Understanding the Difference Between Manga Canon and Anime Canon

When delving into the world of anime and manga, one encounters a myriad of terms and concepts that can sometimes be perplexing. Two key terms that often cause confusion are “Manga Canon” and “Anime Canon.” In this article, we will explore these terms to help you navigate the complex landscape of these creative mediums.

What is a Canon?

“Canon” signifies anything that is supported or approved by the original author of a work. It is a term used in writing and media to denote facts, events, or characters that are considered integral to the story's continuity. Even if something does not explicitly appear in the manga or anime, it can still be considered canon if the author affirms it.

Manga Canon

Manga Canon refers to anything that exists within the manga series that has been approved by the original creator. Conventional manga follows a top-down approach where the manga author is often the original creator, meaning that everything in the manga is typically considered true. However, there are exceptions to this rule:

If the manga was not created or approved by the author, the work might not be considered cannon. Comedy or gag spin-offs are often considered non-canon, as they are not meant to be taken seriously by the author. Side comics or interstitial content that is clearly labeled as non-serious are also typically not considered cannon. Derivative works created after the manga can contradict the established canon, especially if the original creator does not approve of them.

Anime Canon

Anime Canon can be broken down into two categories:

Anime Canon 1: True Canon

Content that directly mirrors what is shown in the original source material (usually the manga). Scenes or aspects that were approved by the author, confirming their status as canon.

Anime Canon 2: Canon to the Anime

Encompasses characters, arcs, and events that happen in the anime and maintain continuity, even if they cannot be found in the original source material. These elements must be reoccurring and relevant in the anime.

While the anime is often an adaptation of the manga, some elements may be altered or reinterpreted. This reinterpretation creates a separate canon that stands independently of the original work.

Additional Terms to Keep in Mind

Add Ins: These are references or additional content that builds upon the original source material without directly contradicting existing canon. They are more of an interpretation and can be taken as canon by the audience, provided the author has not explicitly stated otherwise. Non-Canon: Anything that does not exist in the original source material and is not supported by the original creator is considered non-canon. It may be seen as irrelevant or irrelevant to the story or even contradictory to known facts. Fillers: These are episodes or scenes not present in the original source material, mostly added to stretch the content duration. Fillers can be canon or non-canon based on the specific circumstances of their addition. Retcon: A retcon, or retroactive continuity, occurs when the original creator reinterprets or rewrites a previously established canon to be untrue, effectively creating new cannon.

When Manga and Anime Diverge

When a manga and anime cover the same arc with significant differences but the end result is the same, whether to consider the anime or manga canon depends on a few factors:

If the author approves of the differences and accepts the new interpretation, the anime can be considered new canon and the manga retroactively reinterpreted as non-canon. If the author does not approve of the changes but the interpretation has continuity within the anime, it can still be considered anime canon. If the author and both the original source and the adaptation do not support the changes, it remains non-canon.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between manga canon and anime canon is crucial for appreciating these creative mediums. By comprehending how each canon is defined and the factors that influence their status, fans can make more informed decisions about what they accept as true within their favorite series.