upside Down
Group of Protagonists	The Losers Club	The Party
Time Period	1980s	1980s
Government Involvement	The Losers Club	Hawkins National Laboratory

Plot

Both IT and Stranger Things are popular works of fiction that revolve around a group of kids facing supernatural threats in their small town. In IT, a group of friends known as the Losers Club must confront an evil entity that takes the form of a clown named Pennywise. Meanwhile, in Stranger Things, a group of friends must navigate the mysterious disappearance of one of their own and uncover a government conspiracy involving a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down.

Setting

IT is set in the fictional town of Derry, Maine, during the late 1950s and the 1980s. The town is plagued by a series of child disappearances that the Losers Club must investigate. On the other hand, Stranger Things is set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The town is home to a secretive government lab conducting experiments on children with psychic abilities, leading to the opening of the portal to the Upside Down.

Characters

In IT, the Losers Club consists of seven main characters, each with their own unique personalities and fears. Bill Denbrough is the leader of the group, while Beverly Marsh is the only girl in the club. Richie Tozier provides comic relief, while Ben Hanscom is the group's historian. Mike Hanlon, Eddie Kaspbrak, and Stan Uris round out the group. In contrast, Stranger Things features a larger ensemble cast, including Mike Wheeler, Eleven, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, and more. Each character brings their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the group dynamic.

Themes

Both IT and Stranger Things explore themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of facing one's fears. In IT, the Losers Club must confront their own personal demons in order to defeat Pennywise. The novel also delves into the idea of childhood trauma and the loss of innocence. Similarly, Stranger Things focuses on the bonds of friendship and the lengths that friends will go to in order to protect each other. The show also touches on themes of government secrecy and the dangers of unchecked power.

Tone

While both IT and Stranger Things are classified as horror, they each have their own unique tone and atmosphere. IT is known for its dark and unsettling tone, with scenes of graphic violence and psychological horror. The novel explores the darker aspects of human nature and the fear of the unknown. On the other hand, Stranger Things has a lighter and more nostalgic tone, drawing inspiration from 80s pop culture and classic coming-of-age stories. The show balances moments of suspense and horror with humor and heartwarming moments between the characters.

Reception

Both IT and Stranger Things have been well-received by audiences and critics alike. IT has been praised for its complex characters, atmospheric setting, and terrifying villain. The novel has become a classic of the horror genre and has spawned multiple adaptations, including a successful film series. Similarly, Stranger Things has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its nostalgic references, strong performances, and compelling storytelling. The show has been praised for its blend of horror, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes.