Duplicate Character Guide
This Guide will be expanded to cover every type of duplicate and give you an idea what to do, using examples. In general, keep in mind to avoid duplicates.
Contents
New Version
- Verdict: No Duplicate
Index additional images.
Update the character's thumb and image to use the new appearance in the new title. Use additional images to reflect the old appearance on the old title.
There's a growing trend of remaking 90's anime with new art styles. When this happens, do not make a duplicate. Instead link the character to the new title, then use an additional image to show the new art style.
Parody Series
- Verdict: Duplicate
When a character appears in a parody title, it is reasonable to create a duplicate, as long as the new submission has many attributes that the original does not pertain (ie: different voice actor, different age, different appearance, etc.). As an example, we have Vocaloid Miku Hatsune, and Miku Hatsune from Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion.
Multiple Personalities
- Verdict: Duplicate, depending on extent.
The character goes through both personality and physical changes. Two minds in one body is a common trope and they can be both physically identical, but anime tends to make them very discernible. A duplicate would be justifiable when the character has different appearances.
Evil Phase Iruma categorizes as a different character.
Hero Costumes
- Verdict: No Duplicate
Saitama / Caped Baldy, Izuku Midoriya / Deku and others like them, do not need duplicates or any special actions. You can use Aliases to note their Hero name, and Additional Images to show their normal and hero appearances.
Secret Identities / Disguises / Magical Transformations
- Verdict: Duplicate, depending on extent.
When the Hero intends to hide who they are, it may be best to add a duplicate. Such as Mamoru Chiba / Tuxedo Mask. We do not want to spoil the fun of anybody with our submissions!
In the case of magical girls, truly analyze if it would be useful for the database to have the magical version separate. In most cases, they are simply in a new dress with extra sparkles, which would not classify as a justifiable duplicate.
For the disguises, no duplicate. Loid Forger as an example:We all know he is a spy with a hundred faces. No, we do not need all of them added to the database!
Cross Franchise
- Verdict: No Duplicate
There's no easy answer here. Take the whole Fate franchise for example. Multiple characters appearing in multiple series across multiple time lines. To the extent possible, avoid duplicates. Upload a character to the first title they appeared in, then link them to each title they appear in. Changing the image as required.
Possession / Soul Transfer
- Temporary, no duplicate
- Permanent, duplicate
Child / Teen / Adult
- Verdict: No Duplicate
Index additional images.
Previously, we accepted age difference as a justifiable duplicate, but currently we have the tools to add such versions of the character as an extra image and index the aged-up/down version. We are in the process to delete the age different clones. Do not submit a new clone to this category.
Minor Trait Differences
- Verdict: No Duplicate
Index additional images.
Isekai Versions
- Verdict: Duplicate, depending on extent.
If the character is constantly switching back and forth to their past selves, or thinks using their past mind's voice actor, make a duplicate. If the character simply moves on, and is a new person, index an additional image of their past self.
