The FFML Reviews List
=====================
For the week of: September 11, 1998
Reviewers:
Paul Arezina <arezina@acad1.stvincent.edu>
Helen Szeto <Helen@eiw-ca.com>
Shunsuke <shunsuke@mailcity.com>
Reviews Completed: 29
* * * * *
[Boku no Marie]
- - - - -
Title: Music-Box Angel, Episode 1: A Mind Beside Itself
Series: Boku No Marie
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Drama
Author: Matthew Johnston
Email: matt2518@gladstone.uoregon.edu
Homepage: None Yet
Date Sent to FFML: 09/08/98
Size: 35K (approx. 5900 words)
Summary:
Marie plays in the park, Hiroshi becomes a disc jockey, Tanaka gets
serenaded, and Mari gets a history lesson. All this, plus a new,
non-self-insertion character!
{Paul}
You know, I haven't the faintest clue what the series is about. Just
like SKJAM!'s latest. But that somehow doesn't matter; the author
realized this and decided not to pull any in-jokes out of his hat.
At least, I didn't catch any. I did notice, however, that a lot of
this story was likely contingent on owning the CD that Hiroshi was
playing, and some of it seemed to be little more than commentary on
the music. It's a nice setup, I'll give it that, but the setting up
itself seems a bit... awkward. Hope this gets better. 11 or 12 out
of 20.
- - - - -
Title: Music-Box Angel, Episode 2: Mind Drive
Series: Boku No Marie
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Drama
Author: Matthew Johnston
Email: matt2518@gladstone.uoregon.edu
Homepage: None Yet
Date Sent to FFML: 9/11/98
Size: 34K (approx. 5300 words)
Summary:
Marie changes her mind, Hiroshi changes his clothes, Tanaka plays
tennis, and Mari plays it cool. All this, plus breakfast in bed!
{Paul}
There are VOICES inside my HEAD! It seems odd that such a thing
should plague an android, but there they are nonetheless. The Ghost
in the Machine makes its most spectacular cameo ever... and in this
case, it really does seem to be a ghost. Hiroshi and Tanaka seem a
bit more like caricatures than characters, but then again this IS
anime, so who am I to say they're not truly like that? Much improved
over the first chapter, with the two plot threads weaving around
each other very nicely. 14 or 15 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Bubblegum Crisis/The Crow]
- - - - -
Title: Gentle Rappings part 2
Series: Bubblegum Crisis/ The Crow
Genre: Crossover, dark
Author: Jusenkyo Guide
Email: jusenkyoguice@mailcity.com
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/~jusenkyoguide/
Date Sent to FFML: Sunday, September 6, 1998
Size: 12k or there abouts
Summary:
Part two of my BGC/Crow crossover, Priss comes home and
remembers. Sorry, no real blood and guts in this.
{Helen}
I can usually read through blood and gore without -much-
flinching... although reading an 'oscar' fic makes me -want- to
grab a blade and inflict damage... However, Gentle Rappings has
the makings of a -really, really- good story. I think that I
liked it even without knowing of the connection to the Crow but
JG's writing has tightened up for this chapter and it shows. Its
simple eloquence and the imagery that he draws upon... wonderful!
More please! ^_^
* * * * *
[Bubblegum Crisis/Highlander]
- - - - -
Title: Storm Warning - Chapters 4 and 5
Series: BGC/Highlander
Genre: Xover
Author: Truboturtle
Email: Trboturtle@aol.com
Homepage: http://members.aol.com/trboturtle/
Date Sent to FFML: 9/1/98
Summary:
Jason escapes a team of boomers sent by the Hunters, Sylia finds
herself with a house guest, Amanda and Duncan arrive in MegaTokyo, and
the Hunters continue to be a threat.....
{Shunsuke}
Chapter 4 was previously reviewed the week of August 31.
The story continues with the same tone accurate to both original
series, but also has the same problems as before: incompleteness,
rough edges and a lack of a spellcheck. The story and plot follow
a sensible path, nothing rushed or overdone. With more effort this
could go from good to great.
- - - - -
Title: Storm Warnings - Chapter 6
Series: BGC/Highlander
Genre: Xover
Author:Turboturtle
Email: Trboturtle@aol.com
Homepage: http://members.aol.com/trboturtle/
Date Sent to FFML: 9/12/98
Summary:
Nene finds out that someone is out to elimanate any recond on Natalia
Korsgaard from the MegaToyko computer systems. Natalia tell the other
Knight Sabers her story, and the Hunters continue to plan....
{Shunsuke}
More of the same as before, a natural progression that follows a
rational line. This time though, you get the feeling there's a
permanent change in the offing with two sides potentially learning
who the Knight Sabers are.
It seems the author has put a little more effort into this one, it
reads much easier and cleaner. Either he is listening to me (yeah,
right) or he's got more time to work on this story. Regardless,
it's for the better.
* * * * *
[Bubblegum Crisis / World of Darkness]
- - - - -
Title: Night Sabers: Part 6c
Series: Bubblegum Crisis/World of Darkness: Vampire the Masquerade
Genre: Crossover/Fusion
Author: Curtiss Nelson (aka Me)
Email: curtiss@seattleu.edu
Date Sent to FFML: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 12:52:50 -0700 (PDT)
Size: 306K
Summary:
After the nights events in Part 6c, daylight breaks over MegaTokyo.
While Priss and Nene attempt to deal with the events of the previous
night in their own seperate ways, Sylia has strange dreams with odd
portents. Plots begin to thicken in Genom, as disturbing facts become
known and other shadowy manipulators around the world set their plans
into motion. Sylia meets with the stranger who call himself
"Resu". And Inspector McNichol is put in charge of the ADPolice
investigation of the explosion at Kamazake Imports, with consequences
that none of his supporters, the public or Genom or the USSD, could
ever forsee...
{Shunsuke}
A very strange story with odd settings yet is well told. The writer
certainly understands how to fill in a scene; even though thinks
move slowly, they never stagnate or bore the reader. However, the
dream sequence, even though it's necessary to the plot and serves a
purpose, feels like it carries on too long. But for the most part,
this is fascinating reading. (And it's quite easy to tell where
the author got to on correcting himself and fixing things. ^_^)
* * * * *
[El Hazard]
- - - - -
Title: TGHW 1 (The Great Holy Wars) (repost)
Series: El Hazard OAV
Genre: a bit of drama, a dash of action, a pinch of darkness,
a cup of adventure, a teaspoon of romance, sprinkled
with humour. Mix in blender. Serve in room temperature.
Author: Jenny 'Android18' chan
Email: android18@hotmail.com
Homepage: www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/jerningham/333/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: September 12th, 1998
Size: 30-32 kb ish
Summary:
PLEASE READ NOTES AFTER STORY! E-MAIL ME FOR PROLOGUE!
I've already reposted the prologue before, and I didn't want to repost
it again.
A black hole not unsimilar to the ones created by the eye of god, has
opened up infront of a 16 year old priestess in training named Muldoon
and her sisters, Shayla, Arlamond and Ifurita, dumping a dimension
traveller into their laps. El-hazard is on the edge of a huge war,
capable of destroying the entire planet. What is "Jene's" role in the
sisters' destiny?
{Shunsuke}
I dunno, there's a real lack of flow to this. The first 10K reads
like a travelogue, not an account of events, and the repetition of
words and phrases interrupts things. There didn't seem to be a
great purpose to this chapter beyond telling the differences from
the standard EH world and introducing the new character.
- - - - -
Title: TGHW 2 (The Great Holy Wars)
Series: El Hazard OAV
Genre: a bit of drama, a dash of action, a pinch of darkness,
a cup of adventure, a teaspoon of romance, sprinkled
with humour. Mix in blender. Serve in room temperature.
Author: Jenny 'Android18' chan
Email: android18@hotmail.com
Homepage: www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/jerningham/333/index.html
Date Sent to FFML: September 12th, 1998
Size: 20 kb ish
Summary:
E-MAIL ME FOR PROLOGUE! I've already reposted the prologue before, and
I didn't want to repost it again.
CRP. Mich Fijis was part of the toughest company in the Korish Army,
Company 666, Bringers Of Death, or BOD. When a supposed civilian woman
comes and cleans his clock... he doesn't know what to think. Also,
Jene learns more about Muldoon and her family.
{Shunsuke}
Hmmm...man gets beaten up, loses money and falls in love with a
strange girl all at once...sounds like a Ranma 1/2 plot. O_o
This part works much better than the first, feeling like passing
events and real people reacting to them. The style is much the
same as the first, so that could improve, but now that the idea
is being fleshed out, it makes more sense.
* * * * *
[Evangelion]
- - - - -
Title: Apocrypha ep. 1: "Returning Prodigal"
Series: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Alternate timeline ("what if?")
Author: Shachihoko
Email: trmiller@bcpl.net
Homepage: http://www.bcpl.net/~trmiller/
Date Sent to FFML: Sept. 11, 1998
Size: 22K (approximate)
Summary:
After the destruction of the 14th Angel, Evangelion Unit 04
mysteriously returned from oblivion and appeared in Tokyo-3, much to
NERV's surprise. The story told by Eva-04's test pilot is a strange
one, even though he leaves much unsaid about his experiences. What
mysteries do Unit 04 and its pilot hold, and what effect will they
have on the agendas of Ikari and SEELE ... ?
{Shunsuke}
What's here is good and works well, even though I'm always leery of
new characters. What doesn't work is the "missing" scenes, holes
that need filling in. The idea and excution are good but some
things need to be explained and jumps in events covered. It is
something worth continuing.
- - - - -
Title: Fallen Genesis Hunters 0:1
Series: Evangelion
Genre: Action/ Alternate Universe
Author: Sentinel Entertainment
Email: Antookis@worldnet.att.net
Homepage: http://www.fortunecity.com/tattooine/mothership/240
Date Sent to FFML: 9/5/98 11:21 PM
Size: 56k
Summary:
A "spin-off" of the hit TV show, "Neon Genesis Evangelion", this
in-progress series takes you beyond where the original series was
intended to go.
{Shunsuke}
It figures that the boy is names Taru (taru -> tariru -> to serve).
Is Ryosei "the man from Uncle"?
Things here are just too much copies of NGE for this to be anything
special; if there were major plot or event changes, I could see it,
but this is nothing more than a change of names, relationships, and
gender. The angel being described, though, sounds like an oversized
Genocyber. ^_^
The storytelling isn't bad, but without anything new or different,
this doesn't grab me. And considering the writing style, I would
almost think this is Catbert25 writing under a different name.
* * * * *
[Kimagure Orange Road/Marmalade Boy]
- - - - -
Title: Orange Marmalade 13
Series: Kimagure Orange Road/Marmalade Boy
Genre: Romance/Comedy/Drama
Author: Scott Schimmel
Email: schimmel@seas.upenn.edu
Homepage: http://www.seas.upenn.edu/~schimmel/writing/writing.html
Date Sent to FFML: Fri., Sept. 11
Size: ~25K
Summary:
(series) A fusion of KOR and MBoy, following the misadventures of
young Esper Matsuura Yuu, his (somewhat extended) family, and friends.
(episode) The Matsuuras and Koishikawas return to the city after their
seaside vacation. Try as he might, Yuu just can't seem to get a
chance to speak to Miki. A double date is set. Anju runs into a
familiar face again... well, almost. Meiko isn't thrilled.
{Shunsuke}
Not too much, and not too little best describes the dialogue. The
events are explained okay, but I'm not a script fan, so my personal
taste may make me not be as positive.
The story and plot themselves are still good and move along smartly,
with no excessive hints at where they're going. This series gets
better as it goes, though as I suggested before, I'd prefer a story
format to screenplay style.
* * * * *
[Megacrossover]
- - - - -
Title: FFML Sentai Fiveman chapter 4
Series: Multiple
Genre: Avatar Insert/X-Over
Author: The Flashman
Email: MXJK67C@Prodigy.com
Homepage: MXJK67C@Prodigy.com
Date Sent to FFML: 9/09/98
Size: small
Summary:
This chapter is mostly just to explain our hero's, Flashman, powers
work. The REAL fun will begin in the next chapter.
{Paul}
*Pfft* Sentainium? SENTAINIUM?! GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *sniff* I'm sorry,
but that one just hit me in all the right places. But the blurb is
right; at times, it seems a lot more like a catalogue of powers than
an actual story. I realize Homer devoted most of an entire book (of
the Iliad, I believe) to listing ships and rosters, but this came
off as a bit... dull. The demonstrations were nice, though...
perhaps you could find a way to describe the whatever-it-is as it's
being used, maybe during a practice session, rather than just
TELLING the reader what it is and letting things flow from there.
But I'll forgive you for it in some small part; after all, it's just
been setup so far. 12 or 13 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Original]
- - - - -
Title: Mech slayers 12
Series: Mech slayers
Genre: Original
Author: Catbert25
Email: Catbert25@juno.com
Date Sent to FFML: 09/08
Summary:
The hero of the story gets a new traveling companion and student. He
also gets a big problem he doesn't know about just yet. Lots of
forshadowing and subplots revealed here, as well as some things that
will effect the other group of travelers.
{Shunsuke}
A natural progression from what came before, the characterizations
a little to "Star Wars"-ish, but not overdone. This still suffers
from some of the same problems as the writer's other stuff. Spell
checking is one thing, but correctness is another.
- - - - -
Title: The Ultimate Power
Series: Original
Genre: Satire
Author: Luigi Mattera
Email: mattera@tiac.net
Homepage: http://www.tiac.net/users/mattera/anime/up
Date Sent to FFML: September 11th, 1998
Size: 102 kilobytes
Summary:
Tired of reading all those damned cliches that pop up everywhere? Do
you wish for once that the characters would actually take advantage of
the damned things?
Well, then. Read this fanfic.. and follow the so far over the top
your nose will bleed antics of the cast.
{Paul}
This was FUNNY! Funny in the delightfully sarcastic, I'm a god and
I know it and so do you, and gratuitous self-parody sense. Though
the machina ex deus (that's deliberate wording, that is) at the end
of the last chapter seemed more than a bit off, I'm eagerly looking
for more. 14 or 15 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Ranma 1/2]
- - - - -
Title: A Different Viewpoint pt 35
Series: Ranma/SM
Genre: Continuation/SI
Author: Christopher Olsen
Email: gamers@pacbell.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/1449/
Date Sent to FFML: 9-4-98
Size: 32KB
Summary:
Plans are made and truths are revealed as the Senshi and Team Ranma
prepare to stop the Youma invasion. The source of the Youma threat is
revealed and the battle is joined. Will our heros survive?
{Paul}
First, a note to all you happy people out there submitting fics to
be reviewed... make sure the author tag at least includes some
mention of what your e-mail program identifies you as. With the
archives being somewhat unreliable, I sort through my own
collection and archives, and it helps enormously if I know what the
"From" field says. That said...
Yet another chapter in this seemingly endless SI-type fic. And yet
another one that proves that a good SI can be written so long as
the author is a PART of the plot... not moving it along, not
standing by and making snide remarks, a PART of the plot. Which
Dwire-sensei certainly seems to be. The two series are crossing
over in a manner not ENTIRELY unlike Phoenix's "Lines of Destiny",
but there are twists and turns which make it a bit more enjoyable
than just a superpowered Ranma whipping Daimon behind. The whole
crew has gone once more into the breach for the first time, and I
can only hope their fate isn't so dire as the one which was
predicted... all in all, a very engaging chapter in a fairly
interesting story. One wonders what they'll do for an encore after
they save the world. 14 or 15 out of 20... no offense intended,
but it seemed like charaters were having words put in their mouths
almost as often as they were speaking.
- - - - -
Title: "An Exercise in Manipulation"
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Serious fic
Author: Matthew Campbell
Email: mgcampb@clemson.edu
Date Sent to FFML: Mon, 07 Sep 1998 17:43:23 -400
Size: 20K
Summary:
At some point in the future, Nabiki recounts the story of her greatest
manipulation ever. But what was the cost to those around her?
{Paul}
Ooh. Very, very nice and sneaky on Nabsy's part. Never thought the
little minx had it in her... suppose she didn't either. An "Ukyo
gets Ranma" scenario that mirrors "The Bitter End" in all aspects
except the spousal abuse and the bloody katana. Erm... you know
what I mean, I think. Though Nabiki's change of mood seems a bit...
sudden... at the end. As though she's recalling the story detachedly
and then realizes anew what she did. Then again, perhaps that's what
you wanted to happen. All in all, a solid piece of work with very
few flaws I can manage to find. 16 or 17 out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: Growing up
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Introspection shortfic
Author: Jiro Maeda
Email: hiryu@tri-isys.com
Date Sent to FFML: September 5 1998
Summary:
Find out what Ranma thinks growing up means...
{Paul}
I've said it when Gubby flamed the fic and I'll say it again... in
a literary sense, there's very little wrong with this fic. However,
I find it pretty implausible that Ranma should abruptly decide to
sit down and start thinking just because an arbitrary date which
happens to be his birthday has passed. As a fragment of a larger
work, I could definitely understand this as working. However,
assuming the default context of the canon... it's just a bit too
implausible for my taste. Add to that the fact that the characters'
speeches and thoughts seem to be Cliffs Notes versions of actual
dialogues, internal and external... it just doesn't work for me,
I'm afraid. 8 or 9 out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: Misty -- Chapter 1
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Self-Insert (sort of)
Author: Mike Allen
Email: allenmk@gte.net
Homepage: http://home1.gte.net/allenmk/
Date Sent to FFML: 9/10/1998
Size: 64K
Summary:
I make a really foolish statement that ends up becoming a wish. I end
up as Kasumi Tendo, somewhere in the Ranmaverse. My mission: maintain
the harmony of the Tendo home.
{Paul}
Now that Kasumi knows what's REALLY going on... hoo boy. She reminds
me of no one so much as Masaki Katsuhito/Yosho in the almost
effortless way she can defuse a conflict and bend the world to her
own desires, without making it seem wrong in the least. This Kasumi
has occasional flashes of seriousness which mirror Transpacific's
Kasumi murder mystery, "Smoke and Mirrors"... but I LIKED that
Kasumi. She seemed... real. Like this one seems real, and not just
some parody of the ideal housewife. To be honest, I think you
should segregate the introduction and Kasumi's first little foray
into separate chapters, as one has almost nothing to do with the
other, and the focus of the plot changes quite abruptly. But aside
from that minor comment, this was a very nice story and a most
interesting read. 18 and up out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: My Dying Wish, revised
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Sadfic
Author: Ukyou Kuonji
Email: ukyoukwnji@aol.com
Homepage: http://members.aol.com/ukyoukwnji/index.htm
http://members.aol.com/ukyoukwnji/dyngwish.htm (original story)
Date Sent to FFML: 9/2/98
Size: 32K
Summary:
Ukyou copes with her impending demise, and with the help of Tsubasa,
crafts what might be the only feasible way to win Ranma (if only on a
temporary basis) A commemorative release a year after its first
writing, this issue includes a few additional visitors.
{Paul}
Now this... this is an Ukyo gets Ranma fic that I'd never in a
million years expect to see. Authorial perspective and all that...
does absolute wonders for looking at the canon. Everything that
goes on seems so... REAL... with the possible exception of Ukyo's
reunion with her father. Death brings a need to reconcile all
things, not to tear them apart. At least that's my own experience
with it. But, that aside... it's a beautiful and touching and
tragic take on the Ranmaverse as we know it... wonderful,
descriptive prose that brings tears to your eyes. Whether they're
of happiness, joy, or both is left as an exercise to the reader.
17 or 18 out of 20.
{Shunsuke}
I preferred the original version to the rewrite, and for two main
reasons: the new characters, and the fact that it *is* a rewrite.
The priest, who also appeared in the author's other Ukyou story
"Stepping Stones", makes this feel like some alternate reality
than a single complete fic; as well, the appearance of Ukyou's
father and her unwillingness to reconcile with him seems a bit
much and unnecessary. If the story is intended as WAFFy, then to
enter a darker/unhappier element like this doesn't work, and if
it's a realistic fic, then certainly there would be other things
befalling Ukyou along the way.
My second dislike of this is that it was rewritten at all; the
original is much more...complete, whole, for lack of a better
word, it seems like a final chapter in someone's life. On top
of this, rewriting takes away from tracing a writer's progress.
It's interesting to see how an author changes his or her writing
style over time, and rewrites detract from that; as well,
looking back on your own work and learning from your mistakes,
rather than trying to correct them, will do more to improve your
writing.
This is still good stuff, I just liked it better as it was.
- - - - -
Title: Shampoo 1/2 Chapter 35 Part A: Those Who Would Dare Dream of Tomorrow II
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Alternate Universe
Author: D.B. Sommer
Email: sommer@nb.net
Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/~azatlan/Special-Series/shampoo.html
Summary:
It is a time of reflection for the members of the Ranma cast as they
take a Hibiki-led path to China. Romantic entanglements are considered
among the people affected by them. The effects of the Shogun of the
Dark's plan begin to effect the weather as time starts to run out.
{Paul}
You know, I suppose it's a tribute to how well you've done this
universe that little bits and pieces like this one make way too
much sense for their own good. And here I added "you can be the
bait" to Aki's invitation to go fishing... never thought she'd take
it seriously, but then that's Aki. She reminds me of Ryoko.
Speaking of Ryoko, it seems like just about everyone on the ship
of fools got a hearty dose of Ryoko-class hormones. Not that that's
a BAD thing... after all, you need something to keep the suspense
until the climactic showdown, don't you? 18 and up out of 20.
- - - - -
Title: Sword and Sorcery, chapter 20
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Fantasy
Author: D.Fire
Email: phongb9@idt.net
Homepage: http://idt.net/~phongb9/
Date Sent to FFML: September 6, 1998
Size: 57kb
Summary:
In the last episode, Uerris had taken a deadly, crippling her ability
to fight. Not all hope is lost, however, as a force on the outside
intervenes to forestall her death. Meanwhile, a battle rages within
the assassin's dark world.
{Shunsuke}
Well, this is the biggest battle yet. Into the belly of the beast,
as they say. The way things turn out here, it feels like there's
going to be a major change in events; maybe not, but that's how it
reads.
There's a place or two where descriptions get confusing or repeated,
but the same style and flow as before carry the story. As good as
before, if not better.
- - - - -
Title: Wheel of Fire #8: Doco in Hawaii, part 2
Series: Ranma 1/2
Genre: Continuation
Author: Razorclaw X
Email: spiceoflife@hotmail.com
Homepage: http://www.crosswinds.net/anaheim/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
Date Sent to FFML: 9/8/98
Size: 70kb
Summary:
The gang's time vacationing in Maui for three days doesn't turn out
quite as expected when an old friend shows up to stir up
trouble. Meanwhile, Kuno and Ranma wage a strange bet, and Konatsu
tries to be a hero.
{Paul}
Heh. Ranma Saotome IS Captain Ego IN Wheel of Fire! Finally, a
fanfic which actually manages to capture that egotistical jerk side
which seems to vanish once one leaves the manga. To say nothing of
Tarou, the original Mad Bad Bishonen Lad (apologies to PK) showing
up. Very interesting twists and turns which are more in line with
the manga than one would originally expect. 15 or 16 out of 20.
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon]
- - - - -
Title: After School Prologue - The Decision to Marry
Series: Sailor Moon
Genre: Continuation
Author: Ajax
Email: breaker@technologist.com
Date Sent to FFML: Sometime at the beginning of September
Size: 14 kb
Summary:
This story ignores everything that happens after the defeat of Beryl
except the senshi recovering their memories and shows the lives of the
senshi growing up as normal people.
{Shunsuke}
Ah, a mundane SM story, no magic, so silly power-up calls, just an
attempt to show them as normal people. Hey, is Usagi still a
meatball head, or did she get a real hairstyle? ^_^ My only point
to argue is that people do change, I somehow doubt everyone would
be heading in the same direction they were years ago. (But that's
probably just me.) It's nice to see them as people, not magical
girl cut-outs.
- - - - -
Title: Cling: A Tale of Tuxedo Mask
Series: Sailor Moon
Genre: Unusual Setting
Author: Lunari
Email: Lunari@Sprynet.com
Homepage: http://members.xoom.com/RyanMercury/anime.html (Coming Soon)
Date Sent to FFML: 9/11/98
Summary:
This story follows the final moments of Tuxedo Mask in Episode 46 from
his POV as he regains his memory and makes the supreme sacrifice for
his princess in the name of love....
{Paul}
Now THIS could be an episode in its own right. And should be,
considering the Usagi/Mamoru Silver Millennium relationship which
I'm not sure is fan-made canon or the real thing. Though I'm
gravitating toward fan-made. Very effective imagery and a nice use
of pacing to portray a man seeking to break from old loyalties and
forge new ones. 16 or 17 out of 20.
{Helen}
A short story that captures the emotions rarely displayed by
Darien/Mamoru/Endymion (take your pick). It's short, succinct and
worth reading.
- - - - -
Title: Torn: A Tale of Tuxedo Mask
Series: Sailor Moon
Genre: Darkfic/Unusual Setting
Author: Lunari
Email: Lunari@Sprynet.com
Homepage: http://members.xoom.com/RyanMercury/anime.html (Coming Soon)
Date Sent to FFML: 9/11/98
Summary:
Darien is still trying to come to terms with his transformation into
Tuxedo Mask and it's purpose when his princess calls for him. Along
the way, he stumbles upon the victim of a shooting. Does he abandon
his princess to save the victim or continue on his way and leave the
victim to die?
{Paul}
This is the side you never see in the anime. And especially not in
the dubs. Tuxedo Kamen is always there if and when he is needed,
and one never thinks that his life is being ripped apart in the
same way that those of the Senshi are. This proves different.
Quite different. And raises a lot of questions which I don't think
Takeuchi-sama meant to have asked or answered. But that is not a
bad thing. 16 or 17 out of 20 for a very nice look inside the soul
of the masked hero...
{Helen}
Torn between two purposes...running through many of the emotions
from Cling, Lunari forges the bond between reader and character
while we watch the struggle within Darien between his heart and his
mind.
* * * * *
[Sailor Moon/Xena]
- - - - -
Title: Minako: Warrior, Princess, Sidekick (revised version) - Prologue
Series: Sailor Moon, Xena
Genre: Crossover
Author: Nightman
Email: nightman@provide.net
Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mredding/minkao/m-index.html
Date Sent to FFML: 9/9/98
Size: 24 k
Summary:
Investigating planet Nemesis after the defeat of the Black Moon
forces, Sailor Venus is ambushed by Chaos and blown back in time and
space to ancient Earth. Rendered amnesiac in the process, she adopts
a new identity and eventually hooks up with Xena. Though it's not
apparent from the prologue, this fic actually examines the prehistory
of the Moon Kingdom.
{Helen}
Although I had read the first release a while back... and then went
back to re-read the series after an MST session, this story doesn't
require an indepth knowledge of either series (especially Xena).
I'm looking forward to seeing how the revisions improve the
story... and the second series as well ^_^
* * * * *
[Series not given]
- - - - -
Title: The Raven
Series: Surprise
Genre: Poem
Author: Catbert25
Email: Catbert25@juno.com
Date Sent to FFML: 09\08
Summary:
Edgar Allen Poe's classic horror poem with an Anime twist. Just a
little burst of inspiration that hit me late one night.
{Paul}
Though your inspiration quaver, still you surely must not waver
From the beat which, like a slaver, pounds its rhythm as before.
For a parody, when written, and which leaves the reader smitten,
With rememb'rance, though unwitting, of a poem from days of yore,
With the beat and cadence cast off, lying broken, on the floor...
They shall read on... nevermore.
Further still, with torture mental, though your muse be tempermental,
You can scarce be very gentle, but instead, from every pore,
Pound the words which tear asunder the maniacal Blue Thunder,
And, so that you may not wonder, but a sample I've in store:
"Shall my loves one day accept me and cast off the sorc'ror's lore?"
Speaks the raven, "Nevermore."
And this is but a small sample, but a singular example,
Of the mistakes sadly ample which your poem suffuse and score,
Taking words straight from the source, though 'tis an admirable
recourse, but
Yet the canon you divorce, for this was not in there before!
Time and place have changed, the first ones lost to night's
Plutonian shore,
To return here nevermore.
Still, it was with good intention that you wrote this sad invention,
And my memory's retention of Kodachi in the door,
Was it something I expected? In Poe's mirror dark reflected,
Yet perceptions are corrected by the humor that's in store...
Still, to get to that last punchline is a labor and a chore...
Four of ten. And nothing more.
* * * * *
[Tenchi Muyou!]
- - - - -
Title: The Phoenix Project (Updated)
Series: Tenchi Muyo
Genre: War/Drama
Author: Trakal
Email:Trakal@map.com
Date Sent to FFML:Sep 6?, 1998
Size: unsure
Summary:
In a war-ravaged galaxy, a maverick medical team revives an ancient
warrior.
{Shunsuke}
Minor nitpick: if Tantei A doesn't understand the language, how are
he and the doctor communicating? ^_^ That aside, this is a uninque
idea and approach, and given the writer's other work, of the same
high quality language and plot.
- - - - -
Title: Unfinished Business 0:3 - Prologue: MIA
Series: Tenchi Muyo
Genre: Space Opera/action?/drama/soap/whatever
Author: Dennis Carr and Karmin St. Jean
Email: DC: ke6isf@nerv.nu KSJ: trakal@map.com
Homepage:
Date Sent to FFML: 02Sep98
Size: 24k
Summary:
End of the prologues for UB. Moriyata is stranded on Earth, and
presumed dead by his colleagues.
{Shunsuke}
Amusing, though you didn't mention the crossover element. O_- The
use of Mihoshi and Trakal seems more like a device to familiarize
personalize Hikaru than to serve any purpose, but the scene is well
done and likable. The language and style are clean and easy on
both eyes and mind, which makes for good reading.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
End of FFML Reviews List for the week of September 11, 1998
