Hi, boys and girls ! Another session of SLR is about to begin !
Anyway, kids, summer vacation has hit the beautiful, insane, exotic,
highly indescribablt island of the Philippines. Which means I get to
devote my time to reading, writing and C&C for two straight months,
along with polishing up my skills in escrima, martial arts and chess.
Time to begin with a bang ! Read the SLR Addenda articles at the
bottom for a bit of FFML ariting advice and for some books to read.
The Synopsis List Reviewer is: Elsa Bibat
Next Week: Glazius Falconar
Disclaimer: All opinions are mine and no one was consulted for
advice on reviewing the fics below. So any flames, you know who
to send to.
The FFML Synopses List
======================
For the week of: March 24, 2000
Moderator on Duty: Sean Connor
Synopses Submitted: 13
* * * * *
[Crossover]
- - - - -
Title: Nerima Park
Series: Mega X-over
Genre: Adventure
Author: Carrot Glace
Email: CarrotGlace@juno.com
Homepage: Http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/fountain/3203
Date Sent to FFML: 03/25/00
Summary:
Four guests are brought to an Anime themed amusment park; but this park is
much more than it seems as they quickly find out as they uncover the dark
secrets hidden in the shadows. A homage to the book Jurassic Park, and
probably one of my best works.
Review:
Another Carrot Glace/Sean D'Anna production. Once again, the formatting
is quite distracting, but you're getting better. Your style for this work is a bit
more polished than your other works and I have to agree that this is one
of your best works. Typos abound, but that's easy to fix. The only complaint
is, I don't like your pacing for this. Too fast, IMHO. But maybe that's because
I've read Jurassic park and expected something that deep. ^_^
Anyway, keep it up, and damn good Pikachu sequence. ^_^
- - - - -
Title: Ronin Summer V : Flashbacks
Chapter : Chapter Six : A Battle of Biographies
Genre: cross-over
Author: Morgan Hudson
Email: dataraven_659@excite.com
Homepage: http://dataraven_659.tripod.com/roninsummer.html
Date Sent to FFML: March 21, 2000
Size: 27 KB
Series Summary:
Seiji Date and Minako Aino begin to suffer from constant and mysterious
headaches with a nasty side-effect. Now, trapped in each other's bodies,
they have to trust Artemis and Luna to psychically set things straight by
reliving their prior lives in the Moon Kingdom.
Chapter Summary:
Jupiter and Mercury have a long discussion about love. Meanwhile, Kento and
Cye do some serious drinking, Prince Ken of Mars makes his final decision
(with a little unwilling help from the girl he loves), and both Sage and
Sailor Venus tangle with a dangerous enemy over the vital piece to Kaito
Ace's puzzle. Unfortunately, Ken seems to have chosen the dark side, and it
looks like a certain scribe is getting carried away from this fight...
Review:
Another installment of a very good yet underrated fic. Do any new readers get
introduced to this series or do they get frightened off by the mention of the
crossover ? ^_^ Anyway, the fic is good and may yet still make me into an
Yoroiden fan. I like Flashbacks especially because of the Silver Millenium
setting and this is probably one of the more memorable Silver Millenium era
stories on the 'net.
Keep up the good work !
* * * * *
[Evangelion]
- - - - -
Title: Gendo Self Love
Series: Evangelion
Genre: Spamfic
Author: Nabiki Saotome
Email: nabiki_saotome@yahoo.com
Date Sent to FFML: March 21, 2000
Size: 7k
Summary:
Asuka finds a strange smell inside EVA 01.
Review:
One word. ACK !
* * * * *
[Kimagure Orange Road]
- - - - -
Title: The Rebel Esper
Chapter: 3
Series: Kimagure Orange Road
Genre: Er... not comedic
Author: David A. Tatum
Email: desaix@sysnet.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7872/fanfics.htm
Date Sent to FFML: 3/24/00
Archive Number: 8314
Series Summary:
Kyousuke, Madoka, and friends deal with a civil conflict in the Kasuga
Family.
Chapter Summary:
Akane explains what's going on, then gets into an argument with Kyousuke.
Review:
Another good chapter of another series by Dave Tatum. The plot gets thicker and thicker,
it seems. Anyway, crank out more. Also crank out more of the others ! I've been waiting
for Tylor's Fury for quite some time now. ^_^
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: Dreams Come as They May
Chapter: Part One - Ambivalence -
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Drama
Author: Dark Alpha
Email: AlphSailor@aol.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bay/7233/
Archived At: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bay/7233/dreams.htm
Date Sent to FFML: 24 March 2000
Archive Number: 8298
Size: 67k
Series Summary:
What? You say there's not just one, but TWO Akanes running around the Nerima
district? And they're both after Ranma? And one of them's from future and
insane? The city's not big enough for them!
Episode Summary:
Our guest from unknown future decides to pay Ranma a visit, only to pass
out. Later, paraonia level rises as she ambushes Akane and Tofu, and is
sacred of Kasumi. Oh yeah, Akane threatens herself too.
Review:
You know what this reminds me of ?
The opening salvo of Mark Mackinnon's Shadow Chronicles. Damn, that was good. So's
this. After ignoring several blatant typos, of course. ^_^ Anyway, very well written. The
dialogue's good and your style is bit like Mark. Not as heavy with the descriptions, of
course, but you've got it where it counts, kid. And of course, corrected formatting
helps a lot. ^_^
Keep up the good work !
- - - - -
Title: Second Chances Chapter 15
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Start Over
Author: Lord Archive
Email: archive@mich.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/9061/anime.html
Date Sent to FFML: 3-20
Size: 18K
Series Summary:
Akanes makes a wish after the death of Ranma and ends up returning to the
day she met him. This time she plans not to repeat any of her mistakes.
(Just make a bunch of new ones.)
Episode Summary:
Akane makes an interesting friend while at an ice cream parlor.
Review:
You know, I've been waiting for this for some time. And damn, I wasn't
disappointed.
You, sir, are probably one of the foremost writers of Ranma fanfics on the
FFML and I have to thank you for giving us such great works. I've read
your work constatntly and I have't seen any slacking on their quality.
Fine. Well-written, excellent prose. Give us more.
Keep up the good work.
- - - - -
Title: Wheel of Fire
Chapter: #29: Crystal Spider
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation
Author: Razorclaw X
Email: spiceoflife@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Date Sent to FFML: 3/23/00
Size: 61 kb
Series Summary:
What is a wheel of fire but a spinning flame of eternal chaos? At the center
the flame burns brightest, extending outward to the edges of the wheel along
six spokes, where the flame smolders. Whether the flame burns bright or not
at all, the wheel continues to spin....
Epsiode Summary:
Akane and Miranda race against Kodachi for the opportunity to make a wish,
but none of them expect danger in the form of the deadly and brilliant Kanna
Rajura, the master tactician!
Review:
Let me first mention that... well, I kinda arrived late for this particular festivity of weird,
Ranma, conspiracy, martial arts, magic, etc. Another is the fact, that this is a pretty good
fic. A little above average, but that's well enough for Ranma fics. Anyway, good prose.
Very good descriptions. And I believe your dialogues are the strongest point of your writing.
But the style reminds me of some of the old juveniles I've read. Just can't shake that feeling.
Anyway, I'll still keep on reading this.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Battletech]
- - - - -
Title: The Saotome Gambit Part 7
Series: Ranma 1/2 - Battletech
Genre: Fusion
Author: J. Austin Wilde
Email: wildeman@psn.net
Homepage: http://www.psn.net/~wildeman/
Archived At: http://www.psn.net/~wildeman/TSG-7.txt
Date Sent to FFML: 20 March 2000
Size: 110K
Series Summary:
A Ranma 1/2 - Battletech fusion pitting the might of the Furinkan Combine,
the League of Five Nails, and the Jusenkyo Commonwealth against the
beleaguered Nerima Confederation. The only hope for the Tendo family lies in
the hands of two Dispossessed mechwarriors named Saotome.
Episode Summary:
Ranma and Company arrive in the Capra System - along with a host of enemies.
Genma describes what they are searching for and why it is important to the
cause, but it is clear that he's still holding back on everyone - even his
son. Tatewaki Kuno's Furinkan Combine fleet runs into yet another stumbling
block on the path to victory against the Nerima Confederation, courtesy of
Hikaru Gosunkugi and the League of Five Nails.
Review:
The best Battletech or Ranma fanfic continues on its merry way. Only two words:
MUST READ.
If you haven't, do so. This is not just about Ranma or Battletech. This is excellent
writing. You'll regret it if you miss it.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Digimon]
- - - - -
Title: Digi-Ranma
Series: Ranma 1/2 / Digimon
Genre: X-over/VERY silly
Author: Jed M. Bidwell
Email: jedediah@tri-countynet.net
Date Sent to FFML: 3-24-00
Size: About 8K, more or less.
Summary:
Just a sample scene. The basic premise is that Ranma fell into the
Spring of Drowned Digimon (Oh, sir! Very tragic story...) And Akane ends up
holding the Digivice that can make him Digivolve. Still with me, class? ^_^
Review:
This is a spamfic, right ? Please say it is.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Evangelion]
- - - - -
Title: Oneechan
Chapter: 2
Series: Ranma/Eva
Genre: alt/xover
Author: William Morse
Email: montanto@hotmail.com
Date Sent to FFML: 3/23/2000
Size: 30k
Series Summary:
Did you know that Ranma has an older sister? Neither did he! she's smart,
sexy, cool, gorgeous and drinks like a fish.
Episode Summary:
In which Misato and Ritsuko tag along on Nodoka's latest visit to the Tendou
Dojo and we discover a fool proof method of uncovering secrets.
Review:
A cool and very original concept. Damn, this is creativity at work. Quite a few typos and
grammar mistakes, though. Give it a little more polish, kid, and this fic will shine.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Knight Rider]
- - - - -
Title: Knight Rider 1/2
Chapter: 2
Series: Ranma-Knight Rider
Genre: Fusion
Author: Jed M. Bidwell
Email: jedediah@tri-countynet.net
Date Sent to FFML: 3-22-00
Size: abotu 30K or so
Series Summary:
Ranma Saotome, officer for the Arizona Police Dept., is involved in a
terrible wreck while chasing two fugitives. Declared leagally dead, he is
actually employed by the Foundation for Law And Government (FLAG). Given a
new face and identity, and with no memories of his past, he is assgined to
pilot AKANE, a talking Trans Am in the war against crime.
Episode Summary:
Having returned to FLAG headquarters for some adustments to AKANE, Ranma
stumbles across a case full of water samples acquired in a bust. Ryoga
startles him while he's looking, and the two end up getting splashed, with
the expected results.
Review:
I am biased against an anime/live-action/American series crossover.
That said, I recommend this fic. Though I think the first one was better. And I hate the Jusenkyo
thing. But on the overall, this is good, really good. Keep up the good work.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Matrix]
- - - - -
Title: Ranmatrix
Series: Ranma/Matrix
Genre: Crossover
Author: Matt Lewis
Email: maybeso@home.com
Date Sent to FFML: 3/20/00
Archive Number: 8108
Size: 18 kb
Summary:
Just how is it possible for Ranma and crew to do the things they do? Neo and
Trinity go to recruit them, with unexpected results. A bit of a revision
from the earlier version.
Review:
This is, to be exact, very revolutionary. This is good. This is incredibly better
than the other Ranma/Matrix fics I've read. Perfectly logical and probably the
best writing that anyone has brought to bear on this concept. Hell, most other
fics do not have the descriptive capacity and feel to match the movie.
This matches it. And I humble proclaim this as the definitive Ranma/Matrix
fic. Congratulations, Matt.
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon / Terminator]
- - - - -
Title: Eclipse of the Moon 2: Purification Day
Chapter: 0
Series: SM/Terminator
Genre: Satire/Comedy
Author: Miashara
Email: s2mlmill@titan.vcu.edu
Homepage: http://www.execulink.com/Stryker
Date Sent to FFML: 3/21/00
Series Summary:
That would be telling.
What the hell. The Black Moon is doing it again! They're trying to kill the
Senshi, gain control of Crystal Tokyo, and have a wild good time.
Episode Summary:
Stuff happens. Mostly introductory stuff as this was a teaser after all.
Review:
Insanity. Simple insanity. And very Pratchetty. I want more. ^_^
This is recommended for SM humor fans and trust me, this baby's good.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The SLR Articles:
Writing on the FFML by Elsa Bibat
Well, this is technically to help out the newbies and lurkers who want to write.
Also, to give some of the non-participatory members out there a few pointers.
Anyway, this particular issue deals with topics that are near and dear to my
heart.
Writing and C&C.
We'll just go over the basics and a few tips to help you out.
Writing. A significant part of the FFML population writes. If they don't,
we get bored out of our ears or have a silent list. Anyway, most
writers during the early days of the FFML already had names for themselves
in r.a.a.c or in some other circles. Nowadays, the FFML has becoming
a spawning ground-cum-testing area for new writers for the anime
fanfic scene.
So you wanna write on the FFML ?
First, read. The constant rule of every writer is read. Read what
has been done before. Read what's being done. Read to improve
yourself. Reading gets the creative juices flowing and helps you
avoid the pitfalls of becoming a new writer.
Second, know the language. The predominant language on the
internet is English, and thus, it also becomes the unofficial
language of the FFML. If you don't know English and want to
write on the FFML, study it. Learn it, build up your vocabulary
and practice at home: writing stories on paper, reading English
stories etc. Heh. That's how I learned my Japanese and Spanish.
If you don't have the grasp of the language, the only thing you'll
do is totally ruin your work and make the English speakers on
the list sick as you murder their language. And the flames will
probably come, too. So, make sure you know your English.
Well, that is if we don't change to Mandarin. ^_^
Third, get a prereader. Every writer, commercial or otherwise,
should have a prereader or an editor. The prereader should have
a very good grasp of the language and skilled in written grammar.
Also he should be able to be blunt with you, meaning he should
be able to tell you your work sucks eggs. And also tell you how
to make it stop being sucky. Only a very special person can make
a good prereader. Try to look for those. The other reason for a
prereader is you get a good and continuous source for C&C.
And with that, we move on to C&C.
C&C is important. They stroke an author's ego and also point
out his mistakes for him. It is especially important because
C&C changes the way the writers you like write. This is not like
reading a paperback folks. Here, you get to affect the writer,
get him to change.
That is the primary reason for C&C. For the improvement of the
standards of the FFML. That's why I do this, granted they're not
as detailed as I want them to be.
First rule of C&C, never ever offend. Be blunt, yes. But never flame
someone for writing something which is admittedly stupid and
badly written. Tell that to him nicely. ^_^ No, really. Just tell a
writer what you didn't like, point out his mistakes and give him hope.
Second rule of C&C, the Golden Rule always applies. Treat another
writer the way you want him to treat you. Be honest, but be nice.
Also this helps you get C&C, since a writer usually never forgets
what you've done for him or her. Heck, I made quite a few friends
here on the FFML this way.
Third rule of C&C, knowing when to go public. I've noticed that
public C&C is on the down slope. Hell, the only people who
consistently do it anymore are D.B. Sommer and Gary Kleppe.
Public C&C is if you want someone to notice a fic. Public praise
also raises a writer's ego and self esteem a lot. Be public about it,
but do not spam. Write a good C&C of the fic and post it out for
all to see and maybe you'll attract new readers to the fic. Be private
about it if the C&C is bad or might hurt the writer's ego, also if the
writer specifically requests it.
The halcyon days of public C&C were when the Fab Four: The
Eternal Lost Lurker, Chris "God-Boy" Angel, Andrew Huang and
Christian "Flashman" Rogers, MST'ed the fics that they liked.
Normally MSTs are thought to be derogatory in nature, but these
guys raised MST/C&C into an art form. They entertained while they
C&Ced the fic and praised it all the while. Well, most of the time.
That's one of the things I miss in the FFML.
Anyway, maybe I'll bring it back since I've got tons of free time.
Fourth rule of C&C, always findtime to answer C&C. At the very
least thank the fellow for giving you his time and effort. That way, you'll
be assured a friend and a reader.
Well, I hope you guys and gals learned something. See you next
time for more advice.
Books to Read by Elsa Bibat
The books to read for the week are the juveniles. To be more
exact, the Young Adult Books. No, not Harry Potter, but some of the
more substantial books in the choice group.
Everyone has read books in this target level, hopefully. But if you're
new to it these are the must reads: Madeleine L'Engle's "Time" series,
C.S. Lewis' "Narnia", Cynthia Voight's "Jackaroo" series, The Lioness
Quartet (forgot the author), L.M. Montgomery's "Anne" series (I hope I
got that right), "The Little Women" Trilogy by Louisa May Alcott,
everything with the Newberry Medal on it.
Why read them ? Because most of them have better writing than some
of the fanworks I've read. They are all well-writen, have emotional depth
at time, good plotting, and memorable characters.
Also, a few of our members are not as skilled in english as some of us are.
These should help in their vocabulary building and give them a good
example for writing.
And also, they are delightful works. They remind me of my childhood, with
Nancy Drew, Jo, Anne and a dozen other girls who still kick ass even when
I'm already an adult and should have outgrown them.
Go out and remember your childhood, boys and girls, and have a fun time.