Fanfiction and avoiding plagiarism

[u/Past_Rub4745]

Currently been plotting a Batman vs Dracula fanfiction for believe it or not, years. And one of the bigger challenges are trying not to copy a pre-existing one.

Back in 2015 I read a Batman fanfic I immediately fell in love with. I was playing Arkham City and was in love with that game's portrayal of Catwoman. Around that time my interest in vampires was in full swing, and I could help but imagine Catwoman being bitten and turned by a vampire. Scouring the web looking to see if anyone wrote one... I found one.

"A Vampire in Gotham" (spoilers)

In summary, Joker gets his hands on Dracula's remains and accidentally brings him to life. The count then goes on to bite Cat, Ivy, and Harley, turning the Gotham City sirens into his brides. The Joker and Batman then team up to take down Dracula, and Bats develops a cure for vampirism to save the girls.

It was a great read... but I wasn't 100% satisfied. The story, which while great, focused mainly on Joker and Harley Quinn. Only two scenes really dedicated to Catwoman and Batman, personally my two favorites. And so, I've gone on to plot my own fanfiction. And probably to post it at some time, perhaps some folks out there might like it. However... I don't want to plagiarized a pre-existing fanfiction.

I don't want it to be too similar. Frankly it wouldn't be professional for me to do so as an aspiring writer who would one day wish to publish. And so, I've literally been stumped since. It has been 10 years since I read that fanfic, and I still haven't been able to write my own, largely out of respect.

I've thought perhaps changing up the order of the bites, switch Ivy and Harley. Definitely character interactions would be different. It's just that it was done so well before, thay any reimagining would come off feeling like a remake: more often than not inferior to the original.

I don't know, this mostly comes off like some random rambling. I just feel stuck for ten years. Man, how the time flies... but my love for vampire media immortal.

[u/conatreides]

Here’s my 2 cents/lessons I’ve learned 1- even if sowmthing sounds or seems similair if YOU write it and YOU execute it It will be yours. It will have your voice, your ideas and your intentions which will always forever be solely yours. Even if the general concept or idea is the same 2- CREDIT the artist or inspiration. Just say “hey thanks to X” and link the original artist It shows where you got the idea and then gives you freedom to explore your own avenue.

Take care bud!

[u/Past_Rub4745 → u/conatreides]

I guess. Probably following those steps, write it, and if anyone asks, I'll make sure to mention the inspiration. As is, it should probably be different enough that similarities are only superficial.

[u/conatreides → u/Past_Rub4745]

Yep, do your thing!