The FFML Reviews List
======================
For the week of: July 4 - July 10, 1998
Reviewers: Paul Azerina <arezina@acad1.stvincent.edu>
Helen Szeto <Helen@eiw-ca.com>
Shunsuke <shunsuke@mailcity.com>
Synopses Submitted: 31
This is the text version of the FFML Synopses List. If any of these
fics are of any interest to you, please e-mail the author for
procurement of the said fics. As stated quite emphatically in the FFML
FAQ, _DO NOT SEND FANFIC REQUESTS TO THE FFML_.
This list is sorted by series, and within each series, ordered
alphabetically, according to last names. The synopses here
represent whatever has been sent to us, from Saturday to Friday.
* * * * *
[BubbleGum Crisis]
- - - - -
Title: Shades of Grey part 1
Series: Bubblegum Crisis
Genre: Drama/Crossover
Author: G. Harris Bias
Email: hbias@earthlink.net
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Size: 21 Kb
Summary:
A hero from another world lands in MegaTokyo. But if he's a hero, why don't
he and the Knight Sabres instantly trust each other?
{Shunsuke}
A little too much otaku wish fulfilment/self insertion in the
main character, and some implausible things, such as Sylia
allowing the stranger to their vehicle. Also the author's
portrayal of the Knight Sabers is quite wooden, with none of
the usual personalities and characteristics.
From the standpoint of storytelling, the plot makes sense
the way events are depicted are certainly believable. This
just needs work on character personalities.
* * * * *
[Hellblazer / SailorMoon]
- - - - -
Title: Sailor Hellblazer
Series: John Constantine: Hellblazer / Sailor Moon
Genre: Comedy
Author: Rod M. & David Tai
Email: dtai@ix.netcom.com / rpm39788@bayou.uh.edu
Homepage: http://www.uh.edu/~rpm/fanfic
Size: 16 Kb
Summary:
Gemma Masters, 19 year old niece of John Constantine, was destined
to become a Sailor Scout. However, something impossible happened
along the way....
A spinoff of last year's Hellblazer/Ah My Goddess crossover
"Dire Fates", though it isn't essential to read it to
understand what's going on here.
{Paul}
Well, one of the omake at the end of said crossover is probably
worth looking into, for sheer inspiration and laughter if nothing
else... it was THIS, in its putative form. And if you don't know
the character, "Dire Fates" makes for an excellent introduction.
As it is, I might have liked the same background on John
Constantine that was given at the start of "Dire Fates" to be
given here, but that's just me. This is absolutely friggin'
hysterical, from start to finish, simply because one has to laugh
at the mess John-boy landed himself in this time. 15 or 16 out of
20.
* * * * *
[Crossovers]
- - - - -
Title: Guardians of Earth: Mortal Kombat Trilogy
Series: Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Sailor Moon, Ah! My Goddess!,
Yuu Yuu Hakusho
Genre: MegaCrossover
Author: Adam Durham
Email: cerebros@mindspring.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/1478/goe.htm
Date Sent to FFML: July 8, 1998
Size: Prequel: 54 Kb; Prologues: 16 Kb; Chapter 1: 11 Kb; Chapter 2: 14 Kb
Summary:
Prequel "Cyrax: The Outworld Encounter": Sailor Mars' boyfriend from the
Silver Millenium, Cyrax, stumbles upon an Outworld portal in the Moon Palace
ruins and is captured by the Lin Kuei. The Inner Senshi, along with Kitana
and some of the other Mortal Kombatants, have to rescue him and restore his
and Smoke's humanity to them.
Prologues: Shao Khan begins his invasion of Earth, and Raiden begins
gathering together those chosen to protect it, including Kurtis Stryker,
Kasugano Sakura, and Chiba Mamoru. Also, Goro finds himself "resurrected"
in the Netherealm, and Johnny Cage faces Motaro.
Chapter 1 "Akuma vs. Ryu: The Evil Within": Goro and Mileena learn the truth
about their "resurrection"; Akuma fights Ryu, hoping to lure him to the Dark
Arts of Shotokan Karate.
Chapter 2 "Ken vs. Baraka: A Rude Welcoming": Ken arrives at his San
Francisco home to find Eliza and Mel dead, and Baraka waiting for him.
Meanwhile, Johnny Cage meets up with Koenma, Junior God of Death, and is
returned to life following his failure to defeat Motaro.
{Shunsuke}
I'm really sorry to tell the author this, but I couldn't finish
reading this fic, it just didn't make sense. There's never any
explanations for why characters do what they do, no depth to any
of the people described, no style or flow to it. This read more
like an outline for a story, or a report on things somebody saw.
This really needs a lot of work to make it presentable.
- - - - -
Title: Other Eyes pt. 3
Series: Other Eyes
Genre: Crossover
Author: Pat Olsen
Email: tagan1@pacbell.net
Date Sent to FFML: July 10, 1998
Size: 21 Kb
Summary:
Madoka is introduced to the idea of magic curses, Ryoga tries to find
Furinkan. (Primarily a wrap up episode, before the two casts start to
interact
in a serious fashion.)
{Paul}
DEFINITELY a wrap-up episode. I get the feeling that Madoka is
going to be a voice of sanity-type character in this series...
and... I don't know, I guess I'm just used to ACTION, but this
seems unbearably slow. That's not the word, really... anticipation
is more like what I'm feeling. SOMETHING has to happen, and soon.
A few tiny grammar flares... missed punctuation, run-on sentence,
but nothing terribly confusing. It'll be interesting to see
where this ends up going... 13 or 14 out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: Kawaikune Team Fighters Episode 1:
The Wussy Darkness That Loathes The Light
Genre: Big Xover + Original
Author: Akito Tenkawa
Email: ruri_ruri@yahoo.com
Date Sent to FFML: July 6, 1998
Size: Part 1 23 Kb, Part 2 13 Kb
Summary:
Business as usual comes to an end for an anime club when of
their weekly meetings is temporarily interrupted by the attack of a
viscious creature. Part of a continuing series starring some fans,
some anime characters, and a large humanoid creature with no skin and
big claws. Includes a bonus contest with a secret prize.
{Paul}
Oh dear. I got the feeling I was watching a rather mediocre sitcom
throughout most of this show... err, fic. Still, this is absolutely
hilarious in parts, and somewhat hilarious in all the others. Those
wacky gaijin... 9 of 10 for sheer humor, 15 or 16 of 20 overall.
{Shunsuke}
This was the most odd thing I have seen in a while. I had a hard
time deciding between whether it was a self-insertion for boys who
want to be magical girls, or a parody of the most ridiculous sort.
So when's the next part?
* * * * *
[Original]
- - - - -
Title: Timelords: Part 1&2 (repost/revise)
Series: Original
Genre: Action/Suspense
Author: Bastion
Email: bastion@ix.netcom.com
Homepage: http://solo.abac.com/moonromance/b.htm
Date Sent to FFML: July 2, 1998
Size: 30 Kb
Summary:
An introduction of Tracer, the timelord, and the unusual world
he is trying to protect from the rebel organization called the Society.
**Sorry, but not related to Dr. Who.**
{Shunsuke}
This was bloody and brutal, just the way I like 'em. A great
anti-hero to despise and cheer for at the same time, and a
story that's well told. Usually originals are hard to get into
and it's difficult to see their relation to anime, but this one
does it right.
The author has great command of the language, and he knows how
to tell a story: with every paragraph, he gives you a nibble
that makes you want to know more and keep reading, yet never
enough that he winds up empty handed. This is one to watch for.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: Komm, susser Tod
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: songfic
Author: Lord Archive
Email: archive@mich.com
Homepage: http://www.mich.com/~archive/anime
Date Sent to FFML: July 6, 1998
Size: 6 Kb
Summary:
Ukyou sings a song from Evangelion: Death and Rebirth that sum up what her
relationship with Ranma now is.
{Paul}
Ouch. This shows why Dealing With Ukyo is high on the checklist for
A Peaceful Resolution of Ranma 1/2. The song, I think, is very
appropriate, and the words even more so... for certain
interpretations of Ukyo. (Actually, all but the cynical ones.) 10
of 10 on the short scale.
{Shunsuke}
Depressing and sad, just like it's meant to be. It works, even if
the descriptions seem a bit sparse. My only question is why do
Ranma and Akane, or any of the others for that matter, not notice
Ukyou's non-reaction and emotions, and why she is not part of the
melee.
- - - - -
Title: Education
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Humor
Author: Donny Cheng
Email: chengdo@shaw.wave.ca
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Ginza/4537
Date Sent to FFML: June 30, 1998
Size: 38 Kb
Summary:
Ranma learns about the facts of life... finally
{Paul}
*piku* *piku* Oh dear. Oh... dear. All I can say is that ignorance
is most assuredly bliss in this particular occasion. An interesting
premise, and it DOES explain a lot about Ranma's attitude in the
series... Poor Ranma... 15 or 16 of 20.
{Shunsuke}
When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was the most
silly lemon I have ever seen: Bubblegum Pink. I don't know if this
is a homage or clone of it, or whether it was just a subtle
influence, but I couldn't help think we'll see a very large and
ridiculous sex scene in a later episode. (Of course, none of this
is a bad thing. ^_^)
I just have to wonder: would Yuka and Sayuri really want to be
chasing after Ranma in his state? I just don't envision them to
be that perverted.
- - - - -
Title: Ryouga's Promise
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Serious (?)
Author: Jane Crockford
Email: lucky@baybytes.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/8075/fanfics.html
Date Sent to FFML: July 2, 1998
Size: 5 Kb
Summary:
Ryouga asks Akane out. What are his motives? How does this relate to a
certain promise he made when he first came to Nerima?
{Paul}
The Ryoga conspiracy theory, ladies and gentlemen. An interesting
idea, if completely unsupported by what remains of the manga. I
found this fic a bit too improbable to believe in some places, but
then, I guess it was supposed to be. Though it does make you
think... 7 of 10 on the short scale, simply because I can't picture
Ryoga as this smart.
- - - - -
Title: A New Life
Series: Ranma
Genre: Semi-dark
Author: Ryan Erik
Email: ryanerik59@hotmail.com
Date Sent to FFML: June 5, 1998
Size: 34 Kb
Summary:
In the sequel to "Vengeance," Ranma wakes up from being in a
comma after many years. The only familiar face to greet him isn't very
familiar and is hardly what he would have considered an ally. Needless
to say, Ranma doesn't take the startling news of current events too
well.
{Paul}
I didn't know Ranma spent his time in a punctuation mark... okay,
that was just bad, there. But then, there are a few annoying-but-
minor grammar blurbs scattered throughout this fic, breaking up an
otherwise good and vivid narration. One hopes that a bit more will
become clear in further episodes... like many first chapters, this
leaves a lot unsaid. 12 or 13 of 20 overall... simply because I had
to back the mental truck up a few times because of an odd mistake
here and there.
- - - - -
Title: Vengeance
Series: Ranma
Genre: Dark
Author: Ryan Erik
Email: ryanerik59@hotmail.com
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Size: 143 Kb (prelude & three parts)
Summary:
After a particularly long journey, Ryouga finds himself back in
Nerima, but his worst nightmare has come true. Ranma and Akane had
finalized their wedding plans. To make things worse on the lost boy, he
sees Ranma "take advantage of" two other girls. Ryouga goes through
great lengths to complete his revenge against the pig-tailed boy who has
everything he wants in the world.
{Paul}
Dark? Yes. Having evil, such as it is, triumph is most definitely
dark. Ryoga's perhaps willful misinterpretation, set against some
nicely cinematic (and mostly error-free) detail makes for a very
good read... however, the one problem I have with this fic is that,
like "Happi Days", it just...ENDS. There's a lot left undone and
unsaid... it's rather like this was part one of a much bigger saga.
As such, I can give it 15 or 16 of 20... as a complete work, it
leaves a few things to be desired.
- - - - -
Title: Genma's Problem
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Character Study
Author: Josh Green
Email: sort@bucket.ualr.edu
Homepage: http://bucket.ualr.edu/~sort/fanfic/
Date Sent to FFML: July 3, 1998
Size: 15 Kb
Summary:
Everyone knows that Saotome Genma is an idiot. But is everyone right? A
different look at the man behind all of Ranma's problems.
{Paul}
Now this is a conspiracy-esque story that seems extraordinarily
plausible. The revised version I read shifted effortlessly and
smoothly between first-person present, past, and future, much as
Genma's life no doubt did. However, the final scene in this story
seems a bit arbitrary, as opposed to the air of retelling that
encompassed the earlier parts. But then again, this is another
first part, is it not? 16 or 17 of 20 overall, simply because of
the sudden and unheralded shift in plot and suchlike near the end.
{Shunsuke}
Hmm...so why couldn't Genma foresee Happosai? ^_^ This was an
interesting idea as an explanation of why he's such a scumbag,
though I would see him using it more for personal gain, he's
just not bright enough to learn.
- - - - -
Title: Twilight Existence, Chapters 9-13
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: Scott K. Jamison
Email: majks@cyberx.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/5990
Date Sent to FFML: July 11, 1998
Summary:
Series: In this alternate universe, the Jyuusenkyo Springs
change minds as well as bodies, so Ranma's female half has her own
personality named Ranko.
Chapter Nine: Akane has a surprise for Ranma, but it isn't good news for
Ranko.
Chapter Ten: Shampoo appears, and she's looking for a husband!
Chapter Eleven: Shampoo is defeated, but is her "airen" ready to get
married?
Chapter Twelve: The Conclusion of the Shampoo storyline.
Chapter Thirteen (NEW!): The beginning of the Chiisuiton storyline, as
Ranko is splashed by something that traps her in female form. But her
reaction isn't quite what Ranma's was.
{Paul}
19 or 20 of 20, right up front. This is definitely a nice alternate
take on the Ranmaverse... brings up a very few of the same themes
as "Half a Sorceress" in re soul sharing and the like. Unlucky
chapter 13 has a much, much different impact than the manga... not
to say that the other chapters weren't a bit different, but this
one is a definite hard right from the canon. It will definitely be
interesting to see where this goes.
- - - - -
Title: One
Series: Ranma
Genre: Monosyllable (sad)
Author: David Johnston
Email: rgorman@telusplanet.net
Date Sent to FFML: July 7, 1998
Size: 4 Kb
Summary:
Sometimes the difference between comedy and
tragedy is just a matter of how long something lasts.
{Paul}
Whoa. There are only a few more topics which are as well suited for
writing in words of one syllable... I mean, there's a REASON why
this fic is all in simple words. I suppose you could call this a
retelling of "Cat's Prey", from Ranma's point of view. And this
little summary is very indicative of the fic... though it seems to
me like something out of the Twilight Zone...10 of 10 on the short
scale.
- - - - -
Title: The Way We Weren't Chapter 4
Series: Ranma
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: David Johnston
Email: rgorman@telusplanet.net
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Size: 15 Kb
Summary:
Akira has some problems dealing with a girl who turns into
a boy and is a better athlete than he is. Ranma gets a little payback
on Kodachi. Life goes on in the usual manner.
{Paul}
This is turning out a bit better than "Ranko and Kaneda"... of
course, part of THAT story was to show exactly how weird it would
be if only the genders changed. THIS story changes genders from
the beginning and works from there. It makes for a nice departure
from the canon, and an interesting one at that. Though it's
anyone's guess what else is going to change with Ranko an honorary
Amazon of sorts... 16 or 17 of 20 for a solid and fairly engaging
read, though the plot does more than the language to grab one's
attention.
- - - - -
Title: Fan Service
Series: R.5
Author: Jason Liao
Email: jasonl@hun.k12.nj.us
Date Sent to FFML: July 3, 1998
Size: 4 Kb
Summary:
Having lost a bet with his father, Ranma is forced through his honor to
perform an unenviable task with Akane.
{Paul}
*pfft* BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Ladies and gentlemen, the ecchi lure at
its finest since the works of the Zu. 10 of 10 on the short scale,
because this most definitely springs the trap it sets out to spring.
{Shunsuke}
First we get sold a "Lemon", <groan> then we're shown "Fan Service".
What's next, "Panty Shots", with Nabiki takes pictures of Tarou? O_-
- - - - -
Title: Embrace Who You Are, Part 2
Series: Ranma
Genre: Alternate Outcome
Author: Jonathan Ng
Email: jonathan@worldy.com
Date Sent to FFML: June 28, 1998
Size: 6 Kb
Summary:
Nodoka comes to the Tendo household. Ranma decides on something
that has been undecided for a long time... but a surprise awaits.
{Paul}
My, such impeccable timing. I'm getting the feeling this is
intended as serial fiction... a bit of plot and a cliffhanger. This
is just... a little short for my liking. It's complete, more or
less, and everything that needs to be said gets said, but it
dropped me just as I was getting caught up in it. 10 of 10 on the
short scale, but 13 or 14 of 20 overall.
- - - - -
Title: It's Too Late Now
Series: Ranma
Genre: Sadfic (sorta)
Author: Jonathan Ng
Email: jonathan@worldy.com
Date Sent to FFML: June 28, 1998
Size: 5 Kb
Summary:
Ranma struggles with his life, one without his friends and family.
{Paul}
A side that rarely gets shown... what if Ranma doesn't wind up with
ANYBODY? Tear the last panel out of the manga, or leave off the
last story arc, and this is actually, sadly, a plausible ending to
the series. That, and the nicely descriptive prose, make this a bit
chilling to read. More than a bit... 9 of 10 overall, because some
little part of me keeps repeating "Say it ain't so" over and over
again while I'm reading this.
- - - - -
Title: The Cute Fiancee
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Comedy
Author: Ryoucilo
Email: bogue@negia.net
Date sent to FFML: June 29, 1998
Size: 3 Kb
Summary:
Ranma goes to find his cute fiancee. 'Nuff said.
{Paul}
*piku* Ara...
This is Ryoucilo. It's weird. It throws canon out the window. It
makes ya think, for a few seconds, anyway. 8 of 10 on the short
scale... try as I might, I couldn't find this any funnier than that.
- - - - -
Title: Two Old Men and the Sea
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Drama/Sad
Author: Ryoucilo
Email: bogue@negia.net
Date sent to FFML: July 3, 1998
Size: 5 Kb
Summary:
Two rivals meet for the first time in years. Very light
and no emotions are expressed in this fic. Would I lie to you? ^_^
{Paul}
For months, Ryoucilo has tacked on "Until I find better things to
write about" on the end of his fics. The wait might be a bit more
bearable, with things like this. Simple yet evocative imagery and
dialogue that just sort of touches you make this a 10 out of 10,
easily, on the short scale.
- - - - -
Title: Blonde 1/2
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Reality/Parody
Author: Ace Sanchez
Email: jsa@fl.net.au
Homepage: http://jsa.users.fl.net.au
Date Sent to FFML: July 10, 1998
Size: 40 Kb (per part)
Summary:
What happens when Ranma's female form is the most beautiful girl in
the world? This is an alternate universe where this is precisely what
happens!
{Paul}
I've been waiting for something like this to happen. Subconsciously,
anyway. I tried to make it work on my own with a continuation of
SODB... but that doesn't belong here. This series most definitely
has parody-type content...though one wonders how Ranma will use his
knowledge of How Guys Act. This takes several enjoyable hard rights
from canon, but that's a GOOD thing. 15 or 16 of 20... it ain't
bad, but it's no HoI.
- - - - -
Title: One Flesh, Part 3
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Drama
Author: Thomas Schmidt
Email: Tschmidt@tcon.net
Homepage: http://nabiki.newberry.edu/job/
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Summary:
Ranma and Akane were married on the day they met. Now,
Nodoka has returned and wants to be a part of her son's life.
{Paul}
Ara times two...
This, perhaps, is extreme "if" fic. Soun and Genma just go nuts,
there's no other way to describe it. The premise is definitely
feasible, scarily so. One can just feel the awful awkwardness of
this whole situation... made beautifully clear through the prose.
As Akane says, life just sneaks up and belts her one. It belts
everybody, actually. This was not easy for me to read... call it a
tribute to the depiction of the torture everyone's going through.
17 or 18 out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: The Veils Placed Over Others' Eyes
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Lime
Author: D.B. Sommer
Email: sommer@nb.net
Size: 100 Kb
Summary:
A story in the vein of 'The Masks We Must Wear,' and a 'Tangled Web.' All
is not what it seems among the denziens of Nerima as many secret passions
and plans are revealed.
{Paul}
*piku* *piku* O... kay. Eighty million and one secrets and the
like, all, believe it or not, backed up somewhat by the canon. The
epilogue is absolutely insane... the rest of the fic is no less
cracked. But it's ALL believable, to one extent or another. Kudos
to the author for making it seem that way. 18 or 19 out of 20...
and 10 of 10 for the absolutely hilarious epilogue.
- - - - -
Title: Fire and Ice Chapter 4
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Unusual Setting
Author: Nikholas "goo" F. Toledo
Email: niftol@i-manila.com.ph
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/3145/fireice.html
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Size: 12 Kb
Summary:
They make their way to meet the old man, while their
opponent has a leg up.
{Shunsuke}
The parts could do with being a bit longer, this only just got
going and then reached the end. Much of the style is good, but
there are a few places where the author doesn't attribute quotes
to anyone and who is speaking can be mistaken. Also, early in
the story are bits where the author contradicts himself in what
he is saying which can confuse the reader. It's an interesting
concept overall, but it needs a little tweaking.
- - - - -
Title: The Leper Part 9: ... the Storm, Nabiki's Wrath
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: New Character, Self-Insertion
Author: Nikholas "NomaD" F. Toledo
Email: niftol@i-manila.com.ph
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/3145/theleper.html
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Size: 26 Kb
Summary:
Wrath, it is. Kiiroi finds himself at his wit's end, as
havoc and destruction ensue. Will Nabiki be able to pull off her
dastardly schemes, or will Kiiroi take matters into his own hands?
{Paul}
Gad, wrath indeed. Envision a man with blasting caps on his hands.
Envision the caps stuffed with nitroglycerin-fused concentrated
TNT. Pump it up a few orders of magnitude. THIS, my friends, is
the current state of Kiiroi. And what a sorry state it is. The
pure dialogue portions which have trademarked this story seem a
bit awkward here, but the two main plots are intertwining
masterfully. Never read an SI who falls for/induces falling from
Ukyo, but this one works. 16 or 17 out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: 2010: Second Odyssey
Series: R1/2
Genre: Science Fiction/Fusion
Author: J. Austin Wilde
Email: wildeman@psn.net
Homepage: http://www.psn.net/~wildeman/
Date Sent to FFML: June 29 - July 5, 1998 (In three parts)
Size: ~160 Kb total
Summary:
It has been nine years since contact was lost with the
ill-fated Discovery Mission to Jupiter, and Ranma Saotome, Ryoga Hibiki,
and Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane Tendo have all been declared dead. A
second mission is planned to investigate the disaster and discover the
reason behind HAL-9000's murderous malfunction -but competition in the
form of a Chinese expedition is going to reach the Discovery first! Join
Tofu, Tatewaki, Ranko, Ukyo, Tsubasa, and damn near the entire Chinese
cast of Ranma 1/2 as they embark on a joint mission to Jupiter once
again filled with romance, betrayal, and sabotage!
# Resubmitted Synopses #
{Paul}
Yes, but I actually HAVE part 3 to review. And boy, is it a doozy.
The fusion characteristics come out in full force... I'm just glad
the phrase "the ancient martial art of Ching Ching Pow" doesn't
make its appearance here. There is very little room for humor and
a whole lot of room for suspense and love and suchlike... and it
links the 2010 plot of HAL's redemption with the Chiisuiton (sp?)
arc of Ranma 1/2. The personalities are very similar, and yet,
the plots manage to be similar as well. All in all, a great read,
especially if you've read the books. Arthur C. Clarke rules.
Rumiko rules. This story rules. 19 or 20 of 20.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2 / SailorMoon]
- - - - -
Title:A Different Viewpoint
Series:Ranma/SM
Genre:Continuation/Crossover/SI
Author:Christopher J. Olsen
Email: tagan1@pacbell.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/
Date Sent to FFML: July 10, 1998
Size: 36 Kb
Summary:
Ranma and company team up with the Sailor Senshi. Where are all
these Youma coming from? And who is Sailor Earth?
{Paul}
Sailor... *piku* Earth... *piku*
Excuse me.
{@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap
@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap@bap}
There. I'm better.
Nice opening title. Finally. Odd plot twists and suchlike in the
story, including the obligatory Prophecy O' Death by Youma. This
is NOT (mind you, NOT) where I saw the story going when I read
chapter 1. But that's just me. The SI-ism of the story comes out
rather blatantly at certain points (Gomen. You read the STH
MiSTings out there, you develop a loathing of SIs.) and I'm not
sure the author isn't taking a few lines from "Cast a Long Shadow".
14 or 15 of 20, overall.
* * * * *
[SailorMoon]
- - - - -
Title: Terrible Things to Waste: Part 4 (rough)
Series: SM NA ver.
Genre: Action/Suspense
Author: Bastion
Email: bastion@ix.netcom.com
Homepage: http://solo.abac.com/moonromance/b.htm
Date Sent to FFML: July 5, 1998
Size: 36 Kb
Summary:
A romantic dinner leads to several confrontations
as Pluto pushes to resolve the 'Traveller' problem.
{Paul}
Oh dear. Good and evil are so... well... blended here that it's
difficult to tell who's on whose side. Everyone's working for
themselves, mostly. A lot of plot twists, a definite lot of hard
rights from what one would expect, and a few places that just
seem... I don't know... awkward. Particularly if you're acquainted
with the higher echelons of modern physics. 14 or 15 out of 20,
overall.
* * * * *
[Tenchi Muyo!]
- - - - -
Title: Mihoshi's Ancestry
Series: Tenchi Muyo
Genre: Short Fic (comedy?)
Author: Jenny 'Android18' Chan
Email: android18@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/jerningham/333/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: July 11, 1998
Size: 8 Kb
Summary:
A short fic. Washu was pondering about the state of her
first child's bloodline so she checks up on it. She gets
a surprise when she finds out who is in her own family tree.
{Helen}
This story was something that catches a similar strain as what Ryan
Matthews (?) worked with for Star of Jurai and Mihoshi: Academy Days.
I'm not saying that the ideas are the same, but the entire concept
of the TM characters interacting (however distantly) prior to the
TV/OAV storylines. It was a good short-fic though...and makes a
plausible link between Washuu and her bloodline...
{Shunsuke}
With the buildup the author uses, it would have worked better had
the end of the family tree been a surprise, rather than given away
at the start. You tell the punchline last, not first.
It's certainly not a bad style of writing, and the author has the
portrayal of the characters down pat; I would simply suggest some
work on timing.
- - - - -
Title: No Need for the Throne. Prologue: No Need For Sasami
Series: Tenchi Muyo!
Genre: Dark suspense
Author: Ikari Ayanami Rei-chan
Email: rei_0000@geocities.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Palace/8626/
Date Sent to FFML: July 1 of 1998
Size: 64 KB
Summary:
Washu's past comes back to haunt her in a very disturbing and chilling way
as an ancient enemy steals away childhood innocence.
{Shunsuke}
This one starts with a good setup, despite being the kind of story
where an enemy or menace appears from nowhere. It moves fast,
grabbing you and taking you along for the ride. However, I would
suggest the author try prereading this and the next part, there
are a lot of errors that need fixing. You can tell a story, but
this isn't as good as it can be.
- - - - -
Title: Legacy of Tears Book 1: The Sorrow of a Happy Day
Series: Tenchi Muyo based
Genre: Drama
Author: Trakal
Email: Trakal@map.com
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/japan/~tanteia
Date Sent to FFML: July 6, 1998
Summary:
Shiasta, a young woman stricken by a crippling illness, tries to hide her
love for her family's groundskeeper while her meddling mother does her best
to
bring the two together.
{Shunsuke}
This does have a TM! feel to it, even if none of the main characters
has appeared. It sets a smart tone for later parts, raising your
expectations.
I do think, however, a little more work could be done on the style
and presentation. The story looked a bit cluttered, making it a
hard to read. But otherwise, a good start.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
That is the end of the list for the week of: July 4 - July 10, 1998
