Gap Week (23/10/06) + X-Talk: Adaptation Reflections

Hey there, X-Fans!

I know - already another gap week!

I believe back during Volume 1, I talked about possibly switching the releases to every other week. Volume 3 may be the one where that actually gets implemented.

Time -and I- will tell!

In the meantime, here I am with another X-Talk beyond the subject matter I introduced it on - not about something I like about the movies. Rather, I wanted to share some truths I've come to realize about adaptations. I don't think "adaptation" is the accurate word to use, however. "Version" might be closer, but to really get to the heart of it -something directly based off of, or continuing, an existing piece of fiction by someone other than the original creator(s)- we're just going to go with how I've loathed to refer to Envisioinings: fan fiction.

In at least Issue #0 and Vol.#1, there have been certain instances that, looking back, haven't felt authentic to the way I see these characters and their world. Some of that was just from...lack of an adept hand. But I also got in my head things others might expect or desire, or not want in a "good" X-Men piece, and I drifted a little off course.

A thing I've come to realize though is, it's all fan fiction.

The original comics were written in the 60s.

Any time since that the series changed to new hands, it was that writer, artist, et al.'s take on these characters.

The Official X-Men comics are fan fiction.

Those creatively putting this stuff out now were not involved with these characters and this world from their inception (barring any who read the comics from the beginning, but even still they're the receivers not the creators). It's all absorption and own perspectives/interpretations and versions built on versions. It's an interesting fact to think on.

Of course there are certain facts that are, well, facts. Those "I'm sure we can all agree" details. But other "facts" are actually opinions.

Now, in sharing this I'm not saying we're all playing in the same league. Just, if you're an explorer of worlds-established and have "envisionings" of your own, but are maybe feeling weighted down by what we'll call the responsibility of "correctness", take heart -- trek on! Lead with respect to the source, and truth in adaptation will follow. Even if it's eventually.

In other words: who's to say you're not doing it right? Keep an open mind, listen to your voice saying or agreeing that something is off here, course correct where you feel or know you need to, and just...tell the stories you're compelled to tell.

Something is speaking to you, and some authenticity will always come out of that.

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