A work of literature, film or television -- just getting started, purely original (if there is such a thing), unaffiliated with any previous book, movie or TV show -- has little hope of standing out among the established goldmines of franchises. Critics mock it. The public isn't expecting it. It gets even worse if things go awry on its production. Then, when released, it pulls a megaprofit stunt and becomes an instant classic. Usually accompanied by Hype Backlash, but has less chance of becoming Deader Than Disco. Contrast with Vindicated by History, where a work initially fails but then gradually builds a very high reputation.