tomomichi | [ X-Men: Evolution, DCU, X-Men, Prince of Tennis, Full Metal Alchemist ]

Notes/Babbling: Look! More fic! XD;;
Series:
X-Men: Evolution - 1 Fanfic
DCU - 3 Fanfics
X-Men - 4 Fanfics
Prince of Tennis - 3 Fanfics
Full Metal Alchemist - 4 Fanfics

- X-Men: Evolution - Broken by edanielrya - *taps fingers on the keyboard in thought* I... have a few issues with this story. The two major things that pop out at me are 1) that Rogue (and Remy, to a lesser extent) get the favoritism treatment--the world practically revolves around them, to a degree further than I would have taken even a story that's about them. (This is especially apparent with Logan's treatment of both characters, the way Rogue is a much, much bigger influence in his life than I got off the series itself.) And, 2) Remy was loyal to Rogue way too soon, the feelings (or attraction, I suppose I should say) were snapped into place a little too soon for me to 100% believe. So why am I rec'ing this story anyway? Because I made it all the way through the nineteen chapters that have been posted so far, because the characterization is really solid, because the author takes her time with the rest of the story and does a Good Job with it, because the dialogue is really good, and there were several scenes that made me sparkle.

The real strength of this story is that it deals with some of the issues that the characters need to deal with, especially Rogue. Her tendency to isolate herself is addressed and dealt with, her relationships with the characters around her are developed and insightfully written about, and while I may quibble with other parts, Logan's dressing her down for the way she's been behaving, getting across that he's mad at her, but only because he cares/is worried about her was wonderfully done, I was really kind of squeaky fangirl over that. Plus, her Gambit and Rogue really did have chemistry together and the relationship wasn't just immediately tossed into boyfriend/girlfriend mode, the author developed them carefully over the course of a fairly long story. It wasn't even until chapter 19 that they really GOT much of anywhere, which impressed me. The writing is smooth and solid, I had no trouble continuing to read it, despite my usual terrible attention span. ....I feel so mean being harsh like this, because I think most people would love this story to tiny, tiny little pieces and I did like it a lot. Just... eh, maybe I'm oversensitive to some of the issues that come up in Evo fic a LOT. Eheh. ^_^;;; (Remy/Rogue.)

- DCU - Father's Son by Amanda Sichter - I could swear I've rec'd both this one and "Voices in the Light" and "Interlude in Bludhaven" before, but they're not showing up anywhere on my lists. So. This is one of those stories that I read a long time ago, but every once in awhile I come across it again and I still remember this one. The way Dick looks at the two "fathers" he has in his life and how they've affected him. It's a short little story, but still very, very interesting and well-done for how it doesn't shortchange one influence over the other. (No warnings/pairings.)

- DCU - Voices in the Light by Amanda Sichter - This is another one of those stories I read early on, when I was just a wee li'l lass discovering the wide, wide world of DCU fic and still floundering to find a grip on the characters. This is one of those stories that... looking back on it... to be perfectly honest, my tastes/opinions may have changed a little, I may not quite buy Bruce's character as I once did (Keep in mind, that the Bruce that lives in my head is probably a lot darker than most people's, possibly more than he frequently is in canon, even.), but the emotion of this story overrides any other complaints I may have. You feel the connection all of these people have with Dick, how much they hurt when he's wounded and may be taken away from them forever. The array of characters that show up to see him, because they can't NOT come to see him, because he means too much... is just wonderful. No matter what else, I'll always love this story for being one of the first to hit me with that emotional two-by-four, you know? (No real warnings/pairings.)

- DCU - A Little Slice of Heaven by Indigo - One of the things I always liked best about Dick/Babs stories is that they so often had this sparkle to them that I was just enamored with--light-hearted and fun and showing how much they care and depend on each other, even in the worst circumstances. After Blackgate, Dick's a pile of bruises and passes out on Babs' balcony and this is a really short little piece about Dick coming in and out of consciousness and I like that... it wasn't too heavy (as some of the fics after Blackgate were, not that I mind those, 'cause I was pretty pissy with Bruce after that), but it wasn't frivolous, either. It was just exactly the kind of thing that Dick needed to get back on his feet, even if the focus wasn't really on the care so much. I just... I love the way he looks at/thinks of Babs, I really do. *sparkles* (Some very light Dick/Babs.)

- X-Men - Imperfectly by Zeelee - Jesus Christ, Amanda keeps pointing out fic to me and they keep being these gorgeous gems of fics and I'm CONVINCED that SHE should be the one who has the fic rec journal/blog/whatever. (Or. You know. Revive IRF. *HINTHINTHINT*) This was... everything I could ask for from a comicverse Remy/Rogue fic after some of the events in X-Treme. (Which means you'll probably have to have read the first 20 issues or so to understand what's going on here.) It's hard to put it into words, beyond just saying that this story was well-written, because what I loved most is that it beautifully capitalized on the maturity they've gained under Claremont's hands AND shows what made them so much fun in the first place. The bits about their initial dates made me laugh so much because that's just the kind of bad luck that DOES happen to the X-Men, but the maturity of their later relationship--and I LOVELOVELOVE that it's not without its problems, because this isn't a blindly 'shipperriffic fic, it's an insightful, clear, beautiful piece about how far they've come and why they're so much better off these days--just SPARKLES here. I am in complete sparkly fangirl mode now. (Remy/Rogue.)

- X-Men - Two of a Kind by Zeelee - You know what I miss a lot in comicfic these days? Stories that aren't about pairings, that are about two characters connection as friends, even if it's a surprise to themselves. I miss the stories where an author would take two characters that you wouldn't think would have ANY reason to talk to each other and then writes a gorgeous story about them that seems like the most natural thing in the world. Which is exactly what we have here--Bobby Drake and Emma Frost, each at points in their lives that aren't exactly great, but somehow finding a little friendly comfort just by talking to each other. And it MAKES SENSE. Makes so much sense that it's hard to let go of the idea that they could be friends, once the fic is done. Not to mention gorgeous writing and fantastic characterization. Much love. ♥ (No warnings/pairings.)

- Prince of Tennis - 360 Degrees by Meia - (Requestied from a drabble meme. I love drabble memes. ♥) Do you know how often it is that fic comes along that has this vibe to it that is just... so much of Tenipuri fic out there doesn't have the right feel, it's not just good writing or bad writing, it's this... quality that makes me forget about everything but the sparkly fic I'm reading and just enjoyed the goddamned ride, but this fic has it. Not to mention I giggled my ass off and SPARKLED over the brilliantly on-target characterization of the characters. It was actually sort of subtle, yet not, in the way that Fuji so brilliantly just IS, but even the background characters who never really appeared were hysterical (I agree with the commentors--Momo calling Tezuka a cad = FUNNIEST THING EVER) and WHEEE FIC HIGH! *floats~* (No real warnings, it's sorta slash, but not really.)

- Full Metal Alchemist - The New Defense Teacher and Three Stops by Meia - (Bundled together as they were originally posted together.) Oh, god, my love for Meia once again knows no bounds. With the "Let me introduce this year's Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher. Class, this is Col. Mustang." fic, I was laughing pretty much the ENTIRE TIME and, Jesus, even for a parody fic, this was a remarkably smooth crossover that just WORKED for me. Plus? Did I mention the hysterical? And the dialogue! ....jeez, I really ought to get a room, I think. *coughs* Anyway. Three Stops was this lovely little piece that was... somewhere between bittersweet and heartbreaking, but not really leaning more towards either one and really worked for that. The feel of it, the writing of it, the quiet characterization and power of it were all lovely and something that... was so very, very welcome (even if it still kinda hurt ;__; ) after episode 25/chapter 15. (No real warnings/pairings, I don't think.)

- Prince of Tennis - Fickle by Meia - Am I a heathen, harpy fangirl if I admit that Karupin fics generally don't do it for me? I'm not sure why, they just don't. However, this one... oh, my god, this was just sparkly and fun! Fuji and Ryoma's characterizations were fantastic, even in such a short time and just... the wording of the story was perfect. It's one thing to write well, it's another thing to capture that subtle tone that just jives with the series (and apparently makes me abuse the italics tags ~_~) and anime in general. Her Fuji is brilliant and I love, love, love his dialogue here. XD (No warnings/pairings.)

- X-Men - Silence Isn't Always Golden, Silent Movies, Silence of the Dog, Silent Thanks, Silent Adoration, Silently Blessed and Silent Retreat by Didi - Admittedly, when I sat down to read these stories, I half expected them to be rather badly written and while the first one does get off to a bit of a rocky start, the author does a fabulous job of showing the growing friendship between Jean-Paul and Jubilee that I can BELIEVE. The dialogue she writes for both of them is exactly the kind of thing I want to find in Northstar fic, because he's got a sharp tongue and attitude and Jubilee can give as good as she gets, but it's also never mean or hurtful. In some ways, I feel like I shouldn't like the way Jean-Paul becomes fond of her, but the way she's written in these stories (as she should be) is so crystal clear and perfect that I BOUGHT the growing friendship. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world, actually. There were so many moments in these fics that I wanted to point out because they made me go, "Awww." or because they made me sparkle like mad crazy or because they made me giggle terribly, but there were far too many to count. ^_~ I just... excellent work here and I like to think I have snobby tastes when it comes to both these characters. XD Plus, these stories remind me of the more Old School type of fic--it's not about romance, it's about friendship and the moments that make the characters human, but without being emotionally sappy about it. They have their problems--both big and small--but they're not forever trapped in them, they keep moving forward. ....Jubilee rocks so much in this fic (even if the final story did go a little overboard, but it's nothing canon hasn't done itself). (No warnings/pairings.)

- X-Men - Fool by Khirsah - This wasn't a bad fic at all, the dialogue was sharp, the writing was smooth, the characterizations solid, and, hey, good for Jean-Paul and Bobby to have gotten laid. It was... a nice progression from not-involved to getting involved, the way Bobby reacted to a lot of things, it wasn't too sudden a jump from one thing to the next. I admit, it didn't knock me over the moon like it should have and I've had a hell of a time figuring out why, but I wouldn't say that my time was wasted reading this story. The lines/jokes are well delivered, the writing is very tight and readable, the sex is very well-written, and did a good job at the whole 'first time' thing. (Bobby/Jean-Paul, graphic content.)

- Full Metal Alchemist - Change in Life-Style I by Sockren - This was... ow. I mean, not as ow as some of Sockren's other work, but still ouchy. And... and... and... kitty!Ed drabbles should be happy and fluffy and I would have thought that making them ouchy and hurty instead would have resulted in a less-than-well-written fic, but... surprisingly, I found myself going along with this story, easily picturing it in my head, a more realistic take on what would happen if Ed were turned into a kitten!chimera, rather than the happy, fluffy sort that you find in J-art. The thing of it was, the writing was lovely and the characterization solid so that it WORKED like this... especially Roy's quiet, shielded reaction, which was beautifully underplayed so that the power of it came through twice as strong. Not a break-your-heart fic, but certainly bittersweet and kinda ouchy. (Some light Roy/Ed.)

- Full Metal Alchemist - Familiarity by Sockren - Okay, now THIS was OW OW OW WHY DOES IT HURT MOMMY MAKE THE PAIN GO AWAY OW OW OW fic. ^_~ It was... mm, I don't want to give anything away, so I'll attept to find a balance between spilling the details and being too vague--there were one or two points where I had a fleeting question of Roy's character (given how much he loves BOTH of those Elric siblings), but then the fic would keep sailing along and I'd get pulled swiftly right back in and completely forget about it. (And I don't mean to give the impression that I'm straddling the fence with this fic, I liked it, even if I wanted to HIT THINGS because it made me hurt.) It's a very dark take, but I found myself thinking... if FMA went in a really dysfunctional and dark direction, I could buy something like this happening, if both characters had their support taken away from the way they did here... I keep feeling like I shouldn't have bought it, but I DID. The writing is lovely, very smooth and readable, and the sex is gorgeous. This is the kind of sex that just makes me purr--it might be a touch... mm, sad, I guess... for some people, but it really worked with the story this fic is telling. I also thought the weaving between past and present was well-done and I genuinely hurt for the characters, which is always a good sign to my mind. ^_~ (Roy/Ed, some content warning.)

- Full Metal Alchemist - Distractions by Sockren - Mmmm, now THIS is what I love and crave more of in the FMA fandom. Sex that's not just pretty and paints a nice picture (I don't like flowery sex so much as... pretty sex, I guess?) but HOT. This is the Roy and Ed I like--Ed sniping at him to hurry up and KEEP MOVING, BASTARD and Roy being smirky but also keeps moving because Ed WOULD kick him in a really ouchy place if he lingered too long. The characterizations are beautiful, the thoughts roiling through Ed's head were gorgeous (Ed 'thinking too much' was brilliantly done, I thought XD) and Roy was smirking and a bastard, but not a JERK. Also, the flow of this story just worked REALLY WELL--this may have been Ed's first time, but he's always swam rather than sink and I LOVE the way the author characterizes him, I really can't glow enough. ....and I would have rec'd it even without the sex, honest, but, holy christ, wow. *__* You can feel the intensity of it, rather than it just being pretty, their intense reactions warranted because it wasn't just the author telling us that the sex was hot, it WAS. This would be my favorite kind of smutfic, I think. *__* ....excuse me, I'll just be quietly jibbering in the corner now, yes. XD;; (Roy/Ed, graphic content.)

- Prince of Tennis - Challenge by Emily Ravenwood - Part 01, part 02, part 03, and part 04 - I spent the entire time I read this fic with a stupid, stupid grin on my face and stamping down the urge to sparkle and bounce around the room in fangirlish glee. I also sat and read it while on-line, which I rarely, rarely do, because I have the attention span of a gnat. Anyway. This story started out as a Yagyuu/Niou fic (and always will be, I think), but it morphed into a fantastic Rikkai fic somewhere along the way. The focus is still on Yagyuu and Niou, but there's enough for general Rikkai fans to enjoy it, I think. And I honestly think it's one of the BEST Rikkai fics that I've had the pleasure to read, because it just... holy crap, it FITS with the feel I get off Rikkai.

There's so much encompassed here that I'm not sure I can babble properly about it all. First off, Emily's Niou? Fucking PERFECT. Her Yagyuu? OMG LOVE. Seriously, SO MUCH LOVE because THIS IS HIM. Often times when author's make up backstories, they feel like they COULD fit, but that you can tell the author is still guessing in this dark. This one went beyond that and actually FIT with the characters she's presented and MADE SO MUCH BLOODY SENSE. I revel in the scene where Yagyuu finally snaps and all that fierce fire and passion are levelled at Yagyuu, even if only for a moment. Also? Her Yukimura is fantastic--charismatic and posessing a deft enough hand to have Rikkai dancing in his palm, but strong enough, having enough iron to him that he could crush anyone if he wanted. Sanada's support of him is GORGEOUS, too.

Yeah, yeah, I'm not done yet. There's also just enough of a sense of humor and the whole body language/speech patterns to the writing with these character that they actually feel like the characters I know from the manga. They're not, say, American teenagers reading off lines that Yagyuu and Niou would say, they have all those little touches and subconscious aspects that genuinely make them feel like THEMSELVES, to me. And Emily's grasp of writing them is just... beyond that I think she's doing a fabulous job with the characterizations, beyond the good writing on a technical level, beyond the little details... these characters are telling a GOOD STORY, one with some real meat to it instead of just fluff. Do you know how much I love that my darlings from Rikkai are getting that? ♥__♥ (Could be gen right now, but I'm still shoving it in the Yagyuu/Niou catagory. XD)