Aparallel universe, also known as analternate universe,world, ordimension, is aplot device in fiction which uses the notion of a hypotheticaluniverse 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 thelaws of nature, to enable characters to meet and interact with alternative versions of themselves or others from their home universe, thus enabling furthercharacter development,[1] and to serve as a starting point forspeculative fiction, particularlyalternate history.
One of the first science-fiction examples of a parallel universe isMurray Leinster's short storySidewise in Time, published in 1934. Although Leinster's story was not the first example of parallel universes, it is credited with popularizing the concept.[2][3][4]
The use of parallel universes as a device insuperhero fiction was popularized with the publication of the 123rd issue ofThe Flash, "Flash of Two Worlds", in 1961. In the issue, theFlashes ofEarth-One andEarth-Two,Barry Allen andJay Garrick, meet, establishing the concept of theDC Comics multiverse.[1]
The multiverse has seen much usage in popular media in the late 2010s and early 2020s, particularly insuperhero films, such as theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the animatedSpider-Verse franchise, as well as the 2022 filmEverything Everywhere All at Once.[5][3] Some filmmakers and critics, including MCU directorJoe 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.[6][3][7]
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 worldas a fictional universe, but it may also be unbeknownst to them.[8]
Infan fiction, parallel universes are commonly used as a setting for a story that departs from thecanon of thefictional universe that the fan work is based on. Such works are usually referred to as "alternate universe" works, often abbreviated to "AU".[9] 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 thefandom.[10]
Media related toMultiverse (science fiction) at Wikimedia Commons| Outline | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subgenres |
| ||||||||||||||
| Culture | |||||||||||||||
| Media |
| ||||||||||||||
| Themes |
| ||||||||||||||
| Related | |||||||||||||||
| By style |
|
|---|---|
| By theme |
|
| By movement or period |
|
| By demographic | |
| By format, technique, approach, or production |
|
