Red's Reviews: Kasumi ½ 

Continuation Title: Kasumi ½
Author: Rainman
Status: Abandoned
Rating: 7.3

     To be honest, my first thought when I saw the title of this story is "Oh, 
good grief... Not another 'so-and-so ½' fic... Aren't there enough of those?" 
Then one day, having nothing better to do than watch files download, I read it. 
And was pleasantly surprised.
     The adult nature of the story is refreshingly irregular. I am used to the 
majority of Ranma fanfics being somewhat silly, concentrating more upon the 
fanciful side of the Ranma universe. While K½ could still go that route, and 
perhaps do it well, it hasn't so far. The subject matter is distinctly grown-up, 
giving the story up to this point (chapter 5 at this time) a much more serious 
flavor.
     This fanfic is one that the more rabid canon-fanatics will be howling for 
blood after reading. You know the kind I mean, right? The ones who think Akane 
is perfect, and that any deviation from the canonical story is a death-penalty 
offense. The idea that Ranma would do this (lucky guy, if you ask me) with 
anyone other than Akane is blasphemy to them.
     Plot: The primary plot: Ranma gets Kasumi pregnant. Hmm, VERY interesting.
     Up to the current chapter, we are shown what happens and how (no bad jokes, 
thank you!), and the initial revelation to the Tendou family. The story is 
entertaining, with a definite surprise or two. However, it does have a few minor 
problems.
     For instance, we are not given an indication of how long Ranma and Kasumi 
spent house-sitting alone at her friend's home. Was it just one day (which I 
doubt, who would cross the Pacific for a day-trip?) or longer? If it was longer, 
were they able to control themselves during that time, or was the house a-
rockin' more than that?  ADDENDUM: It was later pointed out to me that this was 
indeed a two-week trip. 
     Also, this friend of Kasumi's. The one who seems to be some sort of 
interpersonal-relationship genius. Is it just me, or does the fact that this 
woman sees everything going on behind the scenes and blurts it out the way she 
does a little too convenient? Somehow working out a way to make this woman, or 
at least her observations, a little subtler would be a step up. It would 
certainly thicken out that section, but that's not necessarily a bad thing if 
done right.
     Characters and Characterizations: There were some characterizations here 
that struck me as odd, in a number of ways. However, not the ones the spring 
immediately to mind.
     I was surprised at Genma and Soun. I was not expecting Genma to be so 
accepting of it, despite the fact that the well being and/or happiness of others 
has never been of the slightest importance. While I found this characterization 
surprising, it was well within the realm of belief. I was very surprised when 
Soun bitch-slapped him into the pond.
     Soun attacking Ranma?! As outclassed as Soun is, I expected either some 
much-overblown waterworks or outright catatonia. Yet another nice surprise. 
Rather than Genma, I had thought it would be Soun who would have been 
enthusiastic about these circumstances.
     Ranma is still the clueless dope trying to do the right thing, Kasumi's 
still Kasumi, Tofu is not involved at this point. This Nabiki, however, leaves 
me feeling that there is something missing where her character is concerned. I 
just can't put my finger on it, but that feeling will not go away. In addition, 
Ryouga seems right on track.
     I can hear most of you asking "What about Akane?" Well, I'll tell you what 
I thought: I did not see much of a change from the canonical Akane character. 
Angry, self-centered, untrusting. It was almost purely Akane.
     For the most part, the characters were very believable.
     Dialogue: The dialogue in Kasumi ½ is excellent. It fit the personalities 
of the speakers, and made clear what they wished to say. I can't really say much 
more than that.
     Story Mechanics: The chapters were a little short, but not devastatingly 
so. They'll get by. The biggest problem this fanfic had, in my opinion, was the 
dream / flashback / present switches. At times it was very difficult to tell 
which time period the author was speaking in. More than once I was thrown off 
the story after the narrative changed from the present time to one of the 
characters' flashbacks. The same thing happened regarding the dream and daydream 
segments.

     Overall: I liked Kasumi ½, despite its unfortunate title. The "character 
gets knocked up" device has been used before, but rarely as the opening plot 
line in a Ranma fanfic. The writing is good and the idea is definitely 
interesting. I am looking forward to future chapters.
     If I were asked if I would recommend Kasumi ½, I'd say I would. It is 
certainly worth reading.