Jeram's Ridiculous RAAC Reviews - R/SM

[Jeram]

Jeram's Ridiculous RAAC Reviews
(Part 1 edited for errors on Dec 3rd)

Or RRR for short.

In Today's reviewed episode, I shall review all 49
stories currently archived in the RAAC (rec.arts.anime.creative).

To make things easier, I shall categorize each fic
before the final review.

Note: All Author, Rakhal, and Tannim summaries are copied verbatim.

A Guy, A Girl, Another Girl, Another...
By Deric (dericwilson@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://home.att.net/~dericwilson/p2.html - Abysmally Type: One-Shot (Finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma "Amazingly" Losing Fear of Cats, An Invalid but "Funny" Disclaimer, Ranma Opens Up with Life Story after Just Meeting Someone, Newly Introduced Characters Solving Ranma's Problems
Summary: Starts off as an interesting idea - to try and stay away from standard Ranma/SM writing cliches.  Ranma bumps into a distraught orphaned Minako, and the two share horrible life-stories.  They instantly become close friends and try to figure out a solution to Minako's money troubles.  
It isn't long before Ranma meets the rest of the Senshi, and they help him to solve all his problems.
Review: Eh.  It's not great, but not terrible either.  Honestly, when you are out there writing a cross-over fic between two of the most commonly crossed over anime series, it's hard to really write something original.  Which Deric did not actually do.
Rating: 4 out of 10 - Read it if you have some time to kill.

A Star Is Baked
By mrsukyohabiki@aol.com
Type: One-Shot (Finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: Kasumi stumbles across an injured mooncat named Luna, who informs Kasumi that she is one of the fabled Moon Warriors.
Review: Um...  This story is tiny, and has no resolution whatsoever.  Sailor Kasumi, okay that's a new one - haven't really seen it much before.  If this was the first chapter of a larger series, it'd be pretty good.  As a standalone one-shot, it's just not up to par.
Rating: 3 out of 10 - Don't bother.  If you want to read a good Sailor Kasumi story, you'd be better off writing it yourself.

A Very Cruel Cut
By KaraOhki (karaohki@snet.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://karaohki.anifics.com - Frequently Type: One-Shot (Finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Typical Romantic "Matchup"
Summary: At a track and field event between Furinkan and Juuban leads to a slight problem when it turns out that Principal Kuno had other "plans" for the hapless students.
Rakhal Summary: Everyone is rushing to Furinkan School Gynamsium in order to see some of the best athletes in the world. Including the senshi who are in it for the beefcake. Unfortunately this is all a trick by the principal, who has another dastardly scheme to clip the locks of all the attendees...
Review: Funny and not too long.  A cute little one-shot.
Rating: 8 out of 10 - Come on! An amusing one-shot? What do you have to lose?

All Relative
By John-Martin Lotz (johnl@gate1.tomatoweb.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.ranmafics.com/Sailor_Moon/All_Relative/index.html - Occasionally Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Initial Misunderstanding, Dead Genma, Oddly Honorable Genma, Hey Usagi Talked Like Princess Serenity, Surprisingly Wise Ranma, Unnecessary Japanese
Summary: An spasm of honor occurs, leaving Genma dead after committing suicide and Ranma orphaned.  He calls his older cousin, Haruka (aka Sailor Uranus) to find a place to stay.  Of course, due to his curse, the initial "hijinks" occur.  He settles in with the gang, only to instantly gain a "little sister" by Hotaru, whom he instantly decides to start training.  Meanwhile, Ryouga meets Gypsy and Shampoo with the Amazons face off against the Musk.  Soun spots Ranma and thinks of his old friend.
   Rakhal Summary: Genma killed himself in China after Ranma and he got cursed, and now Ranma is off to live with his cousin, one Haruka Ten'ou. Of course turning up as a girl at the Cherry Hill shrine surprised a few people, but he soon settled in. How will Ranma fit into the lives of the Senshi and the goings on around them? What about Soun, who's friend Genma just seemed to disappear, and who STILL hopes that he will turn up with his son. And what will the Senshi think of this strange boy?
   Tannim Summary: Genma is dead. Now what's Ranma to do? Well, after burying his father in China, he leaves for Japan to live with his cousin, one Ten'ou Haruka. What happens when the man among men who turns into a girl with a splash of cold water starts cohabitating with the reckless, flirtatious, woman loving Sailor Uranus?
Review: There are several grammar and a few spelling errors throughout this fic, as well as some good old fashioned gratuitous Japanese.  The writing style is a little boring and stagnant, and the characterizations seem mostly based on other fanfic characterizations.  And with such "clever" turns of phrase as "A hook is so much better when concealed", the story only has a few bright moments when actual accurately used martial arts terms appear.  The story is precisely average - not quite terrible, but hardly that interesting either.
Rating: 4 out of 10 - Take it or leave it.

All The Small Things
By Slacker (rheins@pmt.org, r_heins@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.angelfire.com/anime/Slacker - Rarely Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Sailor_Moon/All_The_Small_Things/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Initial Misunderstanding, Irritating Author Comments/Interruptions
Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: So after the Nekoken, a strange woman with red eyes and cowes Genma - taking Ranma to purportedly heal him.  After getting Ranma, Genma promptly decides to forget anything happened.  Years later, after the defeat of Galaxia, Pluto reveals that there is in fact another major threat rapidly approaching.  Ranma asks Nabiki to help him run away for a while while he figures out why he's been having odd "blackouts" lately.
   Author Summary: During the Silver Millenium, there were nine Senshi. In the present, there are nine Senshi. Yet, Sailor Moon was not present in the Silver Millenium. Who was the ninth Senshi? The Senshi can't remember, and Pluto won't tell. Yet the ninth is awakening, and will encounter the rest soon. What is Pluto's link to Ranma? And why is Ranma "running away from home."
   Rakhal Summary: Sailor Pluto has something to tell the other senshi at a meeting. Apparently she lied about Galaxia being the last threat. In Nerima, Ranma has come to a decision. He's going to run away (with Nabiki's help). He's been having disturbing blackouts, during which he would do things like get the 2nd highest score in Japan in an exam, or knock Ryoga out with one hit. Time to get away for a bit. Meanwhile Setsuna is telling the senshi about the planet Nemesis and its strange senshi...
Review: Honestly, the author interruptions get a bit annoying after a while.  The reader probably doesn't want to hear an amusing quip every other paragraph.  But on the plus side, the story is mildly interesting - more from the Ranma side than the Sailor Moon side.  There is enough of a mystery to keep things going without stymieing the plot or screwing up the characterizations (which are pretty good).  The writing style can be irritating - take out those author interruptions and the rating would have been higher.  Note: This fic is mentioned as a "first fic", so some mistakes and cliches can be slightly forgiven.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - A cautious recommendation.

All Things Chaotic
By Sining (shihlin@pacific.net.sg) & H-Packrat (gulrey@webquest.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://sining.www5.50megs.com/index.html - Abysmally Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Sailor_Moon/All_Things_Chaotic/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Disney Opening (Dead Parents), Clueless Ranma Loved By All The Scouts
Summary: Whoops! Happosai accidently kills Ranma's parents when he escapes, and decides to raise Ranma as his own.  But after El Jusenkyo... Ranma decides to leave the pervert behind and search out his roots.  It turns out that coincidentally enough, his aunt lives in Japan, and is the mother of Usagi.  The Tsukinos decide to let Ranma stay, clearly setting the stage for wacky hijinks of all sorts.  Usagi realizes the appeal of her cousin and begins to pimp him out in exchange for tasty treats from her interested friends.  Of course, an evil youma appears and Ranma helps to take it out... but then he notices an odd similarity in hair styles between Usagi and Sailor Moon...
   Author Summary: In the past, Ranma's parents were killed by Happossai. Taking care of Ranma, Happossai trained Ranma and got him cursed in Juysenkyo. That's when Ranma decides to stay at his Auntie's house, which is the same mom as Usagi's....
   Rakhal Summary: A young Ranma is trapped under the rubble when an earthquake hits. Genma and Nodoka are killed, and Happosai rescues him, taking him under his wing. 11 years later though, when Ranma gets cursed, Happosai takes another interest, and Ranma sends him into orbit. On his own, he heads to Juuban to visit his Aunt, Tsukino Ikuko, and his cousin Usagi...
   Tannim Summary: Saotome Genma and Saotome Nodoka were killed about 11 years ago. Someone else raises Ranma up as a warrior versed in the Anything Goes Martial Arts techniques. Unfortunately for Ranma, he still cannot keep from being cursed at Jusenkyou. Watch what happens when he goes to Juuban to visit the only family he has left; his cousins, the Tsukinos.
Review: At times, the writing is a little too tongue and cheek, juxtaposed with more serious moments for occasional interesting mood shifts.  The story has no real feeling of momentum, just a general feeling of continuation.  There are a few blatant contrivances added at times, but the story isn't bad, and the mistakes are few and far between.  The characterization is a bit off at times, but in general a pretty good story.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Not too bad.

Blood Calls Out For Blood
By Chris McFadden (NightwindsSong@adelphia.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://nightwindssong.anifics.com/ - Reasonably Type: Drama (Almost finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: Nerima has often been called Hell on Earth - but this time it's almost that bad.  Vicious and horrific monsters have invaded.  After a particularly strong and vicious beast called a "Ravener" kills Ryouga, Rei, and Ami, Usagi finally manages to destroy it.  Ranma, understandably depressed and forlorn, retreats to mourn.  An attack at Ucchan's leaves another casualty - Ukyo died fighting the monster.  Although the Senshi arrive to help, it is Ranma who surprisingly destroys the monster with a depression fueled shi-shi hokudan.  Usagi recognizes the power in Ranma and asks her to join their side as a new Senshi.  After an attack leaves Nodoka in the hospital, Ranma makes his decision...
   Author Summary: Monsters have come to Nerima and although in the end the Senshi defeat the monster the price is terrible. Sailor Mercury and Mars are gone. Ranma was fighting as well, and he too pays a high price with the loss of Ryoga. This isn't the end of the terror and it becomes increasingly apparent to the desperate Ranma that he just doesn't have the power himself to protect those he holds dear. The Senshi have an offer for the pigtailed girl though. They need to replace their fallen comrades and Ranma would be a great addition. But can Ranma accept the changes he must endure?
Review: This particular story has a well written feeling of drama and suspense.  The action scenes are intense without being too gruesome.  Although the "invincible monster" idea is hardly a new one, the particulars of this story are interesting and mostly unique.  A recommended read for fans of drama - this is not a typical comedic Ranma story.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Check it out.

Destined Alliance
By Ryan G. (RGpiNoy201@aol.com)
Type: Divergence (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ridiculous Phone Exposition
Summary: Ranma mopes around after an all too typical day while Akane's godmother calls, requesting Akane's help.  It appears her daughter, Ami Mizuno, is a bit shy and her mother wants Ami to get some social exposure.  So Akane and Ranma (accompanying as a "guest") go off to visit the young bookworm.  Of course, what should happen but a good old fashioned youma attack?
Review: The pacing of this story could use some work; the "chapters" are barely a page or so each.  The phone conversation that set everything up is way too long and one-sided.  The potential idea and acceptably descriptive text are good enough to warrant a reasonable rating, but the story needs to "pump up a notch" to get anything beyond a Mr. Average rating.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Average.

Destiny
By Arun (arun2110@sancharnet.in)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://samrtaleck.anifics.com/%20[size=9px] - Rarely Type: Drama (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Destiny_Arun/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Mysterious Deities Do Something Stupid
Summary: In the Silver Millenium, a mysterious entity named "Raja Chola" is resurrected by the mighty god Shiva.  Raja Chola proceeds to entrance Shiva with his singing and dancing, so Shiva grants Raja Chola three boons: Immortality, Invinicibility, and to become King of the Ashuras (an Indian word for a kind of demon).  He attacks the Moon, but Serenity manages in a desperate move, to imprison the unkillable being, although she knew it would not hold him forever.
   Author Summary: Long before the era of the Silver Millennium when the Gods and Goddesses ruled the Earth, a God committed a sin. Now the sin has come back to haunt everyone. A terrible price must be paid and the price will leave the world red with blood.  Join Ranma and the Sailors as they battle the Ashura's to save all of creation from destruction...
   Rakhal Summary: In the Silver Millenium a man meditates in order to be worthy of a boon from Shiva. When he is granted these boons he asks to be king over the Ashuras and unkillable. Now he can bring a reign of terror over the world and before he is stopped, the Moon Kingdom is destroyed. But at last his evil is sealed. Far in the future, Ranma is being trained in the Neko-ken when 2 spirits recognise his potential and merge with him, lending him great power, when he can learn to use it, and catapulting him over 2000 years into the past. He lands in the spring of Drowned Dragon when he arrives. Taken in by the Musk, he is raised as part of the royal family. But he has a destiny with the Amazons and beyond...
   Tannim Summary: "May Death never look at me to my face!"  "May no man, God, Ashura, spirit, or animal be able to kill me."  "May I be crowned king of the Ashuras."  It is with these granted wishes that the face of the galaxy is forever changed.
Review: Okay, this story is bit confusing to start out, with all the new characters and such.  On the other hand - quite an interesting setup.  The writing itself is pretty good, if a little condescending at times (as it is clear the author knows a great deal about obscure Indian mythology).  A cautious recommendation (be prepared to never see the conclusion).
Rating: 6 out of 10 - A cautious recommendation.

Eyes of a Stranger
By Long Ngo
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/2881/ - Rarely Type: Drama (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban
Summary: Akane dies at Mt. Phoenix, giving Ranma a terminal case of the Mondays.  Ranma reveals himself to his mother, who invites him to stay with her after the funeral.  At Juuban High, Ami sees the saddened Ranma and introduces herself.
   Author Summary: When Akane dies at Jusendo, Ranma falls into a deep depression. Nodoka ends up trying to shake him out of it; by moving to Juuban.
Review: While Long Ngo (or ShortYes) has written many stories, this is apparently one of the earliest, and the grammar and style mistakes make it apparent.  On the other hand, the writing itself is pretty good - the mistakes tend to unfortunately make the story difficult to get through.  Some of the characterizations are off, as the author admits early on that he is unfamiliar with the series.  Like many of Long Ngo's stories, this story is chronically unfinished; if it resolved anything, the rating would be higher.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Okay.

Fate of Love
By Jason Wong
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://members.optushome.com.au/dojohouse/ - Reasonably Type: Drama/Romance (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Rei Has "Coincidental" Visions
Summary: After the battle with Saffron, Ranma begins having odd visions.  Meanwhile back in the Silver Millenium, a flirtatious romance begins between Sailor Mars (disguised as a commoner) and a dashing messenger named Equoris.  Mars gets angry; she thinks she's just another notch in his belt...  Meanwhile in the future, Rei gets visions of some mysterious guy, while Ranma decides to start seriously training with Akane.  Of course, this brings Ryouga in to assist, much to Ranma's chagrin.  Ranma soon transfers over to Juuban, where hijinks are bound to happen...
   Rakhal Summary: Ranma is having problems. In particular with his life, and Akane, who doesn't really seem to want to live the arts the way that Ranma does. In another part of Tokyo, Hino Rei is having visions, and Pluto looks on amused. In the past, the Senshi of Mars, Arielle met a fascinating and exasperating boy called Equoris, a messenger...
   Author Summary: Just what makes the Ranma we know, well - Ranma? Is it the martial arts, the fiances, or maybe the challenges that make up the heir to the Mutsabeto Kakuto Ryu? But one day Ranma awakens with the feeling that there is something growing within - telling him what he should do, how he should act, how he should dress. Who he should love. The Anything Goes heir won't stand for it - he just wants to be left alone to be himself. Trouble is - who is he?
Review: Holy Gazunga Spit! This is one seriously involved and complex story.  It has what the sages call an "Epic Length"; don't expect to read it in one sitting.  The writing is quite good, and the suspenseful feelings engendered are quite sincere.  Although not perfect (it drags at times, and the transitions can be convoluted and contrived), the story is recommended for a good read.
Rating: 8 out of 10 - Recommended.

For Akane
By Slacker (rheins@pmt.org, r_heins@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.angelfire.com/anime/Slacker - Rarely Type: Continuation (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Devil Ex Machina
Summary: Akane dies after the battle with Saffron, and Ranma cries out in despair.  Why, he asks bemoaningly, why? But Beryl (the evil one) has a plan - she'll use Ranma's desire to resurrect Akane to create the perfect general.  Will Ranma agree? (yes)
   Author Summary: Ranma has beaten Saffron. So everything should be fine, right? WRONG. Akane is dying. Ranma has already killed a god for her. Now will he make a deal with a devil named Beryl to save her?
   Rakhal Summary: Akane is dying in the aftermath of the battle at Jusendo, and Ranma feels himself die with her. But there may be hope. Beryl, the Queen of the Dark Kingdom intercedes and gives Ranma the chance to save Akane...if he'll serve her. And Ranma really has no choice but to agree.
Review: Unfortunately this story is so short and uncontinued that it's hard to get a good idea of the story quality.  The writing is pretty good, not great, and the idea is intriguing.  Unfortunately, NidoKing already is doing the idea better with A General Time Paradox.  Mr. Slacker admits he does not know the Sailor Moon series and asks for help - I'm assuming he didn't get anything good.  Don't bother unless you want to continue the story (if you can get in touch with the author).
Rating: 3 out of 10 - Skip it.

Forgotten Time
By Jon McCready (Skthrt@aol.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://chilord.anifics.com%20-%20frequently[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]%20[size=9px]Continuation%20(Discontinued)[/size][i]Alternate%20Fic%20Location:[/i]%20[size=9px][url]http://www.ranmafics.com/Forgotten_Time/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Setsuna Decides Temporal Obstacles Are For Killing, Ryouga Has A Ranma Epiphany, Ranma Is Related To Happosai
Summary: When Ryouga happens to detonate a rampaging ancient stone golem awakened after excavation, this casual, everyday destruction leads to events he couldn't begin to predict.  For starters, Sailor Pluto doesn't care for the blemish on her precious timeline, and decides a good old fashioned killing is in order.  Ryouga begins to have visions, and remember his old pal "Makato" - who was very close friends (if you know what I mean) with Ranma back in the day.  A few choice revelations lead to some Big Ranma Life Changes before Ranma and Ryouga bump into Pluto...
   Author Summary: The battle with Saffron has come and past, the wedding failed, and life in Nerima is back to normal. Or is it? Ranma and Ryouga look back on better times, times before they were caught up in the madness of Nerima, before they had felt the touch of Jusenkyo. They look back onto the good times, and the girl they shared it with. Reflections of the past reveal forgotten truths, and new meanings. All these experiences cause dramatic changes in each. But these changes are nothing compared those that are to come as an ancient threat draws them into the battle of their lives, a battle already fought, and now begun again. Warriors of the past, reborn to new lives battle along side comrades who died and lived again, and find what they have long sought.
   Rakhal Summary: Pluto is watching the Senshi fight a golem when a strange boy wanders into the path of the golem. She's unable to trace his path in the timeline and when he destroys the stone golem with one blow she knows he's too dangerous to live! This is Ryoga, and he and Ranma are not what they seem. Like the Senshi, they too have had lives in the past and now it's time for them to awaken again. A new evil from the far past is stirring and they'll need all their power to fight it.
   Tannim Summary: Two warriors from the Nerima Wrecking Crew are awakening to their memories and powers from the Silver Millennium. Neither is a sailor scout, yet they were the highest warriors of Serenity's court. At the same time Ranma and Ryouga remember back to better times when they first met, and the girl they shared them with. Both the Sailor Senshi and the Nerima Wrecking Crew find their lives changed drastically as an ancient enemy returns from the "Forgotten Time".
Review: The story isn't too bad; on the down side, it's filled somewhat too much with expository paragraphs and uses contrived (sometimes to the point of ridiculous) explanations and copouts.  The author needs to run spellcheck a few more times, and needs to check his spelling of Japanese names (Nodoko, Makato).  The story tends to alternate between flowing and occasionally stilted sentences.  On the plus side, the story is interesting, and the setup isn't bad.  The blantant Tenchi cameo seems unnecessary, though.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Not that bad, but not great either.


To be continued...

[Jeram]

(Part 2 edited for errors on Dec 3rd)

Furies
By Allyn Yonge (ayonge@yahoo.com, samr@my-dejanews.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/ayongedarling/ - Reasonably Type: Adventure (Finished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Furies/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Super Akane
Summary: In the Silver Millenium, a powerful weapon is created, in the form of a young girl, but never gets the chance to be utilized.  When the Senshi are overpowered in a battle that threatens to exterminate them, Luna somehow manages to call the Blood Guard to save them.  But surprise, surprise it turns out that Akane is the reincarnation of the weapon.  But can Pluto convince Serenity to stop biting her suggestively to demonstrate metaphors? And how will Ranma deal with this now clearly crazy overpowered fiancee of his?
   Author Summary: The senshi are in trouble. In dire need, Sailor Moon sends out the call for the Blood Guard, and a mysterious figure responds. Turns out to be Akane, who is the reincarnation of a megaweapon called Weapon 4 from the Silver Millennium.
   Tannim Summary: A living weapon, made against the express wishes of Queen Serenity, from the Silver Millennium is reincarnated. The designers of the weapon strive to get it back. The results of this battle pit Inner Senshi vs Outer Senshi, Inner and Outer Senshi vs. space aliens, Ranma vs. Senshi, and Ranma vs. Armageddon.
Review: A long, long, pretty well written story.  On the plus side, characterizations are interesting, ambience and imagery are well utilized, and the drama is very well paced.  There are a few problems, including odd spellings of Senshi names (Sailoruranus, Sailormoon, Sailormercury, etc).  Because of the length, the dialogue can be stilted and OOC at times, and too much time is spent on the backstory, and the minor characters and military actions take center stage far too often.  If the story was a little tighter, it'd be quite a lot better - as it is now, it is a long and occasionally difficult story to read.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Above average but not an easy read.

Going At It Like Rabbits
By Benjamin A Oliver
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://rakhal.com/florestica/ben-oliver/index.html - Reasonably Type: Comedy (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location:
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: So Ranma and Genma show up, but their curses are a bit... different.  And the Tendo daughters? Slightly different from how you may remember.  So instead of what we know, meet Setsuna Tendo (the mysterious one), Haruka Tendo (the tomboyish mechanic), and Rei Tendo (the tomboyish martial artist).  And naturally, Ranma had fallen into the Spring of Drowned Moon Princess (a not quite so tragic story about a Moon Kingdom prank) and Genma had fallen into the Spring of Almost Drowned Annoyingly Cute, Time Traveling Princess From the Future (very tragic story where annoying girl not drown in spring).  And now apparently all THREE girls are supposed to marry Ranma.  And what about those odd dreams Ranma's been having?  As one would imagine, wacky hikinks ensue.
   Author Summary:
   Rakhal Summary:
   Tannim Summary:
Review: Well, one of those intentionally bizarre and comic (read slapstick) stories, so critiquing the plot as difficult to follow or overly meandering is slightly irrelevant.  On the other hand, this is a very original idea, and characterizations (as much as they can be) are quite good.  The humor is pretty good (not great), and the flow is well done, turning into a fast read.  The later chapters aren't quite as good, but in general the story is pretty fun.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - A quirky and comedic story - if you like those kind of stories, you'll probably like this one.

Half Moon
By Scott K. Jamison (majks@cyberx.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: - Frequently Type: Comedy (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location:
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Here's Ranma! And he's engaged to the youngest Tendo daughter - but this time it's Usagi Tendo, a clutzy crybaby with a heart of gold.  How will Ranma react to a girl who cries instead of hitting or insulting him back? And how will a Sailor Moon trained in fighting by Ranma and speeches by Kuno differ from the norm? Ranma jealous of Kuno? And how will he react when he finally meets Luna (hint: not well)?
   Author Summary: What if Ranma were engaged to Sailor Moon?
   Rakhal Summary: Ranma is coming to meet the Tendos. But here, the three sisters are Kasumi, Nabiki and Usagi! Who is a complete klutz at martial arts, but still gets engaged to Ranma. Things get worse when a talking cat moves in and gives Usagi a brooch...
Review: This is pretty fun story, not an amazing work of fiction, but a good read.  The characterizations are quite good (the Ranma and Usagi interactions are especially believable), and the action scenes are reasonably well written.  The dramatic tension and mystery built up is well done and not very predictable.  A few scenes could definitely be tightened up but in general the fusion elements between the two series are quite good.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Recommended for a fun, if not deep, read.

Heart of Fire, Heart of Darkness
By Aaron Nowack (anowack@tulane.edu)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/22251/ - Occasionally Type: Adventure (Abandoned)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: As the Sailor Senshi continue their battles against a seemingly endless stream of youma, Jadeite accidentally discovers something odd about a young pig-tailed martial artist.  Ranma has been having odd dreams, and the people of Phoenix Mountain are searching for something...
   Author Summary: A Ranma/SM crossover, hoping to avoid the cliches of that genre. No Sailor Ranma. No Tuxedo Ranma.  An attempt at a non-cliche Ranma/SM crossover that doesn't really succeed.
Review: You have to appreciate that the author tried to do something different, but recognized that it wasn't working out.  In all honesty, the story wasn't that bad, and the writing itself was fine.  The story was okay, nothing too original, just a slightly different mix of the same characters.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Adequate but abandoned.  Written okay but not very original.

Honor And Love
By Kevin D. Hammel (khammel@mail.anime.sobhrach.com, kevinsff@pacbell.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~khammel/ - Reasonably Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: //[size=9px]http://www.fanfiction.net/u/288468/[/size]
   Alternate Fic Location: //[size=9px]http://www.ranmafics.com/Honor_and_Love/index.html[/size]
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Dead Genma, Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban, Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: After an eerie plot twist, Genma drowns at Jusenkyo, and Ranma sadly returns to his mother's home in Juuban.  To help him accept the curse, Nodoka insists Ranma attend school as a girl with the name of Kikuko.  And that's when he meets Makoto.  But is Ranma a new Senshi? What about the other moons?
   Author Summary: What if only Ranma came back from Jusenkyo...  And Nodoka Lived in Juuban?
   Rakhal Summary: Ranma arrives at his mothers house in Juuban. His father was killed at Jusenkyo and both of them grieve. But Nodoka is worried that Ranma thinks that girls are weak, and makes him attend school as a girl so that he can better understand them. Besides, it's easier to avoid hot water than cold. While at school, Kikuko (as Ranma is known in girl form) is befriended by Makoto, until an accident in the showers reveals his curse. More than that is revealed though, it seems that Ranma is to be the new Sailor Io, the first of a new bunch of Senshi that are being called to combat a new menace. The Tendo sisters are also called, as are others. Can they cope with the menace that approaches. Can Ranma cope with the changes in his/her life?
   Tannim Summary: When Genma dies shortly after they visit Jusenkyou, Ranma goes to live with his mother in Juuban. Going to school in his cursed form as Saotome Kikuko, she meets and falls in love with one Kino Makoto!!
Review: The story is pretty good one, with reasonably well-written plotlines.  Even so, Ranma seems a bit too willing to jump into the "Ranma's sister" role, even considering his tragedy and desire to help his mother.  Punctuation and grammatic style can be off-putting and distracting at times (the style is non-standard).  At some points, Ranma seems oddly matter-of-fact about his father's death.  The plot itself is not exactly an original one, but the writing itself is good enough to make a pretty good read.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - A diverting story, slightly above average.

Honor, Duty, Pain - The Saotome/Senshi Series
By Ian Tharp (shi_shi_ian@my-deja.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.angelfire.com/anime2/agss/ - Rarely Type:Divergence (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/37093/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Opens Up with Life Story after Just Meeting Someone, Rei Has "Coincidental" Visions, Unnecessary Japanese
Summary: Ranma has a puzzling dream about fighting in space with a girl that seems oddly familiar, and he ponders it, causing unexpected quietness from him during the day.  Of course, this leads to an accident; Akane discovers that Ryouga is P-chan.  Because of her anger at Ranma (for not telling her), Nodoka decides Ranma should leave town for a little while.  She arranges her son to move in with an old friend - Chiba Mamoru, who will hopefully help Ranma to have a more positive male influence.
   Author Summary: Ranma, by means of Nodoka, transfers to Juuban to live with someone not as corrupt as Genma, who will teach him how to be a proper man... maybe.  Ranma, must balance, Honor, and Duty, Life and Death in new battles and encounters. While trying to discern just it means to be an adult.
Review: A pretty mediocre story; on the plus side, the action scenes are written far better than the dramatic scenes, which are very clipped and stunted.  The mix of Japanese is irritating at times.  It's a bit odd how fast Ranma just up and moves away, but I suppose it can happen.  The story is in bad need of proof reading (he confuses the Sailors characterizations occasionally).  The dialogue is not very believable and seems pulled right out of Expositions R Us.  If there was more on the "good" action, and less badly written dialogue, the story would be greatly improved.
Rating: 3 out of 10 - Don't bother.

The Jerry Springer Show (or "Cross-dressing Hermaphrodites and the Men and Women who Love Them")
By Jim Lazar (jim@animeprime.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.animeprime.com - Reasonably Type: One-Shot (Finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Jerry has a great idea for a new show on freaks - aquatransexuals and hermaphrodites! I hear Japan has some interesting people who could come.  And perhaps some surprises are in store as well.
   Rakhal Summary: This time on Jerry Springer: Hermaphrodites and the Men and Women who Love Them And we have on the show tonight: Ranma Saotome with his lovers Akane, Tatewaki Kuno and Kodachi Kuno, Malachite and Zoicite and Oscar with the Senshi.
Review: Well, first of all, this story is ridiculous.  Second, it's hilarious! It's short, and it gets the job done.  It's not exactly a crossover in the normal sense, but Jerry Springer would probably get ratings with the ridiculous nonsense Ranma and gang are forced to put up with.  And for a one-shot, it's surprisingly well-written.
Rating: 8 out of 10 - Funny and short - how can you lose?

Knights of Moonlight and Dreams
By The DragonBard (dragonbard@my-dejanews.com, dragonbard@hotmail.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://members.fortunecity.com/ranmas/fanfics.html - Reasonably Type: Divergence (Discontinued)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/454273/
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Knights_of_Moonlight/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ridiculous Phone Exposition, Blue-Haired Cousins (Ami and Akane Are Related)
Summary: Well, it's the summer, and as we all know, Japanese students have no class then...  Right, so anyway, Ami's serious doctor mother has decided to call her cousin's widower - a Mr. Soun Tendo.  Apparently wee little Ami Mizuno needs some athletic activities to balance out all the work of huge brain.  Of course, Ami was interested in martial arts for quite a different reason...  But how will the other Scouts react to Ami's training stories?
   Rakhal Summary: Akane's cousin Ami Mizuno is coming over to the Tendo Dojo to learn a little martial arts. While there, she's taught by 'Ranko', at least until Happosai attacks. When Ranko fires a ki-blast at Happosai, the interest of the Senshi is piqued...
   Tannim Summary: Caught practicing her martial arts Mizuno Ami is sent to her cousin's family dojo for training. There she witnesses the awe inspiring might that is .... Happosai??!!
Review: The story is actually somewhat original - the idea of just Ami learning martial arts is an interesting one.  The actual writing isn't bad, and paints an intriguing picture.  However, there are a few serious formatting issues; the scene changes and transitions are awkardly placed and stilted. The author needs to look into a little something called "paragraphs" - several pages of text have only one or two paragraphs apiece, making reading the story difficult and cumbersome.
Rating: 4 out of 10 - Better formatting would help - the story is discontinued, so don't bother.

Messed Up!
By Ian Jacobs(Hawk) (hawk49er@attbi.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/furikuri83/index.html - Often Type: Humor (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://nighthawk.anifics.com/hosted/hawk.htm
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/113955/
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Messed_Up/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: So There Goes Ranma, a'skipping to school, when a casual remark about Akane's temper and how it relates to monthly "issues" sends Ranma knocked out and waking up in quite a different reality.  Why, here he's a good old fashioned nerd, with oversized glasses, pocket protector, and all.  And the Sailor Senshi are real and go to school with him? AND "RANKO" is one of them? And what's this I hear about Akane and Kuno bullying Nerd Ranma? The nerve! Well, it looks like Ranma needs to make a few changes around here - that is, if things go as planned...
   Rakhal Summary: A mallet to the head in response to a comment of his results in Ranma waking up in a work where he's the school nerd, complete with pocket protectors! Here, Akane and Kuno bully him, extracting his lunch money each day. And Ranko, Akane's cousin, is a Sailor Senshi! Something needs to be done, Ranma can't go around being the school weakling...
   Tannim Summary: What would you do if your world was turned upside down? Where you're the complete opposite of what you were. Where people who never existed. . .existed! Where friends you knew and enemies you had, all became your enemy for a completely different reason than before. What would you do if the people you knew changed for the weirder? Well, lets find out what Ranma would do, shall we?
Review: Messed up is a good name for this story... but on the other hand, it's a pretty dang fun to read, contrivances and all.  Yes, the grammar and spelling are not that great, and mistakes abound.  It also has a bit more profanity than I'd personally like in such a silly story.  Some good proofreading would improve the story tenfold.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Fun, but needs to be proofread.

Moon Martial Marital Melee (Bet-fic)
By By  Video Game Addicted Person (vg_ap@hotmail.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://members.fortunecity.com/spazza/ - Dead Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Ranma is Usagi Tsukino's big brother - it turns out that Genma never married Nodoka, but someone named Atsuko... who happened to be the close friend of Usagi's mother.  The two adoptive siblings are close, but will things change once Usagi meets an odd cat with a cresent moon birthmark? And when Genma tracks down his son, can an engagement be far behind?
   Rakhal Summary: When Genma is about to break up with Atsuko (to go out with Nodoka), Atsuko 'persuades' him to change his mind. When Genma tries to take Ranma on that training trip, Atsuko runs away with Ranma. Unfortunately shortly after that she gets into a car accident, killing her and the Chiba family in the other car. Ranma is taken in by the Tsukino family, friends of Atsuko, and brought up as Usagi's sister...
Review: Pretty good - a real sense for the emotional roller coasters the characters are going through.  Characterizations are spot on, and the concept is quite original (with a few interesting plot twists).  Occasional misspellings and style mistakes could break up the reading, but in general the flow is pretty good.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Recommended.

Moonlight Kitty (changed to Moonlight Neko)
By Targhan (targhan_aga@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/targhan_aga/ - Reasonably Type: Drama (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://anime.fandorium.com/
   Alternate Fic Location: http://tannim.anifics.com/Moonlight_Kitty
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/210593/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: So the scouts bump into Ranma while he's in full Neko-ken state.  Of course, the feline martial artist has just finished off a bird-like youma, so you can imagine the mess.  But luckily, it turns out that Rei's grandmother is the one who helped out Ranma the first time, so Rei knows exactly what to do.  But it turns out that Genma may have made yet another engagement...
   Author Summary: >Neko-Ranma has spotted lunch! Entree ala Negaverse. Grossed out Senshi, and who's seen the neko-ken before? Rating for gore.
   Tannim Summary: One of the Senshi knew Ranma because her grandmother was the little old lady that took care of neko-ranma for a few days as a child. Ranma ends up in Juuban during an incident with the neko-ken (this would happen before the Gosunkugi story in the canon). Neko-Ranma discovers a new delicacy.. Youma!
Review: The story is written in a bit of a pedantic, condescending, almost childlike tone at times.  Characterizations are often cliched, especially the Senshi.  It's an amusing little tale, but it honestly reads as real "newbie fanfic", and it needs work to get better.  The concept is original enough (although the idea of adding fiancees is not), so revising would help.
Rating: 4 out of 10 - Wait for the rewrite (if it ever happens).


To be continued...

[Jeram]

AND NOW....

After insane months of work, I BRING YOU THE THIRD AND FINAL PART OF THIS EPISODE OF JERAM'S RIDICULOUS RAAC REVIEWS!

[Jeram]

Natsumi, The Magical Girl
By Richard Beaubien (beaubird@anime.sobhrach.com) and Mike Koos (makoto@cal.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~beaubird/ - Reasonably Type: Fusion/Adventure (Mostly Finished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfic.net/~beaubird
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/10431/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: It was always young Kasumi Tendo's dream to become a magical girl, but it's not like her mom left her a magic brooch or anything, right? So anyway, a mysterious but influential company called "BFC" (Because it's Clearly run by Youma... wait, that doesn't quite fit) comes to town to hold an audition for young martial artists.  Nothing sounds fishy so far, right? But Kasumi has a funny feeling about this...  Oh my! Is Kasumi truly a magical girl now? (Hint: Yes) So now Kasumi is taking names and kicking behind as "Natsumi, the Magical Girl".  Nabiki realizes this golden opportunity and leaps to grab the exlusive marketing rights.  Can Kasumi handle being the hero? Can BFC ever be stopped? Will Kasumi ever let Nabiki sell her transformation video to the ecchi market?
   Author Summary: Magical girl mayhem invades Ranma 1/2 in my homage to Sailor Ranma, Sailor Moon and other Magical Girl shows. The BFC comes to town looking for a few good martial artists to join their company and help them take over the world. Of course you know who they'll probably want....But their plans are stopped by the most unlikely of hero's, Kasumi the newest magical girl. Can Kasumi save Ranma and company from the BFC, and can anyone save Kasumi from Nabiki's mass marketing schemes?
   Tannim Summary: >Before Mrs Tendo died, she arranged for a package to be delivered to her daughters when they came of age. One day the package arrives, containing, amongst other things, a brooch for Kasumi. A very special brooch, this one lets Kasumi transform into Natsumi, the Magical Girl. Can Kasumi defend Ranma, Akane and others from the evil machinations of the BFC corp (run by Youma). Can Kasumi survive the marketing plans of Nabiki?
Review: This story really isn't quite a crossover or fusion with Sailor Moon - it's more like inspired by the series and magical girls in general. The side scenes and story bits can get to be pretty tiresome.  The story is technically well written, with reasonably evocative prose and descriptive scenes.  The storylines themselves tend to get a bit long-winded at times (it is a VERY long story), but are for the most part fairly original.  The story also takes itself a bit too seriously sometimes.  The secondary (read: original) characters are kind of a mix between interesting and quite boring; there are too many scenes dealing with minor charaters.  Characterization is all right; Nabiki particularly seems though to be a caricature of herself.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - A reasonably good read - but can take a while to get through.

Nibun No Senshi
By The Eternal Lost Lurker (lurkerdrome@megami.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.lurkerdrome.com/ - Rarely Type: Drama (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location:
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Unnecessary Japanese, Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout, Ranma "Amazingly" Losing Fear of Cats
Summary: After the Black Moon is defeated, a new powerful monster shows up, and the Senshi seem unable to fight it off.  After a one-sided battles, Usagi gets gravely injured, and the Ginzuishou is missing.  But when Ranma and Ryouga run over to take on the monster, Ranma finds the crystal and gets an interesting vision from Serenity's spirit.  Apparently she wants a temporary replacement for Sailor Moon while Usagi recuperates... but if the Senshi powers are relative to one's natural abilities, how powerful will this new "Shin Sailor Moon" be?
   Rakhal Summary: The Sailor Senshi are fighting a large ugly monster when things go horribly wrong. They are beaten, and Sailor Moon is critically injured. The monster goes on a rampage. Ranma and Ryoga head off to see if they can deal with the critter. On the way there, Ranma finds a strange brooch, and during the fight, the ghostly apparition of Princess Serenity appears to Ranma. She's out of action for a while, and she asks Ranma to be a stand-in Sailor Moon until she recovers...
Review: The story is slightly original (but not that much), and the plot is fairly straightforward.  Characters often speak in an exaggerated, matter-of-fact way, often out-of-character.  The writing, while technically mistake-free, often relies too heavily on extensive description and clipped dialogue.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Completely average.

Origins
By Richard Robinson (rik@cfanet.com)
Type: One-Shot
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Due to an odd coincidence, a six-dimensional sphere appears above China and spits out "Senchi", each set from different alternate futures, and are greeted by another six-dimensional sphere spitting out dozens of versions of Metallia.  The cataclysmic battle that followed was intense, but eventually all the evil beings were destroyed.  The resulting carnage and destroyed landscape led to the formation of the Joketsuzoku and the Musk.  Naturally, Jusenkyo also ended up being created as a result of the magic being thrown around.
   Rakhal Summary: When the moon kingdom fell, a mighty battle raged on earth between senshi from dozens of reality, and Metallias. also from dozens of realities. This battle occurred at a place called Jusenkyo.
Review: This is not really a story; it reads more like a history book.  In addition, grammar and spelling mistakes abound quite frequently throughout.  The idea of explaining the origins of Jusenkyo isn't such a bad idea, but this "story" is more like a footnote, than a fic.
Rating: 2 out of 10 - Don't bother

Otaku Reflected
By Jared Ornstead (Skysaber) (jared@netuser.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.asynjor.com/fanfic/ornstead.html%20-%20Abysmally[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]%20[size=9px]Adventure%20(Unfinished)[/size][i]Ranma%20Fanfic%20Cliches:[/i]%20[size=9px][/size][i]Summary:[/i]%20[size=9px]Jared%20Ornstead,%20a%20perfectly%20ordinary%20(albeit%20weird)%20young%20man%20finds%20himself%20careening%20to%20a%20new%20universe%20as%20the%20result%20of%20a%20careless%20wish%20and%20irresponsible%20fairies.%20%20But%20in%20this%20new%20world,%20he%20is%20apparently%20the%20fictional%20star%20of%20the%20mega-popular%20series%20"Skysaber",%20about%20a%20guy-turned-super-spy.%20%20Oh,%20and%20in%20this%20world,%20Ranma%20and%20gang%20are%20real,%20as%20well%20as%20the%20Senshi,%20but%20they%20all%20know%20of%20"Jared"%20as%20just%20a%20cartoon%20character.%20%20However,%20Jared's%20insertion%20is%20causing%20problems%20in%20the%20fabric%20of%20reality,%20so%20Sailor%20Pluto%20must%20help%20train%20a%20potential%20"heroine"%20to%20pair%20with%20or%20possibly%20against%20Jared.%20%20And%20odd%20problems%20are%20just%20BOUND%20to%20arise%20out%20of%20nowhere.[/size][i]Background/History:[/i]%20[size=9px]Some%20people%20hate%20Skysaber.%20%20Some%20people%20love%20him.%20%20Now,%20the%20important%20thing%20to%20keep%20in%20mind%20here%20is%20that%20I%20am%20only%20reviewing%20what%20is%20actually%20posted%20to%20the%20RAAC,%20which%20is%20basically%20the%20first%20two%20chapters%20of%20three%20chapters%20ever%20released%20for%20this%20"arc".%20%20Skysaber%20ended%20up%20releasing%20several%20"Otaku%20Reflected"%20arcs,%20each%20chronologically%20disparate%20but%20containing%20their%20own%20timelines.%20%20These%20include:%20Bubblegum%20Boy%20(crossover%20with%20BGC),%20Arc%20One%20(quasi-SM%20crossover),%20Arc%20Three:%20Eva%20Revolution%20(NGE/Slayers/Tenchi%20crossover),%20Arc%20Four:%20Skysaber's%20Choice%20(SM%20crossover).[/size][i]Review:[/i]%20[size=9px]This%20story%20is%20actually%20pretty%20fun,%20as%20Jared%20is%20placed%20in%20an%20environment%20that%20would%20throw%20off%20anyone.%20%20His%20attempts%20to%20cope,%20although%20sometimes%20seeming%20too%20easy,%20are%20fraught%20with%20just%20the%20right%20amount%20of%20peril.%20%20And%20the%20author%20does%20know%20his%20anime,%20which%20does%20reflect%20in%20the%20character.%20%20Sometimes%20in%20Skysaber's%20works,%20Jared%20becomes%20too%20powerful%20and%20irresistible%20to%20women,%20but%20this%20isn't%20that%20much%20of%20a%20problem%20here.[/size][i]Rating:[/i]%20[size=9px]8%20out%20of%2010%20-%20Recommended%20for%20a%20fun%20read%20-%20Skysaber%20is%20the%20one%20of%20the%20few%20who%20can%20somewhat%20consistently%20write%20self-insertion%20fics%20well.[/size][url=http://www.cs.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/ftp/pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Ranma/type/ranma.sm.paragon.gz]Paragon
By Robert Haynie (Kenjiko2@knology.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.knology.net/~kenjiko2/ - Reasonably Type: Adventure (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location:
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Newly Introduced Characters Solving Ranma's Problems
Summary: Ranma is not quite happy about his life, what with all the goings on and all.  So imagine his surprise when a kid shows up and looks inside his soul.  The boy offers Ranma a chance to control his curse, but by doing so he must help save the world by accepting a cute rabbit sidekick and becoming... the Paragon.  So short skirts aside, can Ranma really accept this new calling? With a new enemy causing trouble, it looks like the Senshi and the Paragon have their hands full.
   Author Summary: Ranma is brooding about his curse when a 6 year old boy turns up and offers him a way to control his curse! Well, chances like that don't turn up every day, even if he does have to promise to save the world. Of course there's a catch. This saving the world stuff involves turning into a magical girl! And not just any one, one in a unique costume. There's a talking rabbit involved as well. Just wait until Juuban gets a load of the Paragon.
Review: A very fun read.  The story is written very tongue-in-cheek, with comments interspersed in such a way to be not too annoying.  The dialogue is actually enjoyable to read, and the descriptions are concise and clear.  The idea of super-powering Ranma is hardly a new one, but this story is reasonably original.  There are definitely some honestly laugh-out-loud moments as well.
Rating: 8 out of 10 - Read and enjoy.

Pink Sugar and Spice
By Joe Fenton (jlfenton65@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/jlfenton65/ - Reasonably Type: One-Shot (Finished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/83527/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: So in Crystal Tokyo, Chibi-Usa is getting a bit pudgy, so Neo-Queen Serenity decides that her daughter needs to be trained.  She informs Pluto that they will proceed back in time to find the teacher of the greatest martial artist they knew, an old warrior living on the outskirts of Crystal Tokyo.  So when Genma trains Chibi-Usa alongside Ranma, what zany mishaps will they run into?
   Author Summary: Chibi-Usa needs training, and who better than the one who trained the great Ranma Saotome!Okay, this one was another challenge from Benjamin Oliver - write a quick-fic where Chibi-Usa is forced to train with Genma.
Review: It's a short, fun little story, with reasonable characterization, but some odd plot holes, especially for such a short fic.  However, it is a truly original idea, and certainly piques the interest of the reader.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Cute.

Prince of Time
By Ken Payne (kpjam@worldnet.att.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://kpjam.anifics.com/%20-%20Frequently[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]%20[size=9px]Adventure%20(Unfinished)[/size][i]Alternate%20Fic%20Location:[/i]%20[size=9px][url]http://www.ranmafics.com/Prince_Time/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Ranma manages to defeat Saffron, but at great cost: Akane is killed in the battle.  Suddently, a mysterious voice speaks to him about his ancient birthright to change time.  But how will Setsuna react when she discovers her long dead brother has returned and destroyed the future of Crystal Tokyo? And will Ranma recover his memories of an ancient life before it's too late, and will he like the man he once was?
   Rakhal Summary: The fight with Saffron is over, but Akane has died. If only Ranma were able to go back through time and change the past. A voice in his head tells him that he can do just that. He has the power within him, he just has to use it. Ranma is the reincarnation of Meioosei, Setsuna's brother in the Silver Millenium, and now his past life is coming to find him...
   Tannim Summary: Here Ranma is not a Sailor Senshi, and is not a reincarnated ally from the Silver Millennium. He is however a reincarnated warrior, but while he remembers nothing his enemies remember everything.....
Review: A very well written story, complete with suspense and bits of Ranma flair.  Aside from a few odd turns of phrase (What is a "silent beep"? And what is the "admirable quality that she admired"?), the writing is well-paced and flows naturally. The story has probably one of the better original characters I've seen in these crossover fics.  The scenes with romantic tension are also excellently written.
Rating: 8 out of 10 - Recommended

Princess of the Moon
By Cory D. Rose (ertle2@email.msn.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://shi_hanna.tripod.com/%20-%20Occasionally[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]%20[size=9px]Alternate%20(Unfinished)[/size][i]Alternate%20Fic%20Location:[/i]%20[size=9px][url]http://www.ranmafics.com/Princess_Moon/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout, Ranma "Amazingly" Losing Fear of Cats
Summary: A slight change sends Ranma into quite a different spring - this one is permanent.  But Ranma isn't just a girl now, he begins to get odd bits of knowledge at times, and a terrible sense of balance.  Disgusted, Ranma decides to leave her panda-father behind and retrain her now unbalanced body.  But when she runs into Luna, she runs away screaming, leaving Luna shellshocked.  Apparently Luna believes this red-haired girl is the reincarnated Princess the Senshi have been searching for.
   Rakhal Summary: Ranma has been thrown into a spring when training at Jusenkyo. But unlike Genma's curse, his is not reversible. He's a girl for good now. And not just any one, she's got a few new powers, and now she's the Princess of the Moon, as Luna spots with shock when Ranma returns to Japan! Wonder how the other senshi are going to react to that. Ranma certainly doesn't like the idea too much!
Review: Interesting writing, but with frequent spelling and grammar mistakes which break up the flow.  Additionally, the writing can be a bit crude at times.  The spelling is actually quite horrendous (I nearly screamed when I saw "Nibiki" and two different spellings of Beryl in as many paragraphs).  There are too many plot contrivances (especially the convenient bisexuality).  However, the story does have one of the better reasonings for the prevalence of martial artists in Nerima.  There may be a plagiarizing problem; I have to look into it (I think it may just be the author reusing material from another story he wrote).
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Interesting, but forgettable and flawed

Ranma's Day of Destiny
By Patrick Ho and Noel Bernabe (nbern96308@aol.com)
Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: After the cataclysmic battle with the Senshi, Beryl has survived, although injured.  Now she stands unopposed to take over the world! Unless, of course, Cologne can find the missing Crystal and find five girls who can work together.  But where EVER could she find some?
   Rakhal Summary: Queen Beryl killed the Sailor Senshi, but was severely weakened herself. Now, she is trying again to take over the earth, and new heros are needed Cologne has heard of the Silver Millenium Crystal (the Ginzoushou), but it's hidden on the Kuno Estate. Where are we going to find 5 girls to work as a team?
Review: Ick, a few mistakes like "glop" and cliches like "mafia Nabiki".  On the other hand, essentially error-free for the most part, and a somewhat original concept.  The authors indicate that the story is really supposed to be a Ranma fic - but unfortunately, it ends up being a cliched Ranma fic.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Bland

Remembered
By Eric Oh (Jjang13977@aol.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.ranmafics.com/Remembered/index.html - Reasonably Type: Adventure (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Surprisingly Wise Ranma, Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban
Summary: So Ranma is sparring with his father and Ryouga, and finds their efforts laughably easy.  When Ranma blocks Ryouga's Shi Shi Hokudan with no apparent damage, the power surge is felt in the distance by Setsuna.  But after Akane knocks out Ranma, something odd starts to happen and Ranma start remembering a past he never knew existed...  Soon he is visiting the dreamscapes of his past with the help from "Ranko", the oddly wise version of his girl side.
   Tannim Summary: Strange things are happening to Ranma... well stranger than usual. He beat Ryouga and his father with such ease it made them look like they were only black belts in Kung Fu! Finally after getting knock unconscious for longer than normal by his high tempered fiancée, something or rather someone is remembered.
Review: Awkward narration and invalid/mixed tenses used frequently.  With truly unfortunate spelling at times ("Ryouga lunched at Ranma"...) and blatant mistakes (often fogetting the key word "not"), the story badly needs prereading.  Additionally, the characterizations are straight out of Fanon 101 (Akane The Regretful Violent Maniac, Pluto the Mysterious, etc), with exaggerations a-plenty (everyone seems to "radiate power").  On the plus side, I do like Ranma/Setsuna matchups, however ridiculously contrived.  The good news is that the story improves in terms in both style and story as the chapters progress, but it takes an awful lot of painful writing to get there.
Rating: 4 out of 10 - Forgettable

Sailor Ranmoon
By CarrotGlace (carrotglace@juno.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/17205/ - Reasonably Type: Fusion/Adventure (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout
Summary: So Happosai runs across this ancient evil, awakening by pure chance, while Luna discovers that Ranma may be the chosen warrior - the Moon Princess.  But how will she communicate with an ailurophobe? Perhaps some "encouragement" would help...  And who could the other scouts be? And just who is the mysterious Tuxedo Mousse?
   Author Summary: Ranma must face the might of the Dark Kingdom after Happosai awakens them. But why does she have to wear a fuku!?
Review: A fun, silly romp, with just the right mix of cliche and chaos to keep things interesting.  Naturally, the characterizations are ridiculous and dialogue is meaningless, but the right "feeling" is there.  Not Carrot's best work by any means, nor is it (as he asserts in the foreword) the "funniest he ever wrote", but it's a good read.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Good for a diverting read.

Easy is Not the Way of the Jedi
By Gary E/Mechamorph (garyee@mbox4.singnet.com.sg)
Type: One-Shot (Finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Whenever the Jedis have a "special" candidate for training, they always call on the unconventional, but talented Jedi trainer Ranko Saotome.  Yes, the special cases Ranko trains seem dangerous, but the Council certainly doesn't mean Ranko any harm, right? So who's the new Jedi-to-be? Why it's none other than a young Usagi! Sounds like she'll be just perfect.
Review: This is not exactly a "cross-over", more like a very odd fusion...  but actually one that raises some interesting thoughts: what if Ranko and Usagi lived in the Star Wars universe as Jedis? The story is quite silly, but a fun read.  I'd honestly like to see more on this concept.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - A fun read

Strange Days
By Cory D. Rose (ertle2@email.msn.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://shi_hanna.tripod.com/%20-%20Occasionally[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]%20[size=9px]%20(Finished)[/size][i]Alternate%20Fic%20Location:[/i]%20[size=9px][url]http://www.ranmafics.com/Strange_Days/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Rei Has "Coincidental" Visions, Initial Misunderstanding
Summary: So "Amy" is a nearly invulnerable guardian of time and space, but has somehow been captured by the insidious demon Seifreid.  So Amy is being horrifically tortured, her very being scorched away by the abuse, but meanwhile...  Ranma is finally learning Genma's Ultimate techniques, training with his old man in the mountains.  The two battle with enormous outputs of energy, destroying the nearby environment, when an enormous lightning bolt interrupts their training.  Somehow, a mysterious energy hits Pluto and drains her of her powers, while Ranma (soon accompanied by Cologne and Shampoo) discovers a young unconscious beautiful naked girl brimming with "power and experience", so they tend to her wounds.  Of course it turns out that Amy has heard of Ranma and Company - where she's from, it's a popular anime series...
   Rakhal Summary: Amy is a guardian of the dimensions, sent to fight evil wherever it may appear. Captured by a demon she is thrown into the void and finally manages to escape onto another world. Ranma is training with Genma in new techniques. And he knows an extremely powerful and dangerous one. A massive bolt of lightning ends the training though, and heralds the arrival of Amy, battered and broken, but still alive. How will she fit in a Ranma world? She knows of them but has never been to one. One thing is for certain though, keeping her hands of onna-Ranma is going to be hard! And what of Sailor Pluto, who has been hit hard by the dimensional warping caused by Amy's arrival...
   Tannim Summary: The introduction of a millennia old guardian and the enemies who brought her down have Ranma & the Sailor Senshi reeling from the chaotic upheaval. The guardian must find a way to defeat an enemy that easily beat her, before her very presence dooms this dimension. She's also attempting to fight off the insidious effects of Ranma's innate charm!
Review: The style can be a bit halting at times, and tenses often get mixed up; and a bit o'spellcheck wouldn't hurt neither.  There are some ridiculous contrivances (the "Sexual Martial Arts?"), and Amy is quite an annoying character with her blatant lust at all attractive characters within sight and incredible insight into all she beholds  There is also a ridiculous anti-Akane theme throughout.  It is also way too long.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Nah.

Teen Street Fighters
By Adam Wright (KidAnime@ComPorts.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/7229%20-%20Dead[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]%20[size=9px]Adventure%20(Unfinished)[/size][i]Alternate%20Fic%20Location:[/i]%20[size=9px][/size][i]Ranma%20Fanfic%20Cliches:[/i]%20[size=9px][/size][i]Summary:[/i]%20[size=9px]Warriors%20in%20the%20Past:%20We%20will%20defeat%20you,%20evil%20Dark%20Eianos,%20with%20our%20powerful%20Art%20of%20Fighting%20Street.%20%20Dark%20Eianos:%20NEVER!%20(gets%20defeated%20and%20sealed%20away)%20%20A%20thousand%20years%20later,%20he%20will%20return,%20and%20only%20the%20descendants%20of%20the%20warriors%20can%20stop%20him.%20%20Luckily%20the%20Sailor%20Senshi%20can%20lend%20a%20helping%20hand,%20but%20it%20seems%20that%20Dark%20Eianos%20has%20gathered%20allies,%20warriors%20called%20the%20Sailor%20Samurai.[/size][i]Rakhal%20Summary:[/i]%20[size=8px]1000%20years%20ago,%20the%20Samurai%20Warriors%20defeated%20an%20evil%20being%20called%20Dark%20Eianos.%20But%20he%20will%20return,%20so%20the%20warriors%20pass%20their%20skills%20down%20across%20time.%20Now%20their%20descendants%20are%20known%20as%20the%20Teen%20Street%20Fighters.%20One%20stayed%20at%20the%20Tendo%20Dojo%20for%20a%20while,%20going%20out%20with%20Akane%20(this%20is%20the%20extent%20of%20the%20Ranma%20crossover).%20The%20Sailor%20Senshi%20are%20hanging%20around,%20helping%20out.%20Another%20group%20called%20the%20Sailor%20Samurai%20are%20helping%20Dark%20Eianos.[/size][i]Review:[/i]%20[size=9px]This%20story%20is%20written%20like%20it%20is%20a%20script%20treatment%20for%20an%20actual%20anime%20episode%20-%20but%20not%20an%20actual%20story.%20%20There%20are%20also%20far%20too%20many%20original%20characters,%20each%20essentially%20thrown%20into%20the%20story%20with%20little%20aplomb%20or%20background.%20%20The%20action%20scenes%20are%20written%20matter-of-factly%20with%20essentially%20no%20detail,%20and%20characterization%20is%20ridiculously%20terrible.%20%20The%20so-called%20"crossover"%20with%20Sailor%20Moon%20and%20Ranma%20is%20hardly%20there;%20this%20is%20just%20an%20original%20"anime-style"%20type%20story.[/size][i]Rating:[/i]%20[size=9px]2%20out%20of%2010%20-%20Avoid.[/size][url=http://www.cs.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/ftp/pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Ranma/type/ranma.sm.the-juuban-incident.gz]The%20Juuban%20Incident
By Michael Fetter (jehtek@hotmail.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/jehtek/ - Reasonably Type: Alternate (Finished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/204517/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Initial Misunderstanding, Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout, Unnecessary Japanese
Summary: So this time Ranma's curse is permanent - he's stuck as a girl.  But luckily the Tendo girls have a male cousin, Mamoru... who may just have a connection to the Senshi.  It looks like Soun and Genma will be able to join the schools after all, right? Um, well, Ranma isn't too happy with it.  And Mamoru has his durned "destiny with Usagi" to worry about.  So anyway, after a clever youma takes advantage in a fight with the Senshi, Ranma jumps in to help.  So a few misunderstandings later, Ranma and the Senshi are not exactly pleased with each other.  Of course, Ranma and Mamoru are forced to live together in his apartment, and Ranma is off to attend school at Juuban High.
   Author Summary: Life can't get much worse for Ranma after being stuck as a cursed girl and engaged to Tendou Mamoru. Unless, of course, the Sailor Scouts have anything to say about it. Ranma has arrived at the Tendou dojo, but there is a small problem. His curse is permanent! That's all right, though. The engagement will just be passed on to a cousin, Tendou Mamoru. Hope Sailor Moon doesn't hear about this.
   Rakhal Summary: Genma and Ranma are coming. But this Ranma has been permanently stuck as a girl, so she can hardly be engaged to one of Soun's daughters. Fortunately they have a cousin, one Mamoru Tendo. He'd be a good person to engage to Ranma to join the schools. Of course Mamoru has got Usagi, but he can hardly admit to that! A run in with a youma and the Sailor Senshi puts them and Ranma at odds as well. How on earth is this mess going to be sorted out?
   Tannim Summary:
Review: Occasional spelling and grammar mistakes.  Some annoying extraneous Japanese.  A bit too much stereotypical Tendo behavior.  Some of the dialogue is reasonably amusing.  A bit slow to get started, but then, boy, does it get going.  The story is quite an interesting tale, reasonably well-written, although the matter-of-fact tone is used a bit too often.  My main complaint is only that Ranma's characterization as a permanent female does not quite fit, he's written far more to the idea of accepting being a woman that it'd seem.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - A pretty good story.

The Phoenix Prince Saga
By Linda Ward (ami_anderson@hotmail.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://phoenixprince.freeservers.com/ - Rarely Type: Adventure (Unfinished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban, Unnecessary Japanese, Ranma Opens Up with Life Story after Just Meeting Someone, Initial Misunderstanding
Summary: After the failed wedding, Ranma feels depressed, so Nodoka decides to take her son back to her home, to help him recover and learn more about him.  Soon enough, Ranma meets the senshi, getting his girl side a bad first impression, but his guy side a good one. Meanwhile, dreams start to occur revealing information about the mysterious and powerful Phoenix Prince, the champion of an ancient elemental power.  When Rei is somehow compelled to incinerate Ranma during a friendly sparring match, Ranma is not nearly as dead as he seems...
   Author Summary: In the Silver Millennium their existed handsome young man with an arrogant bearing that was actively feared by most of the Court of Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen serenity V, by the name of Shima. For he was not a Vassal of Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Serenity V. He was an unknown force in the Court. He answered only to the Lord Phoenix, a mysterious Elemental force of unknown abilities or agendas. He was the Lord Phoenix's Champion Among Mortals. He was The Phoenix Prince.
   Rakhal Summary: In the aftermath of the failed wedding, Nodoka thinks it would be a good idea if Ranma spend some time with her, away from all the fiancees. She lives in Juuban at her ancestral home, the Hino residence. It's not long before Ranma meets the senshi and makes his own impression on them. And Nodoka finds that living with Ranma has it's own problems as well...
Review: Occasional grammar mistakes.  Interesting perspective on Ranma's inner thoughts, and fairly well written fight scenes.  The standard use of Ranma and Sailor Moon cliches can get a bit tiresome at times, honestly.  Repetitive misspellings of the names of special moves.  Oddly enough, the original characters (Silver Millenium senshi, etc from the past in flashbacks and dreams) are significantly better written than the standard cast.  The story starts off fairly boring and cliched, but becomes quite interesting and inventive later on.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - Slow to start, then blazes forward.

The Price of Heaven
By Richard D. Lawson (sterman@uswest.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.sterman.org/ - Rarely Type: Alternate (Finished)
   Alternate Fic Location:
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Everything is going well for Ranma; he has two bright and talented children, and a wife he loves very much.  But then one day, after training his young son, Ranma is propositioned by an odd black hole floating in the middle of the dojo, wordlessly asking for his help.  Of course, this obviously takes him into the distant future of Crystal Tokyo, where his help is needed.  It seems that a quite impolite dark cloud of doom is attacking innocent civilians.  But will the Sailor-Warriors of the future believe that Ranma is truly from the past?
   Rakhal Summary: Ranma is in the dojo one afternoon, when a polite black hole opens up, inviting him to step into it. He is needed in Crystal Tokyo, where a menacing black cloud is floating around, zapping citizens.
Review: A quite interesting little tale, with reasonably well paced action and mystery.  The truth of the evil cloud is not expected, but a clever idea nonetheless.  A rare but intriguing look into the possible future of Crystal Tokyo.  The story feels a bit truncated at times, and the plot sometimes contrived, but in general a well-written story.
Rating: 7 out of 10 - A good tale.

Together
By Joe Fenton (jlfenton65@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/jlfenton65/ - Reasonably Type: Alternate (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/83527/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: So Nodoka has "persuaded" Genma to delay his training trip until Ranma gets a bit older.  But this time, Genma is home to find out about the death of his old friend Soun's wife.  Nodoka finds out that Nabiki has been feeling depressed and decides she must help her out.  But since she also needs to accompany her husband and son, it is decided to bring Nabiki along on the trip.
   Author Summary: Genma, Nodoka, and Ranma stop by the Tendos on the start of their ten-year training trip. They leave with an extra member to the party. How will the training trip change with the additional characters?
Review: This is actually a fairly interesting story - although I'm not sure why it's listed as a cross-over, unless it is intended for later in the story.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Okay, but it shouldn't be listed as a crossover.

Twin Black Phoenix
By Tomas Megerson (nighthawktm@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://nighthawk.anifics.com/%20-%20Frequently[/size]%20[i]Type:[/i]Adventure%20[size=9px]%20(Finished)[/size][i]Alternate%20Fic%20Location:[/i]%20[size=9px][url]http://www.ranmafics.com/Twin_Black_Phoenix/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Ranma and Tomas are young pickpockets in the Silver Millenium, barely scraping out a living.  When the pair is arrested for theft, they get sentenced to death.  But when Pluto sees something special in the two, the Queen decides that Pluto will take the boys as her responsibility.  She decides they will now serve as her special servants; whatever she wanted, they would perform.  Soon enough, they have become her elite special agents: the Knights of Pluto.  Each gets sent on an assignent, Ranma to guard Sailor Saturn, Tomas to guard Princess Serenity.  But will they manage to survive the insidious evil that is corrupting the solar system?
   Rakhal Summary: Ranma and Tomas are two thieves in the Silver Millenium. But eventually their luck runs out and they are caught. Sentenced to hang, Sailor Pluto saves them and swears them into their service. Now they are her knights and do her bidding in a Silver Millenium ruled by depraved Senshi and an evil Queen Serenity, while the populace live squalid lives.
   Tannim Summary: This is a dark version of the silver millennium. The Senshi ruthlessly enforce the rule of their Queen Serenity. Here two thieves are caught by the royal guard for stealing from the royal family of Saturn. Entombed they await their grisly fate until one of the Senshi intervenes. Trained as a special black ops team answerable only to the Queen and their mistress, they are Ranma and Tomas.
Review: A fascinating tale, although Ranma and Tomas are both written in mostly SI ways.  The character is hardly "Ranma", but still is a fascinating look the the Silver Millenium.  For good or bad, there are also many similarities to Raymond E Feist's Riftwar Saga, but it seems mostly unintentional.  Some well-written disturbing imagery and intriguing plot twists, but somewhat tepid and cliched romance.  Description is far better than the dialogue.
Rating: 8 out of 10 - Fascinating tale.

Uncles (C. Rose version)
By Cory D. Rose (ertle2@email.msn.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://shi_hanna.tripod.com/ - Occasionally Type:Adventure (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Uncles/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Initial Misunderstanding, Clueless Ranma Loved By All The Scouts
Background/History: The full uncles idea is posted on http://nighthawk.anifics.com/uncles.htm.
Summary: After a vicious fight with Ryouga, Akane knocks Ranma clean into Juuban, where he is found by Rei and Usagi.  It turns out Ranma is famous there for a popular series of memorabilia published by Nabiki.  Luckily Nodoka finds him, and she decides to start her own training regiment for Ranma.  When Ranma goes back to the Tendo place, he discovers that he and Ryouga are related to a young orphan named Hotaru.  So Ranma starts hanging around the Scouts, but Pluto isn't too happy about this. What will happen when Ryouga finally catches up to them?
   Author Summary: Ranma is Hotaru's relitive and decides to go and visit her before his father can find out about her. Along the way he meets up the the rest of the Scouts and the Chaos that is his life follows him.
   Tannim Summary: The introduction of a wild family member and the sheer chaos that follows him leave the Sailor Senshi reeling upheaval.  The guardian of time feels she must find a way to defeat an enemy that has easily beaten her and the outer Senshi, before his very presence dooms the future happiness that is Crystal Tokyo.  She's also attempting to fight off the insidious effects of the enemy's innate charm!  The Princess Serenity however feels the compass of love pointing from her old protector to this new dashing if socially clumsy martial artist.  In the midst of this the martial artist in question wonders why the kami hate him...
Review: A bit overly melodramatic at times, and often just careless spelling and grammar errors.  The typical fanfic cliches get a little ridiculous, including basing visual appearances on manga drawing styles (e.g., Usagi and Minako are actually identical, except for their hair).  Reasonable dialogue, but minimalistic scenes and drama.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Just okay.

Uncles (Deric version)
By Deric (dericwilson@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://home.att.net/~dericwilson/p2.html - Dead Type: Adventure (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://nighthawk.anifics.com/uncles.htm
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Initial Misunderstanding, Clueless Ranma Loved By All The Scouts
Background/History: The full uncles idea is posted on http://nighthawk.anifics.com/uncles.htm.
Summary: So it turns our Saturn (Hotaru) is the niece of both Ranma and Ryouga, but they've just found out.  Oddly enough, it seems that Ranma is a celebrity in Juuban; now how could that have happened...  So Ranma goes to Hotaru and saves her from some bullies.  She impresses him with her healing ability, and the two are shocked to discover they're related.  What will happen when Ryouga shows up? And how will Ranma and the other Senshi get along? Perhaps a spot of training is in order...
   Rakhal Summary: An unexpected phone calls reveals that Ranma has a relative! One Tomoe Hotaru, who has been orphaned and is now about to be adopted. Seems Ryoga is as well. After getting malletted into unconsciousness for being too polite at dinner, he decides to head over to Juuban and camp out near the Hikawa shrine while checking things out. Spotting a girl being picked on by a group of boys, he rushes to save her, and is surprised as the boys seem to recognise him and run! The girl is Hotaru, and she's a big fan of Ranma...
Review: The meta-plot cannot be truly criticized, but the author's version of that plot can - it's just okay.  In general the writing is a bit above average, but everything else is just okay.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Just fine.

Usako
By Joe Fenton (jlfenton65@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/jlfenton65/ - Reasonably Type: One-Shot (Finished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/83527/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: After all this time, you just know your were wondering: what if Nodoka and Genma had a daughter named Usagi instead of a son named Ranma? Genma may not be thrilled, but he'll still find a way to train his child.  But can he manage to deal with a whining, klutzy, and all-around scatter-brained moon princess without committing seppuku himself?
   Author Summary: Genma and Nodoka have a bouncing baby girl?
   Rakhal Summary: Nodoka didn't have a son, she had a daughter, called Usagi. Not quite what Genma wanted. Especially since he's being forced to take her on training trips to give Nodoka some time off. He wanted a son! Not an eternally wailing daughter...
Review: A bit fragmented at times, and the scene transitions can be too fast.  Although a okay little story, it's really too short to really mean anything.
Rating: 5 out of 10 - Harmless, if too short.

War of the Roses
By Mordaxy (mordaxy@powwwer.net)
Type: One-Shot (Finished)
Ranma Fanfic Cliches:
Summary: Ranma and Usagi take a break from their hectic fanfic schedules to enjoy a quiet meal at their favorite restaurant, glad of the break to their normal grind.  Of course, it isn't long before some trouble (in the form of their "friends") shows up.  Better hurry up and finish that pasta, Usagi.
Review: Well, this is just a short one-shot, written acceptably and with minimal humor.  The idea of actually having a meta-fanfic with characters aware they are in fanfiction has always intrigued me, but this short story only grazes the surface.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Harmless

Warrior of Hope
By Asgeras (asgeras@prodigy.net)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/293350/ - Reasonably Type: Adventure (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.ranmafics.com/Warrior_Hope/index.html
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Surprisingly Wise Ranma, Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban
Summary: After an incensed Ranma gets cursed at Jusenkyo, he knocks out his dear old dad and goes of to make his own way.  Of course, it turns out Ranma doesn't just turn into any old girl; apparently there is a legend of a magical girl with mysterious powers who will appear at a time of great need.  Ranma shrugs this off and goes home to find his mom.  Of course, on the way back he happens on the Amazon village.  Naturally, Cologne instantly recognizes Ranma as the ancient prophesized warrior, and that same prophecy states that Shampoo is now bound to him.  Whoops!  So after a bit of training with Cologne, the two head off to Japan.  Back in Juuban, the Senshi are having trouble; their opponents have been getting stronger, and now strategic retreats have become the rule, not the exception.  The attacks have also affected the populace, even the schools have been shut down.  So Ranma and Shampoo make it back, right in the middle of an attack near Nodoka's house.  Can the Senshi and Ranma work together to defeat a common foe?
   Author Summary: An alternate path, where a warrior breaks free from an abusive past, and a certain Princess isn't given the luxury of having time to grow up.
   Rakhal Summary: When Ranma was cursed, she was not pleased. So displeased actually that she knocked Genma out and abandoned him then and there. Well, as soon as the guide told her about the curse anyway. Seems that this is not just any girl that Ranma turns into, she's a special one. The Joketsuzoku have a prophecy about her as well, and as a result of that, Ranma winds up travelling back to Japan with Shampoo in tow. There are problems back in Japan though. The Dark Kingdom is slowly taking over Tokyo, with the Senshi fighting a defensive action. Can Ranma and Shampoo help at all?
   Tannim Summary: What if Ranma grew up in a world that was slightly different? It's a world where Jusenkyo gives him much more than a cursed body, and a world where a certain Princess of the Moon isn't allowed the luxury of having time to grow up.
Review: Choppy writing at times, including actions as single words (i.e., "::gasps::") instead of described.  Sporadic spelling and grammar mistakes throughout, and frequent mixing in of "fanfic Japanese".  Fairly cliched plot for the most part, with a few interesting dark twists.  Gets better later on.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Not bad

Wild Horses and Rabbits Don't Mix
By Joe Fenton (jlfenton65@yahoo.com)
Updated Homepage/Fic: http://www.geocities.com/jlfenton65/ - Reasonably Type: Adventure (Unfinished)
   Alternate Fic Location: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/83527/
Ranma Fanfic Cliches: Initial Misunderstanding, Clueless Ranma Loved By All The Scouts
Summary: After a terrible fight with Ryouga, the Tendo Dojo is destroyed.  Fed up, Soun kicks Ranma and Genma out.  Luckily, Genma remembers an agreement he made with Kenji Tsukino years before; and by lucky coincidence, Kenji has just forced Usagi to stop seeing Mamoru! Great! So the Saotomes decide to stay with the Tsukinos; and even if the engagement doesn't work out, at least Usagi isn't dating that older boy anymore! Soon enough, Ranma and Usagi talk and get to be reasonably good freinds, after a few transfomation "incidents", of course.  But how will Ranma get along with the other Senshi?
   Author Summary: Ranma and Genma are kicked out of Nerima; at the same time, Tsukino Kenji is having trouble with Usagi dating a college student. Lucky that call came in from an old drinking buddy; he'd almost forgotten that little arrangement he made ten years ago.
Review: Reasonably well written, if a bit cliched and a very contrived opening, but the dialogue is pretty good.
Rating: 6 out of 10 - Above average.


I utilized the following resources when compiling this review:
Google (http://www.google.com)
   GOOOOOOOOOOOOOGLE! If there's a better way to find obscure author web pages, I haven't seen it.
The Wayback Machine (http://www.archive.org/web/web.php)
   A way to look back and see what used to be.
The RAAC Archives (ftp://ftp.gweep.ca/pub/anime/anime-fan-works/)
   Without this, I would not have anything to review except the FFML and ::shudder:: ff.net.
Rakhal's Penultimate (http://www.rakhal.com/ranmalst.html)
   One of these days, we should just give up and call it Ultimate already.  It's truly nothing short of amazing.
Tannim's Ranchan Totally Crossed Out! (http://www.ranmafics.com/)
   A fantastic repository of crossover fics.
Larry F's Library of Florestica (http://www.florestica.com/)
   Larry F is a great guy, providing hosting for many wayward and brilliant authors with no pages of their own.
Fanfiction.net (http://www.fanfiction.net)
   Ah, my old friend and ancient foe, fanfiction.net, we meet again.  Truly the definition of a double-edged sword.

Thanks for your time, and more will follow, I promise &_&...

-J

[Jeram]

Here is the list of Ranma Fanfic Cliches I referenced in my review:

Ranma "Amazingly" Losing Fear of Cats, An Invalid but "Funny" Disclaimer,
Ranma Opens Up with Life Story after Just Meeting Someone, Newly Introduced Characters Solving Ranma's Problems,
Typical Romantic "Matchup", Initial Misunderstanding, Dead Genma, Oddly Honorable Genma,
Hey Usagi Talked Like Princess Serenity, Surprisingly Wise Ranma, Irritating Author Comments/Interruptions,
Disney Opening (Dead Parents), Clueless Ranma Loved By All The Scouts,
Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout, Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban, Rei Has "Coincidental" Visions,
Ridiculous Phone Exposition, Blue-Haired Cousins (Ami and Akane Are Related), Unnecessary Japanese

A quick explanation of each:
Ranma "Amazingly" Losing Fear of Cats: In all too many Ranma fics, especially crossovers with really any series with powerful characters, it seems like all it takes is just a bit of "new" magic or a quick rap on the head to suddenly cure Ranma of his well-documented fear of felines.
An Invalid but "Funny" Disclaimer: Disclaimers serve an actual legal purpose (some people don't seem to realize this); having funny disclaimers is not necessarily a problem except when it isn't actually a disclaimer.  All disclaimers MUST at least reference the fact the the original material is not yours.
Ranma Opens Up with Life Story after Just Meeting Someone: Although Ranma doesn't seem like the type to just talk about his problems (witness his constant attempts to hide embarassing parts of his life until he is forced to talk about them), in all too many fics, a new friendly face is all it takes before Ranma "breaks down" and shares his whole sordid history.
Newly Introduced Characters Solving Ranma's Problems: How is it that Ranma never met these people before? It could've solved everything!
Typical Romantic "Matchup": These fics are the ones which jam together the predictable but not necessarily logical matchups: Ranma/Akane, Ryouga/Ukyo, Mousse/Shampoo, Kuno/Nabiki, Tofu/Kasumi.  Occasionally you see a bit of Hinako/Soun or even Konatsu/Ukyo, but no one ever seems to care about poor Kodachi or they care too much about someone like Tsubasa.
Initial Misunderstanding: This cliche afflicts essentially all genres of prose where two sets of good guys meet up, and initially have a misunderstanding or ten, usually causing a fight or two.
Dead Genma: A staple (odd, though) of many Ranma fics seems to be this one, where Genma is DOA.  This is usually only done to help Ranma to run home to his mom, or possibly change things when meeting the Tendos.
Oddly Honorable Genma: Similar to the "Dead Genma" cliche; for some reason, Genma is more honorable than he is in canon, and either kills himself or otherwise redeems his sinful ways.
Hey Usagi Talked Like Princess Serenity: I'm getting a bit tired of SM fics where suddenly Usagi talks "like the Princess they knew she was" or gains some kind of unearthly resonance.  Usagi talks (for the most part) like herself, really, a friendly, but naive girl.
Surprisingly Wise Ranma: You wouldn't think Ranma could be so introspective, but many fics restart Ranma's life or give him a "fresh start" by giving him the kind of perspective he never gets in canon.  Since when can Ranma intelligently wax philosophic on his problems?
Irritating Author Comments/Interruptions: Most of us are guilty of this grave evil, in one way or another.  But an important note must be made: there is a difference between good, funny, or well-used comments, and irritating ones. (Jeram: Eh? See what I mean?)
Disney Opening (Dead Parents): Ah, the classic Disney movie opening: a kid or two with one or both parents dead and gone.  You think I'm overstating things? Look at the last 50 Disney movies and you'll see the pattern.  This cliche also shows up in Ranma fics when the author needs an easy way to give Ranma to another character (usually a Senshi).
Clueless Ranma Loved By All The Scouts: Ah, Ranma is just too adorable! All those scouts just luuuuuv him, but he just doesn't seem to get it.  This happens far too often in Ranma/SM fics.
Ranma Character Becomes Sailor Senshi/Scout: The most common fusion/crossover type there is - therefore it has to be cliche.  But original ideas occasionally crop up (I don't think I've seen Nodoka, Genma, Soun, Cologne, or Happosai Sailor reincarnations yet...).
Nodoka "Happens" To Be From Juuban: Although there is no evidence one way or another in canon, most authors seem to assume Nodoka is from Juuban (what a coincidence!) and therefore lives right near the Senshi.  Of course, this also means Ranma can be sent to "Juuban High" as well.
Rei Has "Coincidental" Visions,
Ridiculous Phone Exposition: Akane: Hello? Sailor Moon: Apparently Ranma is the reincarnated king of the Bubble Planet, and you are his sworn rival, Professor Forensics Applesworth.  Akane: Okay, thanks for the info.
Blue-Haired Cousins (Ami and Akane Are Related): Um, just because both Akane and Ami have somewhat similar hairstyles (not exactly uncommon in anime series) does not mean they look alike.  THEY DON'T! Nor are they cousins or "scarily similar".  The only "similar" comment that's valid is one like Belldandy/Kasumi - as both are actually played by the same voice actress and are quite similar in personality.
Unnecessary Japanese

Hope this helps:
-J