Does Continuity Matter? Yes or No.

Part of my interest in continuity has to do with character fandom, because, otherwise, if I was just focused on a good story, cream rises to the top, and that story could include the best characterization, so that's an argument to not be concerned with continuity.

So, for an example, it might be better to focus on just getting a good story which has one of best characterizations of Batman in Frank Miller's Batman Year One and not being concerned with Frank Miller's Batman's characterization in Frank Miller's Superman Year One which is a low point (or later continuity such as Tom King's lousy Batman characterization).

And then just hoping the higher quality characterization always remains popular, being the Frank Miller Batman Year One characterization of Batman.

So, keep propping up the the higher quality characterization of Frank Miller's Batman Year One characterization of Batman, and hope most people ignore the Frank Miller Superman Year characterization of Batman instead of propping of a more consistent quality characterization of Batman in a continuity that doesn't have a low point of characterization such as Frank Miller's Superman Year One characterization of Batman.

What do you all think?

I thought a reason people would prefer the MCU to the comics is because of continuity.

I haven't kept up with the MCU to know what's up, so is that an argument against caring about continuity and just focusing on quality stories?

I was writing while you posted, so I missed your post.

Most people outside of CV don't care.

I prefer it but have accepted it will never be consistent with the big two

Yes.

Continuity is important if the strength of the individual story isn't enough for it to get by on its own. If there's no continuity, then you might as well just be publishing standalone works.

Do you think it's because they don't care that much about superheroes?

But they would for their crime shows or soap operas?

Good point, and being that the stories aren't strong in a lot of comics, and since the characterizations were messed with, I appreciate continuities outside of the long running numbered comics such as Geoff Johns' Batman Earth One or Brian Michael Bendis' Ultimate Spider-man where the continuity matters for superhero characterizations (hopefully Geoff John's Batman Earth One ends on a good note).

And, of course, all the adaptations.

Curious if the X-Men Legends/Marvel Ultimate Alliance games are anyone's definitive takes for characterizations on the Marvel heroes.