ALright, folks, here's another one for ya. I seem to be missing the one for
June 9; did it just not make it out, or what?
The FFML Synopses List REVIEW! (no da)
====================== ^_^ ^_^
For the week of: June 2, 2000
Reviewer on Duty: Glazius Falconar
Synopses Reviwed: One-tenth of one gross minus two squared.
* * * * *
[Gundam Wing]
- - - - -
Title: Going Home
Series: Gundam Wing
Genre: WAFFy, yaoi (?)
Author: Talia Shimae aka Murasakikaze
Email: TaliaShimae@juno.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Villa/9072/fanfic.htm
Archived At:
Date Sent to FFML: June 3, 2000
Size: 10 kb
Summary:
An old file tells Heero exactly what he's been trying to find. A place
to go home to.
That was a very bizarre flashback, with what sounds like so much nonsense
coming out of a boy way too young to be credibly cryptic. One wonders how
genuine it is. Then again, given the genre, I suppose it's got to be real.
Or not. Or so. Or... gah. Thinking too much, I suppose. But it's too early
to really pass judgement on this story... write s'more!
* * * * *
[Iczer/Teknoman]
- - - - -
Title: Operation Lightsphere
Chapter: Phase 3 Chapter 6
Series: Iczer/Teknoman
Genre: (Series) Action/Drama (Chapter) Drama/Dark
Author: Andrew Dynon
Email: ajdynon@students.latrobe.edu.au
Date Sent to FFML: 29 May 2000
Size: 30 KB
Series Summary:
Earth's war against the Rhadam is revealed to be a small part of an
interstellar conflict, with the Kthulhu and Iczers trying to defend
planets from Rhadam conquest.
Episode Summary:
Iczer Zero tortures Nagisa to gain control of her mind and psychic
powers. Jalir's blaming of Cyan for her friend's death sparks Nami's
memory of a similar incident.
Dark? In places. But definitely hopeful. Very evocative imagery, especially
the psychic plane. Of course, the number of people who actually know both
series well enough to understand what's going on is probably not all that
big, but this is an excellent technical piece even without any backstory.
It seemed to... end just a bit abruptly, or the pacing sped up a bit in the
last few paragraphs. It threw me, just a bit. But that hardly detracted from
the piece as a whole.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: Adulthood of a Modern Dynasty
Chapter: Prologue
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation
Author: Jim Lazar
Email: jimlazar@earthlink.net
Homepage: http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlazar/anime
Date Sent to FFML: 6/2/2000
Series Summary:
Childhood was rough, Adulthood will break Akane and cost her dearly. But
when the fight will determine the fate of the Human Race some sacrifices
have to be made, painful as they are.
Episode Summary:
A little look back, a little rest before the chaos erupts, and a
little look to the future.
And a little... 116k chapter... to do it all in. Oy. You write _long_ for
this series, Jim.
And yet manage to say almost nothing in the way of plot. Set up some
appropriate mystic bits, build the world up character by character, offer a
small retrospective on the world's view of the Tendos, and the chapter comes
to a satisfying end.
Then again, this was a prologue, and it helps _having_ a stage to play on,
most times, and there was certainly nothing wrong with any of the prose. It
was just... well, mostly flavor text.
- - - - - -
Title: Le Plus Ca Change
Chapter: 5
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Next Gen / Romantic Comedy
Author: Dave Menard
Email: deibu_kun@sympatico.ca
Homepage: http://www.angelfire.com/anime/spacepiratesguild/
Archived At:
http://www.angelfire.com/anime/spacepiratesguild/ranmafics.html
Date Sent to FFML:May 29
Size:17kb
Series Summary:
The next generation of the Nerima Wrecking crew face hurdles along the
rocky road to romance
Episode Summary:
Sachiko unveils her ultimate weapon; The Dress. Kin teaches Burakuro a
lesson, and Kobuta collects his second fiancee. Oh, yeah, and Ranma
and Ryoga are in this one, too.
Heh. You know? I actually enjoyed this. It reminds me a little of a DBZ fic
I read where Goku got Gohan into the same mess that Genma got Ranma in. Same
plotline, different characters, very different reactions. It works.
Only one problem... if Lina is Kin's cousin, that means that Gos married...
Kasumi? Now that's a match made in... something...
- - - - -
Title: The Replacement Ranmas
Chapter: 1-7
Series: Ranma, more or less (!)
Genre: Humour
Author: Angus MacSpon
Email: macspon@ihug.co.nz
Homepage: http://shell.ihug.co.nz/~macspon/fanfic/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: 27-28 May 2000
Archive Number: 11016-9, 11039-41
Size: 165K
Summary:
A new Ranma fanfic is about to start, but the cast members aren't
available. Fortunately, a number of other characters from different
series have agreed to stand in for the originals. But can they pull
it off without anyone noticing ...?
Oh, the whole "other characters sub for Ranma cast" bit. _Funny_ bit. No,
really, I mean that. It's reminiscent of the old Bob and Bing movies where
the lines were made up and the characters interacted in and out of the
picture. I laughed at multiple places... the final "everyone goes home"
scene was actually a bit of a jolt, given the tone of everything else that
had happened...
Not that it doesn't make sense for the characters involved; it does, but to
deal with something like _that_ after six chapters of wackiness... well,
your story, your call, ultimately, but it felt out of place to me.
- - - - -
Title: Wheel of Fire
Chapter: #33: Eve of the White Tiger
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: 5/29/00
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:
In an odd twist of fate Ranma, Mousse, and Shizuka find themselves
back in Japan, just in time for the final battle: Cinder vs. the
entirety of the Ranma crew.
Okay, this was just confusing. Out-of-order sequencing may work very nicely
as a technical exercise, but by the time I got to the end of the story, I
forgot what had happened at the beginning. Jumping around in such a large
work does tend to carry that as a risk, I'd imagine. The fight scenes were
excellent, as always, but asking your readers to juggle 60k of text around
until it all falls into place seems to me to be a bit much.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Battletech]
- - - - -
Title: Battletech: The Saotome Gambit Part 13
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-13.txt
Date Sent to FFML: 28 May 2000
Size: 97K
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:
Tatewaki lays siege to the Capella System while his sister plots to
escape. Grand Duke Tendo entertains Nodoka Saotome as they wait for
the invasion - which Kasumi prepares to fight. Shampoo faces General
Herb's inquest and confronts Pink on a matter of murder. Meanwhile,
the crew of NCJS _Dragonfly_ finally determines their location.
Still More Ranma 1/2 In Space! You write the entire Nerima Wrecking Crew in
a very believable manner in this new environment. The character interactions
so far are wonderful, the plot is moving along slowly but steadily, and I
can't think of any reason _not_ to wholeheartedly recommend this.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Revolutionary Girl Utena]
- - - - -
Title: She of the Black Rose
Series: Utena/Ranma 1/2
Genre: crossover
Author: Ukyou Kuonji
Email: ukyoukwnji@aol.com
Homepage: http://members.aol.com/ukyoukwnji/index.htm
Date Sent to FFML: 6/1/2000
Size: 13K
Summary:
Did you know? Did you know? Have you heard the news? There's a new
student at Ohtori Gakuen, and she's...
Well, who do YOU think of when you hear the phrase 'black rose',
anyway?
This is just the beginning of this story, mind you, and it needs
plenty of work. Suggestions and C&C (and perhaps a certain measure of
philosophical debate) requested.
Don't know Utena. Really don't. Can't say one way or the other what'll
happen to Kodachi - she is the very definition of loose cannon. Assuming
anyone looks into her background, all they'll really need to do is present
The Black Rose as a gift to her from Ranma, to be worn for luck... then
again, Kodachi is crazy but not stupid...
Way, way, too early to say much of anything, really. Some very nice dialogue
going, certainly, and definitely a series to follow.
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon / Yoroiden Samurai Troopers]
- - - - -
Title: Ronin Summer : Dark Crusade
Chapter: 1 & 2
Series: Sailor Moon / Yoroiden Samurai Troopers
Genre: cross-over
Author: Morgan Hudson
Email: dataraven_659@excite.com
Homepage: http://dataraven_659.tripod.com/roninsummer.html
Date Sent to FFML: May 29, 2000
Size: 19 KB
Series Summary:
Seven strangers and their undead army arrive in the Dark Kingdom and
begin a holy mission of extermination, in the name of a mysterious
figure they call "Mother". Their only opposition are the Masho of the
Dynasty, but can four Yoroiden succeed alone? Of course not, but
fortunately there's help waiting in wings...
Episode Summary:
Kayura and her new fiance Anubis visit Rajura in his new holdings -
the Dark Kingdom. A few old faces from RS : Inner Battles are revealed
to still be hanging around, and we are introduced to Pedri and Holts,
the first two of the seven siblings. Holts appears too lazy to
threaten much, but Pedri makes an ultimatum to Kayura and begins plans
to destroy all life in the Dark Kingdom with the help of Mother and
his other five brothers and sisters.
Episode Summary:
Pedri and Holts prepare for their first assault on Kayura's castle in
the Dark Kingdom, with the help of their brother Thraw and their
sister Erdge. The first soldiers of their army are revived by Mother,
and attack the Masho and their allies. Rajura, Anubis, and Kayura all
manage to get away, but the rest of the Dark Kingdom seems less
lucky... As punishment for allowing the Masho to escape, Pedri decides
to teach Erdge a painful lesson about failing Mother.
Ooh. This is a _nice_ little villain squad, I must say. The combat is as
nicely scripted as it ever was, the grizzled old veterans are acting
grizzled, if not old, and the plot is already set up for a few twists down
the road ahead. Another excellent series. Keep up the good work.
* * * * *
[Slayers]
- - - - -
Title: The Slayers: Reward Chapter 3 - Clash! The Love That Hates Justice!
Series: The Slayers
Genre: Continuation, Lemon
Author: Lord Archive
Email: archive@mich.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/9061/anime.html
Date Sent to FFML: 5-31
Size: 26K
Summary:
Lina and Gourry try to leave without causing any trouble, but fail.
Towermere catches up to Lina only to have Amelia join in, bringing
along her problems as well.
Ooh. Everyone's talking about marraige. I'm beginning to feel left out.
But seriously, interesting concept and premise behind Amelia's appearance,
nicely done fight scenes, and a plotline that seems to still be picking up a
little steam as it goes along. Looking forward to another chapter.
- - - - -
Title: Slayers: Titled
Chapter: 4
Series: Slayers
Genre: Eh...
Author: David A. Tatum
Email: desaix@sysnet.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/7872/fanfics.htm
Archived at: Above at some future point... (probably not until I finish
the thing)
Date Sent to FFML: 5/29/00
Archive Number: 11100
Size:
Series Summary:
The Lord of Nightmares sends Xelloss on a mission, and EVERYONE gets
involved...
Chapter Summary:
Gourry's recuperation from the battle is interrupted by a Mazoku
attack as plans for the future are made.
Ooh. Plotting. Not very much happens in this story, but a lot of people talk
about a lot of things, and we get some more backstory, some more character
development, and some more funny moments. This is deceptively long; it'll
take a while to get through, even though it certainly won't seem like it, so
make sure you don't have anything planned for the next hour or so before you
settle in. Just a friendly warning.
- - - - -
Title: The Slayers: Truth! A Most Dangerous Game!
Series: The Slayers
Genre: Humor, Sad, Dark, WAFF
Author: Lord Archive
Email: archive@mich.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/9061/anime.html
Date Sent to FFML: 6-4
Size: 35K
Summary:
A little game of Xellos's causes a lot of pain and oddly some
happiness as well.
Um. I don't buy it, really. After people got burned _once_ by Xel, I rather
doubt they'd agree to sit down and play a game with him. I'm not begrudging
the insights into character, or slighting any of what happens afterward, but
it does seem like a rather... contrived means to _get_ said insights and
actions. Or perhaps that's just me.
* * * * *
[Tenchi Muyou!]
- - - - -
Title: Define Happiness
Series: Tenchi Muyo
Genre: Short-fic
Author: Teknos Warhammer
Email: teknosw@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.geocites.teknos.geo
Date Sent to FFML: May 27, 2000
Size: 17 K
Summary:
A short, sweet little piece of how things SHOULD be for our resident,
Mihoshi's sin eating, Kiyone. A little biased against Mihoshi, this
fic shows how Kiyone could be happy, but alas...
Okay, this was an enjoyable little trip. The author's aside at the end was
nice too. I missed those. Welcome back, WH.
I have no idea exactly what fic set you off, though, and I've read a lot of
TM in my day, so it's probably a good sign that whatever "inspired" you
didn't show through. Sometimes reading bad stories can inspire good ones;
there's no shame in that, and it certainly seems to be the case here.
*************
And that's all for this week, folks. Wonder when Elsa's going to get back
and start writing these...
--G. Falconar