For most of the time I've been subscribed to this list, I've tended
to shy away from original fics. Then the latest installation of
Cranky AnyFic Comments highly recommended Demon-Girl Kumiko, so I
read and enjoyed it.
Therefore, when RoD 5 showed up, I decided to go ahead and read it
as well. So, I've read chapters one through five in one sitting
(well, okay, I did have to go to class between chapters three and
four). A rather enjoyable read, I must say, and I'm looking
forward to chapter 6
Hooray! Glad you enjoyed it.
However, there are some inconsistencies I feel a need to point out.
Ah. [dons blindfold, thrusts hands behind back and lights last
cigarette]
Yes, I know. The whole thing is riddled with them. This is pretty
much my first attempt at serial writing and I was certain I'd let a
fair few creep in. Hope they don't ruin the story too much, they're
usually the result of wanting to make a quick gag about something
inconsiquential.
Neil Gaiman, author of the Sandman seires, stated that this was one
of the major problems he had when writing for comics, and that he
built himself several escape hatches into the Sandman in case he
ever changed his mind, and had spotted other writers, such as
Charles Dickens, doing the same thing.
However, I am aware of all of the ones you pointed out (and a fair
few more besides). There IS an explaination for them. It's a bit
metaphysical, but then again the whole ending of the story is. ;)
RoD was never really about the plot, although I did try and keep
it consistant. It's more a vehicle for me to take the mickey out
of various anime and the general conventions thereof. That isn't
really a very good excuse I know, so rest assured that the next
story arc _is_ better planned out.
In chapter three, he accepts Tuzi's explanation of "plot
advancement" for why she is willing to put up with Ranma's presence
when she had expressed such derision for him before. In that same
chapter, he gives Shampoo the ability to speak English by what
amounts authorial fiat--from within the story.
An authorial Fiat? Nothing so grand. I drive an authorial Mini
Cooper. ;)
For those of you who don't know (because I certainly didn't ;) "fiat"
is defined as "a command or act of will that creates something
without or as if without further effort".
This sort of opens up the whole debate as to the nature of fanfics.
Do you rigidly stick to the facts of the series in question, or do
you allow yourself to change bits as long as you offer an
explaination, however lame? In this case I did it purely for the
humour value. For instance, my chara cannot understand Japanese, yet
converses readily with everyone in the series unless I feel the need
to insert yet another gag about his ignorance. I singled Shampoo out
simply because she's well known for her lack of lingustic ability.
About your granting Shampoo the ability to speak English.... I
have no real problem with that, and it is a rather funny scene.
The problem comes in when you look at Ranma, of whom, I believe, it
is explicitly stated that he can not speak that language. Wasn't
that one of the classes he was embarrassed about having the exam
scores announced publicly?
Now you _will_ have to forgive me for the occasional uckfay up
regarding Ranma. I've never seen the TV series and I've only got the
first eighteen volumes of the manga. I can't _remember_ any exams
in what I've read, but I could be wrong. I couldn't resist using the
characters though. ;)
Am I beter at art that I am writing? ;)
- X Subi
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