I posted part of this message a while ago, by mistake. Monsieur
Biles had posted his 'fic to his pre-reading list, and I'd thought
he'd posted it to the FFML.
Now, however, he HAS posted to the FFML, but from the public response
the 'fic has received, it might as well have not, so I send once
again my rave on the story.
I'm not the only one who thinks this is a wonderful tale; below is
a note that Nightelf asked me to send on his behalf, in which he
also praises the work.
-CW
=====================
For a few times in the past, I've tried to come to the 'rescue'
of worthy 'fics that haven't gotten the attention they deserve.
Of course, when I started doing that, I thought it'd be for
lesser-known writers, or first-time fanfics... Never did I think
I'd have to do it for one of Biles's stories.
Alas, that is the case. Monsieur Biles has once again written
a wonderful tale, and it seems people have glanced at it once
and said, "Oh? A non-Ranma 'fic by John Biles? And it isn't even
in script format? Where did I put that delete key..."
'A Tokyo Senshi in Queen Rei's Court' is a masterful fusion of
Arthurian legend (straight from Mallory - Jimbo sticks closely
to his sources), Twainish wit and his usual insight into the
Sailor Moon characters.
Granted, the 'Senshi' = 'Knight' takes SOME getting used to,
and don't have anything in your mouth that can be spit out when
you find out who 'Lancelot' is... @.@
The story, like that which it is ultimately based on, is one
of spiritual development, but it has plenty of adventure and
humour along the way, and even some in-jokes for those of you
who are familiar with medieval literature.
Yes, it is long (three parts, each part a 'fic unto itself), but
it flows smoothly, and is extremely enjoyable. The grammar
and spelling are perfect (except for the author's annoying habit
of bringing Peter Noone into the plot), and there are no scenes,
like there are in other fanfics, where you feel compelled to skim over
it until you get to better writing. Rather, my eyes, at least, were
glued to the screen until I finished it.
All in all, a must-read. I'm not much of a Sailor Moon fan (I'm
helping to organise the Anime Liberation Front's 'Die, Sailors! DIE!
DIE! DIE!' Christmas showing), but I loved this tale, and I think
everyone else will, too. :)
In the event that you accidentally forgot to keep a copy, I'm sure
Bailesu will be more than happy to mail you one. :)
-Christopher Willmore
Return-Path: <nwl9354@unix.tamu.edu>
Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 03:37:21 -0600 (CST)
From: Nightelf <nwl9354@unix.tamu.edu>
To: Christopher Willmore <4cw6@qlink.queensu.ca>
Subject: A Tokyo Senshi in Queen Rei's Court
Chris, I'd like to ask a favor, just in case I'm not back on the ML when
it's released.
"Tokyo Senshi", for lack of a better way to put it, blew me away. It was
a masterstroke from an excellent author, and it might get ignored because
of its length and because it's just a Sailor Moon 'fic (at least, on the
surface).
Knowing you, you'll probably make a recommendation for people to read it
once it comes on the ML, as you have shown your appreciation for the work
and also don't want to see it ignored. When that happens, if I'm not
back on the ML yet, please attach my name to your recommendation. It was
one of the best works I've ever read, and it deserves recognition or, at
the very least, attention.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nicholas Leifker, aka "Nightelf"
nwl9354@unix.tamu.edu
Nightelf's Elysium - http://http.tamu.edu:8000/~nwl9354
"Ichi tasu ichi, nibunnoichi." It all adds up...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interfector beluam Ecclesia Ryougis.
Custos tabula nomina Franka Ecclesia Azusis.
C.A.S.K.E.T. | http://qlink.queensu.ca/~4cw6/
4cw6@qlink.queensu.ca reiraku@geocities.com
"I am Perdita of Borg. Prepare to have your fortune assimilated."
-Ranma 2096, Episode VII: The Rewards of Enterprise (Draft)