Retroactive continuity

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Retroactive continuity (retcon) is a literary device in fiction whereby established facts or events in a previously published work are changed in a later work by providing new information that changes the interpretation of the earlier events. "Retcon" is also used as a verb. There are various motivations for applying retroactive continuity, including: to accommodate desired aspects of sequels or derivative works to respond to negative fan reception of previous stories to correct and overcome errors or problems identified in the prior work since its publication to change or clarify how the prior work should be interpreted to match reality, when assumptions or projections of the future are later proven wrong Retcons are common in comic books by long-established publishers such as DC and Marvel. The long history and the number of writers who contribute to stories can often create situations that demand clarification or revision. Retcons have also appeared in manga, soap operas, serial dramas...

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