What Does Canon Mean in Anime? – The Anime Facts

Canon is a term that anime fans often encounter when discussing their favorite series. But what exactly does it mean? In the context of anime and manga, canon refers to the official storylines and characters that are recognized by the creators and accepted as part of the series’ continuity.

This concept is essential for fans who want to understand the plot and character development in their favorite anime shows. It helps to differentiate between what is considered “real” within the story and what is not. In this article, we will dive deeper into what canon means in anime, why it matters, and how it affects the fans’ enjoyment of the series.

We will also explore some examples of how the concept of canon has been used in popular anime shows, from Naruto to Attack on Titan. So, if you are an anime enthusiast who is curious about the meaning of canon in your favorite series, keep reading to discover the anime facts.

 

So, What Does Canon Mean?

When it comes to anime, the term “canon” is commonly used to describe whether a particular storyline or character is considered to be part of the official, established narrative of a series. The concept of canon can be a bit confusing for those new to anime, but it’s an important aspect to understand in order to fully appreciate and engage with the medium.

Essentially, if something is considered to be “canon” in anime, it means that it is an official part of the story, and is therefore more likely to have a significant impact on the narrative and the characters involved. But what does “canon” actually mean, and how is it determined in the world of anime?

In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this concept and explore what it means for anime fans. So, what does “canon” mean? Let’s find out.

What Does Canon Mean in Anime?

When it comes to anime, the term “canon” is frequently used by fans and critics alike. But what does “canon” actually mean in the context of anime? Essentially, “canon” refers to the officially recognized material within a particular anime franchise, such as the original manga or light novel source material, or the anime episodes and movies that follow the storyline established in the source material.

Canon material is considered to be the “true” or “official” story, and anything outside of that is considered non-canon or “filler.” Understanding the concept of canon in anime is essential for fans who want to dive deeper into a particular series or understand the differences between adaptations.

So whether you’re a seasoned anime viewer or just starting out, knowing what canon means is a fundamental part of understanding the world of anime.

What Does Filler Mean in Anime?

Filler episodes are a common term in the world of anime that can cause confusion among fans. These are episodes that do not follow the original plot of the anime or the manga on which it is based. Instead, they are created to fill gaps in the storyline or to prolong the series until the source material is caught up.

Looking for an in-depth explanation of what filler means in anime? Filler episodes are those created specifically for the anime adaptation of a manga or light novel series. These episodes often feature original storylines not found in the source material and can sometimes feel disconnected from the main narrative.

In some cases, filler episodes can even be seen as a hindrance to the pacing and overall quality of the show. Take Naruto for example, which has a total of 295 filler episodes out of its 720 episode run. While these episodes may not directly contribute to the main plot, they can provide additional character development or explore new facets of the show’s world. Whether filler is seen as a necessary evil or a creative opportunity is up to each individual viewer.

Filler episodes can be a blessing or a curse depending on the execution, and it is essential to understand the concept of filler when watching anime. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of filler in anime and how it impacts the series’ plot and pacing. Whether you are a seasoned anime fan or just starting, understanding the concept of filler is crucial to enhance your viewing experience.

This Is Not Canon

If you’re an anime fan, you must have come across the term “canon” many times. In anime, canon refers to events, characters, or plotlines that are part of the original source material, such as manga or light novels. Anything that is not part of the source material is considered non-canon. This includes filler episodes, spinoffs, and other material that is not supported by the original creator.

Non-canon material can be entertaining and add depth to the story, but it can also lead to contradictions and confusion for fans. It’s important to distinguish what is canon and what is not to avoid confusion in the future. So, the next time you hear “this is not canon,” you know that it is not part of the original source material and may not be consistent with the story’s overall continuity.

When you come across the phrase “This is not canon” in the world of anime, it means that the particular story or event being depicted is not a part of the original source material. In anime, canon refers to the content that is based on the original manga, light novel, or visual novel, and is considered to be the official and authentic storyline.

Deviating from the original storyline may result in a non-canon story, which may be used to explore alternative scenarios, introduce new characters, or simply provide additional entertainment. While non-canon content may not be considered official, it can still be enjoyable for fans of the anime.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that non-canon content should not be used to draw conclusions about the original story or characters.

Fanon And Canon

When it comes to fandoms, one of the most important concepts is the distinction between canon and fanon. Canon refers to the official, established facts and events of a fictional universe, while fanon refers to beliefs or theories that fans hold to be true, but are not necessarily recognized by the creators of the original work.

The relationship between canon and fanon is a complex one. Fanon can sometimes become canon if the creators of the work adopt or incorporate fan theories or ideas. This was the case with the Star Wars books, which often relied on fanon. Additionally, sometimes elements of the lesser-known book canon will leak into the cinematic canon of a higher standard, as happened with the planet Coruscant in the Star Wars universe.

The fundamental difference between canon and fanon is that canon is considered immutable, established fact, while fanon is often an attempt to patch holes in the plot or explain ambiguities left by the author. Fanon is, therefore, more subject to interpretation and debate than canon.

Fanon is a crucial concept in fan fiction. Fan canon is the totality of information about a fictional world that fans believe to be true, but which may not be so according to the author. Fanon is often used to explain plot holes or underdeveloped characters and storylines. In some cases, fanon can even become canon. This happened with the character of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. Many fans believed that Snape’s actions at the end of the sixth book were part of a clever plot to destroy Voldemort, and this fanon was eventually confirmed as canon in the seventh book.

In recent years, creators of sequels and prequels have often drawn on fanon for inspiration. The HBO television series Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s books, drew on fanon ideas when working on the scripts for seasons six and seven. In some cases, fanon developed by fans has even been converted into canon for the series.

It is worth noting that just because something is considered official, it does not necessarily make it canon. The Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z movies, for example, were created by Toei and supervised by Akira Toriyama, but their events cannot be considered canon because they contradict the main story seen in the manga and anime.

The distinction between canon and fanon is an essential concept for any fandom. While canon represents the official, established facts and events of a fictional universe, fanon is the totality of information that fans believe to be true, but which may not be so according to the author. Fanon can sometimes become canon, and in recent years, creators of sequels and prequels have drawn on fanon for inspiration. Regardless of whether something is considered official, it is important to understand the difference between canon and fanon when engaging with a fictional universe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concepts of canon and fanon are essential for any fandom to understand. Canon represents the official and established facts and events of a fictional universe, while fanon refers to the beliefs and theories held by fans but not necessarily recognized by the creators. Although non-canon content can be entertaining, it may lead to contradictions and confusion for fans. It’s essential to distinguish between what is canon and what is not to avoid confusion and draw accurate conclusions about the story’s overall continuity.

The relationship between canon and fanon is complex, and fanon can sometimes become canon if the creators adopt or incorporate fan theories or ideas. Fanon can help fill in gaps in the plot and explain underdeveloped characters and storylines. In recent years, creators of sequels and prequels have drawn on fanon for inspiration, further blurring the line between canon and fanon.