To: ffml@fanfic.com
Subject: RE: [FFML] [Synopses-List] Synopses List for August 11
The FFML Synopses List REVIEW! (-om)
====================== \-^^-\
For the week of: August 11, 2000
Reviewer on Duty: Glazius "Lucky Dan" Falconar
Synopses Reviewed: Most, but not all.
* * * * *
[Ah! Megami-sama! / Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: Wrath of Gods
Chapter: chapter 2 - 4
Series: Ah! Megami-sama, Crossover, Ranma 1/2
Genre: Adventure, Crossover, Drama
Author: Corwin
Email: ely7@inter.net.il
Homepage: www.virtuallyjeannie.com
Archived At:
http://lavender.fortunecity.com/friday/573/anime.html,
http://members.xoom.com/phu_lam/index.htm,
http://home.earthlink.net/~tannim/rfics.html
Date Sent to FFML: July 25, 2000
Archive Number: 151393
Size: 35K
Series Summary:
Ranma's been having weird dreams ever since the failed wedding... and
what do the three Norns have to do with it, anyway?
Episode Summary:
How did the Norns come to know Ranma, why is Akane his guardian and,
more importantly, is everything really Ranma's fault?
Episode Summary:
Keiichi gets his wish, while Ryoga gets an offer he can't refuse.
Episode Summary:
Ranma and Belldandy are drawn to one another, while Ryoga tries to use
a magical artifact that's supposed to help him find his arch-rival.
This is a very interesting premise for a story, certainly, and you're doing
your best to flesh out a decent past history, which I find to be believable,
though my experience with canon isn't what it should be. I feel a little
sorry for K1, caught at ground zero like that; are he and Belldandy still
forgotten friends in this timeline? That'll be interesting to see, as will
Ranma trying to prevent his demon side from coming out _and_ the end of the
world. Looking forward to future installments; the writing is serviceable,
but the words aren't as important as the concept you've got going.
* * * * *
[Dirty Pair / Iria]
- - - - -
Title: Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot Chapter 2
Series: Dirty Pair/ Iria: Zeiram, the Animation
Genre: crossover
Author: D.B. Sommer
Email: sommer@3rdm.net
Homepage: http://angcobra.jumpfun.com/dbsommer.html
Date Sent to FFML: 8/9/00
Size: 70K
Summary:
Kei and Iria dwell on the years they've been apart. Then the trio go
to the space station where Zeiram is supposed to be hanging out, but
stumble on something a little different instead.
Good plot. Occasionally awkward bits. Dialogue that stretches on a bit too
long, though perhaps that just _seems_ to be the case because I can't
picture the characters' faces and actions during it. It feels like the plot
is just... _moving_, and the characters are just along for the ride. Bob's
the only one who I could picture as acting with much emotion, and that says
something. If you're settling in for a long haul of writing ahead, I can
understand, but as it is, this needs a lot more polish as far as characters
and character interactions go.
* * * * *
[Evangelion]
- - - - -
Title: Acceptance
Series: Evangelion
Genre: WAFF/Introspection
Author: Cory Holmes
Email: drgn.fire@home.com
Date Sent to FFML: July 30, 2000
Size: 9kb
Summary:
A short jaunt into Shinji's head during a somewhat normal event at
High-School: A mad Asuka.
Hmm. Interesting character piece, needs a _bit_ of work on the line-wrapping
and the occasional awkward bit of phrasing, and the little revelation
feels... just a bit _off_, like the tone's subtly wrong, though I can't pin
down exactly how.
- - - - -
Title: Evangelion: Waves
Series: Evangelion
Genre: Spamfic
Author: Ning Jun Yuan
Email: melancholy_chinese@yahoo.com
Homepage: http://ning.ydonert.com/
Date Sent to FFML: August 03, 2000
Archive Number: 13221
Summary:
Why depressed teens should not have control over reality.
Sorry about the formatting, Webmail made me do it.
Ah, bathos. How I love thee. And the formatting doesn't seem off to me; then
again, I'm looking at this through the mini-archive.
- - - - -
Title: Garden of EVA
Chapter: 2:6 - Kaworu Blows!
Series: Evangelion
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: Jim Lazar
Email: jimlazar@earthlink.net
Homepage: http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlazar/anime
Date Sent to FFML: 8/13/2000
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:
Episode Summary:
Shinji's in the slammer after (twice) killing the only person who ever
said he loved Shinji, Kaworu. The other Shinji's up to his theater in
breasts. Which place would you want to be in? Think again...
AFter 55.5 dozen worlds, you'd think Shinji would get over this nudity thing
he has. Or grow a spine. While a bit more plot-pointed than previous
chapters, this particular installment is no less nuts. I'll let you
interpret that how you will.
- - - - -
Title: What Her Crimson Eyes Believe In
Series: Evangelion
Genre: 1st person narrative-sorta darkish, some light.
Author: Dave Menard
Email: deibu_kun@sympatico.ca
Homepage: http://spghome.tripod.com/
Date Sent to FFML:06/08/00
Size:23 kb
Summary:
A speculative fic, in the spirit of "The Masks We Must Wear/Cut Wood,
Carry Water" or "The Veils Placed Over Others' Eyes". On the advice of
Maya, Rei begins to keep a diary. A first EVA fic.
. . .
. . .
. . . ...whoa.
That about says it all, folks. An excellently realized character piece which
will break your brane if you let it. Enjoy at your own risk.
* * * * *
[Gundam Wing / Sailor Moon]
- - - - -
Title: Gundam Moon
Episode: Chapter One: A Wing And A Prayer
Series: Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon / Kidou Senki Gundam Wing
Genre: Merge/Continuation
Author: Raye Johnsen
Email: raye_j@yahoo.com
Homepage: http://members.xoom.com/Raye01/
Date Sent to FFML: Monday 7th August 2000
Size: 30 K
Series Summary:
Two years after the end of the One-Day War, a new enemy threatens the
Earth. This is no conventional enemy, though, and those called to
defend the earth are not what the people are used to. For one thing,
they're shorter.
Episode Summary:
World-weary politician Relena Peacecraft-Darlian is mourning her lack
of a personal life when she first encounters strange
phenomenae. Forced to take action when she discovers evil in her
office, she discovers that she is Sailor Moon, sworn to defeat evil!
If she can only work out how...
...you know, I was expecting something not unlike the Pretty Pilot Gundam
Moon bit that came out a while ago, with Duo piloting a Nobel Gundam
knockoff. What I got was a rather pleasant surprise; a decidedly
character-driven piece told from near-first-person perspective that...
doesn't make a whole lot of sense _yet_, but I have a feeling we'll get the
rest of the story soon enough.
* * * * *
[Not Given]
- - - - -
Title: Morning Surprise
Series: ??????
Genre: Guess
Author: Lord Archive
Email: archive@mich.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Fuji/9061/anime.html
Date Sent to FFML: August 8, 2000
Size: 15K
Summary:
It's the morning after, but who are the guy and the girl in the bed?
Okay, okay, you've made your point already, sheesh. There are different
couples to write about that'd work out a lot better than Ranma and Akane.
I'm always suspicious when the author throws in a scene with no names,
myself, but hopefully this will spark people to write about other series.
Hopefully.
* * * * *
[Original]
- - - - -
Title: The Truth and Edward Kilcain
Series: Mostly Original (the rest is a secret)
Genre: Short, introspection
Author: Glazius Falconar
Email: GlaziusFalconar@peoplepc.com
Date Sent to FFML: 7/28/2000
Size: 21 KB
Summary:
This is a brief piece about a small adventure had by a Scotsman named
Edward Kilcain. It started as one too many free moments at work, and
became a nice little piece about the thoughts of a man leaving behind
the home of a legend... and exactly what that legend might be.
It is said that every author believes that his work is at once the best in
the world and the most flawed. To wit, I will say nothing but that you'll
need to envision this story being _told_ by someone. Preferably a nice
Garrison Keillor-type voice.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: Clockwork
Chapter: 01
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: Tom Mathews a.k.a. Disruptor
Email: mathews1@gte.net
Homepage: http://home1.gte.net/mathews1/
Archived At: http://home1.gte.net/mathews1/clockwork.txt
Date Sent to FFML: August 09, 2000
FFML Archive Number: 13368
Size: 26.6
Series Summary:
What if Ranma fell in the Spring of Drowned Clockwork Girl
Episode Summary:
Ranma arrives at the Tendo Dojo
...none of this makes any sense. I'm sorry, but it doesn't. There's no real
reason for Akane to sympathize with Ranma immediately, right away, pronto
like she does, a coldhearted bastard has apparently possessed Nabiki, it'd
take _saintlike_ compassion to _voluntarily_ turn yourself into a clockwork
just to experience the feeling of being utterly helpless and easily
manipulated by others, and the packets are a _way_ too convenient plot
device for my liking. It doesn't seem to me to be a very workable premise.
- - - - -
Title: Eerily Plausible
Episode: A New Evil Wakes & Mother of Pervert
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Comedy
Author: Douglas MacDougall
Email: dougmacd@dougmacd.net
Homepage: http://www.dougmacd.net/fanworks/
Archived at:
Date Sent to FFML: 2000-08-04
Archive Number:
Size: 49k
Title Summary:
While the events portrayed in this series are original, they present,
for the first time in a fan fiction, the true, untold background
stories of Ranma 1/2, as described by Rukimo Tashahaki herself in an
exclusive interview!
Episode Summary:
There's a new panty thief in town and Happosai needs Ranma's help!
Can Ranma and an unruly mob stop the cat burglar? What is the
terrible secret of the Amazons?
Episode Summary:
Affairs of the past once again visit the martial artists of the
present. Soun has been hiding a terrible secret, which might drive
Akane over the edge.
...hooboy. Eerily plausible indeed. The plots are vaguely Twilight Zone-ish,
and your head will spin. At least mine did. Read them with the "bizarre
parody" concept in mind and you'll get a bit more mileage out of them.
- - - - -
Title: A Fresh Start
Chapter: 2
Series: Ranma
Genre: Alt Reality
Author: Kent Hyam
E-mail: rodney.hyam@sk.sympatico.ca
Date Sent to FFML: 08/10/00
Size: 19 Kbs
Series Summary:
Ukyo decides to renounce her vendetta against Ranma and make a new
life for herself. Nerima seemed to be the perfect place to start, but
there are a few surprises ahead.
Episode Summary:
Ukyo faces a difficult decision, as Ranma tries to reestablish their
friendship. Meanwhile, she has to cope with Akane and Nabiki's
efforts to end her engament to Ranma.
Heh. Wonder what happens when the secret's out. The charade, while not
_obviously_ taxing, is going to come back and bite her in the end,
especially since at least one person has already figured it out. Anyway,
interesting premise, decent development, certainly a series I'd come back
to.
- - - - -
Title: Genma's Daughter
Chapter: Chapter 1 - 5
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe, Drama, Serious, WAFF
Author: Deborah Goldsmith, Steve Pardue
Email: dgoldsmith@mac.com
Homepage: http://www.zebra.net/~spardue/anime
Date Sent to FFML: August 12, 2000
Series Summary:
When Ranma learns the truth about his family, he is propelled on a
difficult journey of self-discovery.
Episode Summary:
Ranma meets his mother again for the first time in twelve years, and
learns the shocking truth about his family; a truth which his father
concealed from him. This forces him to confront some aspects of
himself he's tried hard to ignore.
Episode Summary:
Ranma learns more than he ever wanted to know about his past, and
starts to wonder who he really is. Can he summon the courage to
explore his true self?
Episode Summary:
Ranma finds school, and life in general, increasingly difficult to
deal with under the weight of his new self-knowledge. He tries to
cling to his old life, but the boys in the locker room force him to
take a hard look at himself and recognize who he is.
With that in mind, he decides to try a new way of life, and see if
that is an improvement.
Episode Summary:
Ranko explores her new world, and makes a startling discovery: it's a
lot better than she thought it would be. She tries new things and goes
to new places. She starts to make friends. She encounters an
unfamiliar emotion: happiness.
Episode Summary:
Ranko finds that some of her old interests are starting to wane. She
spends more time with her friends, and becomes more comfortable with
her new life. Ranko, Akane, Ukyou, Sayuri, and Yuka take a trip to the
beach with Nodoka, and have a blast. While there, Ranko encounters
Ryouga, who is shocked to discover what's happened. Ranko continues to
learn more about herself, and be surprised in the process.
I have mixed feelings about this series. Keep in mind this is strictly an
opinion, not an objective critique.
First, the writing. It's good. Really good, really evocative, and there was
obviously a lot of research and such that went into the story. I can't ding
you for technique at all.
What _really_ gets to me, though, is the story itself. I was honestly just
about ready to give up on this about the fourth time Ranma-chan broke down
and cried because the prose was applying vicegrips to my soul but the events
didn't advance the plot _any_. Yes, something broke her world. Do we really
need to see that from half-a-dozen similar angles before it sets in? I'd
advise toning down the depictions of mental anguish after the first time or
two.
Second, it seems rather odd to me that, given the canon presence of female
characters who have adopted, or live in societies with, unconventional
gender roles, the only means even _considered_ for helping Ranma get through
this is to thrust her into a role she hasn't taken on for a good ten years,
perhaps more.
The prose is good. The story is well-researched and technically superb, but
stumbling blocks like the above prevent me from really enjoying it.
- - - - -
Title: Ranma-Chan:Genie of the Ring
Chapter: 17
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: Tom Mathews a.k.a. Disruptor
Email: mathews1@gte.net
Homepage: http://home1.gte.net/mathews1/
Date Sent to FFML: August 09, 2000
FFML Archive Number: 13381
Series Summary:
A mysterious ring turns Ranma's female half into a genie.
Episode Summary:
The reason why Ranma's female side was changed is revealed.
Ah. The plot thickens. Finally. I am definitely curious where things will go
from here; aside from that, though, nothing terribly remarkable about this
installment.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Revolutionary Girl Utena]
- - - - -
Title: She of the Black Rose
Chapter: 2
Series: Revolutionary Girl 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: 8/10/2000
Series Summary:
Did you know? Did you know? Had you heard the news? There's a new
student at Ohtori Gakuen these days, and she's...
...well, who do *you* think of when the phrase 'Black Rose' comes to
mind?
Episode Summary:
In the aftermath of the Black Rose duellists, Kodachi Kuno meets Anthy
Himemiya, and begins to train the Ohtori gymnastics team. Meanwhile,
with Ms. Kuno out of the way, Furinkan has a shot at the regional
title, and guess who wants to be on the gymnastics team?
Another interesting little setup installment. I think all the players are in
place now, and enough threads have been introduced that we can begin the
ride. Hands and arms inside at all times, please!
The onomotopoea (sp?) bits are nicely done, and don't wear out over the
short stretch of scenes they're used in. The writing itself does a nice job
of "fading" in and out on the little slices of experience that, together,
form a story. Definitely something you beginners out there should study the
style of.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / Sailor Moon]
- - - - -
Title: A Different Viewpoint: Curses and Demons
Chapter: 9 - 11
Series: Ranma/SM
Genre: Crossover/Continuation
Author: Christopher J. Olsen
Email: gamers@prodigy.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/fanfics.html
Date Sent to FFML: 8-9-00
Size: 44 KB
Series Summary:
Ranma and Akane have finally gotten married, but that is far from the
end of their problems.
Episode Summary:
Dr. Tofu is in danger, and it's the Sailor Senshi to the rescue.
Episode Summary:
Nabiki has figured out the truth, and a rescue party is formed. But
who is really the target?
Episode Summary:
Happosai's revenge... again?
Yamaneko-sama! ^^
...err, forget that, he just looks damn good in the OP, and I rather doubt
you're pulling him in. It is good to see the pendulum swinging back toward
plot, though. How many chapters has it been? This still feels fresh, which
is always important in a long series. Keep up the good work.
- - - - -
Title: Sailor Ranmoon
Chapter: 5
Series: Ranma/Sailor moon
Genre: Comedy
Author: Carrotglace
Email: carrotglace@juno.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/misatira/
Date Sent to FFML:08/13/00
Series Summary:
Ranma Saotome, Magical girl. A parody of Sailor Moon/Ranma fusions
that I've read on FFML and RAAC.
Episode Summary:
The scouts discover Sailor Jupiter and Pantyhose Nephrite's plan is
foiled.
...you're actually following the manga? Huh. Well _that_'s new, at least...
but what can I really say? I mean, it'd be interesting if we actually had
any hints Ukyo might _be_ Jupiter, as opposed to it just happening... and
for a comedy, I really didn't see all that much in the way of funny bits
here. It felt a little rushed... maybe if you go back a bit and flesh things
out, it'd actually come off as a funnier parody.
- - - - -
Title: Souls of Fire
Chapter: #2: Mercury Rising
Series: Sailor Moon/Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation/Crossover
Author: Razorclaw X
Email: spiceoflife@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/~slythe/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: 8/10/00
Size: 80 kb
Series Summary:
In the age before the Silver Millennium a mighty empire of darkness
conquered many stars in the heavens. Their downfall marked the
beginning of the Silver Millenium, but their legacy lives on. At the
dawn of the new Age of Enlightenment marked by the rise of Crystal
Tokyo the ancient empire of darkness is about to claim retribution....
Epsiode Summary:
Mercury devises a daring plan to infiltrate the ranks of the Fenril
Knights in order to determine why humanity is revolting against Neo
Queen Serenity. The resistance movement takes a life of its own when
Ayame Mishima rises to take control. Wiseman becomes consumed in his
own problems.
...you know, I'm not sure, but I _think_ "Mercury Rising" has already been
taken. But that is, perhaps, just me.
Anyway, very interesting piece - how long has it been since the first
chapter? It seems a while ago. The characters are decently realized, but the
best part, as always, is the fight scenes. Not to disparage the plot, of
course; that's getting a little less straightforward and continues to be
engaging.
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon]
- - - - -
Title: Noon in the Rose Garden of Good & Evil
Series: SM
Genre: Parody / Spamfic
Author: Bastion
Email: bastion@ix.netcom.com
Homepage: http://pweb.netcom.com/~bastion/index1.htm
Archived At: same and FFML mini-archive
Date Sent to FFML: 8/5/00
Size: 6K
Summary:
The infamous Mamoru Chiba finally speaks his mind about his fans, his
fame, and just what did happen between him and Fiore.
Mind? You mean it's not swiss cheese by now? ::duckandcover::
Not much here to laugh at. Not much here, period, really. Perhaps it's
because I don't run in any fandom circles.
One _does_ wonder what the consequences of being the only man who can live
for a thousand years among ten similarly long-lived females are, though...
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon / Yoroiden Samurai Troopers]
- - - - -
Title: Ronin Summer : Dark Crusade
Chapter: 7 - A Brief Calm
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: August 02, 2000
Size: 35 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 the wings...
Episode Summary:
Everyone gets a chance to relax. Anubis is reunited with Kayura,
Rajura and Setsuna trade a few threats, Naaza takes an inconvenient
nap, and Jun has an argument with Nasuti. Meanwhile, Thraw vents some
steam by redecorating his room and learns that his sister Erdge is
awake again. This calm isn't going to last, if he has anything to say
about it...
Okay, the destruction scene was classic, the Pluto/Spider-Masho scene was
classic... how do you come _up_ with this stuff? And is it legal in 49
states? (Sorry, Tennessee.) My only complaint is that the serial format is
really starting to grate because I WANT TO KNOW NOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! But
other than that, good show.
* * * * *
[Slayers]
- - - - -
Title: The Ho-rror
Series: The Slayers
Genre: Spamfic
Author: Douglas MacDougall
Email: dougmacd@dougmacd.net
Homepage: http://www.dougmacd.net/fanworks/
Archived at:
Date Sent to FFML: 2000-08-04
Archive Number:
Size: 5k
Summary:
Three years into the future. Or is that the past?
Gwahahahahaha... ladies and gentlemen, World's Worst Family Secret. Or
something. Prepare a nice, soft surface to fall off your chair into.
* * * * *
[Tenchi Muyou!]
- - - - -
Title: Full Circle
Chapter: Episode 8 - A Love Eternal Lasting, Part 1
Series: Tenchi OAV/Tenchi TV
Genre: Fusion/SI
Author: Adam Leigh
Email: Tempest@mail.com
Homepage: http://dogbert.simplenet.com/Tempest
Archived At: http://dogbert.simplenet.com/Tempest
Date Sent to FFML: August 8th, 2000
Archive Number: 13364
Size: 175kb
Summary:
In the final episode of the Full Circle series, Jurai is attacked by a
man with almost god-like powers on a mission of vengence; Sasami
awakes from her sleep only to be threatened by a disease with no cure;
and the whole gang travels into space. Part 1 of 2.
...well.
I should say, first, I read the riff job that got done of the first few
chapters, and this has improved very much since then. I believe the
character, and he adds a significant bit to the plot without dominating it.
The script format... works for this piece. Usually, only comedy works really
well, but you've done a decent job.
Of course, anything I say here is moot, as this was written to get it done,
no? If you're one of the ones who's read and liked the series, by all means
keep up with this. If you haven't, don't. Of course, that's lifted from the
author's notes, but it still works. And I wish you luck in future endeavors.
"World Without A Future" seemed promising, for one...
* * * * *
[Yuu Yuu Hakusho]
- - - - -
Title: Shonen
Chapter: Prologue: First to Last
Series: Yuyu Hakusho
Genre: Drama, Action
Author: Chester Casta�eda
Email: gab_ab@edsamail.com.ph
Homepage: Http://www.geocities.com/gabriel_abdiel
Date Sent to FFML: August 13, 2000
Archive Number: 13453-13454
Size: 11 Kb
Series Summary:
We are all, in one way or another, broken pieces from a whole...and we
are always contantly finding that missing piece we have,to be a whole
person... to be a whole man. This is a story of such.
Episode Summary:
A strange being comes into the lives of the four Spirit.
Detectives. But instead of looking for the destruction of the Spirit
World, the invasion of the Human World, or the the title of "the most
powerful force" in the Demon World, the being seeks only one
thing... a soul. A kitsune soul.
...why's this in two parts? It doesn't seem long enough to merit two...
Aside from that, this is a pretty straightforward trailer reel, hinting at
themes to be explored in the story to come and possible plotlines quite
nicely, although it's more in the nature of a few scenes before the plot
_really_ picks up than it is in the nature of a prologue. Not that I'm
complaining - it's good technically and certainly sets up events to come,
though the scene with Kurama at school seems a bit extraneous - are you sure
you want to open on that?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
That's all for this week, folks. Next begins the Syn List Team Sentai
Special Forces Review Squad GORANGER! ...or something.
--G. Falconar