Fanfiction Types, Pt. 4: Canon Compliance
We’ve discussed Alternate Universe (AU) work, Post-canon (PC), and Canon Divergent (CD) content, but there is a fourth type of fanfiction—Canon Compliant.
Canon Compliant (CC): (Def) - A work that does not alter canon material.
Many fanfic readers love Canon Compliant material—stories that take place slightly before or during canon events, but are told from a different perspective. It could be content that explores gaps in timelines, events between episodes/chapters, scenes from minor characters’ perspectives, even some prequel and sequel stories. But though there is great variety and even some conjecture in CC material, the common factor is none of it contradicts canon content.
As with AU, PC, and CD content, CC work has its naysayers:
1) Readers who have complaints about significant canon events: Not everyone is in love with all aspects of canon, and those who aren’t may be disillusioned with re-living portions of canon they dislike.
2) Readers who haven’t finished canon content: Fans consume canon content at different rates, and you may come across those who misunderstand your content because they haven’t gotten that far in canon. If the IP you write for is new, it might be valuable to consider leaving spoiler warnings for those who haven’t reached certain sections of canon yet.
3) Readers who disagree with your interpretation of characters/plot/etc.: People are different, so, necessarily, will be their views of fictional content. A character one reader may love could be someone another reader can’t stand. Or maybe a reader will view a canon event in a significantly different light than you do.
Not everyone is going to agree with or like every decision you, as a writer, make, but as long as you keep canon foremost in mind when penning your Canon Compliant piece, there will also be those who really love your work:
1) Readers who consider canon the best interpretation of a particular story: Some people just can’t get enough of a particular story world and are thrilled with how canon unfolded. They love spending time in that world just as it is and exploring it through canon compliant stories.
2) Readers who are familiar with the whole of canon: Many dedicated fans know canon so well they could write volumes on every aspect of it. These fans will appreciate your efforts to remain true to the canon they know and love.
3) Readers who see things the same way you do: Even though some won’t view canon the way you do, some will, and they will resonate with your work in a powerful way. Some may even let you know by leaving glowing comments or messages letting you know how much your work means to them.
Do you value the way an IP’s canon was handled? Do you keep coming back to a certain book, movie, show, or game? Why not write a Canon Compliant fanfic? If you do, I’d love to hear about it.
Check out the three previous entries in this series: