This is the Spiners. These creatures feed on fame. Before fame, they look like normal humans (see first figure). But as the creatures get more fans (aka fame), they get one extra spine disk per 100 fans. They can go without food (fame) for only 10 years before they wither and die. They can live for up to 2000 years (maturity at 100) but are usually killed before they reach 2000. Death for these creatures is always sudden and quick (withering rapidly) no matter how they are harmed.
Also, as shown by the picture, the spine disks are not limited to the torso or neck. They can also grow tails! This is seen as desirable for these creatures as it is easier to hide a tail rather than an elongated torso or neck. Most Spiners seek out tailed Spiners over others. The location these spine disks go is decided by genetic make-up.
Another possible gene necked Spiners can possess is the ability to retract their necks. This is another desirable trait for Spiners, even more desirable than tailed Spiners.
Torsoed Spiners seem to get the short end of the genetic stick as they usually have a difficult time hiding their deformity. Fortunately for torsoed Spiners, technology has advanced. Thanks to Photoshop and such, torsoed Spiners can still collect fans and feed on the attention. This only applies to the modern era, of course.
