38 Across

NYT Daily • August 29, 2025

What fan fiction is not

Answer:

CANON

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

Fan fiction refers to stories written by fans that expand or alter existing works, but they aren’t part of the official storyline. The clue plays on this by asking what fan fiction isn’t—the answer is "canon," meaning the authorized, original material created by the source (like books, shows, or games). It’s a straightforward contrast: if it’s not fan-made, it’s the real deal. Think of it like the difference between a bootleg movie and the theater release.

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