Subject: [OTL]: Public Feedback, part the third
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000: from 'rith
Finally getting to the last couple of fics I wanted to fb from last year. And I'm already way behind on *this* year's. Man, I need a better system.
Diamonde, "The Other Side": This is an extraordinary fic, and it really makes me wish there *was* a villains' category in the CBFFA's. It's one thing to see the villains as human beings; it's another to be drawn in so completely that you ache for them. I've always liked Pyro and Mystique, and their friendship rings very true here. It's poignant and full of sentiment without being melodramatic, with that wonderful bit of humor--Mystique wanting a space station, and (of course) "Guilt. The man could guilt-trip GOD. And frequently tries."--which is a truer statement than the joke implies. Really impressive work, Dia.
Bayeux, "Armistice": More wonderful Authority fic. Ahh, power and responsibility; that old debate. The Authority expressed the ultimate power in their actions in Sliding Albion, and it's only right they be held accountable for it. The Doctor probably deserved that punch, despite everything. ;) Maybe it'll give him some perspective. ... Nah. And I like how Angie remains the most human of all of them. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this one continued.
DarkMark, "Superman and Man": There's little I can say about this that hasn't been said by others, and I've said my piece to DM personally, so it's probably just enough to mention that I think it's one of the very best fics I've read this year. And I plan to continue saying so through the CBFFA's.
Maelstrom, "Goodnight Girl" and "Take it Easy": Oh, I hope you continue with these, Mael. Despite my total unfamiliarity with Tintin, the strong writing more than compensates. I especially like your handling of Death; just lovely.
Mel, "By The Banks of the Danube": *laughing* It IS a funny world. I love the image of Magnus being hijacked by this clever, quick girl. I giggled. A lot. Have them meet up again, huh? :)
Skyrocket, "Overexposed X-Mon": This...hurt me more that you know. I've seen more Poke**** than anyone should have to in a lifetime. And not of my own free will. Anyway. I was laughing through my pain. Thanks. ;)
Phil Hartman, "Not the Regulars": *blink* *blink* Oh, now, THIS gives me ideas. Do you think Subreality could survive an invasion of Legionnaires? Those X-people think *they've* got convoluted continuity to deal with; we could really scare 'em. *snickers* The poor Cafe. It'd never recover. Thanks for this, Phil.
Frito, "Deck the Halls": Sweet--and I'm a fan of Dick/Babs, so it's a double treat. Can't get enough of the Oracle. Gonna do more with her?
Jim Smith, "The Best of Times": Excellent capper to a shocking event. I like your handling of Karla; something's going on there, but whether she's really changing for the better or this is all some strange comic-style imposed change, the result's still a good fic. So where's the next part of "Next Best Thing"?
All right. One more author to go, and she's pretty special. Let's give it up for Larissa James...who's made a hell of an impression on me with her work in the less-visited sectors of the Marvel Universe. In previous posts I've mentioned Within, Without (Quicksilver), The Man in the Machine (Ultron), and The Simple Life (Agent Henry Peter Gyrich)--wonderful pieces, all.
"The Hand of My Neighbor": Larissa wrote, "Anyways, it's Christmas and there's not an X-Person in sight -- what more could you ask for?" Not much, at least from my point of view. And I agree about Vihz and Wanda, romance-wise. Ah, Marvel, how you tease. Anyway. I've always liked him too, and this made me *hurt* for him and Wanda all over again. I loved how you got into Vision's head, analytical and loving all at once, and as wonderful as he once was. I miss him.
"The Silence I Keep": This is the last fic for '99 feedback, and I can't say enough good things about it. I was absolutely riveted. God bless the Silver Age, indeed. Wanda easily falls in my "top five Marvel characters" list, and her voice here is clear and perfect. Her mindset, her thoughts about her brother, her fear of her powers...and all at a really crucial period in her life, a formative point that hasn't been touched on much. And Magnus, of course, precisely drawn, utterly rational with her even at *this* point in his history. I loved his analysis of her potential and her flaws, and his manipulative yet somehow fatherly advice...ironic, that. This is certainly one of my favorite Marvel fics for the year, and one I plan on rereading many, many times.
So. Best get on to the fic I'm already late in reviewing for '00....
'rith
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