Anime canon refers to the officially acknowledged storylines and events within a particular anime series. This term is commonly used to differentiate between the original source material and the adaptations, spin-offs, or filler episodes that do not necessarily follow the original story. It is an essential concept in anime, as it helps to maintain consistency and coherence within a particular series.
Canon vs. Non-Canon
A canon storyline is one that remains true to the original source material, including manga, light novels, or visual novels. It consists of the actual events and character development that occur within the series and is known as the official story. The original production company owns the rights to the story and characters and has complete control over the canon material.
On the other hand, non-canon refers to the material that is not part of the original storyline. It includes fillers, spin-offs, and adaptations that feature events, characters, or storylines that are not in the original series. Non-canon material is usually created for commercial purposes or to extend the story beyond its original conclusion.
Anime Canon in Comparison to Other Media
Anime canon often differs from the original source material, such as manga, light novels, or visual novels. Sometimes it is because anime adaptations need to compress long story arcs into a shorter format, and other times it is due to licensing issues, censorship, or other factors. This can lead to significant differences in character design, dialogue, and even overarching themes.
For example, the anime adaptation of Fullmetal Alchemist had to create an ending that differed from the manga because the manga was still releasing new chapters. The anime writers had to create their own ending to give the viewers a satisfying conclusion, which resulted in a difference in the story’s canon.
Another example is Death Note. The anime adaptation was true to the manga’s storyline, but it omitted several aspects, including an entire arc involving a character named Near. Because of these differences, there is no single universal canon for Death Note, and it is up to the viewer or reader to decide which version they want to view as the “true” canon.
FAQs:
Q: What is Anime Canon?
A: Anime canon refers to the officially acknowledged storylines and events within a particular anime series.
Q: How is anime canon different from non-canon?
A: Anime canon refers to the official storyline, while non-canon refers to the material that is not part of the original storyline. It includes fillers, spin-offs, and adaptations that feature events, characters, or storylines that are not in the original series.
Q: Why is anime canon important?
A: Anime canon helps to maintain consistency and coherence within a particular series. It allows fans to understand the original story and to differentiate between adaptations, spin-offs, or filler episodes that do not necessarily follow the original story.
Q: How does anime canon compare to other media?
A: Anime canon often differs from the original source material, such as manga, light novels, or visual novels, due to various factors. This can lead to significant differences in character design, dialogue, and even overarching themes.
In conclusion, anime canon is an essential concept that fans need to understand to differentiate between the original storyline and adaptations, spin-offs, or filler episodes. It helps to maintain consistency and coherence within a particular series and allows fans to understand the original story. While canon material is the actual events and character development that occur within the series, non-canon material is usually created for commercial purposes or to extend the story beyond its original conclusion.