What is continuity?

Continuity is one of the most iconic elements of serial storytelling. Becoming particularly known in recent times thanks to television seriality, continuity has found a first declination within the world of comics. Precisely from this context it can be understood how complex it is to manage a solid and flawless narrative continuity, considering that television productions make use of a figure who has the sole task of verifying respect for the background built up to that moment.

Continuity in the world of comics In television serialization, the presence of large budgets makes it possible to have curators and supervisors, who can exercise control over narrative consistency that is very rigid, even if not infallible. Just consider one of the longest-running TV series ever, Star Trek, capable of showing inconsistencies such that, to be ironic about it, a special acronym was even coined, YATI (Yet Another Trek Inconsistency, Another Star Trek inconsistency)

If in the world of television continuity is, however, easily manageable, bringing the subject into the comic medium the question becomes much more complicated, especially if we talk about serial comics. The amount of numbers and details included in a comic book series, especially in recent years, is considerable, making the control of narrative continuity a requirement that must take into account the most ruthless judges: the readers. No matter how precise and faithful an author may be to continuity, there will come a time when he will run into a mistake, perhaps even a trifle, but which for the more precise and meticulous reader will become a colossal and unforgivable mistake.