This one's a little early, 'cause I've been mulling it over
all day, and I have a *lot* to say.


The More Things Change
by Rod M. (RPM)


Now, then.  Those of you who have read my opinions in the 
past know me as a big fan of Akari Unryuu.  Indeed, I have
stated my dislike of the "Well, of course Ryouga and Ukyou
then got married" fanfics.

However, I'm not a fanatic about it.  If there's a reasonable
buildup to this relationship, I'll probably accept it.  Fics
such as Cheisai and Lesson in Love do that.  So does this
one.  I like the fact that Ryouga and Ukyou will take a *long*
time to get together.  It's a relationship held back by 
reluctance, rather than the denial that is Ranma and Akane's
relationship.

This thing is funny.  There are some scenes in here that made 
me fall out of my chair.  Some of the best:

1) Oook!  No explanation needed.
2) The sheer idea of a dangerous villain who looks like
   Gosunkugi.  I still can't picture it.
3) The first poker scene. (getting hands all wet, etc.)
4) The Ranma/Akane/Kodachi battle, with kiss followup.

Damn, this thing is complex.  The only thing I know that
comes *close* in terms of things to keep track of is Descents
and Inversions.  Actually, this is my main worry.  Not with 
the fic itself, but with the sequel.

Picture this:

"So, Sean, what's this one about?"

"Well, it involves Ryouga sort of taking Ranma's place as main
love interest, because Ranma and Akane have gotten together, 
and there's a subplot with Shampoo and Mousse, and something
with Tsubasa, and Gosunkugi seems to be headed towards an evil
path.  Oh, then there's the new characters!  Hey, where'r you
going?"

Ryouga, Ukyou, Ranma, Akane, Shampoo, Mousse, Happosai, Cologne,
Akari, Kuno, Kodachi, Ryo, Ryoko, Kyoko, Megane, Gosunkugi,
Tsubasa, Manami Hinako...plus all the cameos.  Oh, and I hear
Pansuto Taro is gonna show up.  And there's that new girl, the 
chimney sweep.

I think I see why Pursuit of Happiness isn't out yet.  Y'know,
Ranma is a fairly populated universe in itself.  And I'm not
against adding a character or two.  But trying to add ten new
characters, and still give all the Ranma regulars a chance to 
shine, that's when you get a fanfic of Bubblegum Zone proportions.

The More Things Change is an excellent fanfic, and I'm looking
forward to its continuation.  But I'm worried that this new
universe may collapse under its own weight.  I don't envy RPM
the work.

And I haven't even mentioned Kevin Eav's fanfic, in the same
universe...

I think I'll go lie down now...


Oh, next.  Umm...How 'bout Whose Life Is It Anyway?

--Sean Gaffney
--who boggles at people who write fanfics over 15 pages...