Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use dmy dates A parallel universe, also known as an alternate universe, world, or dimension, is a plot device in fiction which uses the notion of a hypothetical universe co-existing with another, typically to enable alternative narrative possibilities. The sum of all potential parallel universes that constitute reality is often called the "multiverse".
The device serves several narrative purposes. Among them, parallel universes have been used to allow stories with elements that would ordinarily violate the laws of nature, to enable characters to meet and interact with alternative versions of themselves or others from their home universe, thus enabling further character development,<ref name="esquire">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and to serve as a starting point for speculative fiction, particularly alternate history.
HistoryEdit
Early examplesEdit
One of the first science-fiction examples of a parallel universe is Murray Leinster's short story Sidewise in Time, published in 1934. Although Leinster's story was not the first example of parallel universes, it is credited with popularizing the concept.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The use of parallel universes as a device in superhero fiction was popularized with the publication of the 123rd issue of The Flash, "Flash of Two Worlds", in 1961. In the issue, the Flashes of Earth-One and Earth-Two, Barry Allen and Jay Garrick, meet, establishing the concept of the DC Comics multiverse.<ref name="esquire" />
Modern examplesEdit
The multiverse has seen much usage in popular media in the late 2010s and early 2020s, particularly in superhero films, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the animated Spider-Verse franchise, as well as the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once.<ref>'Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name=":0" /> Some filmmakers and critics, including MCU director Joe Russo, have expressed concern that film studios may be embracing multiverse-centric plotlines to capitalize on characters and intellectual property with pre-existing popularity, ultimately to the detriment of originality and creativity in filmmaking.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Associated genresEdit
IsekaiEdit
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Isekai is a subgenre of Japanese fantasy light novels, manga, anime, and video games revolving around a normal person being transported to or trapped in a parallel universe. Often, this universe already exists in the protagonist's world as a fictional universe, but it may also be unbeknownst to them.<ref name="crunchyroll">Template:Cite news</ref>
Fan fictionEdit
In fan fiction, parallel universes are commonly used as a setting for a story that departs from the canon of the fictional universe that the fan work is based on. Such works are usually referred to as "alternate universe" works, often abbreviated to "AU".<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Common motivations for writing such stories are to either explore alternative narrative possibilities not depicted in the original media, or to "fix" plot points which were disliked by the fandom.<ref>Template:Cite thesis</ref>
See alsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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