Ranma ½ State of the Ranma Fandom

[Lord Raa]

Well, folks, this may not be a huge surprise to you, but I've come to the conclusion that the Ranma fandom is pretty much dead. At least to me.

Sure, there was something that some people liked being updated once in a blue moon, but really, is there anything new (as in less than three months old) that's worth reading?

A cursory glance at FF.net tells me "No".

Seriously, I'm looking over summaries and instead of thinking "that could be good" I'm thinking "Kill yourself. Go on, it'll make the world a better place".

It's not good.

Either for people looking for something worth reading or for those that have stories that are in the works or ongoing.

Some writers (though that may only be me) must be thinking "why should I write something for this if it's going to be drowned out in a sea of crap?" and it kills inspiration stone dead.

Sure, I could try posting the Top Gear crossover "Some Say", but how long would it until it was buried by countless fics where Ranma is "more normal" or ones where he's suddenly declaring his love for a character, be it Akane (I'll pass, thank you) or Ryoga (don't make me come over there!)?

Of course, your mileage may vary - you may enjoy various fuku-fics. Or perhaps you've got something planned that would even the most callous, jaded and evil reader remember why they started to read Ranma fics in the first place.




TL;DR - unless I'm already receiving updates to a Ranma related story, I'll be skipping the various sections for some time.

 

[Hawk]

To be honest it is hard not to get jaded that way. However this is only your opinion.

I don't agree. To be honest original ideas are few and far between, but so long as I like reading the story I don't care if it has been done a dozen times.

I like reading fanfiction, and I may only be even trying 10-20% of the stories, but that doesn't make the good ones less enjoyable. And the odds of a good story seem even lower in the more active fandoms. Do you realize how many stories are crap in the Naruto section?

Plenty of people have said that Ranma fanfiction was dead before. Yet I haven't stopped reading. There have been good fics since then. So honestly Raa, with all due hostility, who cares what your opinion is besides you?

 

[PCHeintz72]

Bummer... but I cannot deny most of what you are saying as far as it goes...

For Ranma I get the following statistics for non-lemon fan fiction (numbers accurate as of 03/07/2009):

Ranma
- 618 stories track total, 06 stories updated in last month, 065 updated in last year, updated in last year: 10.5%.

Ranma - AA Crossovers
- 187 stories track total, 16 stories updated in last month, 095 updated in last year, updated in last year: 50.8%.

Ranma - Crossovers
- 651 stories track total, 14 stories updated in last month, 110 updated in last year, updated in last year: 16.9%.

Ranma - Oh My Goddess
- 095 stories track total, 02 stories updated in last month, 009 updated in last year, updated in last year: 09.5%.

Ranma - Sailor Moon
- 309 stories track total, 09 stories updated in last month, 045 updated in last year, updated in last year: 14.6%.

Ranma - Tenchi Muyo
- 087 stories track total, 01 stories updated in last month, 006 updated in last year, updated in last year: 06.9%.

Totals for Ranma overall - 1947, 48, 330, updated in last year: 16.9%.

However, the fan fiction declining situation is actually bigger than that, at least for myself.

Of the fan fiction series I read most, are all old, are all established, and all have a lot of abandoned stories for them.

As an example, Neon Genesis Evangelion just recently lost EVAFics.ORG, the sister site to Darkscribes.ORG.

For comparison, I get the following statistics for non-lemon fan fiction (numbers accurate as of 03/07/2009) for the following series:

Love Hina
- 185 stories track total, 07 stories updated in last month, 049 updated in last year, updated in last year: 26.5%.

Neon Genesis Evangelion
- 696 stories track total, 11 stories updated in last month, 118 updated in last year, updated in last year: 16.9%.

Tenchi
- 215 stories track total, 01 stories updated in last month, 013 updated in last year, updated in last year: 06.0%.

You can see... Ranma is overall being propped up by the AA and by all the crossovers. Take those away, NGE gets more updates, even with them, by percentage it barely matches it.

 

[Ezit Meti]

Considering that before last year, the very final time we saw the characters in any official work was 96, the fandom has lasted a pretty darn long time. In many ways, that is a testament to how much the characters and scenarios have captured our imaginations. In the Ranmaverse, anything goes. The sheer breadth of possible genres we can tell with these characters is phenomenal.

The series itself was a comedy/romance/martial arts story. But on top of that, give a little tweak here, play with an outcome there and it becomes an out and out tragedy. Or maybe you could turn up the focus on martial arts and turn it into an adventure story with little to no comedy. Heck, ghosts, spirits and demons show up at various points. Why not make a horror story here? It's so easy to make the smallest tweak and completely change the genre, the tone of the story. And I think that probably helped a heck of a lot.

Another factor that probably contributed is the ambiguous manga ending. There are about as many opinions about what happened after that as there are people that write Ranma fanfiction.

However, there have been problems. In recent years especially. The biggest one is the formulaic approach many writers seem to take. A lot of it depends on the ship the writer follows.

Does he like Ranma/Akane? Well hey where did all the conflict disappear to? What's that? Shampoo and Ukyo are trying to kill Akane? On top of that, Akane found out about Ryoga's curse and never wants to see him again? Never read that before! And it is so in character!

Does he dislike Ranma/Akane? Well hey the conflict is there now! But... hey wait a second, didn't these characters have redeeming features on top of their flaws? Isn't conflict supposed to be overcome during the course of a story? And wait a second, where did the other characters' flaws go?

There are all sorts of similar patterns throughout the fandom. And I don't know about the rest of you, but it gets kinda tiring reading and then re-reading the exact. Same. Story. From ten different writers. Each with varying degree of writing ability, but most leaning towards the "unreadable" end of the scale. Regardless of what you may ship.

There will (probably in the next couple of years), come a point where nobody reads or writes Ranma fanfiction anymore. Except for the really hardcore crowd. The guys that have been doing it for so long, they can't imagine not doing it. Yeah that's a double negative, but how else can I express that idea? The fandom will just kind of wind down and focus on something else. Perhaps something more current.


Like the new series Takahashi is supposedly going to have released sometime this spring.

Only time will tell.

 

[nuclear death frog]

I don't think the fandom is dead but I do think there's a hell of a lot of shit burdening it. Still, there are good stories to be found, and I maintain belief that good stories can still be written in it, whether crossover or not.

 

[Cephir]

Ranma fanfiction is indisputably past its prime in output.

That said, there is still some great pieces being written in the genre. Lawra and Ozzallos are two authors in particular who get me checking these forums regularly for updates to their own works. I personally find the genre attractive due to the flexibility of the characters, especially in regards to crossovers. Naruto crossovers generally make me cringe due to the author relying on a gimmick to integrate any character to and from Earth.

Oh, I also wouldn't use ff.net as a gauge as to the quality of stories in a genre. It's a complete pain in the ass to find quality HP or Naruto stories due to the vast majority of crap written.

 

[mgsaintz]

Big reason why I avoid finding fics on FFnet itself, I usually just stick to favorite authors, c2 groups, and their favorites to find new fics. Though the quality of good fics on the Ranma fandom has declined and is overloaded with new crapfics it's no different than any popular series in that regard so I don't see it as a sign of it's decline. The only problem with the Ranma fandom is that there's very few new ideas and some writers stick with the same cliches and crossovers.

 

[ToastedPine]

The only time Ranma will be past its prime is when new fans of the canon stop being created. It's a good canon to play around with, plain and simple.

I think the problem isn't the status of Ranma fanfiction at all, its the quality of new authors going to into anime fanfiction and the plotlines that they generally follow. I read some bleach, eva, and naruto fanfiction every so often, and what I've found is that the fics with a larger number of hits usually tend to be the main male lead and either some cross chick or a female in the same series who isn't the main lead. They also share the element where the main male gets uber and starts kicking ass.

I've also tried reading Black Comedy for Harry Potter, and I really didn't see anything beyond the generic badassery and slightly clever quips. I only read the first two chapters, and it may have gotten better after that, but dangit, I expect more than sticky cream on the first two chapters of any worthwhile story.

When was the last time anyone had any balls to write something like I'll Met By Starlight, Bitter End, or from Eva, Pariah, and Higher Learning?

Heck, how high is the ratio of current fanfic authors in any fandom with enough dedication to complete fanfiction that doesn't involve generic kickass?

We, the readers, are also part of the problem. Just from my hopping around here on TFF, there seems to be a dearth of heartfelt comments and deliberative insight. What do I see instead? MOAR! or something to that effect. And if not that, then endless arguments about fighting/magic systems. Encouragement is good to offer, and the proper system can make an action fic shine, but readers need to step up and nourish more than the author's ego or cause frustration by quibbling endlessly about how fast a fist can travel if it's a red moon and the fighting gods are rolling dice.

 

[Ezit Meti]

We, the readers, are also part of the problem. Just from my hopping around here on TFF, there seems to be a dearth of heartfelt comments and deliberative insight. What do I see instead? MOAR! or something to that effect. And if not that, then endless arguments about fighting/magic systems. Encouragement is good to offer, and the proper system can make an action fic shine, but readers need to step up and nourish more than the author's ego or cause frustration by quibbling endlessly about how fast a fist can travel if it's a red moon and the fighting gods are rolling dice.

This is definitely a big problem as well. Constructive criticism is far too useful. Stroking the author's ego is all well and good, but at the same time there is always room for improvement somewhere. And if the reviewers don't point out the problems or get shouted down for having legitimate viewpoints, the writer will not improve.

When was the last time anyone had any balls to write something like I'll Met By Starlight, Bitter End

This is also very true. Those were very original stories, which were highly considered by pretty much everybody I've ever heard talk about them. But we get nothing like that these days, or so close to nothing you wouldn't notice. In fact, now that you've brought this up. I might well start off on one of the darker ideas I had a while back just to see if it goes anywhere. Someone needs to break free from the established patterns and try something different.

 

[Lawra]

Original stories or well thought out plot isn't appreciated in fics, readers enjoy fanon tomfoolery.

And frankly, a lot of fics that people think are so great, upon a reading now aren't all that.

 

[Hawk]

The series itself was a comedy/romance/martial arts story. But on top of that, give a little tweak here, play with an outcome there and it becomes an out and out tragedy. Or maybe you could turn up the focus on martial arts and turn it into an adventure story with little to no comedy. Heck, ghosts, spirits and demons show up at various points. Why not make a horror story here? It's so easy to make the smallest tweak and completely change the genre, the tone of the story. And I think that probably helped a heck of a lot.

Has there ever been a non-crossover story where Ranma became a ghost-buster type character?

I keep reading Ranma fanfiction, and will keep on reading it simply because of all the series I have watched or read, this is the most written about. The only series I continue to like that is more popular is One Piece.

I read a few Naruto fics, and a handful of HP fics, but I don't actually like those series all that much, and thus those fics I read have to be a bit better to compensate. I only ever read recommended fics in these categories as otherwise I feel like I am spelunking in a landfill.

I feel that originality is ultimately overrated. I mean Naruto fanfiction repeats the same plots over and over and over and no one seems to think that a sign of weakness. I would prefer to read something solidly written, with good pacing and plot development, with believable character actions and interactions. Originality can be nice, but a story can get by without it.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Has there ever been a non-crossover story where Ranma became a ghost-buster type character?

Yes.

RANMA 'Nerima Ghost Detectives R Us' by Ashuri - [Status=Not Complete] - [Last Dld=07/13/2002] - [Size=69kb]

• [Direct] http://www.geocities.com/ghostly_nerima/

I suppose the following might apply.
RANMA 'A Short Discussion about The Universe' by N Reynolds - [Status=Not Complete] - [Last Dld=12/10/2002] - [Size=343kb]

• [Author1] http://www.fanfiction.net/u/214055/N_Reynolds

The following, were it continued... *might* have gone that way.
RANMA 'Sight Beyond Sight' by Trisar - [Status=Single File] - [Last Dld=06/28/2007] - [Size=21kb]

• [Author1] http://www.fanfiction.net/u/290438/Trisar

 

[Hawk]

Has there ever been a non-crossover story where Ranma became a ghost-buster type character?

Yes.

RANMA 'Nerima Ghost Detectives R Us' by Ashuri - [Status=Not Complete] - [Last Dld=07/13/2002] - [Size=69kb]

• [Direct] http://www.geocities.com/ghostly_nerima/

I suppose the following might apply.
RANMA 'A Short Discussion about The Universe' by N Reynolds - [Status=Not Complete] - [Last Dld=12/10/2002] - [Size=343kb]

• [Author1] http://www.fanfiction.net/u/214055/N_Reynolds

The following, were it continued... *might* have gone that way.
RANMA 'Sight Beyond Sight' by Trisar - [Status=Single File] - [Last Dld=06/28/2007] - [Size=21kb]

• [Author1] http://www.fanfiction.net/u/290438/Trisar

Thanks. I figured you would know.

These seem short and dead. The middle one isn't short, but is in script form, which I find a pain to read. I haven't actually read them yet though.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Thanks.á I figured you would know.

These seem short and dead.á The middle one isn't short, but is in script form, which I find a pain to read.á I haven't actually read them yet though.

Well... you did not specify they had to be active... Or even good... just if they existed.

I will state N Reynolds though puts out good stuff. I read that even though it is script. Worth it, very weird and unique Nabiki as well.

 

[The Eromancer]

The only time Ranma will be past its prime is when new fans of the canon stop being created. It's a good canon to play around with, plain and simple.

I think the problem isn't the status of Ranma fanfiction at all, its the quality of new authors going to into anime fanfiction and the plotlines that they generally follow. I read some bleach, eva, and naruto fanfiction every so often, and what I've found is that the fics with a larger number of hits usually tend to be the main male lead and either some cross chick or a female in the same series who isn't the main lead. They also share the element where the main male gets uber and starts kicking ass.

I've also tried reading Black Comedy for Harry Potter, and I really didn't see anything beyond the generic badassery and slightly clever quips. I only read the first two chapters, and it may have gotten better after that, but dangit, I expect more than sticky cream on the first two chapters of any worthwhile story.á

When was the last time anyone had any balls to write something like I'll Met By Starlight, Bitter End, or from Eva, Pariah, and Higher Learning?

Heck, how high is the ratio of current fanfic authors in any fandom with enough dedication to complete fanfiction that doesn't involve generic kickass?

We, the readers, are also part of the problem. Just from my hopping around here on TFF, there seems to be a dearth of heartfelt comments and deliberative insight. What do I see instead? MOAR! or something to that effect. And if not that, then endless arguments about fighting/magic systems. Encouragement is good to offer, and the proper system can make an action fic shine, but readers need to step up and nourish more than the author's ego or cause frustration by quibbling endlessly about how fast a fist can travel if it's a red moon and the fighting gods are rolling dice.

I suddenly feel so very pathetic, how many times have I done similar and shouted MOAR and nothing more?

It shames me.

Now I had a nice big declaration after this part but I've desided I proubly couldn't hold to it

 

[Seed00]

Not to me

Lawra
Ozzalos
Dswynne
Madhat886
Lord Rance
Lord Raa (yes, you)
Innortal
Black Dragon 6

The people on this site and Fukufics
These people still write as far as I care so to me, the Ranma fandom is still active. Their updates show up on this site maybe aside from dswynne.

I was nearly depressed reading this thread. Not bad Raa.

 

[dragonrunt]

Not to me

Lawra
Ozzalos
Dswynne
Madhat886
Lord Rance
Lord Raa (yes, you)
Innortal
Black Dragon 6

The people on this site and Fukufics
These people still write as far as I care so to me, the Ranma fandom is still active. Their updates show up on this site maybe aside from dswynne.

I was nearly depressed reading this thread. Not bad Raa.

...

:huh!:

 

[ToastedPine]

I suddenly feel so very pathetic, how many times have I done similar and shouted MOAR and nothing more?

It shames me.

Now I had a nice big declaration after this part but I've desided I proubly couldn't hold to it

Err sorry, I was in a bad mood when I wrote the post. It wasn't intended to make anyone giving encouragement insignificant. It was meant more to encourage comments that have a little more substance. Sort of like adding cake to all that icing.

 

[PCHeintz72]

I suddenly feel so very pathetic, how many times have I done similar and shouted MOAR and nothing more?á

It shames me.

Now I had a nice big declaration after this part but I've desided I proubly couldn't hold to it

Err sorry, I was in a bad mood when I wrote the post. It wasn't intended to make anyone giving encouragement insignificant. It was meant more to encourage comments that have a little more substance. Sort of like adding cake to all that icing.

It is rare indeed I myself would issue a 'moar'/'more' post with nothing else. I actually dislike such posts.

I normally always give some comment besides for when I do... far more common than that is I just do not comment at all.

 

[nuclear death frog]

I usually try to give decent comments but I've probably used "MOAR!" or similar a bit too much myself. Especially in lemons.

 

[Reader458]

I also try to give more then Moar in my reviews. Sometimes it's hard though when there are no real points to talk about and others have said it already.
Then I tend to give a "I like this fic" just to show the author that there indeed is an interest in the fic.

 

[Seed00]

:huh!:

What? I need something more than a huh? What part of my post did not make sense?

 

[Dumbledork]

I also try to give more then Moar in my reviews. Sometimes it's hard though when there are no real points to talk about and others have said it already.
Then I tend to give a "I like this fic" just to show the author that there indeed is an interest in the fic.

Personally I hate giving bad reviews. So if you see a Ranma fic at ff.net I haven't reviewed it's probably one I have no interst in or I think is really bad.

I also rarely leave constructive comments, but I think a 'I like it' or 'I'd like to read more' should be enough to motivate and encourage an author to give us more.

 

[Deathwings]

Comment are always helpful as long as they aren't mere Flames.

I don't write a lot, mostly snapshot of story because I am woefully unable to kept a plot going. What I do write however generally get very little comments.

As such I can truthfully tell you that not getting any comment, bad or good, is very depressing and discouraging.

MOAR mean that's you're doing something right and should continue to do so.
Negative feedback mean that's you're doing something bad but since it's been point out, you now can correct it and progress.
Flames mean the guy's an asshole and should be ignored,his stupidity could prove contagious.

What does not getting any response mean ? That I just should give and go die in fire or something ? :mellow:

So yeah, bottom line is, even if it's only to say "MOAR", post your comments, 'cause even that has its use.

 

[PCHeintz72]

Comment are always helpful as long as they aren't mere Flames.

I don't write a lot, mostly snapshot of story because I am woefully unable to kept a plot going. What I do write however generally get very little comments.

As such I can truthfully tell you that not getting any comment, bad or good, is very depressing and discouraging.

MOAR mean that's you're doing something right and should continue to do so.
Negative feedback mean that's you're doing something bad but since it's been point out, you now can correct it and progress.

What does not getting any response mean ? That I just should give and go die in fire or something ? :mellow:

So yeah, bottom line is, even if it's only to say "MOAR", post your comments, 'cause even that has its use.

I disagree... a 'moar' or 'more' comment is normally worthless.

It gives the author no insight whatsoever on why you like it, or what direction he/she might go in, or if the point that was attempted to be made was, or if the readers got something completely different out of it. What was disliked or areas of improvment or mistakes might help.

All of the above is what preview and C&C are for.