[comics] Poll time / canon-consistency in fic (DCU)

[glossing]

The context for this post - besides, of course, my usual overweening neuroses - is that I'm currently writing a fic set about a year/18 months *after* the 52/missing year. I'm also reading, usually through unhappy eyes, current canon

Comments

[reshelved]

I do assume consistency with some kind of canon, but not likely 1) current canon, 2) all canon of the chosen period, or 3) any title that isn't best-known for the main character of the story. I wouldn't be put off if "canon-consistent" meant "accurately reveals the essence of the character" instead of "follows canon facts strictly", especially where the two conflict. Also, I expect (if it's not stated, or if I don't understand the meaning of the stated setting) that I will have to figure out for myself where the story fits in the mess of canon facts.

In short, I give fic the same courtesy I give the comics themselves. (And, as with comics, I give more leeway the better the writing and the more interesting the possibilities.) Cherry-picking is always a sane choice in this fandom.

[glossing]

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment.

if "canon-consistent" meant "accurately reveals the essence of the character" instead of "follows canon facts strictly", especially where the two conflict.
I'm in full agreement with you here. (And not just because the Bruce Wayne I'm currently writing feels more in-character than the guy in the funny books right now. *g*)

Also, I expect (if it's not stated, or if I don't understand the meaning of the stated setting) that I will have to figure out for myself where the story fits in the mess of canon facts.
I expect the same thing, too, as a reader, but at some point along the line, I was taught to indicate such things in the headers. Easy enough if the point of departure is obvious, but - that's just really not always the case.

Cherry-picking is always a sane choice in this fandom.
*nods* Probably the only sane choice, really.

[reshelved]

And not just because the Bruce Wayne I'm currently writing feels more in-character than the guy in the funny books right now.
I avoid any story where an established hero suddenly has a kid (unless last name = Summers or Grey). Particularly when it implies that Bruce Wayne has canonically had sex, much less had unprotected sex or some other sexual mishap without monitoring the effects. But given how much even the thought of the current arc makes me cover my eyes and chant "No, no, no; that is no Batman I recognise," let alone any nurturing-Bruce execution, I suspect I agree with you. :D

at some point along the line, I was taught to indicate such things in the headers.I do appreciate it when we're told where the canon departure happens, but I don't like to imply that the author has any responsibility past writing a story to the best of her ability--if that makes sense

[jubilancy]

I checked a few titles because K. has been downloading them and so I'm pretty up to date on them, but I'm actually not actively seeking out anything DC-related right now, which is a weird realization.

[glossing]

*pets* It is a weird feeling, isn't it? I'm worried I'm going to have to drop Catwoman soon, which is something I never, ever thought would happen.

Also, HI. *clutches*

[jubilancy]

I forgot Green Arrow, which I'm generally enjoying.

I think I'm glad I just read all of the Brubaker Catwoman and then didn't search for more of it. Breaking up Holly & Karon is not on, and I don't generally enjoy expectant mother stuff.

[oneangrykate]

I answered "yes" to the fifth question since there was no "yes AND no" answer, as I'm really digging on most of what I'm reading, but I know I'm ignoring huge chunks of the DCU and anything that has to do with Countdown for the time being. Does that count?

But current canon is diverging *so much* from the stories that I want to tell
Oh god, sing it, sister. A few of my ideas are set far enough in the future to head some of this off, but I'm terrified they'll do something weird with Jason before I finish my big epic fic.