NOTE: The 1996 Taleswapper Awards is available in HTML format
via at http://members.aol.com/talswapr/private/index.html.
There are lots of links, and all the story titles are in italic
type, as God had intended. Also, there's a bonus "musical
salute" to my favorite fanfic moments, not reproduced in this
text version. So get on the web! - Taleswapper
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THE SECOND ANNUAL TALESWAPPER AWARDS
My Favorite Ranma Fanfics of FY 1996
by Taleswapper
**Introduction**
One year ago I picked my favorite seven Ranma fanfics for the
period of October 1994 - September 1995. After having written
four times over the past year about my favorite new Ranma
fanfics, I am ready to hand out a new batch of Taleswapper
Awards (a golden P-chan; here, hold one: impressive, ne?) to
the best of the best. The 1996 awards cover all Ranma 1/2 fan
fiction which appeared on rec.arts.anime.creative (nee
rec.arts.anime.stories) in the 12-month period ending last
September 30, which I have designated Fanfic Year (FY) 1996.
During FY 96, I prepared four posts containing appreciations of
my favorite Ranma fanfics for each quarter of the year. All my
old posts are accessible via my home page at
http://members.aol.com/talswapr/private/index.html. This year,
the fanfics I selected and lavished praise on were:
"Regarding Ranma" by Jason Ashton
"Furinkan Summer Episode 3: Prom Madness! Will You Dance
with Me?" by John Walter Biles
"Dropping Anchor" by Mark Crewson
"Ranma .05 Vol. 2 Part 5: My Love Shall Never Waver"
by Darren Demaine
"Daruma 1/2" by Bridget Ellen Engman
"Remind My Heart" by Stephanie A. Gonzales
"Magical Interludes: December's End" (parts 1-6)
by J.K. Hayashi
"Lies" by Jeffrey Hosmer
"Still Waters Run Deep, Part 5: Courting Chaos!"
by Jeffrey Hosmer
"Heart of the Home" by Richard Lawson
"Thy Inward Love" by Richard Lawson
"The Ways of the Amazons" by Richard Lawson
"Burned and Broken: Part the First of the Sunrise
Chronicles" by Nicholas Leifker, aka "Nightelf"
"Sunrise" by Nicholas Leifker, aka "Nightelf"
"The More Things Change" by Rod M.
"Honor Lost" by Paul Meaney
"Autumn" by Joseph Palmer
"Nightshadow" by Shannon M. Richmeyer
"Normal" by Roy Rim
"Split Personalities" (parts 1-10) by Roy Rim
"Hold On" by Jeff Rutsch
"Revolution" and "Revolution #9" by Jeff Rutsch
"Tales of Ranma & Nabiki" (parts 1-7) by Jeff Rutsch
"Daigakusei no Ranma Episode 19: Spiritual Aftermath"
by David Tai et al.
"The Least One Can Do" (parts 1-5) by Jeffrey Wong
All these stories are available in the Ranma directory of the
fanfic archive.
Of the dozens of Ranma fanfics posted to r.a.a.c. in FY 96,
these stories are my favorites, usually offering some mix of
the qualities I look for in a Ranma fanfic (see previous posts
for details). Essentially, to make my list of favorites,
fanfics must be are well written enough or enjoyable enough to
motivate me to read them multiple times.
And yet, even among these "best" Ranma fanfics, it was possible
for me to identify gradations, a hierarchy of favor. It was
clear from the beginning that certain stories stood out even
from this select batch of works. Artificially settling on the
number seven, mostly to keep a one-year tradition going, I
chose my absolute, top-of-the-list, best-of-the-best
favorites. Unlike last year, though, I also wanted to choose a
single favorite story for FY 96, to which I would award the
coveted golden Ranma-chan (she's naked and is holding a sword).
Though I did "rank" the top seven stories in order to pick my
favorite, I have not reproduced that ranking here. To do so
would be a pretense at objectivity and quantitation that simply
did not exist. So below I merely present new appreciations of
all my picks for the the Best Ranma Fanfics of FY 96, with my
favorite story described last.
**Taleswapper's Top Ranma Fanfics of 1996**
P-chans are awarded to the following six Ranma 1/2 fanfics. I
deliberately avoided reviewing my quarterly posts when I wrote
these appreciations. I hope I haven't repeated myself too much
and have found some interesting new things to say.
"Thy Inward Love" by Richard Lawson
This story and one of its sequels, "The Ways of the Amazons"
have raged a fratricidal battle in my deliberations over which
stories to select for my awards. On the one hand, "Amazons" is
clearly a better-written story. In it, Lawson's prose is more
sophisticated and experimental, shining with artistry that
"TIL" lacks. Yet "TIL" has a more riveting story, genuinely
moving in some parts, and its prose - despite total reliance on
omniscient-third-person narrative - is superior to the writing
in almost all other Ranma fanfics. The two stories nearly
cancelled each other out, but I would be lying to myself if I
were to exclude the "Heart of the Home"-"TIL"-"Aftermath:" arc
entirely from my list of this year's top favorites.
I decided to go where my heart lies. Though I will always
admire the solid craftsmanship of "Amazons," it is more
important for me to acknowledge having been touched by so many
parts of "TIL." Akane's loving rescue of Ranma from his
despair, Ranma's insightful letdown of Ukyou, Akane's last
thoughts as she faces death, Ranma's decisiveness and courage
in the battle against the Amazon spirits: such moments continue
to resonate in my memory. Clearly, Lawson's writing was
sufficiently artful to evoke from my mind images and emotions
that would prove so enduring.
In creating "TIL" Lawson has replaced much of the humor endemic
to Ranma 1/2 with serious exploration of characters'
motivations and emotions. In doing so, while he may have
diminished Ranma 1/2's spirit, he has strengthened its soul.
"Normal" by Roy Rim
It is hard to articulate the reasons this fanfic affects me. In
fact, it took a while for me to realize how much I liked
"Normal." Maybe it's the understated, unassuming tone of the
writing. As in real life, the drama is inconspicuous.
First-person narration probably would have been too vivid; the
third-person-limited-perspective voice works very well to
convey a sense of normalcy and detachment from the melodrama of
Ranma 1/2.
Perhaps it is that detachment that appeals most to me. Many
authors have tried to step into the Ranma 1/2 universe to
provide an "everyman's" perspective of its lovably absurd
characters and situations. Too many such works, however, have
fallen prey to the excesses that typically accompany
author-based characters inserted into Ranma fanfics. Rim's
Saicho, on the other hand, remains sufficiently distant from
Ranma & Co. so that his presence never intrudes on the Ranma
1/2 universe as he attempts to shed additional light onto it.
Though the story is clearly about Saicho, his feelings, and his
life, "Normal's" new characters complement the existing
anime/manga universe, never distracting from it.
With that harmony established, Rim tells a pleasing story (it's
too understated to characterize as touching or inspiring) that
should elicit a flash of recognition from any reader who's
tried seriously to emulate someone they admire. Or envy. The
undertones of a (nonsexual) crush on Ranma are also food for
thought. There's so much more to "Normal" than is apparent at
first glance.
Which is likely why, at first glance, I wasn't all that
impressed. How ironic, then.
"Nightshadow" by Shannon M. Richmeyer
There is in "Nightshadow" a rare combination of delicate beauty
and raw excitement that endures very well over multiple
readings. After my latest revisit, I mused about how the same
story, in another author's hands, could have failed abjectly.
Without Richmeyer's splendid, often lyrical prose and
insightfully crafted characters, "Nightshadow" might have been
just another villain-of-the-week fanfic. Instead, the reader
is treated to multiple passages of sensuous, descriptive text
and to solid characterization that includes novel, engaging
treatments of Ryouga and Tofu in their supporting roles. The
strength of Richmeyer's writing carries a story that, because
of its subject matter, could very well have descended to the
level of warmed-over romps, inspired by fantasy literature or
roleplaying games, that are easy to find in the fanfic archive.
Another author might have cast Akane in her more familiar role
of damsel-in-distress. But Richmeyer's development of the
story's heroine provides a splendid character study of Akane,
ably combining her disparate features: stormy femininity, an
endearing tragic flaw of insecurity, and the resolute courage
of a warrior. Perhaps more portentous is Ranma's unaccustomed
role as victim. His enthrallment by the vampire terrifies not
only by shattering the comfortable myth of Ranma's
invincibility, but also by conveying some very disturbing
undertones that most male readers find unfamiliar: a dread that
echoes the horror and humiliation of rape.
That "Nightshadow" has motivated me to such deep (perhaps
way-overboard) contemplation gladdens me and encourages future
re-readings.
"Autumn" by Joseph Palmer
Listing Palmer among the runners-up is like leaving Michael
Jordan off the all-star team. As ever, I recognize, I
celebrate the lofty status of his writing style and the
poignancy of his story, so simple but so universally relevant
to every heart that loves. Excellence of this sort is
undeniable. And yet some of the qualities that set "Autumn"
far apart from other Ranma fanfics have paradoxically
diminished the story in my flailing, earnest attempt to choose
with conviction a single favorite Ranma fanfic of 1996. For
"Autumn's" sole perceptible flaw is that it is not "Spring" or
"Summer," which stories I prefer and rate as superior works.
The autumnal setting of the story is beautifully described and
downright stirring in juxtaposition with the characters'
actions. But because this season, like winter, comes
conveniently equipped with such an obvious symbol, I can't help
but compare the story's imagery to the more challenging visual
passages of the two previous "Seasons" stories. In the same
vein, I am left touched by the moving and romantic story that
Palmer weaves in "Autumn," but remain mindful of how "Spring"
and "Summer" were so effective with only the barest thread of a
story, let alone a plot that builds and climaxes as
dramatically as "Autumn's." The intense emotions associated
with Akane's revealed memories do move me, and then I remember
having been so deeply affected by the more subtle feelings -
comfort, pride, wonderment - conjured by Palmer's previous
works.
Enough: these observations seem so incongruously negative, even
if my "criticisms" stem from appreciation of "Autumn"'s
distinctive qualities. I write about "Autumn" here because it
is incontrovertibly among the very best Ranma fanfics of all
time. Stories before and after Palmer's have used the departed
Mrs. Tendo as a device to provide some insight into the loved
ones she left behind. But the emotional response of Akane, as
constructed by Palmer, has a riveting authenticity that other
stories have not. That beautiful images of nature would elicit
from Akane happy memories of Mom is an easy enough idea. It
parallels the pleasant recollections that Akane articulated in
"Winter," when she reveals to Ranma some of the mother-daughter
intimacy of snowy nights past. But then, the downward spiral
of Akane's recollections, brought on by the prospect of Ranma's
eventual departure, adds psychological depth. As repressed
dark memories reemerge violently, Palmer builds a new layer of
complexity atop the foundation of simple associations of
seasonal images with happy moments.
How appropriate that the season of decay introduces the first
unpleasant thoughts seen in this series. And how fitting that,
just as the decomposition of the old foliage will feed the new
growth of spring, so Akane's encounter with despair provides
the couple with a final, irresistible impetus to take their
relationship to the next level of growth.
"Tales of Ranma & Nabiki" (Parts 1-7) by Jeff Rutsch
The most addictive fanfic series I've ever read, "ToRN" is
embossed on my memory like a movie that I've viewed a dozen
times or more. Its often subtle and always quirky melodrama
encompasses some of the best-staged scenes in all fanfic:
Ranma's first quiet admission of affection after he
accidentally wakes Nabiki, Akane's heartbreak at the gymnastics
training session, Ranma and Ukyou sharing some uncomfortable
truths as they spar.
Rutsch breathes new life into the hackneyed anime love-triangle
plot with several unique and engrossing touches. These include
the frankness of Nabiki and Akane in expressing their desire
for Ranma, a refreshing departure from the anime tradition of
leaving affections unspoken and ambiguous. Perhaps even more
gratifying is Rutsch's singular interpretation of Ukyou, who
has grown more interesting as a foil for both Ranma and Nabiki
than she has ever been as a romantic interest in any fanfic.
So many stories simply begin from the notion - unfounded in the
manga/anime - that late-arrival Ukyou is Ranma's best friend.
But Rutsch builds with a couple of choice scenes a solid basis
for a rapidly blooming trust between the two childhood pals.
Just as absorbing is the friendship that develops from mutual
respect between Ukyou and Nabiki.
FY 96 was certainly The Year of Nabiki and "ToRN" was its
highlight, and not only because of the quality of the writing.
This year's other fanfics that attempt to cast Nabiki in a
romantic role seem to share a common perspective: everyone,
even the material girl, craves love. Rutsch's take on her
romance with Ranma, however, does not rely as much on the
portrait of a lonely, longing Nabiki. Though Rutsch's Nabiki
is certainly not unemotional or incapable of affection, her
bonding with Ranma seems to stem as much from her original
anime/manga characterization as from any new perspectives on
her emotional life. This Nabiki, who no doubt could have
easily extracted herself from her father's arrangement,
respects her betrothal the way a good capitalist respects the
rule of contract law. Although Ranma certainly has begun to
win her heart, there are many instances where Nabiki views him
- not coldly, but sensibly - as an asset that is hers and that
she'll fight to keep. Rutsch's Nabiki, defending her ownership
rights even as she falls in love, seems much more in line with
the girl that Takahashi once described as having "an impure
heart."
In re-reading "ToRN," it is gratifying and a little fascinating
to track the evolution of Rutsch's writing style. Early on,
for example, I had been impressed with his ability to portray
characters' thoughts and personal deliberations concisely and
artfully. As the chapters progress, however, Rutsch relies
less and less on "thought balloons" and other third-person
narrative, choosing the more challenging device of
communicating characters' thinking through their dialogue,
facial expressions, and other actions. By Chapter 7, even
visual cues become rare, and Rutsch constructs scenes entirely
of conversation. This sort of writing is a far cry from the
richly detailed prose that usually characterizes my favorite
fanfics, but it is equally effective in rousing my interest and
reflection. Getting more for less is always so appealing.
"Remind My Heart" by Stephanie A. Gonzales
The most recent of Ranma fanfics to make my Best of 96 list,
"Remind My Heart "combines sublime ideas and ethereal ambience.
The moment I finished Gonzales' delicate, yet deeply moving
short story, I knew it would affect me for a long time to come.
The concept of a love affair that outlasts life and death is
not new, but this particular variant of that romantic notion
elicited as great an emotional response from me as any fanfic
I've read.
Oddly enough, it was not the miraculous return of the dead
lover, or even the tearful farewell that moved me most. Rather,
the quiet, uneventful Spring night the couple spends together
shines with a simple, but inspiring beauty. It is the
fulfilling beauty of a second chance, the dearest wish of so
many finally granted. Throughout all the dreamy episode,
Gonzales' prose has a lyrical quality, uncomplicated in its
construction and language, but able to convey complex layers of
emotion.
The dialogue between the lovers is similarly unencumbered.
Gonzales wisely resists the temptation to embellish their
exchange with poetic or dramatic eloquence. Their feelings
speak volumes, so their words don't have to. Against this
backdrop of simple beauty, Gonzales' stirring romance shines
even more brightly.
The juxtaposition of the ancient lovers with Ranma and Akane,
accomplished through a link to the Tanabata manga story, is
sound. I would have preferred a little more subtlety in Ranma's
reaction to his reverie, and the description of Akane's
thoughts upsets the parallel because only the man's thoughts
were expressed in the dream. But these imperfections in the
epilogue cannot diminish the charm of what went before.
You don't need to believe in reincarnation or even in
precognition to find truth in "Remind My Heart." You need only
to know that true love is timeless.
Any of these six fanfics could have been my favorite for the
year. I ndeed, most have been at some point, depending on my
mood or on fleeting changes in my preferences. But today, my
choice is the story described next.
**Taleswapper's Favorite Ranma Fanfic of 1996**
And the Ranma-chan goes to . . .
"Sunrise" by Nicholas Leifker
Leifker's first Ranma fanfic appeals to me on so many levels.
Its plot is an ingenious extrapolation from a few simple
what-ifs? applied to one of my favorite manga stories. Its
structure, cinematically paced, serves to manage a diverse cast
and momentous events with admirable simplicity. Its brevity is
remarkable: telling such a sweeping story in only 36,000 bytes
is an accomplishment from which authors should learn before
they embark on multipart "epics."
The leading characters are well-formed, although Ukyou seems
little different from her characterization in other good
fanfics. The proud, tragic chieftain is perhaps the best
vision of a future Ranma I've seen created. Her solemnity -
though it gives way to exuberant arrogance in battle - gives
Ranma _gravitas_ that is easily the equal of any somber
portrayal of Ranma in "dark" fanfics.
More fascinating is Nabiki, the grim and fierce warrior. The
logic behind this character is simple enough: were she to
change the focus of her energies from commerce to vengeance
(and the martial skill necessary to effect revenge), this is
the Nabiki that would result. The application of that logic,
however, entails many subtle complexities that are marvelous to
behold. The echoes of the 8-year-old tragedy reverberate in
"Sunrise's" opening scene. Nabiki's coldly efficient dispatch
of Musk warriors calls to mind her past effectiveness in
wheeling and dealing. Her temptations to step beyond the
bounds Ranma had set for the battle remind us that Nabiki was
always capable of excess and ethical lapses.
When I re-read "Sunrise" to prepare for this appreciation, the
work's flaws jumped out at me, as my insecurity and
indecisiveness made one last attempt to spoil my choice of a
favorite Ranma fanfic. There are some inelegant phrasings and
shrill lines that mar the beauty of Leifker's work. Perhaps my
admiration for the clever plot and for the Ranma and Nabiki
characters was badly skewing my critical analysis. Maybe I was
seeing the story not as it was written by Leifker in his first
Ranma offering, but as it should have been scribed to do
justice to the wonderful ideas at its core.
But then I re-read the finely crafted parts that resonated in
me when I first downloaded "Sunrise." I acknowledged the extra
effort in some phrasings: Mint's introduction as "the prince's
champion"; the poetic description of Lime's eyes as he
departs. I delighted in some of the small, extra details for
observant readers: is that Ranma's red shirt Ukyou is wearing?;
nice to see Linlin and Ranran again; the kanji signature, I
know what _that_ implies. I re-read the masterful dialogue in
Ranma's grimly haughty greeting of Herb; her pronouncement of
the prince's death sentence echoes in my mind even now. I was
again touched by Ukyou's anguished pleading with a hesitant
Ranma and by the letter that again moves Ukyou to tears.
Though I admit these scenes are a little manipulative, they are
authentic, Ukyou's emotions are truth.
Leifker is now writing a "prequel" series, "The Sunrise
Chronicles," detailing the eight years separating Ranma's
confrontations with Herb. The first installment, "Burned and
Broken," was good enough to make my list of favorites for the
last quarter of FY 96. Perhaps by the time this series is
complete, Leifker will have so many new ideas for improving on
"Sunrise," he'll feel compelled to release a revised version.
Given the excellent writing evidenced in "Burned and Broken," I
have no doubt that such a revision would result in a superior
work. But you always remember your first love.
In my opinion.
Taleswapper
November 8, 1996
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Coming in a few days: the 1996 Induction Ceremony for
Taleswapper's Hall of Fame. I'll honor three older favorite
Ranma fanfics that have had a significant influence on works
that followed. Watch for it!
I'm always up for discussing good fanfics (and even some of the
bad ones) by private e-mail. Write to me at talswapr@aol.com.