Create Your Own...Expanded Universe

Create Your Own Expanded UNIVERSE

It began with…

Flash Gordon and the like in the 1930’s; then they were called serials, and each week audiences would flock to the cinema to catch the next exciting instalment.

Next up came sequels, which really hit the big-time in the 80’s where we had sequels to Star Wars, Star Trek, Jaws, Beverly Hills Cop, Back to the Future, Superman, Indiana Jones. Some were a bit shit, some told a story that would join a story arc.

And now we have the expanded universes. Just when you thought that you’d had enough of movie sequels, how about a story arc that spans a decade?

This works for Marvel, less so for the joyless DC EU, which has an unfortunate moniker akin to Decimated Chaos of European Union.

Story arcs are not a new thing. Star Wars is an obvious one; as are three mid-80’s Star Trek movies and the Back to the Future movies. But usually a sequel would be another adventure featuring the same characters in new scrapes, like Lethal Weapon,Superman and Indiana Jones.

QUESTION: Can we use the Expanded Universe theory to get through this thing called life?

      I believe so.

Create Your Own...story arc

To follow the Marvel pattern you want to have your overall GOAL, and then to break that goal down into phases. Then, once you have done that each phase would have different targets with their own characters and stories. Never once losing sight of the GOAL.

You can adopt differing character personas on a daily basis to get you through each chapter within your own Phase One. You can use costumes and you will need to set different targets for each character to reach within that phase.

So, let’s say that you need to go to Tesco, but it is interfering with the ultimate goal of world domination. Well, your small mission is but one piece and along the way and you may learn something which aids you in your huge task. Think of it like that, and you will soon get Tesco done to satisfaction.

On the way back from Tesco you learn a valuable lesson which you will need to bank in your memory, or write into your notebook, for later on. Akin to getting reward points in the Choose Your Own Adventure books like Fighting Fantasy. These are energy points, or combat points, which when you need to throw a dice (make a decision), you can use to get an advantage.

You can be your HERO. Because, actually you are the hero of your own story, like Truman, or EDTV if anyone has ever seen that. We are the central part of our story and those around you, families and loved ones, are central to their story in which you are a character.

You can go mad with costumes, after all, wearing a dull suit is incredibly boring. I’d probably not recommend a mask though as that might put off the majority of your peripheral characters in your universe.

At the end of one story you file away the results, take in what you have learned and rub down the wounds before moving to the next character. Different costume, different attitude, perhaps a new confidence and definitely a new approach. Always though keeping in mind the ULTIMATE GOAL. You get through Phase One, you move on and each time you grow and learn and step forward in your quest.

Because is that not life? 42? Quests and challenges, goals and targets, trials and tribbles.

Therefore, I challenge you all to create your ULTIMATE GOAL - The Thanos of your life, then break that down into phases and then each phase down into individual stories. Then, take that first step a la Iron Man.

Star Wars your life - make it MARVELous - avoid the DC method or rushing into things and Search for your inner Spock. Live long...and prosper ladies and gentlemen.