Does Comic Continuity Matter? - Comic Experiment | Comicstorian

[@mathieuleader8601]

Continuity breeds consistency which is a cornerstone for any medium

[@dekaritheprofessor2631]

Perfectly stated!!

[@andrewjalice8649]

kinda with comic hero’s it’s very different

[@andrewjalice8649]

with all the history but i do agree some what continuity is good but at the same time if u go in u start somewhere and find a writer u enjoy and follow i’d run of a character or characters and find story’s u think you’ll enjoy but don’t expect continuity all the time because comics always bring back moments

[@skatemo100]

Too bad editors have no idea what consistency means lol

[@Young_Dab]

Comic book continuity is all over the place

[@diseabronx5075]

A run should absolutely be in continuity with previous runs. But making a run outside of continuity also needs to be done. It allows for exploration that can create new and interesting characters.

[@comicstorian]

So the revamping we planned here is going into affect a little later. This time its just the core topic again. Hope you guys enjoy!

[@kingshadow8782]

Hello

[@kingshadow8782]

Nice Video Benny.

[@kingshadow8782]

This is not King in Black.

[@kingshadow8782]

🤨I thought y'all do this on your other channel.

[@BasketCase420]

Your Donny Cates impression was funny

[@TevyaSmolka]

I think continuity does matter because it gives us good stories and let’s the universe feel connected, with no continuity everything goes crazy and nothing makes any sense anymore.

[@Savagewolver]

Spongebob in a nutshell.

[@TevyaSmolka]

@@Savagewolver sort of

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

*looks at DC, constantly yeeting their continuity:* "...Yes."

[@LUISPRIME]

Yes. Continuity is glue that holds the story together. Without it all you have is garbage.

[@GeekNewz]

welcome to dc comics

[@littleoshowobiesgameroom7407]

What you mean welcome to DC comics?

[@GeekNewz]

@@littleoshowobiesgameroom7407 as mutch as i like dc it as 0 continuity

[@EI-diablo-r9i]

>Says all newbs You shud rly read DC Smh I mean, that it's not the inconsistent thing it's quoted by fans with their incomplete story interpretations. It's one cohesive canon.

[@littleoshowobiesgameroom7407]

@@GeekNewz it has some but I agree

[@heisenberg9306]

Yep and I've started to take notice that a lot of more recent comics are really ridiculous and have no sense to the continuity whatsoever

[@mouadchaali7537]

My favorite books are graphic novels that are in continuity but rarely reference it or out of continuity books that actually end. For monthly books I consider each run a fresh start. It’s easier to enjoy the writing that way without worrying about what did and didn’t happen in the past.

[@threex0xthree]

Continuity in comics helps in keeping a timeline cohesive. From a writer's POV, if the writer feels that he/she wants to add some creative freedom, I'm okay with that. Until it starts getting haywire, rebooting -- or at the very least retconning it a little -- is necessary. Otherwise, Elseworlds storylines, for example, is a perfect where I feel the writer is much more free to explore his/her creative muscles as that concept of "continuity" is a lot less restrictive.

[@JediAcolyte94]

Continuity is paramount. Continuity is the solid foundation after getting the story out there. I can't speak for DC or Marvel but the continuity and consistency of DH's SW run by John Ostrander, Randy Stradley, KJA, Hayden Blackman, and others is peak storytelling with solid continuity.

[@theautisticcreative2619]

Comic continuity is good when the story is set up to have that. One shots are designed to be one story self contained, but has potential for continuity through fan demand or through another character's comic. Some stories demand continuity, while others don't.

[@alejandrodiaz9355]

I'd say asking if continuity matters is like asking if good, competent, writing and editing matters🤔.

[@Night-ec7ef]

I wanna write a story about a hero trying to stop reboots from in his universe and trying not to go insane.

[@dlaserus]

The problem with the current run based continuity is that it is hard to get attached to a character if they keep changing. This is even worse for supporting characters that often just disappear for runs at a time. That means that less people are able to get into comics, while more people leave over the changes.

[@tajanisc]

Depends, like Andy said take a writer's run for what it is because to a certain point every writer's run is its own continuity but I also agree with Benny, the run kinda has to be connected to what's going on overall. Quick example; when Damian died, pretty much every book had Batman trying to find a way to revive him but Snyder's run he seemed barely sad about it. TL;DR Not everything has to be MCU levels of connectedness just enough so current events line up with each other

[@evankessler2762]

I think it’s safe to say consistency is something that comes with having different writers, those characters will be consistent, but only in that one writers stories, For example: Jason Aaron made Thor weak as heck and he could barely fight anyone meanwhile Donny Cates has Thor fighting and killing Galactus and being able to go toe to toe with knull and surviving

[@naquingreen1603]

@Evan Kessler Jason Aaron Doesn't care about Marvel continuity. He will bend and change Anything that he wants and marvel won't Do a thing to stop him because all they Care about is the money a new #1 will Make and pushing their political propaganda in comics which are meant for entertainment and enjoyment of Fans. Jason Aaron has been called The next Brian Michael Bendis by fans Because he doesn't care about continuity and it's hard to get him off A Popular comic, the only way he leaves A book is if he loses interest or is allowed to finish his run (even if fans Don't want to read his run) there has Only been one instance of one of his books getting canceled by marvel And it was because of low sales His Wolverine and The X-Men run.

[@JesseT63]

Yeah it should matter I get tired when comic writers disregard stuff that previous writers done

[@TheFlamingGamerYT]

I’d say continuity is a good thing when it comes to stories in general. It allows for a clear timeline to flow well, an origin to be definitive and brought up when necessary, and plot lines don’t jump all over the place without any reason. Without continuity, nothing really makes sense for long time readers. It simply keeps consistently in a story. That’s just my opinion

[@Creednickelbackgod]

Continuity matters in ongoing runs. Stuff like Black Label it can vary because it’s just twists on stories and introducing new things to them like White Knight and Harleen.

[@sterasigma8734]

Some form of consistent continuity is definitely needed for stories. After all, you can't always explain whatever happened to whoever whenever you reference a past event or character development in an issue of comics. Besides, continuity means at least some of the money you spent on buying past issues mattered, instead of being a pointless expense.

[@jimmyjam5453]

Without continuity you get a new number 1 every few months, because nothing matters.

[@CAPappy]

That Phoenix being Thor’s mom thing contradicts something they just did in Empyre giving Thor powers from his now not-mom Gaea

[@CAPappy]

The Nightwing run in New 52 started with saying that he was done being Batman and back to being Nightwing then contradicts that entirely later on.

[@Aries_5916]

Obvious answer yes. It matters when stories take place in the overall timeline of being a story about a person and or hero/universe. That way things aren't confusing

[@DrewKane]

I stopped reading/collecting comics sometime around 2012, with the launch of the New 52 from DC. That was my breaking point. I'm normally a Marvel guy, and they do far too many crossover events that don't mean a god damned thing to me. I hated the Ultimate universe, and the New 52 from DC was essentially their Ultimate universe. The lack of continuity made these comics hard to follow, which is crazy considering they were rebooted for that exact purpose. Honestly, I'm sick and tired of long stories. I wish more publishers would do one-and-done stories within a series, instead of "one shots" that don't fit. I used to love being able to grab a copy of West Coast Avengers and being able to understand it without having to buy a dozen back issues. I don't buy comics anymore because of this shit. I sometimes keep up with what's happening in the world of comics, but the vast majority of the stuff I read these days is completely unrelated to the subject for the above reasons.

[@jerw1957]

continuity matters but there should be some level of flexibility, Benny refers to the change of writers for flash thompson flash but 90s venom was a lot more extreme, eddie's chacter and physical appearance changed from protector to love struck boyfriend to junkie(lethal protector-sinner takes all-the hunger) depending who was writing, and the symbiote went though various changes as well(the mini heads during the madness, violator jaw and green saliva during various runs) but venom was still venom. as long as the story is compelling and keeps to lessons or morals i dont mind, like i like spiderman with great power motto and hes my fav, i dislike that now every run of batman he needs to learn to trust the bat family

[@nobodyexceptme7794]

Lol i swear Axis was made strictly to distance Wanda and Pietro from Magneto. Red skull onslaught??? Really???

[@zerokura]

If they do it like manga their a main story but some spinoff that tell its own story thats good than like having to read volume 3 of this than read volume 8 of that so you can paste together a story.

[@morlath4767]

A few years on from the last time Comicstorian asked this question, the answer remains the same. YES! Telling a good story is one thing, telling a good, ongoing story is something else entirely. If every story has a character reset back to default then the stories are AUs/fan fictions. They aren't about the character "you" fell in love with, so why should you keep coming back if you can't guarantee the next book will be? Honestly, I get tired of this question since no one asks if continuity matters in TV shows. Those massive 10+ seasons of shows everyone loves? Continuity. That epic ending to Supernatural? Only possible because of Continuity. That soap you or someone you know happens to like watching that's been on for decades? CONTINUITY! You know that book series everyone loves? A Song of Ice and Fire? Lord of the Rings? Dresden Files? Sherlock Holmes Series? The romance Paranormal guilty pleasures? They're all based on bloody continuity. So yes, it matters Comic Book Industry. You're just too lazy to want to keep it.

[@loserscorner6746]

Thing is: yes It does. Consistency is required for any meaningful story. Look at Invincible. Constant changes to the continuity makes the reader feel lonely because it means nothing that's happened.... matters. However, superhero comics can be anything, for better or worse. They can be metaphysical and multidimensional. Or they can be good.

[@DarylMCDeath]

Anyone who says no to this question should not be allowed to call himself Comic Fan!

[@jasonbean591]

It depends. A novel, including a graphic novel, can be a stand alone work. With periodicals that contain the same characters, month in and month out, the interest of the reader can be lost through inconsistencies.:)

[@eliandervalderen5849]

Yeah Deadpool once got a mission from Galactus to kill the beyonder and for payment he wanted the continuity cube which would let him retroactively decide what was and was not canon

[@samshaw3657]

so flippin happy this podcast is back

[@chpa1432]

Continuity is what makes it readable. It's why I don't read comics now because everything is all over the place and rebooted constantly and changing too much. I dont have that much time to invest in what will effectively be a one off.

[@randomua55]

I got a good idea. Every 10 years the comic universe gets resets and we start again but with different stories of the characters, so there’s a new beginning and end like a normal story. And the same writer on each character for those 10 years.

[@mrpitman5496]

The one show that makes some think on Saturday

[@Syntherus]

Yes. Major events (for characters, not universes) need to be there for you to feel a history. I want to see things progress and be able to see callbacks and references to things that have happened in the past. At the same time it needs to be malleable so we can yeet the shit nobody likes into the garbage can.

[@kingshadow8782]

😁Heck Yeah the Comic Book Story is finally here.

[@kingshadow8782]

🤘🏼😎👌🏼🥇

[@calebj9079]

From a new comic reader continuity matters. Everytime I feel like I know what is going on I find out I actually don't because the events referenced or characters introduced were from comics 30 years ago or something. Makes it so difficult to get into because I continuously get lost. Don't get me wrong I know I don't need to read everything but it helps when everything just flows well

[@thechronik]

When Benny talks...my mind travels 🤯

[@darthbatman8063]

A new comic experiment!!!!! 😁

[@rampaginbob9640]

Could you’s cover a web comic called 5 years later?

[@afro4640]

That's Kuro's comic, right? It's based in mediums they probably haven't seen so it's unlikely they will.

[@rampaginbob9640]

@@afro4640 yea it is

[@klonvomhaus]

Did Gary simultaneously turn up the volume for all of them when Benny told Dan to speak up? Or did my ears just coincidentally open up at that moment?

[@wdcain1]

I wish it did and there is no reason why it shouldn't. This way longtime readers aren't alienated and new readers can be intrigued into looking up the rich history of the characters.

[@TheDeath7ofsb]

every 5 years Bruce's parents Will die, uncle ben teaches a lesson, and the avengers will assemble

[@juancarloslopezseaman8676]

Am i the only one who enjoyed new 52? I didnt used to read comics because i thought that it would be very complex due to the character's history. But new 52 being the reset in which everything before didnt matter helped me get into comics. Afterwards i began reading everything that came before it without stressing. But i owe it to the new 52 to bow have this passion for comics.

[@furious5009]

Even the WWE has continuity

[@Ektuma]

Continuity isnt always needed but sometimes writers tend to connect things and its hard to tie in those connection n it fucks wit the flow of the story

[@noviceotaku5496]

You were close to the trifecta. “Stop it with the BAT PUNS” hahahah

[@jlaff98]

Story continuity is important especially in ongoing series and tie ins but when it comes to characters powers and abilities I sorta just imagine they have all their previous powers but some of the golden/silver age powers that are more ridiculous or silly I just imagine that they just don’t use them anymore or not as often but that’s just me

[@Gundam_JAY]

This is actually a good question

[@benjaminracklin8138]

Is future starte the new continuity for dc or will it go back to normal?

[@mcpics4448]

It back normal but future state did give us foresight of what DC writer and planting seeds for the course

[@benjaminracklin8138]

@No. 1 Spidey-Fan thnx

[@benjaminracklin8138]

@@mcpics4448 thnx

[@thingman243]

Keep the continuity that applies to the story you're trying to telll. If a writer is ignoring one story line from the past that doesnt tell the story they are trying to tell, it's alright as long as "they" explaine how the timeline changed ie. Creat a new universe from the point of the split from the continuity of the story it is trying to tell.

[@kodyolding7258]

That's why dc made it to where the they are the same like 1939 bruce is the same as current bruce and same for all characters

[@volgax3646]

Yes and it’s getting beyond annoying that Marvel seems to not care

[@bardsimpson1404]

As an old school comic fan, (i learned to read from sesame st, and marvel comics before i started kindergarten) dating back to early 70s, yes continuity is important. It may take some homework on part of the writers to check timelines, and old storylines, but they write comics for a living, do the homework. To me, its EXTREMELY lazy, to take an old time tested character, change the sex/color/lifestyle and then pretend its a new character. Is it that hard to create new characters?

[@A_Random_W33b]

Continuity does matter. The problem with comics in general is that it allows different artists and writers to give their own interpretation of the pre-existing character/series. Due to this, there will always be inconsistencies in lore and characterization. It's eastern counterparts, like manga and manhwa, have consistent stories and characterization due to the IP being written/drawn by one writer and artist. Because there is only one main story and single series to follow, it makes it easier and more accessible for newcomers to start reading a series without having the feeling of missing out on content. For example, One Piece has one story being told through one series and written by one author, granted its a really long one, meaning there is a definitive character of Luffy and his crew that any fan can reference. The anime may have non-canon stories, but if you ever want the true characterization and portrayal of the narrative, there is the one and only manga of that series (you could also watch the anime since it somewhat follows the manga faithfully, just really outstretches some moments to fill in time)

[@Opalance]

If people know that continuity can change at any point, they know that the stories don't matter, because there are no consequences. Anything can be undone at any time and anyone can come back from the dead for no reason at all. It cheapens people's work, it makes the stories pointless, it's confusing. No one wants that. They keep doing retcons to make things "simpler" for new readers, but then they try to read older material and nothing from the previous 70 years makes any sense, because there's no continuity.

[@WhatDoesEvilMean]

Imagine if television shows took this approach. “NEW WRITER! CONTINUITY IGNORED!” This makes no sense. There’s a single line from X-Men #1 to Hickman’s X-men run. If it’s not all the same continuity, then that’s just an admittance that these characters are worthless.

[@mspeterson735]

hear me out... Continuity therapists, Deadpool.

[@TevyaSmolka]

Laura getting degreased really annoyed me because i loved Laura as all new wolverine she was really awesome and badass.

[@swayedoyster3559]

Nothing really matters

[@itzjuke6374]

To the person who is reading this, don’t give up on your KZbin channel. Keep going it’s gong to get better.

[@hurdco7]

No and Yes to Continuity. I like if Individual Arcs or Story lines have good consistency. But tying every different story thread and comic line together does limit writer intent. I don't know much about how comic threads are planned in advance, nor the difficulties of communication are between writers and editors.

[@antonissa8345]

.... uhm yes... that’s why the MCU is awesome

[@eliandervalderen5849]

I'm pretty sure giant size X-Men number 1 came out in either the 70s or the 80s it was the new second-team going to rescue the original team them from a the living Island Krakatoa?

[@tonyibraham5931]

Something I've tried to figure out for a while is who Dan sounds like for the majority of these videos and I finally figured it out! Stefon from SNL.

[@karenwherearethekids9308]

When I was reading x of swords i had to Google why there are two psylocks in the story. I was so confused when I read that and the explanation wasn't that good either

[@emeraldo]

If comics had consistency/continuity, I wouldn't even look at manga.

[@nickwalker7850]

No. It only matters that it lasts for the five year period you first start reading comics. Then it reboots again, and then you decide to never waste your money on comics again. So in short, with the expectation that your audience is revolving/temporary, it doesn't.

[@Arclight-Arcanum]

Those who ditch continuity in favor of storytelling just prove they aren’t story teller enough to tell good stories.

[@ehammo]

You know What's a good drinking game? Drink every time they say great example. At the 15min mark I was tipsy. Now I'm not even sure I'm writing proper english

[@josephficenec617]

Hey Hydra Cap got beat up by the punisher in War machine armor and then got melted in issue 8 of the current Captain America run... Yeah bro he was melted to death

[@JaxxVs]

Backstory VS Continuity the backstory generally stays the same while the situation and world around the character changes. the backstory is the basic understanding.. Batman's parents cant live Superman cant be from mars Spiderman cant be a dwarf who eats oreos and gets bit by a roach this would break the character... however.. batman can imagine his parents alive and hallucinate it. superman can go to mars and spiderman can go into the spideyverse.. Backstory vs Continuity

[@banjiromasati4907]

YES comics its same as the manga all comics have a beguining and a end. But western comics(more exactly the super hero comics)have a lot more of crossovers and diferent series BUT its a line history. Example batman vol 1 have more than 700 but that vol have like 3 diferent series. The original batman and end and also have the bronce age of batman(and his final chapter its EPIC) and the Modern Batman than beguin in Batman year one 403 and finish in the 720.

[@LCProductionCompany]

You missed the capes and Pals upload last week on comicstorian gaming

[@BasketCase420]

This kinda a shorter episode. I like it

[@sonicthehedgehog1109]

Hey Comicstorian!!! I know this was a long time ago but can you do the entire Red Robin 09 series!! I'd love to watch that from you!! Please and thank you!

[@Peecamarke]

I just want good stories and good stories don't have to have continuity. We've seen the reaction from DC saying everything matters compared to DC rebooting and picking&choosing what's in continuity. think it should be each writer is a new story and the references are just references. Mangas work so well because it one team for the whole series and its a completed series so the chars age over time skips or new series. With Am comics the chars themselves are so important to merchandising (not nec story or narrative) that they dont want to age them or change status quo and just reboot and change writers. After this being done for decades there's so much continuity the stories become hard to jump on for new readers and can often limit the artists from exploring new stories and characters because they have to adhere to a status quo established 60 years ago. Like someone else mentioned, I like Spidermans theme on with great power comes respons but its exhausting seeing Batman or Wolverine constantly relearning to trust their team and family. Personally, as a new reader I just dint like when they have so many easter eggs and refs to old material that its confusing

[@Seeker118]

Continuity isnt a changing tide its a working tool to help elevate characters without it the story is just a bunch on jumbled comic mushed together even in manga continuity is needed to make a good story it helps us understand weaknesses and story plots like if i told you superman could lift an island made of the green stuff but than told you it makes him drop like a rock in a pound you'd be hella confused and batman trust no one but his butler thats continuity to his Character and wolfie has trouble with socializing its just important to lay the groundwork for any long running story of course you dont need it in singles or out of story comic like when spawn met batman or dc v Marvel but in a long built story like the avengers movies its important to have it a story writing device

[@bycreation2]

Phoenix being Thor's mother, I don't like it.

[@nebriancoleman4704]

I think continuity matters, it's kinda like the hero of the story that gets corrupted by retcons. You have to establish something then decide if your inside or outside. Zelda and FF are good examples of new stories they reset but still manage to give you the same feel

[@TailsTheFoxy]

Short answer: NO! Long answer: Especially in the long run continuity hinders creativity and leads a lot more to errors and mistakes being made. Also it could scare new readers away if sticking to continuity leads to a overloaded and complicated lore and makes the actions of the characters not relatable or hard to understand.

[@sumit4929]

I agree 👍👍👍

[@sumit4929]

Thing that matter the most is characters with stories

[@plumberpool]

Oh my God I'm already paying for KZbin premium the last thing I want to do is to have to get HBO just so I can watch comicstorian

[@klonvomhaus]

You say it in the podcast. And I know nobody will read this, but you say it yourself. If it's explained in the comics, it's FINE. There are so many universe bending forces. Even if it was just Franklin Richards going "I like it better that way" and nobody ages anymore. I'd prefer an explanation over a writer going "I don't like this, I'm going to ignore it". Because it's been written. As a fan, I have a feeling about this. Now if the writer expunges it, that's... whatever. It's the current run. Maybe I'm like Andy and will never read anything from that writer ever again. But I can accept that this is "the truth" in an arguement with another fan. Canon is the rules we all fall back on when we compare favourites. And I believe it is vastly important to reduce a divide in the comicbook fandom. Just give it a clear line. It's not like you don't have enough gods to allow for creative freedom.

[@eliandervalderen5849]

We've known Dragons Were Real in Marvel for at least since Kitty Pryde and her pet space Dragon like he became a thing I think that was the 70s I'm not sure it was from before I was born

[@luisandrade5500]

I just count everything I read as continuity and I tell whoever started reading comics just to jump in and flow with it

[@jrox1904]

I always thought every 20 years we should renumber & reboot a series but wen restarting keep the core of the character the same

[@d4nniedark0]

I gotta say I don’t care about continuity unless it directly relates to another story or connects it somehow but for individual stories they can easily be removed from any continuity. That doesn’t diminish it any way it just says it’s a great story imo anyway

[@nemesiscomix]

In all honesty, if you don't have enough control over your IP to have continuity then why did you attempt to create a compelling universe in the first place?

[@warlordhax5995]

Deadpools the Therapist

[@CWD632]

Continuity matters. It’s why marvel had such superior stories for such a long time. In DC you have had twenty different Bruce Wayne’s as the main Batman. Odin son of 616 has literally been the main Odin son the whole time. There weren’t alternate reality ones that came in because 616 was destroyed or rebooted. Granted continuity has had its issues but marvel has won that game IMO because the guys you have are the ones you always had. From a multiversal viewpoint. And when another universe collided with 616 it was always recognized.

[@otakurocklee]

I think a hard reboot every 10 years would be good. A real hard reboot (not a multiverse trick or nonsense like that). Let the characters age over the 10 years... finish off the storylines at the 10 year mark. Maybe even have culminating even to end the 10 year run. Then start fresh again. This way we don't throw out anything. What happened in that 10 year run really did happen in that 10 year run for chose characters. Unlike what 's done now... we retcon the past nullifying old events... making fans unhappy and ruining old stories. I would have much preferred a hard reboot of the marvel universe over the one more day nonsense. Start Peter Parker again, single, if the writers are so adamant about it... rather than maintaining one twisted convoluted timeline.

[@garyjones3896]

I like this discussion because personally I think continuity doesn’t matter much. In the example Avengers vs X-men I read it and hadn’t read any of the other X-men or Avengers stories before and I understood it. I tend to just follow good runs

[@kingshadow8782]

Awesome

[@BozheTsaryaKhrani]

Waza

[@karmabum21]

I could look at Dan all day

[@TheChadBatman]

Continuity helps following stories easier and makes the world building much more sense. Anime does it all the time

[@nobodyexceptme7794]

Nay i say.....of import???? Tis a paramount of necessity!!!

[@Darkstar010]

Barry ?flash?

[@eqs1782]

I've been thinking about it...killing people is bad. ROFL

[@caringtonjames]

Read Spider-Man... any questions comicstorian probably has a video explaining it to you