What does “canon” mean? Understand the use in souls, films and series

In the world of fiction, especially in souls, films and series, the term “canonical” often appears in fans’ discussions. The word may seem technical, but has an important role: it defines what is part of the official history of a narrative universe and what should be considered alternative material, unofficial or only a free interpretation.

Understanding the concept of “canon” is essential to accompany complex franchises such as Star Wars, Naruto or the Marvel universe. In these works, different media such as comics, films, series, games and even derivative products coexist, but not everyone has the same status within the main narrative.

What is Canon?

In a nutshell, Canon is the set of works, events or characters considered official within an imaginary universe. It is the “true temporal sequence”, the one that creators, studies or owners of working rights recognize as part of the main narrative.

Origin of the term

The word “canon” comes from Greek Kanonwhich means “rule” or “model”. The Catholic Church used the term to designate accepted texts as officers of the Bible, differentiating them from the writings considered apocryphals.

Later, writers and literary critics adopted the concept, which then emigrated to pop culture. In all these contexts, the term has maintained the same logic: separating what is official from what is alternative.

The canon in pop culture

In movies and series

In long -term franchises, such as Star Wars, the definition of what is canonical can change over time.

When Disney purchased Lucasfilm, for example, several books and comics that before fans considered part of the official history received the title of legends. Therefore, only the films and series produced after the purchase, in addition to the six original episodes, have maintained the sauce of the rectory.

In Star Trek, something similar happens: different series and films coexist, but not everyone is accepted as part of the same continuity.

The same happens in other franchises, such as terror. In the universe of evil invocation, for example, we have the main films of the saga and also the spin-offs that explore parallel events with other characters, such as the Annabelle doll. The events of these films are canonical within the official temporal sequence of the universe invocation of evil.

In anime and manga

In the anime universe, the discussion on the canon is also constant. Many titles have both original manga and animated adaptations, derivative films and extra episodes (the famous filler). What appears in the anime is not always considered part of the official history.

A clear example is Naruto: while the manga defines the canon, several arches of fillers in the anime are not part of the line created by Masashi Kishimoto. In Dragon Ball, the situation is more complex: some old films are not canonical, while Dragon Ball Super: Broly has been officially integrated into continuity.

The Dragon Ball GT series also generates debates among fans on their rectory. Many of his events in conflict with what has been shown in Dragon Ball Super and, more recently, in Dragon Ball Daima.

Canon vs. non -canonical

What is non-channel?

The unsurpassed works or events are those that are not part of the official history. They can emerge in different formats, such as:

Why is this important?

Define what is canonical helps to maintain the coherence of the narrative. In long and complex franchises, this separation avoids contradictions and offers the public a reliable line of continuity.

The concept of canon is also fundamental for fans and their communities. Much of the behavior of the fans revolves around the discussion and interpretation of the official material: create theories, create lists and chips of characters, places of cataloging, objects, weapons, planets and other elements that make up the narrative universe. It is from this basis that the collective commitment around work is built.

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Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.