We know Tim Burton crafted some of the most groundbreaking and visually imaginative films of the 1980s & ’90s, but more importantly, he succeeded spectacularly where John Hughes fell short: telling stories that made a generation of young adults not only comfortable with their eccentricities, but celebrate their inner freak.

If they knew each other in high school, Lydia would have let Andie know what a shallow jerk she was for choosing Blane over Duckie.

Burton’s protagonists are often societal outcasts who overcome both their personal demons and the relentless banality of the ochlocracy. The quirky iconoclasts portrayed in his films of the era were not only inspirational to young adults, but helped transform introverted, self-conscious weirdos into influential leaders.

We haven’t seen a really great antihero [especially one young girls can aspire to] from Burton in years. We also haven’t seen a comedy from him in years. These are the two areas where he really shines. I’m optimistic about Dark Shadows, because it looks like it could be a grand return to form, and just maybe inspire a whole new generation of freaks.