Neuralyzer

A neuralyzer is a gizmo from Men in Black that erases memories. It is used by the PPC to make canon characters forget Suefics and extra-canonical anything. It is also used by the Department of Internal Operations to make agents forget the DIO's existence. The device is about the size and shape of a pen, and emits a flash of light which dazzles and dazes anyone who sees it. Agents using them must remember to close their eyes or wear sunglasses, or else they will erase their own memories, too.

Originally, use of the neuralyzer was not needed, as the canon would tend to reassert itself and reset things to their proper state. It still does this, to a degree, but in recent years the various Word-Worlds have become so badly battered and stretched by the influx of Sues and other canon-damaging influences that with a very few exceptions, canon characters have come to require neuralyzation for things to fall back into their proper alignment.

Agents in canons where magic (or sufficiently advanced technology) is widespread may instead choose to use a canonical method to fulfill the same purpose as the neuralyzer. Examples include Memory Charms, from the Harry Potter universe, the Suggestion spell from the D&D canon (and associated worlds), Buffyverse Wicca spells, Force-related abilities from Star Wars, and memory-modification equipment in many sci-fi continua where memories can be uploaded to the brain. Depending on how bad the distortion is, a relatively minor effect can be enough to jar the canons back into their proper roles. Limitations on canonical neuralyzation substitutes include needing to be in the proper disguise, learn the appropriate skill, or obtain the requisite technology; but because these methods are in-canon, they may be somewhat more effective.

See also Mass Neuralyzer.