Subject: [FFML] Reviews List for the week of: October 24 - 30, 1998
From: Shunsuke
Date: 11/17/1998, 9:13 AM
To: ffml@fanfic.com

[Please note: for any responses you have, do *NOT* mail to 
this address, you will not get a reply.  Send your comments 
to one of the addresses below.]

                   The FFML Reviews List
                   =====================

For the week of: October 24 - 30, 1998
Reviewers:
      Paul Arezina <arezina@acad1.stvincent.edu>
      Helen Szeto  <Helen@eiw-ca.com>
      Shunsuke     <shunsuke@mailcity.com>
Synopses Submitted: 26


* * * * *
[Crossovers]

- - - - -
Title: Insane in the Membrane3 Halloween Hijinks
Series: Multi
Genre: Humor/spoof
Author: Jusenkyo Guide
Email: jusenkyoguide@mailcity.com

Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/~jusenkyoguide/

Date Sent to FFML: 10/24/98
Size: 45k

Summary:

The Imp of the Perverse is back, this time it's having some fun with
Halloween themes.

{Shunsuke}
   Urg...<face fault>...mercy...

   Must hold out...can't commit suicide yet, still have to...kack...
   finish the list.....

- - - - -
Title:    Angel's Chronicles Book One:  Angel's Folly
           Chapter 19:  Final Sacrifices
Series: Ranma 1/2, Sailor Moon, Tenchi Muyou!, El Hazard,
           Oh My Goddess!, All-Purpose Cultural Cat-Girl Nuku Nuku,
           Magic Knight Rayearth plus Original Characters
Genre: Crossover, New Character, Action
Author: Nikholas "Radler" F. Toledo
Email: makoto@smarqweb.com, radler@tri-isys.com

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/3145/angelchr.html

Date Sent to FFML:    2315H-2318H 29 Oct 98 (+0800H)
Size: Totalling 206 KB (posted in four parts)

Summary:

Blood flows in the streets of Tokyo, as the forces of
good and evil break open the secrets binding and separating them.
Power erupts and denial is impossible.  The universe itself begins
to converge as God waits for the angels to bear wings and enact the
final movements of mankind.

[Could not find this story; the title given above by the author
 does not appear in the FFML archive.]

* * * * *
[Dragonball]

- - - - -
Title: The Cure
Series: Dragonball
Genre: ?
Author: Ken Arromdee
Email: arromdee@inetnow.net

Homepage: http://www.inetnow.net/~arromdee/fanfic.html

Date Sent to FFML: 10/29/98
Size: 11K

Summary:

Filling in a continuity error in Dragonball.

{Shunsuke}
   I was kind of leery of reading this at first, thinking "Just great, 
   another story about a series I know nothing and it requires prior 
   knowledge"; instead, it's a short morality play on the value of 
   victory and whether it's always worthwhile.  Not knowing who's who 
   isn't so bad here, the author detailing enough without going 
   overboard, yet still leaving questions partially answered, but not 
   so that you end up saying "what?"

* * * * *
[Dragonball Z / Ranma 1/2]

- - - - -
Title:  Dragon Ball R1/2: Chapter 2
Series:  Dragon Ball Z, Ranma 1/2
Genre:  Crossover
Author:  Donny Cheng
Email:  chengd@ucalgary.ca

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Ginza/4537

Date Sent to FFML:  October 30, 1998
Size:  18k

Summary:

Ranma has is introduced to some of the cast.

{Shunsuke}
   I didn't read the first part so I don't know about the setup and 
   how he got there, but Ranma couldn't have known what he was getting 
   into based on what happens here.  He may be tough and an egotist, 
   but no one is this masochistic.

   Very little "on screen" violence happens here despite the actual 
   amount that takes place; this part seems more emotionally based (or 
   maybe the author is like me, lousy at describing fight scenes O_-).
   Unlike some Dragonball Z stuff I've seen that is about as deep as 
   the TV series, this actually has a sense of humanity.

* * * * *
[Neon Genesis Evangelion]

- - - - -
Title: The Party: Part 1 [Rough]
Series: Evangelion
Genre: Mixed
Author: Mark Eymer
Email: saotome@micron.net

Homepage: http://netnow.micron.net/~saotome/

Date Sent to FFML: Thu, Oct 29, 1998
Size: ~30k

Summary:

Three years have passed since the angels attacks and the Children are
now 17. A party happening at a local freshman's house provides the
seniors with a few unexpected problems. To be continued...

{Shunsuke}
   There's none of the series' usual action in this story, but a bit 
   of the hentai kind; this time the AT field is the All Together, if 
   you know what I mean. O_-

   It's partly a character examination/extrapolation, and partly a  
   "let's see what I can make them do", though nothing like Garden of 
   EVA.  It's not badly done either, though some elements are kind of 
   obvious, like who loves who, but doing otherwise would take new
   characters or partner swapping to rival Beverly Hills 90210.

   This could be interesting, depending on whether the author can 
   keep up this level of telling and can handle the messes (not
   *that* kind, hentai) the character are getting into.

{Helen}
  Egads! ... the story plays well with the storyline and
  interactions of EVA but...perhaps it's progressing a
  little bit too quickly, especially since the
  'cliffhanger' ending... ummmmm... puts quite a different
  spin on things.  It has relatively careful development
  of Asuka's character but Shinji still seems to be
  suffering from -no- growth at all...

- - - - -
Title: Some Say Love
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: WAFFy kinda sorta, maybe a bit dark.
Author: Jusenkyo Guide
Email: jusenkyoguide@mailcity.com

Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/~jusenkyoguide/

Date Sent to FFML: 10/26
Size: 14k

Summary:

Rei discovers that she does like Shinji and starts to ask just what is
love,
how does she know what she is feeling is love, and the most important
question, does Shinji love her.

{Shunsuke}
   <whew>  I was expecting to see the lyrics to that Bette Midler song 
   in a songfic form.  (Thank the kami for small favors.)

   The portrayal of Rei fits with her personality in the series, as do 
   the other characterizations, although not hearing their thoughts 
   (other than Rei's) would have worked better; knowing everything
   only from her viewpoint, giving the reader only her experiences and 
   feelings.  This especially would have been better regarding Gendo; 
   yes, it fits that he doesn't want anyone or anything soiling or 
   spoiling his perfect little toy, but seeing how Rei would pick it 
   up (if she ever does) would be more interesting.

   You kind of have to like Rei to get the most out of this, but it 
   does make for a good quick read.

{Helen}
  Ehhh...the story from Rei's POV works fine.. very much
  in character.  I had a bit of a problem with the structure
  of the honorifics... Ayanami-chan? to answer her own
  question, she seeks the advice of those that she 'trusts?'
  and I think that I like Misato's response the best...I
  especially like the ending...

- - - - -
Title: Eve, chapter 6
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Drama
Author: Kayu-chan
Email: k-chan@rocketmail.com

Homepage: Yes, please!

Date Sent to FFML: 31st October, 1998
Size: 36KB

Summary:

Akari's life is put in danger when the mysterious Jaden tries to
"convince" her not to help with Ryoga. Discovering things about Ryoga
she'd
rather not have known, Akari is forced into a dilemma. Meanwhile,
Ryoga's
depression increases....

{Shunsuke}
   This is pretty good stuff, it moves quickly and doesn't get caught 
   up on too many details (though I wonder if we need to get Akari's 
   reaction to every single thing Eve tells her).  The author lists 
   this as a drama, which it certainly deserves that name, I wonder if 
   making this darker (not in violence but in tone) would make it that 
   much more gripping.  Still, it's worth a look.

- - - - -
Title: Hallowe'en in Nerima, part 1
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Hallowe'en seasonal special
Author: Kayu-chan
Email: k-chan@rocketmail.com

Homepage: Thanks, I'll have one!

Date Sent to FFML: 31st October, 1998
Size: 16KB

Summary:

The Kuno's throw a Hallowe'en party and the Nerima gang start to
turn up... but is there an unwelcome gatecrasher?

{Shunsuke}
   Ehhhh...not as good as the other Kuno party fic of a few years ago. 
   Could've used a little more meat to it, though the setting is well 
   described.  There's not enough here to make it scary, though the 
   imagery and choice of words when Akane is surprised in the garden 
   do lend a scary feel (but it's probably just Sasuke crawling around 
   the yard).  It's a good start, but needs a lot more before it 
   really accomplishes anything.

- - - - -
Title: Garden of EVA 0:6 - EVA Bites EVA!
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Alternate Universe/Ep26
Author: Jim Lazar
Email: jimlazar@earthlink.net

Homepage: http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlazar/anime

Date Sent to FFML: 10/28/98
Size: 39k

Series Summary:

Take 5 minutes from episode 26 and make it into a continuing series? No
way!
Can't be done! What if I put a VR Eva game in and lots of hormone driven
teenagers talking about sex? Not enough? How about a love triangle? Ah,
now
that I have your attention:

Chapter Summary:

Battle of the best EVA pilots! Who will win and who will get their head
bitten off? Throw in a game of poker and what do you get? I have no
idea,
but at least there are a lot of naked people. Oh, Asuka tries to explain
the facts of life to Rei in the theater as well. God help us all.

{Shunsuke}
   More hentai fanboy fantasy from the author.  Y'know, with the way 
   this drifts in and out of Shinji's "fantasy" (or is it reality?) I 
   can't help thinking this is a lot like BGC "Raging Fires", with 
   Shinji in the equivalent role of Mackie, the only difference being 
   that nobody's actually done the deed.

   It's still funny, though this part seems a little more serious than 
   previous parts; I have to wonder if this signals a change in what 
   is going to happen from here on.

{Helen}
  Oh gods! Funny.. in a 'naughty' way I suppose...Lots of
  EVA bashin' and it's fun to read.  Although, the cuss words
  seem to be a little OC (for me) for an EVA fic.  Cases of
  strip poker... a declaration from Asuka that she's
  ... ummmm.... nevermind.. ^_^ And... the transition
  between the post Third Impact world and the 'dream/theatre'
  world is written in a superb fashion.  I'm not sure which is
  funnier... Asuka's first declaration, or her actions during
  the poker game ^_-

- - - - -
Title: Might and Right
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Spammy/challengefic
Author: Jason Liao
Email: jasonl@hun.k12.nj.us

Date Sent to FFML: All Hallow's Eve, 1998
Size: 3K

Summary:

A silly answer to a silly debate.

{Shunsuke}
   A philosophy professor once gave a final exam composed of one 
   question: "Why?"  The student who received an A answered "Why not?" 
   Then again, Nancy Kerrigan asked that same question after being
   kneecapped.

   Interesting way to poke holes and write some humour while bringing 
   up a deeper question.  Better than the average shortfic.

* * * * *
[Original]

- - - - -
Title: Pastel Angel, Chapter 2
Series: Original, mostly
Genre: Action/Comedy
Author: Scott K. Jamison/SKJAM!
Email: majks@cyberx.com

Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/5990

Date Sent to FFML: 10/23/98
Size: 14k

Summary:

Series:  Mitchell Cole, paperback writer, volunteered to
become a superhero to save the city from a rampaging monster.  There's
just one little catch...

Chapter:  Mitch meets his new friend Gabby, who provides some
much-needed exposition.

{Shunsuke}
   This is pure silliness, yet somehow I can just imagine it ending up 
   as a live action feature.  (But if they hire Pauly Shore for the 
   lead role, somebody dies....)  But on the downside, it doesn't seem
   like an entirely original idea, more like a cross between Moldiver 
   and Magical Girl Pretty Sammy (although a rat is no substitute for
   a cabbit).

   Unlike some original fics, this really captures an anime feel.  
   More of the standard SKAJM insanity; whether that's a good thing 
   is a matter of opinion. ^_^

* * * * *
[Patlabor]

- - - - -
Title:  Patlabor: Personal Files, Episode 04
Series:  Patlabor
Genre:  Um... I dunno.  Continuing
Author:  David A. Tatum
Email:  desaix@sysnet.net

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7872/fanfics.htm

Date Sent to FFML:  10/30/98

Summary:

Shige encounters Natsume Kawai.  The SV2 prepares for the new millenium.
And more.

{Shunsuke}
   Still more of the sight-gags (they don't work so well as text, but 
   that's not really the author's fault) and consistent development of 
   story elements from previous parts.  There seems to be less and 
   less mecha action and more human activity; next time around that 
   may be inevitable given what's happened (unless it's sabotage, of 
   course).  This is getting easier to follow since I'm getting more 
   familiar with the characters, though knowing the anime would still 
   be a big help.

{Helen}
  The story is progressing in a nice style; I like Gomioka's
  description of Goto(h) and the scene with Shige reminds me
  of the introduction of Izumi Noa with Sakaki.. but this
  probably -isn't- Noa-chan.  The mentionings of Bokuto and
  Nerima represent a cameo appearance.... but wasn't there
  a panty thief against the Bokuto precinct as well?  Actually,
  the cameos are getting more and more .. obvious... ^_^ But
  the ending was a cliffhanger! ^^

* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]

- - - - -
Title:  Waters Under Earth - Chapter 28
Series:  Ranma 1/2
Genre:  Darkish, Continuation
Author:  Alan Harnum
Email:  harnums@hotmail.com

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bay/9758

Date Sent to FFML:  October 26th
Size:  85k

Summary:

Okinawa, Jusenkyou, Nerima, and a place ruled by darkness.

Four very different settings for four very different trials; of
the heart and soul, of the mind and body, of fire and ice.  The
passing of judgement will leave no one unchanged...

{Shunsuke}
   Things are tough all over...everyone seems to be going through the 
   darkest possible times all at once, as if it was fated to happen 
   that way; maybe what Ranma and his group do are a sign of what will 
   happen to the others.

   On the content side, I don't know if I'd buy Kuno always knowing 
   the truth about what's happening, but the overall storyline about 
   suggested links between people for more than a decade adds a real 
   conspiratorial quality to things (it's almost starting to sound 
   like a mirror of Millennium's storyline).  As for the writing 
   itself, what can I say, it's Alan Harnum.  (Why don't more people 
   write like this?)

   The most disturbing scene has to be in the third part involving
   Ranma, and what Wiyeed does with the knife; the author couldn't
   have known since this story was written well beforehand, but his
   description of what happens to the Ravener is reminiscent and
   almost prescient of the real-life accident in the AHL between a 
   player and a skate blade. <shudder>...<big shudder>

- - - - -
Title:  The Rose and The Worm, part 4
Series:  Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author:  David Homerick
Email:  dhomerick@jps.net

Date Sent to FFML:  10/24

Summary:

Kodachi visits her old school.

{Shunsuke}
   Good thing for the author I know and follow this series or I'd be 
   wondering "what the heck are you talkin' about?"

   Dead plants makes for good fertilizer, and the new plant that grows
   from it doesn't have to be the same kind of seed; it can be more
   beautiful flower.  More progress in the blossoming of the new
   Kodachi, though whether anyone thinks this one is any different is
   another matter.

   Some very nice emotional stuff here, and a good portrayal of fear 
   from a new character.  But like previous parts, this is too short! 
   More!  More!

- - - - -
Title:  The Way We Weren't Chapter 6
Series:  Ranma 1/2
Genre:  Alternate Universe
Author: David Johnston
Email:  rgorman@telusplanet.net

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/3936/ffpage.htm

Date Sent to FFML:  October 24
Size:  10 kbs

Summary:

Life as usual for a girl who turns into a boy and her disgruntled
fiance.
Hints are strewn about in mad abandon as said girl prepares to face
Kodachi.

{Shunsuke}
   As "Just One Difference" stories go, this one (or this chapter, at 
   least, since I haven't seen any others) doesn't fall into the trap 
   of retelling *everything*, it brings up only the major points, 
   which is a good thing.  While the story doesn't really cover any
   new ground, it doesn't get boring, the author trying to surprise
   the reader whenever an old incident is retold.  

   But...the boys in Furinkan going after Kodachi?  Not that I mind, 
   but how the heck does that happen?  Guess I'll have to read the 
   earlier parts.  (That's another good sign for the author....)

- - - - -
Title: The Clan chapters 6-9
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Horror, Lemon
Author: Chris Jones
Email: hamster@arn.net

Homepage: http://cyberwheel.simplenet.com/ranma/fanfiction.html

Date Sent to FFML: 10-31
Size: 4 parts between 10 and 25k

Summary:

Nabiki learns what it means what it means to be a vampire, while Ryouga
makes a not altogether unpleasant discovery. While Akane is making a
drastic choice, we learn why she hates men so much...

{Shunsuke}
   Hmm...it's treading into the territory of personal opinion, but 
   would Nabiki be careless when dealing with strange men and stranger 
   things?  Aside from that, the events and actions of parts 6 & 7
   certainly fit and move quickly, and the tenny surprise of who the 
   lost boy might end up doing the nasty with is interesting....

   The background in part nine of why Akane hates men is a little over
   the top, but it fits and isn't that far-fetched.  I'd have to 
   wonder though, would Akane *really* want to go through with it 
   unless Ranma did as well?  After all, 300 years could get kinda 
   lonely, in a Highlander sort of way.  (And that's what a lot of 
   this series reminds me of, though that's not all bad. ^_^)  Now 
   we wait to see if things stay this interesting.

- - - - -
Title: Suicide Blast 3 <parts A&B, fwd by Flashman>
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Hmmm, how's about, stormy, not quite dark, but things are a'
brewin'
Author: Keener
Email: otakunxs@bellsouth.net

Homepage: currently.better.crates@carton.net

Date Sent to FFML: 10/31/98
Size: part A- 27K part B- 31K total- 58K <gosh, I must think I'm a REAL
fic writer now>

Summary:

Ukyo arrives on the scene, a tanto in her sash and horror in
her eyes. "He's going to use THAT on Ran-chan?" Can she lead the lost
boy out of the tunnel? Or will she just hit him with a spatula? Things
get a bit... rough here folks, the fuse has been lit and is burning
merrily, and time is running out... for everyone.

{Shunsuke}
   Getting deeper and deeper, this one is becoming quite nasty.  The 
   lost boy has lost it; he's sounding a lot like the Col. Kurtz's
   Captain from Apocalypse Now: "Sell the house, sell the car, sell
   the kids, I ain't _ever_ coming back!"

   Part 3B is a little lighter than the previous parts, even at the 
   end.  It seems to be missing a little of the malevolence of the 
   others.  It still has the intensity, though I think waiting until 
   the next part to bring in Akari would have made for a darker cliff 
   hanger ending.  This series is more distubing than The Bitter End, 
   though, since that felt like an inevitability; here, nothing 
   could be worse than shattered hope.

- - - - -
Title: Might, Right, and everything in between
Series:Ranma 1/2
Genre:Ummm... Challenge-fic?
Author:Ray "The Texas Ryoga"
Email: TRyoga@juno.com

Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/5220

Date Sent to FFML:Friday, Oct. 30
Size:ummm... 5 pages?(I have no idea as to the k)

Summary:

A response as to the challenge of "Does Might make Right? Can
you write a fic where the two are in contention?.." First in a projected
three parts. Part one is basically... Hikaru Gosunkugi takes a stand...
and gets run over.

{Shunsuke}
   Hmm...I dunno, would Gosunkugi do it this way, or would he try to
   gain and wait for a position of strength?  (If he could find one.) 
   The only reason I can see him doing what he did would be his not 
   wanting Ranma to be the one protecting Akane's honour, and that 
   isn't discussed here.  I like the idea of digging deeeper into 
   lesser-known characters, but whether this works depends on your 
   point of view.  Still, nicely written and eminently readable.

- - - - -
Title:  Three Souls, One Heart, Chapter 6
Series:  Ranma
Genre:  Continuation
Author:  David A. Tatum
Email:  desaix@sysnet.net

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7872/fanfics.htm

Date Sent to FFML:  10/30/98

Summary:

Ranma and Akane sends their families away after explaining what's about
to
happen.

{Shunsuke}
   This one manages to keep the same tone as the earlier parts (and is
   eminently readable to boot).  It's easy going getting through it,
   with a quick pace and short but simple style.  The idea of who's
   doing what with Akane still works, and the "in the head"
   conversations help the character interactions move along.

   I'm not entirely gaga over this series, (reading it in a rush 
   doesn't help) but doesn't it seem too "Oh My Goddess" in tone, not
   as heavy as Ranma gets when dealing with magic?

- - - - -
Title: The Setting Moon:  A Deepening Silence
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation
Author: Nikholas "Rain Man" F. Toledo
Email: niftol@i-manila.com.ph

Homepage:  http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/3145/setmoon.html

Date Sent to FFML:    2233H 27 Oct 98 (+0800H)
Size: 35 KB

Summary:

Drowned in the depths of night and pause, Tsubasa finds
the lack of silence ever distressing.  Under the stars and breaking
the mask of vow, the surface draws nearer to the depths of self.

{Shunsuke}
   Without seeing the earlier parts, this could feel a little
   disjointed, but I like the emotional side of it.  The was the 
   people interact as different pairs of friends and lovers is a big 
   change, but isn't presented in a ridiculous or farfetched way.

   The lack of violence certainly suits the tone, and it has a "walk 
   in the park" feel; this is definitely not one you can just jump 
   into, though.  

- - - - -
Title: Stigma Part 6
Series: R 1/2
Genre: Dark Thriller
Author: J. Austin Wilde
Email: wildeman@psn.net

Homepage: http://www.psn.net/~wildeman/

Date Sent to FFML: 26 October 1998
Size: 107K

Summary:

The conclusion to Stigma. On the advice of counsel I refuse to
elaborate further.

{Shunsuke}
   You know, reading this series felt like watching a brand new lava 
   lamp:  it starts out with everything stable, then someone turns on
   the switch.  The light comes on and the oils start circulating.  
   Sometimes you see the light, sometimes you don't, and just when 
   you think you understand a pattern to it all, you get real close 
   to it, and somebody breaks it with a sledgehammer right in front 
   of your face.

   Throwing suspects around left and right (I even suspected a cop at
   one point, a la _Kiss The Girls_) and describing permanent damage
   are both handled very well here, better than most stories.  I'm a 
   Prime Suspect fan so I prefer a single person to focus on, but 
   what the hey, a good story is a good story.  

   The ending to this series is very brutal and tough to swallow, yet 
   it's arguably the most interesting amateur piece of fiction I've 
   read.  So now what, does the author quit figuring he can never top 
   himself, or try to match it?  That's the next mystery.

- - - - -
Title: Wheel of Fire #10: Treasure of the Musk Dynasty
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: 10/30/98
Size: 70kb

Summary:

Herb hatches a plan to recover a powerful Musk artifact, which leads to
meeting his new protegee. Kuno prepares for the final battle against
Ranma Saotome. Ranma makes a discovery of his own.

{Shunsuke}
   The main plot idea, everyone joining together on a quest just to 
   have Herb end up doing what he does, is a good one and would have 
   done well on its own; there are points in the story that could use
   a little more detail on the how and why, like the story was rushed
   off, but the overall impression and the "you-gotta-be-kidding"
   ending work.  

   The story and series aren't my favorites (not saying they couldn't 
   be for anyone else), but it's nice to see more stuff that isn't 
   painful to read.

* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Final Fantasy VII]

- - - - -
Title: Eugenics Chapters 1A-B & 2A
Series: Ranma 1/2 and Final Fantasy VII
Genre: Dark Crossover
Author: Phillip Masters
Email: PhilMasters@webtv.net

Date Sent to FFML: October 20-21-29 respectively
Size: Varies

Summary:

After the asteroid hit, Ranma searches for survivors... meanwhile, a
future Ranma (Ryle) learns what it is to be a SOLDIER. In the past
things are looking sinister... and the connection from past to future
could prove devastating.

{Shunsuke}
   As this goes on it feels more like "Handmaid's Tale" crossed with 
   "Starship Troopers".  The ideas presenting and the switching from 
   one present to another are not too frequent that they interrupt 
   flow yet not so far that they seem forgotten.  

   With regard to physics, most of the details make sense (including
   the descriptions of the shockwave dispersal - I just recently saw
   a science show on the meteor impact that killed the dinosaurs, and
   so did the author in all likelihood) except for one thing: Cologne
   might be able to protect against the blast, rocks and fire, but
   the shockwave would have some effect on the Nekohanten, even if
   just causing the damage an earthquake would.

   This rewrite isn't as polished as the previous parts, with several
   mistakes of the subtle variety (spelling, misplaced words) that
   can distract the reader and detract from its readability.  But, 
   overall a good continuation of what came before.

* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Reboot]

- - - - -
Title: Wild Boot v1.8.2
Series: Ranma/ReBoot
Genre: Fusion
Author: David Farr
Email: djfarr@ihug.co.nz

Homepage: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~djfarr/

Date Sent to FFML: 3 November 1998
Size: 25k

Summary:

With Kuno infected by the invader things can only get worse. Ranma and
the
defenders of Mainframe must face a virus from their worst Nightmares, Da
Principal, and save the system. But when Ranma and Akane are trapped in
the
powerdown, who'll save them.

{Shunsuke}
   The way characters end up fitting perfectly is still funny, and 
   especially the principal in this case; I've skipped reading some 
   chapters so I missed it before, but somehow I'm not surprised that 
   it's Sasuke and Gosunkugi as the two dumb sidekicks.

   The story still follows the original ReBoot storyline exactly, 
   which is both good in how the author makes it fit, and bad because 
   I'd rather see the author's own imagination by changing the events.  
   Even still this is kinda fun.

* * * * *
[Sailor Moon]

- - - - -
Title: Alternate Visions Chapter one: Alternate Visions
Series: Sailor Moon
Genre:
Author: Sailor Alpha
Email: AlphSailor@aol.com

Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bay/7233/

Date Sent to FFML: October 24th
Size: 34K

Summary:

Sailor Mercury (Ami Mizuno) recovers consciousness and realizes that she
is
in a hospital, but she can't recall what happened to her. Then it hits
her
that she is wearing Sailor Moon's uniform. And there happens to be a
young
girl sleeping on another bed near her, and she just happens to look
EXACTLY
her...

{Shunsuke}
   Another "I'm you, you're me" story, this is a sort-of comedy tale 
   that puts the two most polar opposite Sailors in each others' body.  
   Sometimes this genre doesn't work, sometimes it does, all depending 
   on how it's being used; here, playing the game of "let's see what 
   happens", it works.  But I do wonder why isn't Usagi bawling her
   head off over not having her meatballs.

   And yes, Mr. Author, the errors do make this a little hard going,
   and the convincing of Sailor Mars goes on a little too long, but
   the way you addressed the issue of "The Stomach" fits and is funny.

* * * * *
[Tenchi Muyo!]

- - - - -
Title: Ryoko's Choice
Series: Tenchi
Genre: Introspective, short
Author: Matthew Lewis
Email: maybeso@ican.net

Homepage: N/A

Date Sent to FFML: 29/10/98
Size: 8kb

Summary:

The title pretty much sums it up nicely, thank you.

{Shunsuke}
   This is a little weak in terms of portraying Ryoko's heartbreak; 
   being so short, it doesn't and can't delve deeply enough into why
   she's bailing out.  It definitely does show her as a woman with 
   feelings, but this could be better as a longer, more in-depth 
   story.

{Helen}
  I like it.  It's short, but very much reflective of the
  Tenchi-Ryoko-Aeka relationship.  Although there have been
  other stories where Ryoko questions herself and her own
  motives, this story captures the essence of Ryoko's love...
  and her own reasons for doing the things she does...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

End of the FFML Reviews List for the week of: October 24 - 30, 1998