Aadler - Author Review

Aadler’s Favorites —
Fan Fiction by Other Authors

Kimberly Rector and
Martha Wells Wilson

Crossovers are chancy things. Even writing in a single fandom makes scrupulous demands on character authenticity and knowledge of canon, and when fandoms are combined the problems multiply. Then, there’s the matter of individual loyalty: my allegiance is to Buffy and I don’t like seeing my favorite characters relegated to supporting status, so I can readily understand why fans of the ‘guest’ characters would object to their own favorites being used in that way. Conversely, when the extra characters play a significant role, a great deal of confusion can creep in if a reader isn’t fully familiar with the second fandom.
Rector and Wilson, in “When Hellmouths Collide”, have met all these potential problems head-on, and turned out a delightful romp that rings true in all particulars. Not being thoroughly versed in the worlds of Hercules and Xena, I can’t swear that the characters and situations are presented authentically … but the two authors write primarily in the Hercules/Xena oeuvre, so one may presume that they have captured that world as accurately as they did the people and personalities of the gang from Buffy. Individuals, places, and histories are explained in sufficient detail that an unfamiliar visitor (like myself) can not only make sense out of what’s going on, but also thoroughly enjoy it.

For some months I refrained from recommending this one, because it was still a work-in-progress and I dislike showcasing unfinished stories; now, nothing stops it from taking a solid place in my list of favorites.

A more recent story, by Wilson alone, continues the theme. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” introduces the Angel Investigations team to the Hercules/Xena universe, with easily imaginable results. Shorter, less involved, and of somewhat lesser stature, it still makes a fine companion piece.

When Hellmouths Collide Season: 3 Spoilers: indeterminate, but clearly before “Enemies”

Follow the Yellow Brick Road Season: 2 (Angel) Spoilers: “There’s No Place Like Plrtz Glrb”

Crossovers are chancy things. Even writing in a single fandom makes scrupulous demands on character authenticity and knowledge of canon, and when fandoms are combined the problems multiply. Then, there’s the matter of individual loyalty: my allegiance is to Buffy and I don’t like seeing my favorite characters relegated to supporting status, so I can readily understand why fans of the ‘guest’ characters would object to their own favorites being used in that way. Conversely, when the extra characters play a significant role, a great deal of confusion can creep in if a reader isn’t fully familiar with the second fandom. Rector and Wilson, in “When Hellmouths Collide”, have met all these potential problems head-on, and turned out a delightful romp that rings true in all particulars. Not being thoroughly versed in the worlds of Hercules and Xena, I can’t swear that the characters and situations are presented authentically … but the two authors write primarily in the Hercules/Xena oeuvre, so one may presume that they have captured that world as accurately as they did the people and personalities of the gang from Buffy. Individuals, places, and histories are explained in sufficient detail that an unfamiliar visitor (like myself) can not only make sense out of what’s going on, but also thoroughly enjoy it. For some months I refrained from recommending this one, because it was still a work-in-progress and I dislike showcasing unfinished stories; now, nothing stops it from taking a solid place in my list of favorites.
A more recent story, by Wilson alone, continues the theme. “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” introduces the Angel Investigations team to the Hercules/Xena universe, with easily imaginable results. Shorter, less involved, and of somewhat lesser stature, it still makes a fine companion piece.
When Hellmouths Collide	Season: 3	Spoilers: indeterminate, but clearly before “Enemies”
Follow the Yellow Brick Road	Season: 2 (Angel)	Spoilers: “There’s No Place Like Plrtz Glrb”