Andrew M. Petalik <wolf@sbm.org> wrote:

I don't know what to say... at first I thought it was the mood I was in
when I read it... but Mr. Flair's commentary more or less confirmed my
thoughts on part 17.

Uh-oh, I'm confirming someone's thoughts.   D'oh!   :)

It feels incomplete. The lack of Shampoo/Mousse exposure was noticed by

My response to it being incomplete is this:  Think "The Empire Strikes
Back."  There were a bunch of unanswered questions left in that movie.  Or
even your now typical "to be continued" television show.  It's to keep you
hanging on for more.  The story isn't done, so there will have to be some
unanswered questions.

'Course, this is my own thought and not Mark's, so-o....

attached to him before his disappearance. This could be turned around that
when Mousse doesn't return, it's a major shock to all the readers. A build
up (even a little one) will dispel the illusion that you are just getting
rid of him. As it stands, at the end, I felt nothing for Mousse... which

is

strange since I like his character in the CALS continuity.

I don't believe that Mark'd build up Mousse from being a whiny
Shampoo-follower to just let him disappear off the face of Tokyo without
some kind of reason.  It's still annoying though.  I'll just have to wait
'til the next release, I guess.

Obviously, the situation with Ranma would take quite a bit to resolve (if
he ever gets out of it). Ranma's been seriously damaged in a way that he

is

not prepared to deal with (and none of Genma's crying about manliness will
help this time). This, of course, isn't to be resolved in Doors... but I
felt like saying it anyway.

See my previous comment on the lack of completeness.

All in all, the climatic impact that I was expecting (considering your
previous writing) was not there. Everyone seemed to limp away from the
battle, with no real winner (except maybe for Riana). She limped, but she
got everything she wanted (including Wynneth... another powerful pawn).
Seems to me that Doors was a big "Demons bashing the Ranma cast" fest.
Through the whole thing, they really did nothing but lose. The demons
constantly did more damage to themselves than the heros did. The heros

were

basically worthless.

This is true.  But occasionally, the dark side wins.  Good doesn't conquer
all.  In the entire battle though, there was little interaction with the
Ranma cast and the demons.  They were more like observers than anything
else.  (Except Kunou)

At this point, the demons are still far far stronger than the rest and the
heros have 2 of their "best" fighters semi-useless (Ranma who's
incapacitated at this time and Reiko who knows she will turn against the
heros at Wynneth's call). And of course, Mousse is gone.

Thanks for reminding me about this one, I had forgot to ask about this last
night.  Where's Happousai?  I've found two references to him in the entire
series to date, but nothing really telling where he is.  Training trip?
Locked away?  Panty raid in Egypt?  Despite his lechery, or maybe because of
it, he is an incredibly formidable opponent.  And even HE would put aside
past quarrels to assist.

Even Kunou sucked (which isn't too surprising all told)... although he

know

has a piece of information that may turn Kusekei around. Kusekei's

feelings

for Riana (especially if she was the one that lied to him) will reverse
catastrophically if this were to come to pass... but what damage will have
been wrought before that happens (IF that happens).

Which will bring upon the whole "I must repent" part, and he'll end up dying
a noble death for the light.  Nah...  too cliche.

It just seems so hopeless.

That's what'll make their victory so much sweeter.  'Course, Rhiana & Co.
COULD win... which would suck.  A fun twist.  :)

P.S.: Kunou needs to have his ass kicked up around his ears a few times.
The fact that he turned his nose up at his mother (who is barely a
combatant) after she saved his life is truly low (not that I disagree with
how he is portrayed though. He's an asshole... and I think that this

grudge
His level of respect for her was raised immensly though, remember that.  He
all but said so to his father.  And Nabiki managed to get a few parting
shots to him, which should make him start thinking about changing his tune
towards his mother.  (I hope, hey, that'd be a good Mother's Day story!)

And here's hoping Hinako is finally gone...  :)

Anyway....

  ___________
 / Here lies:\  Save the Whales -> Harpoon a Honda
|   Andrew    |
|             | The light at the end of the tunnel may be an
|   I think   | oncoming dragon.
| he's hungry |
|             | What UNIVERSE is this, please?

-Tom
Rogue, scoundrel, and defender of anything I damn well feel like defending.
ICQ: 23544505
Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans: It's lovely
to be silly at the right moment.
  -- Horace, Roman poet and satirist