How Comic Books Explain Viral Technological Improvements: The Marvel and DC Method

The world of comic books, specifically those of Marvel and DC, often grapples with the challenge of depicting advanced technology in a manner that aligns with the timeless nature of many of their characters. Characters like Thor, Superman, and Iron Man, who remain nearly identical despite decades of narrative progression, frequently employ cutting-edge technology. However, the process of explaining how and why these technological advancements occur can be complex and at times, inconsistent.

One critical concept introduced to this challenge is the establishment of the Linearverse, a term coined by Dan Jurgens and Robert Venditti in the early 2000s. The Linearverse is a framework that addresses the disconnect between a non-aging cast and the evolving technological landscape, as well as the changing political and social realities of the real world. This theory suggests that a certain level of 'comic book time' allows characters to retain their youthful appearance and abilities, even as the world around them evolves at a much faster pace.

The Linearverse: A Neat Explanation?

The Linearverse proposes a cohesive explanation for how characters like Superman or Batman can exhibit modern technology despite not aging. For instance, in Legends of Tomorrow, the team from the Flash's timeline uses 21st-century technology while remaining physically youthful. This concept, however, has a significant flaw: its utility and relevance in actual comic book narratives are less than profound. Just as the principles 'everybody remembers everything' and 'everything is canon' lack lasting appeal, so too does the Linearverse. Readers and writers alike tend to overlook such theoretical explanations in favor of more immediate storytelling needs.

The Real-World Challenges of Updating Comic Book Science and Technology

When it comes to updating the scientific and technological aspects of these universes, comic book authors and publishers face a unique set of obstacles. One significant challenge is the rapid pace at which technology evolves in the real world. For instance, Marvel and DC characters, such as Iron Man or the X-Men, frequently feature sophisticated tech gadgets. However, as these gadgets become increasingly advanced in the real world, the comics must adapt to reflect this evolution without disrupting the continuity of the character's core traits.

A notable example is seen in the Suicide Squad comics, where the narrative often glosses over the geopolitical changes. In the early Cold War era, the Soviet Union and its government were fundamental elements of the story. Today, the same characters can be seen in a new political context, such as the current Russia and its relation to the global political landscape. This shift is typically explained away through a combination of parallel universes and the recollections of the characters, who, for some reason, remember events from decades ago without showing signs of aging.

The Evolution of Comics and Technology

The portrayal of technology in comics has come a long way, from the simple telephone booths of early stories to the complex gadgets of contemporary narratives. For instance, the concept of teleportation or nanotechnology found in comics has evolved alongside real-world scientific advancements. However, the depiction of these technologies in comics often times avoids the mundane and detailed complexities that real-world science and technology incorporate.

For example, selfies and social media tagging might seem trivial in the context of a superhero narrative, but they reflect the rapid digitization of our world. Comic book writers and artists, aware of these cultural shifts, often adapt their characters' tech usage to maintain relevance. Selfies and hashtags, while seemingly inconsequential from a narrative standpoint, highlight the integration of modern technology into the fabric of even the most archaic comic book universes.

Conclusion

While the Linearverse and other such theoretical frameworks provide a neat solution to the problem of evolving technology in comic book universes, the actual implementation in storytelling is often more pragmatic than theoretical. Writers and publishers must balance the need to keep characters visually appealing and timeless with the need to reflect the real-world technological advancements. As the line between fiction and reality continues to blur, the portrayal of technology in comics will likely remain a blend of imagination and real-world inspiration, ensuring a rich, dynamic, and ever-evolving tapestry of narrative possibilities.