Building Universes

One of the major elements of creating a good story, and thus a good comic, is creating the universe into which the characters live and the story plays out.  That said, it's not nearly as easy as it might look at first.  There are SO many elements, and time and circumstances can change the universe in unexpected ways.  Here, then, are some guidelines one should consider when building a universe.

1.)  Keep the rules consistent.  One of the things that throws a story, comic, or movie off is when they break the rules they established in the story early on.  The real universe has a set batch of rules (some of which we don't quite know yet) and it always follows them.  There is a reason we can predict when solar eclipses will happen, or when Mars will rise, or whatever.  If an eclipse happens when it shouldn't, there better be a damn good reason.  Same with created universes, which brings us to. . .

2.)  If the rules are violated, there better be a damn good reason.  Exceptions happen, and often are a key element to the story telling.  One story I started (never finished) started out laying out a rule that the character could predict a mundane event once per week, by having the character do it.  I was promptly criticized that having the character do it meant there was no point a longer story.  Had I continued the story and not moved to another project, the plan was for this rule to be broken repeatedly, thus leading to the next guideline. . .

3.)  The universe must serve the story.  A universe is meant to be a framework on which to hang a story, but if the story and the universe don't connect, then something must change.  In many ways, it's often better to change the universe rather than story, adapting the rules in such a way to allow the story to continue.  That said, the reverse can also happen. . .

4.)  The universe can create the story.  Honestly, I like creating universes more than building stories for them, but sometimes those rules seem to generate stories on their own.  It typically comes from answering a question another rule comes up.  For example, one of the stories I've been working on features a character who cannot be seen, heard or detected in anyway unless she interacts with the person first.  Okay, that's fine, so what happens if she wants to kill someone?  This led to a story point, and I actually explore the possibility as part of the backstory.  Thus the universe created part of the story, all because of the next guideline. . .

5.)  The universe must always be questioned.  Why are things the way they are?  What if this happens?  Constantly ask questions about the universe, explore possibilities and wonder, aloud if necessary, what if.  Why can't my character in the previous guideline be seen?  What conditions can she be seen?  What if she drives a car?  That last one is actually fun to think about, not that she ever does, but doesn't have an impact on the story at the moment.  Still, the point is the more rules that are establish, the better the story comes out because. . .

6.)  Rules don't necessarily restrict creativity, often, they power it.  Limiting the rules of the universe often forces a burst of creativity to get to a point in the story.  As long as the rules aren't violated, stories can be taken in many interesting directions, all without uprooting the universe to do it.  I truly believe that limitations and restrictions are much better for creativity than an open canvas.  Though at the same time, I prefer the limitations to be set by the creators rather than an outside force.  Thus why creating universes is fun.

These general rules should help in creating a universe and story.  One cannot exist without the other, after all, so these rules will help on both side of the fence.

Anyway, that's it for this week.  Memorial Day weekend is this week, and my job will require me to work, a lot.  I hope I don't die Monday, and I'll see you next Friday.  Until then kiddies.