Hello to all,
If you have any comments, questions or criticisms of the weeks reviews,
*please* address them to the person who wrote the review, the name given
in soft parentheses. {} Thanks in advance.
Collectively,
Paul <arezina@acad1.stvincent.edu>
Helen <Helen@eiw-ca.com>
Shunsuke <shunsuke@mailcity.com>
PS: Since it didn't show up the first time I tried, I'm sending this
again. If it shows up twice, apologies in advance - Shunsuke.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FFML Reviews List
=====================
For the week of: August 14, 1998
Synopses Submitted: 29
* * * * *
[Dragonball/Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: Dragon Ball R1/2
Series: Ranma 1/2, Dragon Ball Z
Genre: Crossover
Author: Donny Cheng
Email: chengdo@shaw.wave.ca
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Ginza/4537
Date Sent to FFML: August 16, 1998
Summary:
Mr. Satan has a new student... or not.
{Paul}
Now this... this is one of the few plausible crossovers out there...
if one can ignore the slight technological gap between the two
crossed universes. One wonders what will happen when Ranma and the
line of Son Goku cross paths...
The story is good, and the fight scene is rather nicely done,
especially in light of the fact that most of the Dragonball warriors
can carve up planets with a stray blast. It'll be interesting to see
what happens when the "flavored" ki of the Ranmaverse touches with
the raw power Goku and his gang of fools seem to command. Quite a bit
of foreshadowing, some less obvious than the rest... but the
occasional awkward sentence, particularly as the plot starts racing
along, is hardly welcome. Hopefully, this will be corrected as
suggested... but until it is, I can give it only 13 or 14 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Dragonball/Yuu Yuu Hakusho]
- - - - -
Title: Kaleidoscope - Parts 1 and 2
Series: Yu Yu Hakusho/ Dragonball
Genre: crossover
Author: Rhionae
Email: rhionae@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Island/3226/fanfics.htm
Date Sent to FFML: 10/8
Size: 11kb, 11kb
Summary:
Goten and Trunks have landed up in the YYH world - which leads to
trouble as there's a powerful youkai on the loose... Sequel to
Allegiance. Warning: contains yaoi themes, so if you don't like -
don't read!
{Shunsuke}
I haven't read Allegiance, so I could be at a loss here, but it
didn't feel like it. The story reads quickly, it's sharp, and has
a lot with little wasted words. Then again, a little more ambience
and descriptions would give it more flavor.
I know very little about Dragonball, but IIRC Goten wasn't gay in
that series, so the kiss was a surprise - in a good way. ^_^
* * * * *
[Evangelion]
- - - - -
Title: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Other Paths - Prologue
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Action/Drama
Author: James Grabowski
Email: sephirius@japan.crosswinds.net
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~sephirius
Date Sent to FFML: August 13, 1998
Size: 34K
Summary:
The day of the Unit Zero reactivation experiment is at hand. Everyone
has their own concerns, expectations, and agendas about the
experiment. However, total failure was not expected. With the end
result being a severe injury to the Sub-Commander of NERV, and a near
fatal experience for the pilot of Unit Zero, it becomes imperative
that a new pilot be found to activate the dormant Unit One, the Third
Child. The reason unknown to the child, he is summoned to Tokyo-3 by
his father. He chooses to obey, never imagining this kind of fate
awaiting him.
{Shunsuke}
In his notes the author describes this as a character exploration,
and upon first reading it does a lot to fill in the holes of who
does what and why. The attempt to stick with the original EVA
storyline is consistent, and though some details are created by the
author, they still fit. I do have one comment for the author,
though: since character development is what you intend, you will
likely be dealing with sudden changes in the people, because as you
yourself note, events take place quickly, at least half the series
within the span of only three weeks. Any changes are likely not to
be gradual.
* * * * *
[Evangelion/MST3k]
Title: Neon Genesis Evanjellydonut - Fanfic/MST Part II: Chapter 1
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Fanfic/MST/C&C (combination) / Humour
Author: James Grabowski
Email: sephirius@japan.crosswinds.net
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~sephirius
Date Sent to FFML: August 8, 1998
Size: 69K
Summary:
Different from the normal MST genre, this series takes on its own
internal plot. Features the C&C of the chacarters OWN personal
feelings, rather than those of the author. Featuring Rei Ayanami,
Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji Ikari (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Children
respectively), Hikari Horaki, Touji Suzuhara, and Kensuke Aida with
their own outtakes on Neon Genesis Evanjellydonut Chapter 1. Covers
the ENTIRE chapter. Continued from "Part I: Chapter 3.5".
{Shunsuke}
The commentary the author puts into the character's mouths is funny
for the most part, making it seem like every other comment is "he
says I said WHAT?". I really couldn't see where this was going (if
anywhere), and the hentai bits were too screwball to be hentai.
This is better than most MSTs I've seen, but given that I don't read
them normally, I can't be entirely accurate. Another big problem is
that I never read the original, so this is hard for me to follow at
times.
- - - - -
Title: Neon Genesis Evanjellydonut - Fanfic/MST Part III: Chapter 2
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Fanfic/MST/C&C (combination) / Humour
Author: James Grabowski
Email: sephirius@japan.crosswinds.net
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~sephirius
Date Sent to FFML: August 9, 1998
Size: 86K
Summary:
Different from the normal MST genre, this series takes on its own
internal plot. Features the C&C of the chacarters OWN personal
feelings, rather than those of the author. Featuring Rei Ayanami,
Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji Ikari (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Children
respectively), Hikari Horaki, Touji Suzuhara, and Kensuke Aida with
their own outtakes on Neon Genesis Evanjellydonut Chapter 2. Covers
the ENTIRE chapter. Continued from "Part II: Chapter 1".
{Shunsuke}
[See Part II: chapter 1 above for review.]
- - - - -
Title: Neon Genesis Evanjellydonut - Fanfic/MST Part IV: Chapter 3
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Fanfic/MST/C&C (combination) / Humour
Author: James Grabowski
Email: sephirius@japan.crosswinds.net
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~sephirius
Date Sent to FFML: August 13, 1998
Size: 87K
Summary:
Different from the normal MST genre, this series takes on its own
internal plot. Features the C&C of the chacarters OWN personal
feelings, rather than those of the author. Featuring Rei Ayanami,
Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji Ikari (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Children
respectively), Hikari Horaki, Touji Suzuhara, and Kensuke Aida with
their own outtakes on Neon Genesis Evanjellydonut Chapter 3. Covers
the ENTIRE chapter. Continued from "Part III: Chapter 2".
{Shunsuke}
[See Part II: chapter 1 above for review.]
* * * * *
[La Blue Girl]
- - - - -
Title: Wandering Boy Bob, Luckless Shikima Episode 2: The Mister Happy Machine
Series: La Blue Girl (with lots of cameos and guest appearances)
Genre: Lemon, Crossover, Parody, New Characters, Unusual Events
Authors: Nikholas "SwitchRain" F. Toledo
Email: niftol@i-manila.com.ph
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/3145/boybob.html
Date Sent to FFML: 1317H 09 Aug 98 (+0800H)
Size: 55 KB
Summary:
Bob travels the long and lonely road, desperate to prove himself
amongst his peers as he stumbles on - what else? Hiroe is distraught,
while Fubuki is frantically searching. Plus, how to make your own
ecchi movie, part one, a partial who's who and the episode's courtesy
fight sequence!
{Shunsuke}
You know, I was dreading having to do this one, I found LBG so
loathsome, yet this was very funny. Cameos done way too many times,
bad jokes, and somehow even a love story thrown in. Go figure.
As a silly romp, this works without degenerating into the kind of
rapentertainment of the original. I just pray that Oh My Goddess
doesn't get crossed into in a future part....
* * * * *
[Original]
- - - - -
Title: The Black Magic Project
Series: Original
Genre: Anime-based Science Fiction
Author: J. Austin Wilde
Email: wildeman@psn.net
Homepage: http://www.psn.net/~wildeman/
Date Sent to FFML: 14 August 1998
Size: 67K
Summary:
The first part of a sci-fi novel I started writing seven years ago,
now polished a bit and awaiting some good C&C so's I can get a
manuscript together for publication. An eccentric team of mercenaries
ends up in the middle of an intricate web of lies and subterfuge that
has been in motion for the last 800 years.
{Paul}
I can't fault the writing. As always, I'm seldom casting about
trying to fasten on to a mental picture of characters, setting, or
plot. I realize this is only the first few parts of the series...
but, as it is, it seems like so many other novels I've read, in
which a motley crew is assembled and goes forth to do whatever. Not
that that's a BAD thing, mind you... and this certainly differs in
setting from most of the other such stories I've read, but as it is...
To put it succinctly, what is so different about this? I'm hoping to
get an answer a couple chapters down the road. 17 or 18 out of 20,
because this is quite a good story... I just feel like I've heard it
before.
- - - - -
Title: Macho Caballo Chapter 27 - Something Grunty This Way Comes
Series: Macho Caballo
Genre: Humor/Drama/Original
Author: James Eades (James and the Bluejay)
Email: jeeades@ix.netcom.com
Homepage: http://www2.netcom.com/~jeeades/macho.htm
Date Sent to FFML: Aug 11 1998
Size: 46K
Summary:
Yucca tries to eliminate a rival, as part of Espuma's assault on the
Apache encampment. Espuma tries to eliminate an obstacle. Lucha
wants out of camp because of the ruckus caused by her engagement, and
Machita finds an answer to her dilemma - sort of.
{Paul}
Again, the description here is absolutely wonderful... I'm beginning
to see latent Tatewaki, Kodachi, and Gosunkugi personalities
developing... of course, such labels are more or less meaningless in
original fiction, but one must look to the inspiration, ne? Though I
must admit, I never thought anyone would prove themselves denser
than Kuno. Everyone got a bit of development here... except for
Lonesome. Hopefully, the next chapter will overlap with this one,
continuity-wise, and we can see exactly what Lonesome's reaction is
to having a wife... and if he hauls off and decks the mare after all
she's put him through. But, all in all, a very well-thought out and
well-written story. 18 or 19 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]
Title: Alternatives -- Chapter 7
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre:
Author: Mike Allen
Email: allenmk@gte.net
Homepage: http://home1.gte.net/allenmk
Date Sent to FFML: 08/13/98
Size: 34K
Summary:
Ranma jumps into the Spring of Drowned Twins. He finds that it is a
painful event. Some of the same day aftermath is presented.
{Paul}
Just when you thought it would turn out like "5 of a Kind"... PLOT
TWIST! Though one wonders why Happy didn't wince a bit when he got
a few drops from the spring splashed on him. The writing,
technically, is fine... and the story is certainly original and has
been told well so far... as far as I can tell. However...
It feels a little... well... blunt. The fic fluctuates between
third-person and third-person omniscient, giving a few characters
flashes they shouldn't be having. It seems like this is an outline
for a fic, rather than an actual fic... everything just sort of
happens and shifts - quite nicely, might I add - but there's very
little of anything else going on. Too much is happening at once...
it's almost as if the author has a list to work from and is ticking
off items as he goes. As such... 11 or 12 out of 20. It's an
interesting plotline, but it's being presented with all the grace
of an elephant.
{Shunsuke}
I reread part one again before reading this part, and I can say that
there is a marked improvement. This is much easier to read and far
more cohesive, plus the characterizations are well done. (I like
that the offhand comments are long gone. ^_^)
In an earlier review I made comment that the author would have
problems accounting with new Ranmas feelings, that alternate males
wouldn't love Ukyou, Shampoo and Kodachi, while the female wouldn't
handle being so. I take some of it back, that things are well done
and he has handled it well, but from my point of view I would have
seen things a little more emotional when onna-Ranma met Akane for
the first time. But that's just me. ^_^
- - - - -
Title: Birthdays - Itoshii
Series: Birthdays
Genre: Short - Bittersweet
Author: Michael Won
Email: skeezy5@geocities.com
Date Sent to FFML: August 13, 1998
Size: 10k
Summary:
A monologue by Tendo Soun, speaking to his wife.
{Paul}
Who gave Soun Prozac? Then again, the entire series thus far has
been written with the characters a lot less insane than they're
traditionally portrayed. Not that that's a bad thing, mind you. This
fic is like all your others in that it casts a thread of narrative
into the mists, safely outside where canon would roam, and fills in
a bit here and a bit there... not that that's a bad thing, mind you.
Soun rambles a bit and swings from narration to narration as is his
wont, making for a somewhat disjoint piece... but he always comes
back to rest on what he and his wife had expected together. Not that
that's a bad thing, mind you. An interesting study into the mind of
Tendo Soun. 9 of 10 on the short scale.
Not that that's a bad thing, mind you.
{Shunsuke}
This one's a little WAFFier than the others (that was possible?),
and at times seemed a little too much. The background on the Tendo's
marriage while made up was certainly likeable and touching. It just
didn't do it for me like the others (esp. Ryouga), and I just can't
say why. <*shrug*> This isn't bad, it's just me....
- - - - -
Title: In My Life - A Whisper, A Hope (Episode 5)
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternative
Author: Florencio B. de la Merced, Jr.
Email: fmerced@pworld.net.ph
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Temple/3641/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: August 10, 1998
Size: 40 Kb
Summary:
Akane and Shampoo talks about so many trivial things...While Nabiki
invites her new friends over at the Furinkan's Blue Flames' office for
some interviews for the school paper. Mousse and Shinnosuke arrives at
the campus looking for Kasumi Tendo.
{Paul}
One wonders how a fic with nothing happening can convey the
impression that so much is happening... or, rather, that so much
has the potential to happen. It's odd, but I have this feeling that
something will happen, soon... something big, at least if the minds
of those it's happening to. This is a very interesting series, even
though this chapter only felt like so much marking time. 14 or 15
out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: The Insanity Continues Vol 4 Chap 1
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation, Original Flavor
Author: Lord Archive
Email: archive@mich.com
Homepage: www.mich.com/~archive/anime
Date Sent to FFML:
Size: 19 K
Summary:
It an atypical Monday. Normally that means not much happens. But not
this Monday.
{Paul}
Well, finally. Insanity indeed... this is actually turning out to
be a bit saner than one might expect. Principal Kuno actually seems
to be playing somewhat of a role in this particular series, which I
find quite surprising as he is often ignored. Mostly, this deals
with a bit more resolution from the week prior... it'll be interesting
to see where the story goes from here. 15 or 16 out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: "May I Have This Dance?"
Genre: Short - Cute
Author: Michael C. Won
Email: skeezy5@geocities.com
Date Sent to FFML: August 11, 1998
Size: 18k
Summary:
A small idea that evolved from a conversation on the Ranma ML. Ranma,
Tofu, Kasumi, and Akane as the groom, bride, best man, and maid of
honor, but not neccessarily in that order. (Now there's an idea for a
fic...)
{Paul}
I somehow knew this wouldn't be a Ranma-Akane wedding... either I'm
subconsciously denying that can happen or I've come to expect
seperate but equal plotlines from you. I hope it's the latter. The
first three scenes' somewhat vague nature sort of clued me in to the
building dramatic irony, but it was nice to be SURE. Very, very
interesting scene at the reception. Very interesting... and, come to
think of it, a perfect excuse for Ranma's usual gang of admirers not
to be around. After all, it's only Tofu and Kasumi...
Again, a very well-written fic, like the other ones I've come to
expect from you. Are you sure you and Lawson-sempai haven't met
before? The styles are rather similar, I'll grant... and this
particular opus merits about 17 or 18 out of 20.
{Shunsuke}
You can keep the audience guessing only so long before they figure
it out. The question is, when they do is it before you intended
them to? In this case, the answer is yes. I liked the WAFFiness,
but I didn't really buy the idea of Ranma being so dense about
Akane wanting to dance. Or maybe it's just me. ^_^
At least the author didn't overdo it (like Lawson in TIL) by using
that damned Anne Murray song. <*shudder*>
- - - - -
Title: Moment
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: WAFFy fic
Author: Jiro Maeda
Email: hiryu@tri-isys.com
Homepage: none
Summary:
My take on how Ranma and Akane finally express their real feelings, no
fights no fiancees ,no saving from bad guys...just a peaceful moment
of reflection
{Shunsuke}
The WAFFiness wasn't a problem here, but the jumping from one POV to
another was distracting. There really isn't much to this fic, and
it probably would have worked better as a storyline in a songfic.
Nice ideas, mediocre execution.
- - - - -
Title: Monkey Head Butting Part 7
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Comedy/Original Flavor
Author: M A Davis / Miko
Email: nausicaa@sprynet.com
Homepage: http://listen.to/bell/
Date Sent to FFML: Thursday, August 13, 1998 8:39 PM
Size: 51kb
Summary:
It's the big fight between Mousse and Ranma! Only Ranma's in Kasumi's
body, and Kasumi is... well, she _was_ in Ranma's body, but now she
and Akane have also switched. Yes, it's very confusing. Can Akane,
as Ranma, defeat Mousse? Does s/he even want to fight? Does s/he
have a choice? Will Nabiki strike it rich, or suffer the greatest
monetary loss of her life? Can she figure out what's causing the
switches, or will Cologne beat her to it? And what about that cooking
challenge between Happosai and Ranma, anyway?
Can the author possibly get through this without thoroughly confusing
himself, let alone the reader? ^_^
{Paul}
Well, perhaps you should have introduced a way of coping with the
name problems in part 1. A bit late for that now, isn't it? Hmm...
let's see here... I've seen the idea done a few times, even if it
HAS taken you six chapters to end up with Ranma and Akane in each
others' bodies. The "switch at will" power Nabiki possesses has a
heck of a lot of potential... and the fight scene approached
PERFECTION, as did the comments from the outside. This is actually
one of the few fanfics out there which could be translated into
manga with little loss of tone from the original... and it doesn't
hurt any that the story is both concise and developing subplots at
a rapid rate. 18 or 19 of 20... this thing is GOOD.
- - - - -
Title: A New Life
Series: Ranma
Genre: Dark
Author: Ryan Erik
Email: ryanerik59@hotmail.com
Homepage:
Date Sent to FFML: August 9th, 1998
Size: 140k
Summary:
In the sequel to "Vengeance," Ranma wakes up from a coma after nearly
two decades. Surrounded by strangers and very far away from home, she
has to learn to deal with her current situation, but the conditions of
her stay don't help things much. The emotional trauma that accompanied
her survival of the near fatal accident are much worse than any
physical injury that could have been done to her. Will she pull
through and create herself a new life?
{Shunsuke}
Parts of this work well and other parts need a big injection of
help. The concept, the gradual course of events and their
description all work together to build the story. But at times the
execution just didn't do it; the gaps in time with no explanation,
the regular-as-clockwork grammatical errors, and the wording can be
too much to take at times. With a rewrite and a good prereader,
this could work.
- - - - -
Title: No Need For Fiancee's (Part 1)
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: "What if?"
Author: Carly aka Akane-chan
Email: carly-san@geocities.com
Homepage: http://carly-san.animecity.ml.org/
Date Sent to FFML: August 13 1998
Summary:
One of those "what-if" stories. What if Ranma got rid of Genma while
on the way to the Tendou's for the first time. Honor still bound him
to show up at the Tendou's house, just not with his father. Ranma
really needs a friend rather than a fiancee so decided to stay in his
girl form (much to his disgust) so he can be friends with Akane, and
find out what the rest fo Tendou's are like, to see if he wants to
marry any of them.
{Paul}
Now this... is interesting. Opossum-ken at work. And what seems to
be a slightly more intelligent Ranma as well, but that's to be
expected. One wonders when the other shoe will drop, but this is a
very nice set up. Let's hope it doesn't peter out halfway. 8 of 10
on the short scale.
- - - - -
Title: Shampoo 1/2 Chapter 33: You Are Cordially Invited to the Wedding of
Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: D.B. Sommer
Email: sommer@nb.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/~azatlan/Special-Series/shampoo.html
Size: 125k
Summary:
It's the wedding day of Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo, but there are
several people that might want to put a stop to that. Also the Hunt
Pack finally arrives in Japan as Shampoo is about to run out of time.
{Paul}
It never rains but it pours. Neriman weather, being what it is, has
changed this to "It never rains but it floods". Everything...
happens... at ONCE. In the temporal and not ideological sense... see
above. The events themselves were rather crammed, but their pacing
in the story was excellent. Ranma overloads, Akane finds herself
destitute, Tarou finds out that Ranma doesn't have half the perception
he was credited for, Shampoo finally actually SAYS something and is
finally tracked down... can we say cliffhanger? Goood. This is
definitely one of the premier alternate worlds... 18 or 19 out of 20
for this particular installment.
- - - - -
Title: Shattered, part 1?
Series: Ranma
Genre: Alternaverse
Author: Brian ?_?
Email: brian_kun@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Shrine/6648
Date Sent to FFML: August 14
Size: 11k or so
Summary:
Kodachi and Tatewaki's parents both die in a tragic accident seven
years before the start of the series. They are taken in by the
Tendos.
{Paul}
Now this... was interesting. Kodachi and Tatewaki, minus insanity
in some portion, added to the household... This is very well dealt
with. Not as extreme a change as "Loveletters from the Edge", but
a change nonetheless...in personality, at least. A nice teaser,
handily worth 8 or 9 of 10 on the short scale.
- - - - -
Title: Someday Never Comes -- untitled chapter
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Next Generatin
Author: David Homerick
Email: dhomeric@jps.net
Date Sent to FFML: Mon Aug 10
Size: 8 KB
Summary:
A short (but necessary) chapter featuring Kenshiro Tendo and Ryoshi
and Shimi Hibiki. Primarily here to give the reader a feel for who
these people are. This will probably become chapter 5 in the
storyline, with "Dock of the Bay" becoming 6. Yes, I know it's more
setup.
{Paul}
Hmm. Nice setup, seemed unnecessary, but then I don't know where
you're going with this. An interesting scene, a bit more
introspection and conversation to define the characters... 8 of 10
on the short scale.
- - - - -
Title: Ukyo and Konatsu Write a Fanfic
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Spamfic/Parody
Author: Razorclaw X
Email: spiceoflife@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Date Sent to FFML: 8/7/98
Size: 1kb
Summary:
Ukyo and Konatsu get involved in the latest FFML craze.
{Paul}
*piku* Oh god. BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! To be honest, this might make a
nice .sig. 10 out of 10, simply for humor.
{Shunsuke}
It sounds like the author is telling those of us who wrote these
spamfics (myself included) to shut up. Point taken. ^_^
- - - - -
Title: What Was Never Meant To Be
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Altiverse
Author: Wesley Bridges
Email: dragdawn@geocities.com
Homepage: Currently Unavailable
Date Sent to FFML: circa 8/14/98
Size: 5.76K
Summary:
Nodoka recieves a letter that states that she and the late Mrs. Tendo
are sisters and that makes Ranma and Akane cousins. Ranma and Akane
cope as the families scurry to find new fiancees for them.
{Paul}
Niiiiiice. Very well played-out, not expressly contradicted... and
Genma and Soun are oblivious enough to realize that they didn't
marry sisters. Or perhaps they just willfully ignored that fact
and hoped it would never come up. But this stops RIGHT WHERE THEY
FIND OUT! I understand perfectly the value of a good cliffhanger...
but you'd better have the next part SOON. 7 or 8 of 10 on the short
scale.
- - - - -
Title: Wheel of Fire #6: The Law of Amazons
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation
Author: Razorclaw X
Email: spiceoflife@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Date Sent to FFML: 8/12/98
Size: 70kb
Summary:
Shampoo kidnaps Ranma and takes him back to China to be properly-wed,
with Akane and the others close behind. After all, three-thousand
years of Chinese Amazon tradition is at stake! And, Kuno finally
reveals his new, ultimate power... Ranma, look out!
{Paul}
Hmm. This would actually work a bit better in script form, if you
ask me. There are a few problems with tense and wording scattered
throughout... and the fight scene and a few of the other scenes in
the story seem as through the characters are working from badly
dubbed and overly dramatic scripts. The story itself is turning out
to be rather interesting, but the presentation is almost painfully
trite in places. 12 or 13 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Dune]
- - - - -
Title: God Emperor 1/2 - Parts 1-4
Series: God Emperor 1/2
Genre: X-Over, Ranma and Dune
Author: Michael C. Won
Email: skeezy5@geocities.com
Date Sent to FFML: August 12, 1998
Size: 25k, 24k, 22k, 14k
Summary:
A X-Over using the world of Dune and the characters of Ranma. Ranma
as the God Emperor and Ryouga as Duncan Idaho. Not much more to say,
I suppose. Helps to have read God Emperor of Dune, but it seems some
people are enjoying it w/o knowledge of GE.
{Shunsuke}
Knowing any Dune stories would definitely help, and I always found
Frank Herbert pompous and boring. This story was definitely hard
to take from that point of view; unless you're already a fan, it's
rough going.
Having said that, the ability and style of the writer are up to his
usual standards; if there's a Rookie of the Year vote for fanfic
writers, Skeezy gets mine. If the topic matter was anything else,
I would have enjoyed this.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Journey to the Centre of the Earth]
- - - - -
Title: The Journey - 1
Series: Ranma / Jules Verne
Genre: Bizarre
Author: Angus MacSpon
Email: macspon@ihug.co.nz
Homepage: http://shell.ihug.co.nz/~macspon/fanfic/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: 9 August 1998
Size: 12K
Summary:
The Nerima gang discover a mysterious parchment and embark on a
Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
{Paul}
This is... shall we say... INSANE? Delightfully batty... humor and
running gags tied together by a semblance of a plot. Hey, if it
works for Animaniacs... 7 or 8 of 10 on the humor scale.
- - - - -
Title: The Journey - 2
Series: Ranma / Jules Verne / Others
Genre: Bizarre
Author: Angus MacSpon
Email: macspon@ihug.co.nz
Homepage: http://shell.ihug.co.nz/~macspon/fanfic/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: 10 August 1998
Size: 15K
Summary:
The gang reach a strangely-familiar jumping-off point for their
journey, but end up getting a little side-tracked. All right, a LOT
side-tracked.
{Paul}
[See part 1 above for the review.]
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon/Chrono Trigger]
- - - - -
Title: Sailor Trigger, pt.2: the Day of Dread
Series: Sailor Moon/Chrono Trigger
Genre: Crossover
Author: Koban Hiryuuno
Email: kobanh@yahoo.com
Date Sent to FFML: 8/4/98
Size: 15kb
Summary:
The second part in the Sailor Trigger series continues the story of
the Sailor Senshi teaming up with the Time Travelers from Chrono
Trigger to defeat Lavos. Along the way, Serena's Cutie Moon Rod is
destroyed, and Spekkio grants her Moon magic. Also contains characters
from the upcoming original series, "Red Dragons."
{Paul}
Hmm... I'm detecting a little bit of Sailor-bashing here. Perhaps
if Serena manages to toast Yakra however-manyth with the Scepter
and gets a tad overconfident... but, as it is, the portrayal is
completely without redeeming qualities. And the characters are
getting along just a bit too well after their intial encounter...
which I STILL wonder at. I'd like to see a lot more interaction
between the characters... and perhaps a little less nigh-omnipotence
on the part of the newcomers. And if Lavos is coming to destroy the
world, whyingodsname aren't these people PRACTICING? There is just
far too much that doesn't make sense here... 9 or 10 out of 20. The
prose was clean, the plot I desperately want to get into... but I
couldn't overcome the above hurdles.
* * * * *
[Tenchi Muyou!]
- - - - -
Title: Legacy of Tears Update (includes parts 2 & 3)
Series: Tenchi Muyo-Based
Genre:Drama/Romance
Author: Trakal
Email: Trakal@map.com
Homepage: <being edited>
Date Sent to FFML: Aug 12, 1998
Summary:
Shiasta tries to enjoy a quiet day at home while her mom & siblings go
shopping.
{Shunsuke}
This author's writing at times reads like "John Steinbeck writes
sci-fi". There's a nice 'timepiece' feel to the words and pacing,
an attempt to suck every bit of emotion out onto the page. Okay,
Trakal only writes TM! stuff; I'd rather read good TM! than poorly
done stories about other series.
Just make these things longer, will ya? ^_^
* * * * *
[Yuu Yuu Hakusho]
- - - - -
Title: Ani-chan in Futureland
Series: Yuu Yuu Hakusho
Genre: Parody, kinda dark
Author: Blade
Email: ayiekie@hotmail.com
Homepage: www.wizard.net/~deva/fanfics.htm
Date Sent to FFML: July 27th
Summary:
Toguro Ani escapes from the plant that's been containing him for about
a hundred years. He promptly goes off to kill all of the remaining
YYH cast, and fails miserably, since his fighting skills have gotten a
tad rusty with disuse. Lots of dark, sick humour abounds. ;p
{Shunsuke}
This is the work of a sick mind.
As I read, I couldn't help but think this was "Terminator 2 meets
_Blazing Saddles_". Ani was a perfect mix of Hedley Lamarr and the
T-1000, what with the maniacal laugh, mindless killing, and endless
plotting. The jokes were ludicrous, the violence absolutely
pointless and excessive...I like it.
The semi-script style was a little unusual and hard to get used to.
It reads easily enough, but it's not something you normally see.
The plot is rather simplistic, "kill, maim, and kill some more
with no fathomable reason other than revenge", and the ending is
very reminiscent of the the fight scene at the end of _BS_; if
you know the movie, you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm left
halfway between saying "More!" and "Don't you dare!"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
End of the FFML Reviews List for the week of: August 14, 1998
