DC and Marvel comic book continuity doesn’t matter, and I can prove it

As someone who has spent the better part of my life immersed in the rich tapestry of comic book superhero lore, I can confidently say that the notion of strict continuity is a double-edged sword. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the allure of wanting to keep things consistent for the sake of preserving the integrity of these beloved characters and their stories. But having seen firsthand how the genre has evolved over decades, I can also attest to the fact that a lack of strict continuity is what allows these ideas to stay relevant even in the present.

In today’s pop culture scene, especially after the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the term “continuity” is commonly used among knowledgeable fans, regardless of whether they are discussing comics, movies, TV shows, or video games. For me, as a long-time fan of superhero comics, continuity refers to the concept that two or more established storylines are not just connected but also happen in sequence. It’s not about numerous unrelated stories taking place in the same world, but rather every new tale should fit seamlessly with what came before.

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I find it intriguing to explore the various methods for managing complex, multigenerational narratives. Each approach I encounter presents a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle between the desired narrative outcome and the practicalities of bringing it to life.

DC Comics frequently resets its timeline to give fans a fresh start after decades of complex and varying storylines. In contrast, Marvel maintains a continuous timeline with numerous revisions and alternate realities, including the popular “gray-canon” setting where an older Wolverine exists, which has sparked interest for future stories. Hypertime and the Marvel No-Prize are creative ways to explain the continuity inconsistencies that arise from comic book creators introducing elements that disrupt established storylines, either unintentionally or intentionally to enhance a specific narrative.

In collaborative storytelling, maintaining strict continuity can be challenging and isn’t a given – hence the need for various approaches to address this reality. It’s not a surprising observation, as if continuity were effortless, we wouldn’t require specific methods to deal with it in the first place. However, expressing that continuity should not be important or already isn’t seems to evoke strong reactions from some people.

So here we are

A frequent response I encounter is: “Without a regular flow of events, it will be difficult for readers to become engaged in the narrative.”

In simpler terms, when I state that “continuity isn’t very important,” I’m not referring to self-contained pieces of art. This includes the vast majority of Western films, TV shows, literature, comics, and even some video games that follow a clear narrative structure. However, if someone intends to convey a coherent story, it is advantageous for that story to make logical sense.

I’m referring to ongoing stories told through multiple interconnected works, where different creators contribute. These aren’t always connected to the same source, but rather form expansive universes like DC Comics, Marvel Comics, the MCU, Star Wars, and more. In marketing terms, these are called “franchises.”

If you persist in arguing that people enjoy DC and Marvel comics solely because of their continuity, I implore you, my dear friend, consider the tales of old that captivated audiences long before the existence of such consistent narratives. Contemplate stories like King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake, Persephone and Hades, or Robin Hood’s companion, Little John.

That was a trick question! No you don’t!

Those stories don’t have a single definitive version because they originated from oral tradition and popular literature where authorship was not a priority. Multiple tellers passed them down through generations, leading to various interpretations. For instance, was the Lady of the Lake protecting Lancelot or Excalibur? Did Persephone flee from Hades or Zeus? Was Little John one of Robin Hood’s wisest or least intelligent companions? The answers depend on which version of the story you refer to.

The various accounts of these tales have been compiled over the centuries by drawing from the most compelling elements of earlier versions. Despite the absence of a definitive or unified version for Arthurian legend, Greek mythology, or Robin Hood stories, they continue to captivate audiences worldwide, enduring through generations.

I’ve spent years immersed in the world of storytelling, from ancient civilizations where tales were etched into cave walls, to modern times where narratives are recorded and shared globally. The evolution of storytelling is a testament to human creativity and ingenuity.

As someone who has spent decades immersed in various storytelling communities, from comic books to science fiction and fantasy, I can’t help but be struck by the similarities between collaborative franchise storytelling and oral traditions. Now, I know some folks might roll their eyes at this comparison, but hear me out.

As someone who has spent my entire life immersed in storytelling, both as a consumer and a creator, I firmly believe that our most cherished tales don’t require rigid continuity to remain captivating in today’s world. Throughout history, from the oral traditions of ancient civilizations to the modern age of mass media, stories have evolved and adapted to reflect the changing times while retaining their core essence.

And that’s equally true for superhero continuity

Modern storytellers in franchises employ various techniques such as reboots, retcons, alternate universes, and Hypertime to enhance their narratives by breaking continuity. This is not dissimilar from oral or folk storytellers adapting tales to suit their audience. Delve deeper into any well-known comic book superhero, Star Trek alien race, or lesser-known Star Wars concept, and you’ll uncover creators making it up as they go along. Those who follow add to the best elements, advancing the story. The viewers don’t need to be familiar with every Robin Hood or Wolverine tale to recognize the characters.

“However, Susana, what I’m trying to express is that I merely wish for a Wolverine tale that truly embodies the essence of a ‘Wolverine story.'”

As someone who has grown up with both Batman and Wolverine stories shaping my childhood, I can tell you that each character holds a special place in my heart. However, when it comes to defining “the story” of these iconic heroes, I must disagree with the notion that there’s only one definitive version.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment whenever a beloved character’s backstory gets altered without proper notice. A few years ago, Wolverine returned from the dead with an intriguing new ability – his claws could now ignite, adding a fiery edge to his combat skills. However, it seemed that the X-Men’s latest writer hadn’t received the memo and, inexplicably, Wolverine’s hot claws vanished from existence without so much as a footnote.

As an avid Batman fan, I embrace the idea that continuity isn’t set in stone for me. I believe it’s beneficial to have numerous interpretations of Batman available. This way, storytellers can present versions of the Dark Knight tailored to each moment in time, ensuring an endless supply of captivating Batman tales.

The Animated Series, as well as the unique perspectives of certain Batman writers during the 1990s.

In the process of creating stories collectively, strict consistency isn’t a given. Yet, this flexibility is essential for our modern mythologies to endure across generations. History demonstrates that producing collaborative works spanning decades, or even single generations, inevitably involves cracking some – if not several – established rules. This isn’t an oversight, a flaw, or a shortcut; it’s simply the method of crafting a compelling and multigenerational narrative.

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2024-07-15 18:21