Kanonically

Kanonically is an adverb derived from the word "canonical," which refers to something that is in accordance with recognized principles, laws, or standards. When used in the context of a fictional universe or a specific body of work, "kanonically" refers to information, events, or characters that are considered official and part of the established canon. This means they are accepted as true and integral to the narrative by the creator or rights holders.

The opposite of kanonically is non-canonically, which describes elements that are not part of the official story. These might include fan fiction, unofficial adaptations, or even previously established but later retconned material. Distinguishing between canonical and non-canonical elements is important for fans who wish to understand the definitive storyline and lore of a particular franchise. For instance, a character's backstory that is detailed in a novel published by the original author is considered canonical, while a similar backstory developed in a fan-made comic would be non-canonical. The determination of what is canonical often rests with the original creators or the current rights holders of the intellectual property.