Mostly a Dirty Pair review
But first, a quick note. To all those who seem to think that this period, post-season 3 Martha v. Rose, etc., is a horrible time for fandom, where one can't say anything because ten other people will say they're hideously wrong and offensive besides... take it from one who hung out on rec.arts.drwho in 1995. IT'S ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THIS. Perhaps there's a bit more fussing about sex now, but otherwise? ALWAYS LIKE THIS. :D (Although, the new series has meant 50% less Pertwee v. McCoy wars...)
On to the Dirty Pair. I got the first novel, and it was a treat. For all that I bitch and moan about Adam Warren, and note the crappy animation quality of the TV series, the Pair really are very similar in all their incarnations. This book has two novellas, both very much of the type of plot we'd always get. Pair sent in to solve problem, they solve it, things get out of hand through no fault of their own, SHIT HAPPENS. Repeat as needed.
The one thing is that Yuri gets shortchanged in characterization here. This is, perhaps, unsurprising as the first-person narrator is Kei, and we see everything, including Yuri, through her eyes. Still, it's not like you're reading this for the deep characterization anyway. There are many fights and explosions here. :)
The translation seemed breezy and fun. Few odd modernisms or colloquialisms, and for the most part it just seemed like a strong adaptation. I also liked the 20 or so pieces of art interspersed throughout, which were sketchy but fun. People tend to forget that part of the reason this book was written is that Takachiho was told, as part of the founding committee of Studio Nue, that a book or anime could not support two female protagonists and no male love interests. So he created a series that did. Also, fiery hothead and cool Japanese beauty combo? Starts right here.
The first novella won the Japanese equivalent of a Hugo in 1980. The second book, released 6 years later, won a second for best Novel. Called The Dirty Pair Strikes Again, it will be out (theoretically) at the end of January. This is Dark Horse, so expect that date to slide, but kudos to them for an excellent job.
The FMP novel isn't due out till Wednesday, so I've decided to spend tomorrow's trip to and from work reading Dune. No, I'm not insane, nor do I read super fast. It's just I've tried to read Dune 3 times, and FAILED each time. Full of giant FAIL, in fact. So I figure I will make myself slog through it, and by Wednesday, I'll be begging for something like Kaname hitting Sousuke with harisens.
On to the Dirty Pair. I got the first novel, and it was a treat. For all that I bitch and moan about Adam Warren, and note the crappy animation quality of the TV series, the Pair really are very similar in all their incarnations. This book has two novellas, both very much of the type of plot we'd always get. Pair sent in to solve problem, they solve it, things get out of hand through no fault of their own, SHIT HAPPENS. Repeat as needed.
The one thing is that Yuri gets shortchanged in characterization here. This is, perhaps, unsurprising as the first-person narrator is Kei, and we see everything, including Yuri, through her eyes. Still, it's not like you're reading this for the deep characterization anyway. There are many fights and explosions here. :)
The translation seemed breezy and fun. Few odd modernisms or colloquialisms, and for the most part it just seemed like a strong adaptation. I also liked the 20 or so pieces of art interspersed throughout, which were sketchy but fun. People tend to forget that part of the reason this book was written is that Takachiho was told, as part of the founding committee of Studio Nue, that a book or anime could not support two female protagonists and no male love interests. So he created a series that did. Also, fiery hothead and cool Japanese beauty combo? Starts right here.
The first novella won the Japanese equivalent of a Hugo in 1980. The second book, released 6 years later, won a second for best Novel. Called The Dirty Pair Strikes Again, it will be out (theoretically) at the end of January. This is Dark Horse, so expect that date to slide, but kudos to them for an excellent job.
The FMP novel isn't due out till Wednesday, so I've decided to spend tomorrow's trip to and from work reading Dune. No, I'm not insane, nor do I read super fast. It's just I've tried to read Dune 3 times, and FAILED each time. Full of giant FAIL, in fact. So I figure I will make myself slog through it, and by Wednesday, I'll be begging for something like Kaname hitting Sousuke with harisens.