Expanded Universe
Encyclopedia
The term Expanded Universe (sometimes called an Extended Universe) is generally used to denote the 'extension' of a media franchise
(i.e. a television show, series of feature films, etc.) with other media (generally comics and original novels). This typically simply involves new adventures for existing characters already developed within the franchise; however in some case entirely new characters and complex mythology are developed. This is not the same as an adaptation
, which is a retelling of the same story, usually on a different medium
. Nearly every media franchise with a committed fan base has some form of expanded universe.
and Star Trek
- both have a wide range of original novels, comics, video games, and other media that add to the mythology of each universe in different ways. In both cases entirely new characters and situations have been developed that exist only within the Expanded Universe media.
, or part of the 'official' storyline. They are generally seen as 'apocrypha
'. In some (rare) cases, characters created for an Expanded Universe can become 'adopted' by the canonical works associated with that franchise - one example being Star Wars, although, most of the Star Wars Expanded Universe is considered canonical anyway.
Media franchise
A media franchise is an intellectual property involving the characters, setting and trademarks of an original work of media , such as a film, a work of literature, a television program or a video game. Generally, a whole series is made in a particular medium, along with merchandising and endorsements...
(i.e. a television show, series of feature films, etc.) with other media (generally comics and original novels). This typically simply involves new adventures for existing characters already developed within the franchise; however in some case entirely new characters and complex mythology are developed. This is not the same as an adaptation
Adaptation (disambiguation)
Adaptation is the process whereby a population becomes better suited to its habitat.Adaptation may also refer to:Arts* Adaptation , a 2002 film by Spike Jonze* Film adaptation, a story from another work, adapted into a film...
, which is a retelling of the same story, usually on a different medium
Mass media
Mass media refers collectively to all media technologies which are intended to reach a large audience via mass communication. Broadcast media transmit their information electronically and comprise of television, film and radio, movies, CDs, DVDs and some other gadgets like cameras or video consoles...
. Nearly every media franchise with a committed fan base has some form of expanded universe.
Examples
Two prominent examples of media franchises with an extended universe are Star WarsStar Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
and Star Trek
Star Trek
Star Trek is an American science fiction entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry. The core of Star Trek is its six television series: The Original Series, The Animated Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise...
- both have a wide range of original novels, comics, video games, and other media that add to the mythology of each universe in different ways. In both cases entirely new characters and situations have been developed that exist only within the Expanded Universe media.
Canonicity
Although there are some exceptions, Expanded Universe works are generally not accepted as canonCanon (fiction)
In the context of a work of fiction, the term canon denotes the material accepted as "official" in a fictional universe's fan base. It is often contrasted with, or used as the basis for, works of fan fiction, which are not considered canonical...
, or part of the 'official' storyline. They are generally seen as 'apocrypha
Apocrypha (fiction)
In the context of fiction, apocrypha includes those fictional stories that do not belong within a fictional universe's canon, yet still have some authority relating to that fictional universe...
'. In some (rare) cases, characters created for an Expanded Universe can become 'adopted' by the canonical works associated with that franchise - one example being Star Wars, although, most of the Star Wars Expanded Universe is considered canonical anyway.
See also
- BuffyverseBuffyverseThe Buffyverse, also known as the Whedonverse or Slayerverse , is the shared fictional universe in which the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel are set. This term, originally coined by fans of the TV series, has since been used in the titles of published works, and adopted by Joss...
- Star Trek Expanded Universe
- Star Wars Expanded UniverseStar Wars Expanded UniverseThe Star Wars Expanded Universe encompasses all of the officially licensed, fictional background of the Star Wars universe, outside of the six feature films produced by George Lucas. The expanded universe includes books, comic books, video games, spin-off films like Star Wars: The Clone Wars,...
- WhoniverseWhoniverseWhoniverse, a portmanteau of the words "Who" and "universe", is a word used to describe the fictional setting of the television series Doctor Who, K-9 and Company, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures and K-9, as well as other related stories...
External links
- List of C-canon elements in the Star Wars films on Wookieepedia