Subject: [OTL]: Feedback: Non-Marvel fics
Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999: from 'rith
I'm *disgustingly* behind on feedback; sorry, all.
So I'm really happy to see an increase in the number of non-Marvel fics lately. Not that I have anything against the X-Men, of course. But there are so many good comics and characters beyond the X-teams--beyond the Marvel Universe, in fact--it's a shame more writers aren't looking to them for fiction-inspiration.
So to those who did, thank you! And I hope to see more.
Indigo, "Day of Judgment":
Four wonderful pieces showing the *smaller* events in the DCU crisis. From Luthor grabbing at any opportunity to destroy his nemesis; to the public and private reactions of the newscasters (whose ties to the heroes make this a more personal crisis as well) and the image of the Creeper ice-skating over hell (and *there's* an image that'll linger for a long time!); to the *intensely* personal cost of the crisis to Faust; and finally, to Arsenal.
My bias shows, here--I'm a recently converted fan to the worship of Roy Harper, so anything with him in it makes me very happy indeed. (Indi, his daughter is "Lian," not "Liam" but I knew what you meant. ;)) But what really struck me about this one is the sense of responsibility Roy shows: not to the Titans, not to the world at large, but to his daughter's safety. Which is as it should be. It's interesting to see a hero who *knows* he's outclassed by a situation willingly sit back and let others handle it, while he cares for what he can. Let Batman and Captain America regularly throw themselves into galactic crises; I'd rather read right now about the more-human hero who does the best he can, at home. You go, Arsenal. (And Indigo, for telling his tale. BTW, as a long-time gamer, the "circle of protection" was the crowning touch. *grin*)
Maelstrom, "Just Wasted Time":
I know nothing about Tintin besides the name, but this was lovely and completely
understandable. Death is...well, Death, as bright and cheerful and beautiful
as Neil Gaiman presented her, and it's great to see her again. More, please,
Mael?
Alicia McKenzie, "Eclipse":
I've already bitched Ali out on IRC for making me read Cable fics ;), but I
can't thank her enough for this one, which made me borrow a stack of "The Authority"
comics from a friend and discover a new obsession. It's JLA done right, dammit,
with amazing iconic characters and superbastards everywhere. (Thanks to Warren
Ellis, "superbastards" is now part of my working vocabulary. Heh.) Ali focuses
on Apollo and the Midnighter, essentially "Superman" and "Batman" but with much
more intensity and a relationship you'd never see from DC. "Eclipse" gives a
little glimpse into the downtime after the battle, which we never see enough
of, IMO. This was great; now everyone needle Alicia to write more about The
Authority. And read it yourself.
queenB, "The Great Pumpkinhead":
It's always a treat to see QB's fic, and just as much of one to revisit the
Sandman's universe, so the two together guarantee a great read. (I have this
image of Mervyn jumping like Jack Skellington, shouting, "I am the Pumpkin King!")
It's wonderful to see grouchy, gruff Mervyn, hard at work building dreams. Especially
on that most appropriate of nights. Very cool.
Indigo, "I, Nightwing":
Nice to see you leading the DC charge, Indi. :) This is why I love Nightwing--because
he's so much more human than his mentor. In a way he's braver than the Batman,
who denies his fears behind a mask and his emotional "wall of impervious stone."
Dick faces his, every day. I think he's stronger for it, too.
Shaishai, "Fire in the Night":
Another Nightwing fic, great! I've talked to you a bit about this one already,
but just want to say again it's interesting to see Dick Grayson out of costume
and dealing with "normal" situations. Again unlike the Batman, he's willing
to do that, and it makes him a more compelling character for it.
DarkMark, "Triad":
With the Legion so near and dear to my heart, I'm happy to see you continue
to post this to OTL as well as to the Legion list. The more exposure, the better--and
great solace especially now, when the comics have undergone yet another change
for the worse. This reminds me of the Legion's glory days. So thanks.
Arachne, "Weighty Matters":
More Nightwing fic, I sense a trend--good! Poor Dick, adrenaline junkie that
he is, in a world that doesn't need heroes. I think he underestimates himself,
though. Like I noted above, Dick Grayson has more of a real personality than
Bruce Wayne ever did, so I think he'd be able to adjust. I admit, I have a hard
time seeing Bruce settled down with kids--in the past few years of comics characterization,
there *is* no Bruce Wayne, only the Batman. But I love the mention of the other
Titans--Jesse and Wally, especially!
('rith looks despairingly at her OTL folder) I don't suppose you folks would stop posting for about a week? Give me a chance to catch up?...No, I didn't think so. And I wouldn't want you to. More feedback...when it comes, I guess. :)
'rith
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