What do you think is the right amount of knowledge on comics to start writing fanfiction about particular characters? I want to write about a lot of Marvel things, but I'm afraid that I will get the characterization wrong. I'd like to make content for others, but I don't want to dissappoint them, or god forbid, make someone angry.
If I don't want to go deep diving into a character the minimum I'll read is their wiki, comic on their origins, and at least 10-20 issues of a comic they star in as lead (this is important, seeing a character in a minor or support role will be different than seeing them leading the story) and try to find out what point in time I'm going to set the fic. I feel getting the voice of the character right is more important than knowing every minor detail bc if they don't sound authentic or close to the character then details won't help if a writer chooses to ignore them.
Unlike movies, comics have a vast playground to pick from to choose when you want to set your timeline. I could literally write nothing but 90s or silver age set fics and never need to touch anything else because comics leave so much "What if?" room.
I personally like to read everything I can get my hands on before I start writing something long bc it's just how I do things. Though I like writing short fics to get a feel for the character. Or if I just want to see some smut or angst or fluff.
I think most people will be happy to have any content of their fave but at least getting the basics down is important to me.
1. Defining features?
2. Weaknesses? Strengths?
3. Motivation/origin story?
4. Character flaws?
5. Important connections?
6. Character traits?
There are easy comic reading guides to help. The worst thing a comic fanfic writer can do is simply "swap out" characters and put in stuff that makes no sense for the character to do or something another character would have done. There is alot of variations on characters over the years but it's up to the writer to decide what's important for their fic.
Remember to be mindful of racism/stereotypes which occur in comics alot and don't let bad comic writing influence your views on a character.
These are just some tips to help but if you find it overwhelming then just write whatever you please.
