Navigating the Whoniverse: Understanding the Canonicity of its Fringe Media
The Whoniverse, the universe of the iconic science fiction series ldquo;Doctor Whordquo;, is vast and complex. It comprises various layers of stories, each with its own set of rules and canonicity. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Whoniverse, exploring the different levels of canon and non-canon media.
Understanding the Whoniverse
At its core, the Whoniverse simply refers to the universe where all the events of the show take place. However, beyond the television series and a few key spin-off shows, much of the media outside the traditional TV adventures is not considered canon. This non-canon material comprises several layers, often referred to as the ldquo;Expanded Whoniverserdquo; or the ldquo;iceberg of canonicityrdquo;.
The Expanded Whoniverse Iceberg
The Expanded Whoniverse Iceberg is structured in a hierarchical manner, with the TV show and its spin-offs at the top, followed by various layers of media that fit within the broader universe but are not necessarily considered canon. Letrsquo;s explore each layer in detail:
1. Big Finish Audios
Ranked directly below the television series are the Big Finish audios. These are official audio continuations of the TV show and are internally consistent with the TV series. While they do not form a central part of the main storyline, the Big Finish audios are often referred to directly by the TV show and can provide rich and consistent explorations of the Doctorrsquo;s world.
2. Novelizations and Original Novels
Novelizations of the classic and newer TV story arcs offer additional details and perspectives not seen on screen. However, these texts can sometimes contradict each other or the TV show, as they are not strictly considered canon. Original novels, which are new adventures based on the TV series, provide standalone stories that are generally designed to be internally consistent but do not influence the main narrative.
3. Short Stories and Comic Books
Short stories, including those from the ldquo;Legendsrdquo; range, Doctor Who Magazine, and radio times, vary in their relation to the main canon. They often stand alone and may be more accessible to fans interested in exploring the universe without adhering to strict canonicity. Similarly, comic books, while of varying quality, exist in their own parallel continuity, with distinct companions and visual representations that are not consistent with the TV show. Early comic strips, such as those in Doctor Who Magazine, have set a precedent for their non-canon status.
4. Other Media
The lowest level of the iceberg includes canonical non-canon media such as fan works, descriptions on lollipop wrappers, video game content, interactive media, museum exhibits, and non-fiction books. This material is often viewed as lore and is not considered integral to the main narrative. It can provide interesting and detailed background information, but it should not be treated as part of the official canon.
In Conclusion
The Whoniverse is a rich and multifaceted universe, with numerous layers of media and storytelling. While the television series and a handful of spin-off shows are considered canonical, much of the expanded universe material is not. Understanding the canonicity of each layer is crucial for fans who wish to explore the Whoniverse fully. The Big Finish audios are often seen as the most engaging and consistent non-TV content, offering a deep dive into the Doctorrsquo;s adventures and world.
For fans who cherish the complex and diverse universe of Doctor Who, the Expanded Whoniverse offers a wealth of material to explore and enjoy. The layers of canonicity allow for a flexible and engaging experience, catering to different levels of engagement and interest.
As the Whoniverse continues to evolve, with new media and storytelling opportunities constantly emerging, fans have an exciting journey to navigate, both in terms of canonicity and the myriad ways to experience the Doctorrsquo;s universe.