retconning

Retconning, short for retroactive continuity, is a narrative device in which an author or editor revises previously established facts within a fictional universe. The goal is to alter, reinterpret, or fill gaps in the canonical backstory in order to better fit new plot lines, character development, or changing production realities.

Retcons come in several forms. A soft retcon preserves most prior events while offering a new explanation for inconsistencies, often by adding a detail that reframes the past without erasing it. A hard retcon rewrites or negates earlier facts, as if they never occurred. Reboots are broader reimaginings that may reset continuity across an entire series or franchise.

Notable examples include DC's Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985–1986), which reorganized the DC Universe and redefined many character origins; Marvel’s One More Day storyline (2007), which altered Spider-Man's marriage by invoking a deal with a cosmic entity. Retcons can also be used to integrate new writers' visions, explain plot holes, or align stories with a larger plan. In practice, retcons can refresh a franchise but may provoke criticism from fans who feel past events were devalued or rendered inconsistent. Proponents argue that retcons enable continuity to evolve with audiences, accommodate new genres, and maintain coherence across aging properties.

As a storytelling device, retconning remains common in comics, film, television, and video games, reflecting ongoing negotiation between authors, publishers, and audiences about what the canon should include.