: Re: Writing rule which states that two causes for the same superpower is bad writing I've read somewhere that there is this writing rule stating that, for some superpower, it would be less believable

@Hamaas631

Vote Up Vote Down

This is not just about the source of superpower. This is about character's uniqueness and devaluation of this uniqueness.

For example, most comic book leading characters (Superman, Spiderman etc.) were first established as one of a kind, absolutely unique individuals. Large part of the following storybuilding was based on this uniqueness. It was even becoming an author-reader contract that the title character in unique. But as more and more installments follow, this uniqueness is becoming a limitation for new stories, and author is tempted to break it.

But how do you break it? It's easier if this uniqueness is coming from a common source. "One of a kind" implies that there is a "kind". Superman does not have to be the only survivor from Krypton. But what if this source, by definition, is more unique - for example, a one and only special spider? Then, if the author goes ahead and creates a second avenue for the same uniqueness, this may not go so well with the readers. Big twists with no foreshadowing seldom go well. The reader may say: "Oh well, when everyone's super, no one will be." Thus, every big story development should be done with caution.

The above typically applies to a serialized, multiple installments format. If a single story is conceived with similar characters who turn out to have very different backgrounds, that Ok, because author has never tried to capitalize on uniqueness of the first character.

(0)

Login to post a comment!