漫画とかで「萎える後付け設定」というとどういうのがある？
Ever found yourself reading a manga and thinking, 'Hold on, this setting isn't what it used to be!'? That's a 'disappointing retcon.'
When initial plot points are contradicted or character backgrounds abruptly shift, readers often feel a sense of frustration.
Online, fans are passionately debating specific examples, distinguishing between 'terrible' and 'somewhat forgivable' retcons.
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What is a Retcon?
"Retcon" stands for "Retroactive Continuity." It refers to the act of retrospectively changing, adding, or modifying previously established settings or facts as a story progresses. While it can be a technique to deepen a narrative or create new developments for readers and viewers, it can also disrupt immersion by creating contradictions with existing settings or making character actions seem unnatural. In popular series, authors often find themselves having to add or alter settings as the serialization continues.
What is a World-setting?
This term comprehensively refers to the fictional environment, its underlying rules, culture, history, and technological level that serve as the stage for a work. It is a crucial element that determines the realism and appeal of a story, greatly influencing whether readers can immerse themselves in that world. A strong and consistent world-setting gives readers a sense of security and curiosity, but if its foundations are shaken by retcons, the overall persuasiveness of the story can be lost, potentially causing readers to disengage. Ideally, authors should construct a detailed world-setting before starting serialization.
What are Character Settings?
This refers to the specific details defining a character's appearance, personality, abilities, past, relationships, and goals within a story. Characters are the driving force of the narrative and the object of readers' empathy and emotional connection, making their settings extremely important. A well-established character image in the initial stages creates consistency in the story's development. However, if a character's past or abilities suddenly change due to retcons, readers may feel, "Wait, this is different from before!" which can undermine their trust in and appreciation for the character. Changes in settings crucial to the story's core can significantly affect readers' overall evaluation of the work.
What is Consistency?
This refers to the state of being free from contradictions and consistent within a story or its settings. Especially in long-running manga, novels, or serialized works, it is crucial to ensure that initial settings do not conflict with later developments, or that different characters' testimonies and actions remain coherent. If consistency is not maintained, readers may find it difficult to feel the realism of the story and may develop a sense of distrust. One of the main reasons retcons are criticized is that they disrupt this consistency, thereby hindering readers' immersion in the work. It is an essential element for maintaining reader trust in storytelling.
What is Foreshadowing Resolution?
This refers to the development where hints or events subtly presented in the early or middle stages of a story (foreshadowing) reveal their meaning or lead to the story's conclusion in the later stages. Skillful foreshadowing resolution gives readers a "aha!" moment of surprise and deep emotion, enhancing the overall evaluation of the work. However, if a retcon is used as foreshadowing, readers might perceive it as a "convenient setting" or "pulling an ace out of the sleeve." The ideal foreshadowing resolution is one that readers cannot easily predict but can accept naturally. It is an opportunity for the author to showcase their skill, adding depth and catharsis to the story.