[Review]Taleswapper's Quarterly Post
Talswapr
***Taleswapper's Second Quarter FY 97 Post***
My Favorite Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction, January - March, 1997
by Taleswapper
(tals...@aol.com)
NOTE: A more attractive HTML version of this article, with links to the
cited stories and other useful resources, is available via my hope page,
at http://members.aol.com/talswapr/index.html.
**Prologue**
My thanks to all who sent me comments on the January post. These articles
continue to generate a lot of entertaining and enlightening discussions.
Man, I'm glad I dreamed up this scam! Please let me know what you think of
this article: send me e-mail at tals...@aol.com or let everyone know your
reactions when you sign the Guestbook at my web page.
My Ranma 1/2 "Fanfic Year" (FY) runs from October 1 to September 30. The
second quarter of FY 97, therefore, ended on March 31. All Ranma fanfics
posted to Rec.Arts.Anime.Creative are eligible to be counted among my
favorites. See "The Taleswapper Treatment" at my home page for an
attempted explanation of how I select faves; also relevant is a silly
whine about how hard it sometimes is to pick my favorites, contained the
First Quarter FY 97 post. In that article, I wrote appreciations for the
following fics:
_Total Recall _by Martin Bennett
_Flambe!_ by Bridget Engman
_Shizuku_ by Bridget Engman
_Thy Outward Part_by Richard Lawson
_Smoke and Mirrors_ by Mike Loader
_Orange_ by Joseph Palmer
_A Lesson in Love_ by Marisa Price
_Sour Milk Sea_ by "McKinley Morganfield"
_Tales of Ranma & Nabiki_ Part 8 by "McKinley Morganfield"
_Chasing the Wind_ by J. Austin Wilde
**Best Ranma Fanfics, Second Quarter, FY 97**
The stories described below are my favorites for the Second Quarter, and
constitute the second batch of "nominees" for the 1997 Taleswapper Awards.
I enjoyed this quarter immensely. There were a lot of stories, not all
listed here, that entertained and touched me. Also, I'm excited that all
but one of the following fics were written by authors whom I've not cited
before.
No April Fool's joke this year; all these stories are _bona fide_. I still
get the occasional e-mail from new victims of last year's gag.
***
_I smiled inwardly. I would have f---ed her anyway,
eventually. Let her think she was blackmailing me.
***
_A Real Man_ by Doughboy
Paradoxically, I cannot recommend to readers this work, though it is
firmly among my favorites. For _A Real Man_ is meant to be offensive, and
Doughboy has achieved that goal with great success. Obscene and sexist,
the story embodies many of the worst instincts that often come into play
in the creation of the most unpalatable lemon fics.
And yet I cannot deny the superior craftsmanship that shines through the
perverse muck of _A Real Man_. As much as any of the fanfic authors for
whom I've written the most extravagant appreciations, Doughboy clearly
possesses a gift for smart, skillful, and thoughtful prose. Even many of
the most vulgar lines in this fic evidence great care in choice of
verbiage and have grace that transcends their crude subject matter.
Part of the story's effectiveness is unequaled hilarity, providing
simultaneous amusement and offense. Surprise is the soul of humor, and
Doughboy elicits laughs successfully with his consistent ability to flout
expectations. In a manner reminiscent of Richard Pryor's comedy, the
author shocks us into laughter by combining imaginative storytelling with
uncompromising frankness. I laughed long and hard at many of the
startlingly original story and character twists, the remarkably clever
puns, and the unsettling obscenities that fill _A Real Man_.
Doughboy also deserves credit for well constructed and ambitious
formatting. The first-person narrative, with its conversationally frank
tone, creates a perfect vehicle for the boastful, vulgar version of Ranma
who stars in _A Real Man_. The transition passages are especially
noteworthy, often achieving great vitality with sharp wit. The
experimental passages, a mediocre poem and an excellent (and remarkably
erotic) script-style section, are admirable touches.
The framing plot involving Ranma and Akane is merely competent, seemingly
an afterthought to impose structure and some sense of normalcy on this
_avant garde_ work (and some measure of redemption for its incorrigible
storyline). Perhaps _A Real Man _would have better without the framing
story; nonlinear raunch - unencumbered by a beginning, an end, and a moral
- might better highlight Doughboy's artistry.
***
She'll never admit it, but she's been incorporating some of
my techniques, thought Ranma as he stepped out onto the school
yard. Ryouga's, too, and I think I even saw a bit of Shampoo in
there. A thought struck him suddenly. Jeezus, has she been studying
us?
***
_Paint it Black_ by Paul Herring
Given the numerous permutations of the Ranma 1/2 universe developed by
fanfic authors, the dearth of stories in which Ranma and Akane break up
(for good) is quite remarkable. The nearly total absence of such stories
is, however, not especially surprising, since the Ranma/Akane romance is
the true core of the anime/manga inspiration. And so, fanfic authors can
blithely weave alternate realities or plot extraordinary events in the
existing milieu that somehow pair Ranma with another fiancee or even
eliminate Akane entirely. But it seems more difficult for writers to even
conceive stories in which Ranma and Akane, after having been betrothed,
choose to separate forever.
Breaking through this barrier is only one of the significant contributions
to the Ranma fanfic art form delivered by Herring with the completion of
_Paint It Black_. He destroys much more of the familiar characterization
and situations, while - and this is critical - replacing the lost elements
with ones that are inventive and richly complex (if too dark to be called
"beautiful"). I find the majority of alternate-reality Ranma fics
interesting, but *only* interesting. In most cases, the power and appeal
of a plot that answers the question "What if?" exceed the inventiveness of
the writing, creating an imbalance. Herring's work, however, matches the
creative reordering of the Ranma 1/2 universe with singular achievements
in character development.
Of greatest appeal is the grim, driven Akane created by Herring.
Transcending her life history of repetitive distress/rescue episodes,
Akane has strength and beauty born of radical self-reliance, insuperable
determination, and fierce independence. Strong currents of amorality and
fascism - not to say genuine evil - do not sully this Akane's
attractiveness, for her character is awesome and therefore irresistible.
Akane the focused and confident warrior is a wonder to behold, because
Herring has gifted her with soulful depth. Her powerful devotion to
magnifying her physical strength and skill is mirrored, admirably, by an
equal commitment to the spiritual development associated with martial
mastery. And so it is a pleasure to "watch" this Akane in action, even
when she is committing murder.
Far less appealing but almost as fascinating is Herring's version of
Ranma, who is at once hateful and sympathetic. The deliberate
obnoxiousness of Ranma that antagonizes Akane across most universes is
uniquely mean-spirited and hurtful in this reality. Their
irreconcilability seems almost totally his fault. But like Akane, Ranma is
very much the creature of a victimized past, and unlike Akane, Ranma never
had a rescuer. A life spent enduring manipulation by others mitigates
Ranma's culpability for his horrid coarseness toward Akane. Parents and
fiancees who sought to possess him, body, mind, and soul, have shaped a
Ranma incapable of civility, let alone love, until at last he finds
salvation in his chosen bride. The moments of Ranma's nadir are splendidly
scripted, the paranoid delusions of his drugged and fevered mind made
tangible by superior prose.
Part of the depth of Ranma's characterization is Herring's portrayal of
his parents. Though not quite the irresponsible clown originally created
by Takahashi, Genma remains a humorous complication in Ranma's life when
compared to his intimidating, castrating wife. Nodoka is a despicable
masterpiece of characterization, her closeminded, overbearing attitude
coupled with intimidating martial skill. With combined horror and
fascination, we can watch as Herring unravels the nature of her frigid
soul, from the palpably tense confrontation at the wedding announcement to
Nodoka's chilling, final act of rage at the end of the story. This monster
will endure in memory for a long time.
Ryouga, Shampoo and Ukyou are less thoroughly refashioned in _Paint It
Black_; they seem to be the same basic characters adapted to a wholly
diffeent setting. Herring has lavished much more attention on his
re-creation of Kodachi, and the reformed psychopath is very interesting,
though not nearly so much as Akane reinvented. There are attention-getting
little touches in Kasumi's and Nabiki's characterization, giving rise to
dissatisfaction at their diminishing roles in the fic. It seems that
Herring might have had some intriguing ideas about them, but allowed them
to fade into the background as the combatants dominated the story.
Herring's prose is engrossing for its rich descriptiveness and for its
subtle, but effective experiments in different devices for portraying
unspoken thoughts and hidden dramas. Most captivating are the complex
scenes that combine violent action with internal dramas. The examples are
some of the best moments in _Paint It Black _: Akane's berserker at the
Kunou mansion, Mousse's reluctant butchery at the final battle, even the
silent choreography of Ranma's kick drills. Also impressive are well
staged, ironic juxtapositions: Ranma's and Akane's exchange of lying
promises of a civil married life, backed by the soundtrack of Ukyou's
desperate attempt to intercede; Akane's gentle letdown of Ryouga and its
affectionate aftermath, coincident with their underhanded plotting against
Ranma.
The alternate world history that is the setting for _Paint It Black _ is
sufficiently interesting and for the most part understated enough to avoid
the trap of distracting from the story. Its single most relevant aspect,
the 20th century feudalism that characterizes Japanese and Chinese
civilization in this world, is fascinating and provides a singular setting
for Herring's fic. One troublesome element of this milieu is the enormous
armies at the disposal of the warring clans. This element is at once too
realistic and too dependent on the suspension of disbelief. That is, it's
entirely to be expected that, in such a world, the principals might have
armed legions at their disposal. But such a politically complex situation
seems entirely incompatible with even a "black" version of the comically
illogical relationships at the heart of Ranma 1/2.
Despite the bleak, irredeemably base nature of this story, I found myself
critical of Herring's choices that made the fanfic less dark than it could
have been. The surprise twist at _Paint It Black _'s climax disappointed
me, as I had been preparing myself for a showdown between Ranma and Akane.
The subsequent patricidal bloodbath was satisfying, but no substitute for
the anticipated death-match between the estranged fiancees. Such a clash
would have been more fitting for this innovative fanfic. For in the
grotesque world Herring has constructed, the violent fruition of Ranma's
and Akane's schemes of vengeance are very close to "happily ever after."
***
Less than a minute later, my body snapped back to that of a
man. The time keeps getting shorter, I thought. Why was that? ...
Ryoga's curse still worked the same as it did on day one. Why was
that? My curse shouldn't work any differently than Ryoga's.
Except that Ryoga was still living in interesting times...
I was sitting on the sidelines while he and Akane were living
a life of danger and adventure. Could it be after all the ridiculous
failed attempts at a cure, my curse was finally going away because
it was bored?
***
_A Peaceful Life_ by Gary Kleppe
Not surprisingly, fanfics that have true emotional impact on me are very
likely to find their way into my list of favorites. Such stories usually
make affect me through a moving portrayal of romantic love, with notable
exceptions. Into the exceptional category goes _A Peaceful Life_, unique
for having engendered in me a powerful sense of melancholy. For the
complexity of story and mood in Kleppe's work render inappropriate such
dramatic emotional terms as "despair" and "tragedy." Ranma's loss is
certainly significant, even world shattering. But the tranquil character
of his life (and - not coincidentally - of his wife) serves to dampen the
effect of his trauma.
Without the melodrama that would have dominated a lesser fanfic, Kleppe is
faced with the challenge of affecting readers without the blunt
instruments of tragic longing or pathetic depression. Instead, the
author's tools are subtle and precise: the nagging hints of a would-be
life stolen, the unromantic(however loving) character of Ranma's marriage,
Kasumi's gentle (unconscious?) chastening whenever his vibrant spirit
attempts to reassert itself.
Kleppe's strength is less wordsmithing than presentation. The timing and
arrangement of his prose succeed in creating drama that other excellent
writers accomplish with careful verbiage. In fact, Kleppe's words
sometimes seem to exceed their charter, partly spoiling the beauty of a
perfectly presented moment. Such passages appear to have gone one or two
sentences too far after a graceful point has been made, like perforating a
target after scoring a bullseye.
The structure of _A Peaceful Life_, present-day narrative separating long
flashback scenes, is an appropriate device to showcase Kleppe's staging
skills. Not surprisingly, the flashbacks strike me as somewhat obvious, an
ironic counterpoint to the elegance of the future scenes. For it is the
quiet aftermath and not the long-ago tragedy that I find most compelling,
most emotionally jarring. Its impact is hushed and untheatrical, but
nonetheless striking.
***
Mei told me of their requirements of you concerning the
leadership. Right now their demands must still have you bristling;
let the anger go. They are trying to act in the best interests of
the tribe, as are you. I imagine in the end you will live as a
woman by day for the tribe, and as a man at night for Miss Kuonji.
***
_Succession: The Final Part of the Sunrise Chronicles_ by Nicholas
Leifker
Though this story's basic plot was known to Ranma fanfic readers since
last summer, _Succession_ nevertheless has novelty and energy. Leifker
ably handles the challenge facing all prequel authors - the potential for
tedium in a story whose ending (and aftermath) is known to the audience.
Part of his success is the execution of the storyline, with soulful prose
that has been the author's trademark since I was touched by _Sunrise_ more
than a year ago. Also pleasing are some new, unexpected story elements,
most notably the requirements imposed on Ranma for her succession to
leadership of the Niichieju. Ranma's dramatic oath highlights the
intriguing issues of sexual identity that have been addressed in many
impressive fanfic treatments of Ranma 1/2 (including Leifker's recent
collaboration with Hitomi Ichinohei on _Clothes Make the ..._). This
subplot also provides much explanation for the source of Ranma's
reluctance in _Sunrise _ to reclaim her manhood.
For the first time, new character Blossom becomes for me a tangible and
fascinating person. The Ranran scene paints an intriguing portrait of the
giant Amazon, who is very much a prisoner of her rage and warrior's pride.
This exposition and Mouthwash's assessment of her motives serve to enhance
the originality and sophistication of Leifker's villain, who now
transcends the mediocrity of traditional Ranma antagonists. Her end is
therefore a touching one.
The journal and epistolary devices, used capably by Leifker throughout the
_Chronicles_, are especially compelling in _Succession_. The dignified
comportment of the Chieftain's journal highlights Ranma's maturation and
brings credibility to her re-formed character, despite Ranma's reversion
to youthful insolence in her "title bout" with Blossom. Artfully, Ranma's
behavior in that fight foreshadows her discordant playfulness in
_Sunrise_'s showdown with Herb. The letter from Cologne, while not as
touching as I think Leifker had intended, helps to illustrate the fullness
of Ranma's relationship with her mentor.
As a year-long journey comes to a close, my thoughts return understandably
to the original story, _Sunrise_. It remains one of my favorite Ranma
fanfics of all time, though several well-spoken correspondents attempted
to convince me that I was mistaken to select it as the best Ranma fic of
1996. Interestingly, my esteem for _Sunrise_ exceeds my opinion of its
progeny, an illogical situation since, naturally, Leifker's art has
improved measurably with each new story. Perhaps it is only sentiment that
elevates the original fic above the _Chronicles_ in my mind: I cannot
forget the effectiveness of that story, despite its "rookie mistakes."
Elegant language from _Sunrise_ continues to echo in my mind, while flaws
in its crafting are only dim memories, though I re-read the fic often. And
so the grandeur of that beautifully brief epic was not diminished but
reinforced when Leifker, through the _Chronicles_, filled in the details.
***
"Crazy girl," a broken whisper, "Why you watch? You
think it funny to see Shampoo's heart break?"
I fly across the housetops, laughing and laughing. Yet there is
a corner of my mind, hidden from even Shadow-Self, where there is no
laughter. In that corner, there is a cold scheming it would not do
to think even to myself. Especially to myself... I might overhear.
***
_Black Roses: A Love Story_ by Shazorn
There is a joke in the acting community that the easiest way to win
critical acclaim is play a maniac. The effective portrayal of unsteady
mental health, by definition, requires creativity and powerful
characterization. Is Kodachi, then, a sure-fire hit? Probably not, but
when it comes to starring in superior fanfics, she's got a better record
than any of the other Ranma 1/2 cast members. From _Wicked Garden_ through
_The Dying of the Rose_ to _Iron Roses_, stories that star the psychotic
gymnast consistently impress me; I can't remember any Kodachi fics that
weren't on the upper portion of the curve.
And _Black Roses_ is my favorite Kodachi fanfic, a bounty of smart ideas
well developed. The notion of a suppressed personality, real or imagined,
is a nice take on Kodachi's psychosis, though the name she has chosen for
it ("Shadow-Self") seems overdone and unsophisticated. That Kodachi
assigns much of her unevenness to Shadow-Self opens up for contemplation
broad questions: is there really a submerged personality or is Kodachi
genuinely evil and merely scapegoating her mental imbalances? If
Shadow-Self is real, is she the healthier part of Kodachi or the more
malignant?
I also appreciate Shazorn's innovative use of the oft-repeated idea of an
abusive Mrs. Kunou. Though the author does not depart far from the
established fanfic notion that Kodachi's mother beat and berated her
children into madness, the back story is revealed with greater subtlety
and ambiguity than other Ranma fanfic writers have attempted in similar
circumstances. In addition, I was fascinated by the brief insight on
possible Oedipal roots for Kuno's attraction to Akane and Ranma-chan.
The conception and implementation of Kodachi's plots against her rivals
are riveting. Best is the scheme she hatches with Mousse to take Shampoo
out of the competition. The solutions to Mousse's problems are ingenious
and, in the context, very believable. The fruition of the plot, marked by
Shampoo's resignation and anguish, is surprisingly touching. Though not as
intricate or compelling, Kodachi's orchestration of Akane's downfall is a
titillating departure from the expected. The Ukyou plot and its unplanned
consequences, on the other hand, left me cold. The ending was unsatisfying
because Shazorn's clever and effective Kodachi deserved, if not success in
her quest for Ranma, at least the pleasure of seeing the long-term effects
of all she had wrought.
The writing in _Black Roses_ is clever, sometimes startlingly so.
Kodachi's narrative sets a tone that is, though eminently appropriate,
very much unexpected. Through intelligent, constructive use of the
first-person voice, Shazorn portrays a Kodachi who is cool and
considerate, her unnerving composure broken by only momentary descents
into the cackling lunacy that Ranma 1/2 fans have come to expect. Instead,
we are treated to a literate and insightful character for whom we can
cheer, if we are feeling sufficiently perverse.
***
"Akane, why are you laughing?" he asked.
She giggled once more. "Well, don't think I'm insane, Ranma,"
Akane explained. "You've carried me on your back before, but never
like this. In its own demented way, it's kind of fun."
Ranma let his head fall to the floor. "Akane, this is not an
easy task here," he said looking back. "Frontal rug burn is not my
idea of having fun."
"At least you'll know how us girls feel."
"Huh?"
"Then again I wouldn't know," Akane quickly added.
Ranma shook his head. "You need help, Akane. Let's cease
with the giggles, okay?"
"Oh, pooh," she replied. "Don't tell me you aren't enjoying
this." Akane clicked her tongue. "Giddy up, Kimba!"
***
_Dark Family_ (Part 1) by Bryan Stone
Once I got past the mediocre beginning, with its goofy "global conspiracy"
theme, I smiled all the way through this story. Stone has a splendid gift
for writing dialogue. Though his characters do not speak with great
eloquence or particular acumen, there is an easygoing natural quality to
their conversations that is rare in fanfic, punctuated by consistently
effective light humor. The highlights of _Dark Family_ are the many
instances of playful banter between Ranma and Akane. Spontaneous, witty,
occasionally suggestive, and sometimes tender without being
oversentimental, Stone's best Ranma-Akane conversations are some of my
favorite fanfic passages.
To make the dialogue work, Stone introduced reworked versions of Ranma and
Akane that are cooler, more unaffected, and more honest with each other:
much like the stars of Joseph Palmer's fics. The appealing couple and
their spirited, teasing interplay provide a solid basis for effective
romantic comedy. That's an important achievement, because the actual
main story, for the most part, is of average quality. Certainly, the
beginning is a weakness, providing no hint of the treasures deeper into
the story.
The commonplace suspense tale that is at the heart of _Dark Family_ is
capably executed, but in the end unremarkable except for plot holes that
are common to stories of this type. The new character Marcus is confusing,
vacillating between the customarily charming villain and a far more
despicable persona, guilty of rape and unprovoked violence.
Back on the plus side, Stone's work with the regular supporting cast is
superior. Rivalling the charm of Ranma and Akane is a terrifically witty
Nabiki. From her pre-date teasing of Akane through her baiting of Marcus
to her sardonic direction of the assault team, Nabiki is consistently
entertaining. Shampoo is also loads of fun in _Dark Family_. When Ranma
sends them to the Nekohanten, Ukyou and Ryouga share a engaging moment in
the spotlight that, again, demonstrates the adroitness of Stone's
dialogue. I was also impressed with Stone's crafting of a suddenly-useful
Happosai, Tsubasa, and Gosunkugi. The way Stone pulls the whole cast
together in the extended, multi-site running battle is impressive. The
fight and chase scenes are imaginative and exciting.
Stone interrupted the story at an odd place, apparently very near its
climax. He didn't have to do that; I'd be anxious for more no matter where
he'd stopped. I hope it's not a long wait for the rest of _Dark Family_.
***
Shanpu forced herself to relax, and pushed her way past Shin.
"By the way," she called back to Reizoru over her shoulder. "Lo Shin
did challenge me.
"He lost."
After Shanpu was out of sight, Rei turned on Shin. "You wanted
to marry HER?!?"
***
_Cure for a Broken Heart_ by Sharon Tripp
A return to the village of the Amazons is always welcome for me, given the
pleasure that locale has brought me in such fics as _The Ways of the
Amazons_ and _The Sunrise Chronicles_. On this visit, I was impressed and
intrigued by the departure from the established history of Ranma's first
encounter with Shampoo. Tripp establishes a credible Ranma-Shampoo
romance, which in many ways parallels the comic appeal of his relationship
with Akane in the source material. Ranma's denial of growing attraction
for Shampoo, the pseudorivalry borne of Ranma's easy defeat on the once
best-in-town martial artist: such plot elements echo his romance with
Akane. That such elements are smoothly transferred to the new pairing with
Shampoo is a fascinating and enticing twist.
In the anime/manga and in most fanfics, Mousse is for me a consistent
source of profound boredom. Tripp has succeeded, however, in making Mousse
interesting for me without changing the character's nature noticeably from
Takahashi's original. By changing Ranma's situation, Mousse becomes for
the protagonist a genuine rival, transcending his traditional role as a
mere annoyance. Mousse's basic characteristics, unreasoning violence
directed against Ranma and neurotic denial of Shampoo's unattainability,
are so far unchanged and are well portrayed by the author. Tripp's
redefinition of the Ranma-Shampoo relationship, however, also re-creates
Mousse, elevating his stature from slapstick comic relief to full
membership in an unusual love triangle. In this situation, Mousse's
_gravitas_ is very much comparable to Ryoga's in the anime/manga.
It is difficult to rate Tripp's competent but unadorned prose; its
simplicity certainly does not impact negatively the quality of the fic,
though neither did her writing style enhance my enjoyment. I must express
some admiration for the author's decision to challenge her (or her
editor's) proofreading ability with the situational switches between
Chinese and Japanese dialogue passages. Additional stylistic adventuring
is in order, though: as it stands, this fic could easily have been written
in script format without losing its appeal.
I eagerly await future installments.
***
In my opinion.
Taleswapper
April 11, 1997
Have you voted in the Reader's Choice Ranma Fanfic Poll? (See
http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/sterman/voting.htm.)I did; care to guess
which were my top three? E-mail me at tals...@aol.com.
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