Double-click any paragraph to add a note.
( unique words)
( unique words)
( unique words)
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Every copy of Aaron Reed’s novel Subcutanean is different. Using a combinatorial narrative system, Reed generated thousands of unique versions by varying word choices, sentence structures, and entire passages.
The Subcutanean Variorum allows readers to compare any two or three copies side-by-side to discover how the story shifts between versions.
In 2025 Reed released the source text and code of Subcutanean under a CC-BY 4.0 license, meaning anyone can copy, share, modify, or remix the novel as long as credit for the original is given to Reed.
The Subcutanean Variorum is designed by Mark Sample. The project code is available on GitHub.
In 2025, Aaron Reed released the source text and code of Subcutanean under a CC-BY 4.0 license. This Creative Commons license means anyone can copy, share, modify, or remix the novel as long as credit is given to Reed.
Request your own freshly-generated edition of Subcutanean. Your one-of-a-kind copy will have a unique seed number that determines its specific textual variations.
Once you have a copy of Subcutanean, you can upload it to the variorum browser to compare it with other versions using the Files button in the navigation bar.
You can always purchase a bound paperback copy of Subcutanean directly from its author, Aaron Reed.
10,000 threads converging and diverging across chapters
Each line traces a cluster of 10,000 unique copies—Seeds 50000-59999—across Subcutanean’s 22 chapters, from Prologue to Notes.
Lines higher up contain rarer text; lines lower down share more text with other copies. Where threads bunch together, the copies are similar. Where they spread apart, the text diverges.
You’re seeing one of three groups, based on which scene opens Chapter 1. Use the Club, Makeup, and Noodles buttons to reveal the others.
Hover any thread for details. Click up to 3 threads to compare. Press i anytime for the full legend.
Gonzo Mode displays the same paragraph(s) from all 25 built-in versions of Subcutanean simultaneously in a 5×5 grid.
Each cell shows 3 paragraphs from a different seed, letting you see at a glance how the text varies across all versions.
If a version has fewer paragraphs than others, its cell will appear grayed out with "No content" displayed.
Global variable and macro definitions for Subcutanean
Compare multiple versions of Aaron Reed’s variable novel
Every copy of Subcutanean is unique. Explore multiple versions and generate new variants with the Subcutanean Variorum.