One type of narrative that I think of myself as a somewhat expert on is that of the graphic novel, or comic book. Comics have come a long way since the ages in which muscle-bound men in spandex simply flew from one page to the next, doling out punishment on some hapless thug who happened to choose the worst possible time to steal an innocent lady's purse. Though these jumpsuit-clad judges are still alive and kicking (ha ha ha - get it?), the motives for which these men and women take the duty of cleaning up the underworld of their respective cities upon themselves have often been clarified in a more extensive manner. Those heroes who find their respective pasts or events in their stories "worthy" of being expanded upon often have their books graced by talented authors who take time to fill in all the blanks that the reader may think of. The less fortunate, however, find themselves at the mercy of one of the most insidious comic book villains: the retroactive continuity, or "retcon".

Read more . . .