retcon
verb
- to alterate a previously established facts in the continuity of a fictional work
noun
- alteration of previously established facts in the continuity of a fictional work
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛtˌkɒn/
noun
Etymology: A blend of retroactive + continuity. The term retroactive continuity was popularized by comics writer Roy Thomas, who was known for writing superhero comic books set decades in the past such as All-Star Squadron, and attributes it to an anonymous source.
- A fictional setting in which a new storyline explains or changes a previous event or attaches a new significance to it.
“TLC: What do you say to the Legion fans who have become disenfranchised with the series due to its various retcons and reboots?”
“Fans talk of retcon—retroactive continuity—giving information that explains an earlier event, especially seeming plot contradictions or lacunae.”
verb
Etymology: A blend of retroactive + continuity. The term retroactive continuity was popularized by comics writer Roy Thomas, who was known for writing superhero comic books set decades in the past such as All-Star Squadron, and attributes it to an anonymous source.
- To employ such a device.
“While ‘retconning' the scripts, I came up with a number of theories that throw new light on the Doctor, his past, and various other elements[…]”
“A lot of people were like, "Oh, they just retconned their own continuity. They should have used Kyle. I don't like that." So we just threw Kyle in there to say, "No, no, Kyle's still there. He still exists in the animated universe; he's just not stationed on Earth at the moment, regularly."”