Subject: Happy Guy Reviews 12
From: gaffney@iconn.net
Date: 7/11/1996, 9:48 PM
To: fanfic@fanfic.com

It's that time again, kids!


"Sometimes It's All Too Much to Bear"
"Regarding Ranma"
by Jason Ashton


There are certain stories that you like, but there are no
hardcore reasons why you do.  When asked for the reasons why
these stories are enjoyable, you end up saying, "Well, they
just are!"  Naturally, reviewing them is just as hard.

But, I've made it my goal to give opinions on these things, 
and when I wrote my first fanfic, one of the first names I
thought of as "Influences" was Jason Ashton.

First, Sometimes...Bear.  This has an interesting premise,
with the constant arguments between the two of them taking 
their toll on Akane.  The description of Akane's breakdown
is rather harrowing, and there is a visceral emotionality at 
the core of this.  Yes, the status quo is preserved, but you
feel that there *was* something gained between the two of
them.  There's also a nice Kasumi/Tofu scene here.

Now, onto Regarding Ranma.  I, for one, did not care for 
Regarding *Henry*, the movie that influenced this fanfic,
but the Ranma characters seem to work in this.  Nabiki in
particular is shown at her cleverest, showing that if she 
really wanted to, she could have Ranma and Akane together
in weeks.  Ranma is interesting, as we see what a completely
polite guy he has become.  The love for Akane is still
buried there, though.

This is Akane's fic, though (as so many are), and she really
excels, as we see the caring she keeps buried finally come
to the surface.  There's even an amusing bit where you find
that the "careful" recipes that Akane has to make Just Right
are actually normal.

I really like Jason Ashton's work.  No epic battles, no major
themes, and they're rather quiet works.  Nevertheless, you
finish reading with a smile on your face, every time.  I won't
say that even Jeff Rutsch will like it (learned my lesson
there!), but they are recommended.


Next:  Buckle down, folks.  Part I of "Classic UY"

--Sean Gaffney
--"You git!  I thought you were dead!  Git git git!" - Benny, No Future