xelloss@pp.nic.fi writes:
and I'm
personally opposed to any use of them in a non-visual medium like
fanfiction. Instead, express the feelings or reactions that these
conventions symbolize the way you would in any story. If you're going to
pick out one or two, like sweatdropping or facefaulting, why not use
all the conventions? Aside from the fact that it would make a serious
story pretty silly, which is my objection.
True, but when not using these, a silly story becomes a whole lot
serious. Sweat-dropping, for an example, is often used as a reaction
to someone else doing something strange or embarrassing, but not
necessarily unexpected. A more "real-world" reaction might be,
covering your face with your hands while mumbling "I don't know this guy"
or something like that.
I disagree that not using stock manga/anime sight gags makes
a silly story a lot more serious. Wodehouse, Pratchett, Adams, and
a host of other writers have managed to write very silly and/or
funny stuff without sticking in a guy slipping on a banana peel or
someone being hit in the face with a pie, to borrow two examples
of sight gags from film and TV. Read the really funny pieces of
fanfiction and you'll notice that the true humor present in pieces
like "Ranma Jijou" or "Girl Days" has nothing much to do with
sweatdropping, facefaulting, etc. As Allyn pointed out in another
email, things like that may be amusing to see in manga/anime, but
really aren't funny to read about.
I am not, in general, in the favor of using short-cuts like "sweat-dropped"
or "face-faulted". However, I don't think they should be shunned just
because people consider them to be 'unrealistic'. All four series, Slayers,
Ranma 1/2, Tenchi Muyo and Sailor Moon *do*, after all, have their
comical elements.
There IS a problem there, though. In the anime and manga, all these
visual elements make sense, and are, in general, quite amusing, so
instead of using the "sight-gags" as shortcuts, perhaps a bit of descriptive
prosa might bring their original effect back to the story.
Exactly!
*Sigh*
People these days,
all they want is serious drama, dark things and depression.
No, I think they want stuff that is actually funny in itself,
rather than hoping to be mistaken for funny by summoning up fond
memories of the source material. (This is not meant as an attack
of any sort, but the expression of a deeply held conviction.)
Reid Carson
rcarson@rcarson.com