The FFML Reviews List ====================== For the week of: July 4 - July 10, 1998 Reviewers: Paul Azerina Helen Szeto Shunsuke 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", 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