Koi Anime Report; Manga Also
March 1999
Volume 1, Issue 3
As I stated last issue, I intended to review a dark fanfiction this month. However, when I re-read the intended piece, I realized that it is more tragic than dark. The differences are subtle: A dark fanfiction takes the view that the world is inherently evil, and by exploring the consequences of such a world, brings understanding to this one. Some common indicators of dark fanfiction are senseless death, extreme profanity, graphic violence, sadisim... Well, you can tell.
On the other hand, a tragic piece...
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Ranma... is that you?!
Location: ftp://ftp.cs.ubc.ca/pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Ranma/ranma.that.you.gz
Size: 54.9 KB compacted, 154 KB uncompacted
Classification: Tragedy
Author: S. James, Condor1556@aol.com
Structure: 9 parts, script format, completed
Aside from the idea of this fanfic, readers will notice that the format is different from any reviewed in the KARMA. The three stories that were covered before were written in 'prose' format, which takes all the action, voices, and description and rolls them together, usually with emphasis on describing the scene, which leads to a more realistic and relaxed reading style. On the other hand, 'script' format is like reading a play, where dialog is more important, which forces the reader to visualize scenes in their own way.
Background:
This story occurs after Ryoga and Ranma learn their ki-blasts, but before the resolution of the story. There are no references to any previous episodes, and the timing of this is not very important.
Story Summary:
On a vacation with the entire cast, Ryoga attacks Ranma, who dodges all his attacks. Unfortunately, some stray bandanas head towards Akane, who is forced back... and behing her is a sheer cliff dropping off to rapids. Ranma catches her arm and pulls her back to safety, but as they recover, the cliff crumbles, sending Ranma down to the river below. His body disappears from view, and although the cast searches, they cannot find his body.
Twelve years later.
Akane and Ryoga are married, as are Mousse and Shampoo. Crime has become much worse, with a gang called the "Dragon Heads" terrorizing Japan. When Kazuo, Akane and Ryoga's son, is kidnapped by the Dragon Heads, the Ranma cast sets out to recover him. Along the way, they join forces with another group fighting the Dragon Heads, a band called the Martial Arts Guardians -- which formed ten years earlier, and is led by an enigmatic memoryless masked man with a pigtail, whose hands move at the speed of light. The group confronts leaders of the Dragon Heads one by one: Crimison Mask, Fore-Cannon, Master of Arms, Dark Streak; but every time, their opponent manages to escape. As the story reaches its climax, Ukyo finally recognizes who Ranma is... but he does not, and nearly kills her.
After defeating the leader of the Dragon Heads, Ranma is able to recover his memory, but he also remembers everything he did over the last twelve years, and recognizes that his friends have changed. With Akane, Ranma returns to the cliff where the story began, and there the final scene plays out. Despite Akane's pleas to stay, he concludes that there is no place for him, and steps back off the cliff where he disappeared, twelve years earlier.
Overall:
This fanfiction follows the 'classical' definition of a tragedy you may have learned in English: A character, who is essentially good, is overcome by a 'tragic flaw' that eventually destroys them, despite early victories. Along the way, they are given chances to redeem themselves; but due to their flaw, cannot take those opportunities. Finally, there is usually a sense of catharsis, or cleansing, as the story is resolved. "Ranma... is that you?!" follows this mold close enough to write an English paper... not that I am suggesting anything.
Another reason I appreciate this story is that is is also a mystery: What really happened to Ranma, and who is he in the present? "Ranma... is that you?!" keeps the reader guessing at the answers to both these questions, cahnging the primary "suspect" multiple times before the story ends. After reading this once, you might be tempted to go back again, to see what subtle things you missed the first time. I would encourage it.
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Extra to KARMA:
Thoughts on Driving
One thing I have been wondering is why my friends are so eager to drive. Yes, there are some obvious benefits, such as being able to go where you want, when you want; but please, stop to think. Would YOU trust a person who has been alive for less than a fifth of a century at the controls of a one-ton vehicle? Would you trust that person, when you know you have to share the same roads with them every day? Would you trust them when they are of the generation that thinks pedestrians make good traction on snowy days, and that road signs are merely suggestions? (Take a look at some recent driving games) Of course not.
Then there are some other considerations. Gas. Insurance. Fuzzy dice. All of these mean money, and if there is anyone who can afford to drop a thousand dollars a year, I could use a new computer. For people without this kind of money to spare, a car means that you need a job, or other source of income. That is more time taken away from school at a time when grades and college prospects matter the most.
I think there should be more restrictions on who can get a driving license. At least at River Hill, Driver's Education is more of a joke than anything else. Yes, it is great that we know that trucks cause a wake that pulls at nearby cars, but is it not also important that we know if we are mature enough to drive? One of my friends nearly ran her boyfriend over in a fit of anger when she learned he was with another girl.
Of course, despite what I say, nothing will change because this is America. Cars have been a symbol of this country since Henry Ford introduced his Model T early this century. They symbolize freedom; the belief that anyone can do anything. The thing I worry about is that this liberty is being placed in the hands of those not ready for it, not only those who are getting their license at 16, but also some people who already have their license.
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