Canon vs Non Canon

## Introduction

Canonicity is term to describe the state of being canon. The term canon itself has many definitions however within this context we will recognize it as the author's works being accepted as genuine. In this page we will be detailing what entails canon or non-canon and how we interpret what can be used within scaling to scale a character. Often times in fiction authors may have different works of the same series; with some that can be dubbed as canon or non-canon. This page will help differentiate what to use.

## Manga Canon

Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, typically aimed at adults as well as children. When we look at what identifies as canon within scaling, we typically look at the manga material which is normally the source material in most Japanese works. We also have to look at its serialization. If the author has multiple different works under the same series we take what is serialized under a publisher. The reason why we do this is because the work is more official and follows under copyright laws. If an author has works under manga or anime, generally the manga takes priority over the anime when we accept it as true canon.

## Anime Canon

Anime, or animation is generally agreed upon as adaptations of the manga(although this doesn't apply for every instance). It is possible for series to have anime originals. If the anime itself is the main source of material only then can we accept it as canon. That said, all anime that follows manga as an adaptation are therefore considered non-canon. In some instances, authors may state that the anime series can be accepted as canon. One might go interpret this as the anime being usable within scaling. However as mentioned earlier, manga always take priority over the anime. Even if the anime can be accepted as genuine work, the source material will take precedence.

## Light/Web Novel Canon

A light novel is a style of Japanese novel typically not more than 50,000 words long. Web novels are light novels published onto the web. When an author starts writing a series they typically publish their work as a web novel first. The main reason they do this is to gain exposure and advertise their work. Since web novels are online, they can be read for free or of charge under serialization under the site they choose to publicize their work on. If the web novel gets popular, it may get approached by a publisher to publish their work as a Light novel. Before publication, they are able to change or edit the web novel however they see fit. Due to this reason, if the author has work of the same series the Light novel will take priority over the Web novel in canonicity.

## Movie Canon

Movies are motion captured stories or events in a theatrical style. Typically in most forms of media, movies are made to be their own canon, such as movies from Disney. If the movies are its own source material much like how some anime are its own source material we can accept it as canon. However, there are a few variations of how movies are interpreted. In some cases, movies are meant to adapt a source material of a series. If the movie contradicts the source material then the movie cannot be accepted as canon. If nothing is contradicted and the authors accept the movie as canon, we can accept it as canon although this may vary cases by case. Other instances use movies as a way to connect a source material, if nothing is contradicted and the movie is used to progress the story, it is also canon. (updating)