Shots
by Adriana Scaletti
Total score: 84.3
The good: Judge #1 said that the ending "was leading up to what happened at the end," and also that "Cable was very much in character," and later, "What dialogue there was, which was mainly Cable's thoughts, did interest me." They enjoyed the story overall because "because it was a nice insight into Cable." Judge #2 said, "The idea, Dom being the one to hand Stryfe the disk and getting shot, was very compelling and a totally feasible one." Also, this judge decided the ending was not predictable, and therefore got full points in that area. About the plotting, this person’s comments were, "Was the plot well-thought out?  Yes.  Given the originality of the idea, it *had* to have been well thought out. It was very simplistic in it's plotting, but that's what really made the story.  The minimalism emphasized the emotion…I think that the length did a lot to bring home the point.  Cable is suicidal, and the brevity does a lot to show it." The style "was done in first person objective.  Well done too. The ending sentences were *very* well arranged.  It got across emotion *much* better than flowery sentences could have.  These were short, brutal, and painful to read." As for suitability of topic, "Even though I don't think Cable would have offed himself (I'm just a reader!  What do I know?) this was a *very* powerful piece." Judge #3 said it’s "Definitely something we don’t see every day." Finally, this one said "It’s worth reading, and it does cause emotions. The ending is one that pops your eyes wide open and makes you say ‘Whoa.’ The author’s got some real gumption."

The bad: Judge #1 had this to say: "The beginning was a bit rushed.  There's no sort of introduction to the situation.  The disclaimer tells you about the situation but if you don't read that you don't really get what is going on." The plot was "was a good idea but it hadn't been completely thought out.  The story lacked depth which suggests that maybe the author had an idea but didn't go into great detail with it." About the prose, this judge said, "Yes it was interesting but it lacked the depth of emotion that it should have had." Judge #2 said this about the grammar: "There were some minor word-choice mistakes that detracted from the whole.  I also had to take half a point off for sentence fragments but only because my inner English Teacher was having a fit." They were also in disagreement with the characterization. "As  messed as Nate is, he would *not* have killed himself." On dialogue, "There could have been a bit of actual dialogue. Something to emphasize the emptiness of the desert around him. The prose did it's job, where it needed to, but not spectacularly." Judge #3 said "There’s very little dialogue, and it doesn’t do much for the story." Also that "It’s not really out of place in the Character-Driven category, but it’s another one that would be more appropriate in Drama."

The summary: Cable is torn apart after Domino dies in battle.

Full Circle
by Adriana Scaletti
Total score: 86.3
The good: Judge #1 said "It took a bit of time to understand what was going on but
once you understood what was happening, the rest made sense… The two main characters, Domino and Cable, are in character." This judge gave the story 9 out of 10 points for originality and said "It has been done but I haven't read one where it's all from one side." Plot did well also. "The author certainly knew what she wanted to do.  It flowed at a steady pace which gave the impression that it had been well thought out." On dialogue: "As a monologue it was good.  You could feel that Cable was speaking but it took time to realize that it was him." About the suitability of topic, they said, "As an exploration of character it certainly made me think about who the main character is.  I definitely felt that this was a story exploring Cable's love for Domino and it showed in the story." This judge felt the story was quite important and said, "Was this story worth reading? Definitely.  For insight into Cable, the man, yes.  In the comics you don't really get to see the character's personality.  This story shows what the comics tend to miss." Judge #2 said, "The over all story was interesting and done in a neat way… Did the ending fit with the story?  Yuh-huh.  I like the ambiguity of how it ended too. She could have died, she could have gone into a coma. Either way, the Nate's conversation from before hand fit well with a 'goodbye' atmosphere.  It fit." About originality: "I *adored* the ending.  I'm partial to stuff that doesn't always *end*, so this baby just made me smile." This judge was very pleased the story’s style. "I'll take this to say that the format it was done in was *neat* and completely new to the genre. There've been monologues, but not spaced and paced like this.  It was a total treat to read." "It was vaguely sad.  And the ending made me happy in 'oo, that's neat!' kind of way." Judge #3 said "It was…weird, but it made sense after a few lines. The dialogue is very, very unique." Finally, this one said, "I’m not sure if ‘enjoy’ is quite the word you’d apply to Full Circle, but it’s very engrossing."
 
The bad: Judge #1 said the ending was "A bit predictable but it did fit with  the story." On the plot: "The author kept it nice and tidy but it was a little hard to understand at the beginning what was going on. A bit too short.  I think there could have been a little more explaining what had happened to Domino." "As a monologue it lacked in effective description of what was going on around.  You only ‘heard’ what Cable said." Judge #2 had a sort of hard time with the grammar. "There were a couple spots where the punctuation that got stuck in was spotty.  Nothing huge and it added to the effect, but there were a few places where it *didn't*.  As for the loss of points in grammer, it was for wrong word choice, or bad tenses." They qualified their good comment on cohesiveness with the following: "I was confused about whether or not Domino did have amnesia… The only real character who *spoke* was Nate and there were a few lines he would *not* have said if there were any chance Dom'd survive…It was kind of confusing." About the plot: "I'm not really sure whether or not there *was* a plot. It could have been a bit longer to smooth some of those wrinkles out." They were also rather conflicted about the dialogue. "Did it sound realistic?  Well, not all of it.  As I've said before, a lot of this stuff was things Nate *wouldn't* say unless cornered but good.  Maybe he was, but the imagery, etc. didn't convey that totally." Overall, "The style is original and cool, but uncertainty on character and definition hurt it." Judge #3 said, "It could have been a little more developed. We’re not told exactly how Domino got to where she is in the story, except that Cable did something stupid."

The summary: Judge #3 said, "Two months after a grievous mistake on Cable’s part, Domino awakes from a coma and has no idea who she or anyone around her is. I’d say more, but I don’t want to give it away."
 

Water for the Dead
by Alicia McKenzie
Total score: 86.6
The good: Judge #1 had this to say about the story’s originality: "Character has to deal with loved one's death? No, but I haven't seen Cable deal with death in such depth before." They also said, "I think a lot of planning went into [the plot]." "There was very little [dialogue] but I think that was done on purpose which made the story good." The style opened up to "some good insights into Cable as a person." Judge #2 said, "The way this was done, the back-flashes made sense and added quite a bit to the story." "The idea isn't original, but the handling of it is, so it gets half points." "Lots of mental juice went into this little angst-fest." The accents "defined character in a totally natural way that didn't piss me off.  Points for that." "It was *HEAVILY* emotional and depended just as hard on its prose to convey that.  Yikes did it do well… Oh, I'll be honest and say I sniffled heartily through the thing." Judge #3 said, "Can’t say the ending is predictable, and I won’t contest the story’s originality." On the story’s value, "It was _definitely_ worth reading. It causes emotions out the wazoo. The penultimate line will grab you by the heart strings and pull like a tractor."

The bad: Judge #1 said "Cable, I think [was wildly out of character]. He just doesn't seem like the kind of person who would let death get in the way of living." On the plot: "Bordering on being a bit too complex with Cable's feelings. I think that when it comes to dealing with death that emotions are not complex but more primitive although there maybe complex motives for those feelings. Okay, that made no sense." This judge said they didn’t feel any emotions because "I honestly didn't believe that Cable would go around  feeling sorry for himself. He's a survivor and survivors get their heads down and get on with living." Judge #2 said, "I have to take off a point for my inability to believe Nathan would *ever* off himself, but Alicia did set this up so that I *almost* believed it." "It could have used a little more background," but even that comment was only half-negative. "My only big problems with it involved Nathan offing himself.  I just don't see it.  I'll give Alicia credit for trying darn hard to convince me he would, but I just can't.  It's a nice idea though." Judge #3 said, "It’s a tad confusing. We don’t know exactly how the tragedy occurred, and there’s a time or two where we can’t tell what’s really happening." They later said, "This would be very, very good under Drama. So good, in fact, that it makes the choice of Character-Driven seem a little inappropriate."

The summary: Cable is totally bowled over by grief after Domino dies.

Drowning Sorrows
by Alicia McKenzie
Total score: 85
The good: Judge #1 didn’t have much good to say about this story, but they did give pretty generous points. "It makes a change to see Cable and Domino drinking instead of Terry." Judge #2 didn’t have much to say about this story (actually, this judge didn’t say much about *any* story, so it’s nothing against this one), but they did say that "The story was well written, it had less of a cool base for a story then "Beyond the pale" but was told far better and that's what counts." Judge #3 said the ending fit the story because "Passing out tends to follow drinking a lot." On characterization: "Ms. McKenzie used a very good explanation on why Nate would get smashed.  As for Dom... well, I could see her drinking a good deal so Nate wouldn't go and poison himself." It was original because ".  Not only did it deal with a specific issue that hasn't really been dealt with, even by the Marvel team (at least *well*,) plus it had Nate getting completely toasted." "I love Ms. McKenzie's characterization of Domino.  Her lines are funny and real. Nate was speaking happy (::snerk::) Nate-speak and Dom was doing a great impression of herself." "‘Team leader and token Summers’ ::SNICKER::  Oh, that was comical."

The bad: Judge #1 said, "I can't imagine Cable getting as drunk as he did. It was the usual sort of ending that plays it safe.  It could have been more interesting." The story was "Too short.  I think that there could have been more exploration of Dom and Cable's lives in the story." The dialogue "could have been more interesting.  Two characters, a couple of bottles of spirits?  There could have been a lot of interesting things said." The prose wasn’t interesting "because it was a bit pointless in places." This judge also said "I don't think it felt like a character driven story.  I didn't learn anything new about the characters and I didn't connect with them or feel anything for their situations. I didn't sympathize with the characters or feel anything at all for them. I didn't get a good insight in to the characters lives." Finally, they said "If I had a drink at hand I might join Cable and Domino.  This isn't an entertaining story and really only Cable and Domino enthusiasts should read it." Judge #2 said "on the other hand it lacked the 'edge' some stories have: the thing that makes them really cool." Judge #3 said about the grammar: "Overall, it was tense shifting and run-ons that brought this one down." About the plot: "The author took pains to relate and relay information straight from the comic.  However, the characterization and Nate-belief-system didn't seem to gel real well in this story.  That wasn't a sentence that can be backed up with examples real well, it was just a feeling I got after reading the thing. Something seemed a bit... off." On value: "It just didn't seem like the author enjoyed writing this."

The summary: What I can extrapolate from the reviews is that Dom and Cable get totally bombed out of their skulls, and you can just imagine what they do once that happens.

Clarity
by Alicia McKenzie
Total score: 84
The good: Judge #1 could confirm that all parts of the story made sense. On originality: "Character dealing with a disability? No, that's not original. But the fact that it's Cable and it isn't his mutant power is points in this story’s favor." On dialogue: "The exchanges between Nate and Dom were good." Judge #2 said "Cable did [act wildly out of character], but that was the point: he had changed." It’s also, "Very effective. It got me thinking…" It caused emotions such as "Sadness, hope, peace."

The bad: Judge #1 said the ending fit "but it was way too happy-happy, everything’s going to be okay kind of ending." The ending was also "way too mushy!" Also, "Some of [the prose] was a bit dull and heavy." "I don't think I came away with any sorts of revelations about the characters or understood them any better. I don't think I came away with any sorts of revelations about the characters or understood them any better." Judge #2 says it’s "A bit long for a one scene-story."

The summary: There is no Judge #3 on this one, and the first two don’t wanna tell me what happens in the story! Damn you two! Now I have to go read it for myself!

Beyond the Pale
by Alicia McKenzie
Total score: 83.6

{review withheld by author's request)
The summary: Judge #1 said, "Cable is trapped within his own mind and has to fight Stryfe to regain control of his own body."

You Only Live Twice: On Shaky Ground
by Karen Galarneault
Total score: 76
The good: Judge #1 said "Well, the ending left wasn't really an ending.  It left the door open for more to come." I’m not sure if that’s good or not, but the score in that area is high, so I’m putting it here. "I haven't seen a story that explored Rictor's childhood. Although the idea of exploring childhood is not an original story, the character chosen is and that's what's good about this story." This judge liked the plot. "Yes.  I think the author knows where the story was going and wanted to go through key events in Ric's life.  There is no part that is a waste or pointless.  All the events serve a purpose and show something that was important to who Rictor was." "I think I understand Ric a little better for reading this story." They enjoyed the story because "It's rare to see a Rictor story and certainly rare to see an exploration of a member of X-Force's childhood." Judge #2 said the ending fit with the story and that the idea is original. "Some of [the dialogue] was great." Overall, "But for a Rictor-fan this is a must read."

The bad: Judge #1 said it "Could have been a little more complex than it was," and that it was "Maybe too short.  There could have been more details added to the story to give it a bit more depth." This judge had a minor complaint with the style. "Some of it was a bit rough around the edges but with a little work it can be improved." Judge #2 said "Some parts were a bit off." On the plot: "In some ways it was both too simple and too complex. Some things happened just a bit too easily." This judge was a little at odds about the dialogue. "It sounded a bit forced and/or unrealistic at times." On the category: "Maybe action might be better suited." Overall, "My problem with this story was that I couldn’t get into the character’s head. The writing wasn’t quite deep enough to be thought-provoking, but it was interesting and I did like the basic ideas in the story.. And although it’s a character-piece, it lacks a certain element I can’t quite pinpoint right now."

The summary: Um…another case of two judges refusing to tell me what happens! Rictor childhood piece, something you don’t see often.

The Not Knowing is What Gets You
by Alystraea
Total score: 78
The good: Judge #1 said the dialogue sounded realistic. "Considering Rahne is the main character, I am greatly surprised and relieved that the accent wasn't annoying." Judge #2 said that "Everybody’s in character." Also, "it had enough different plots to keep you interested, but without being complex." There is "Just about the right amount" of dialogue. This comment, I’m not sure about: "Well, some of the Sam/Rahne scenes made me feel a bit mushy." Based on most of this judge’s comments, I *think* that’s a good thing. Overall, "This a very a good story, especially for a first one. It really captures Rahne with all her insecurities and all."

The bad: Judge #1 said "It felt like it jumped about all over the place." Also that "It wasn't the greatest ending." "As mentioned earlier, there was too much detail which made it drag on." Overall, "I didn't think that I got anything out of this and the length made it feel more like a chore than a leisure activity." Judge #2 said they felt "Anger the first time I read it and it left an unfinished cliffhanger," but other than that didn’t find many problems.

The summary: *whimper* WHY won’t these judges say what the stories are about? I don’t have time to read ‘em all, folks!

Unknown
by Binkeee
Total score: 86.5
The good: Judge #1 said the ending "brought the story together" and that no one acted wildly out of character. Judge #2 said "The story makes perfect sense, and all stages of it are completely clear. At first, Sam’s internal monologue feels a little ‘off,’ but as you read the story, his characterization sort of grows on you like a really cute vine." They later said that "The dialogue is perfect." They concluded by saying that "It is most definitely worth reading."

The bad: Judge #1 said "It was sort of [original] but I think that other characters have said and felt the same things in other stories." They also said "It was one of those annoying pointless endings where everything seems all neatly wrapped up in a few well chosen words." They said the story was "WAY too long.  It needs to be more focused." When asked about the dialogue, they said "I think there was too little interaction between the two main characters." Judge #2 agreed that "It could stand to be a little shorter."

The summary: Judge #1 calls it "A story told from Sam's point of view featuring Dani Moonstar."

The Hunchback of Notre Dame
by JB McDragon
Total score: 86.5
The good: Judge #1 said "[The parts of the story] seemed to flow quite nicely together." "There are some good bits of prose.  The way the author describes the game of solitaire is good." "It's not going to give you a great idea of what Domino's early life was like but it's good for just that small glimpse." Judge #2 said "The dialogue’s great." They concluded by saying "It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it’s worth the time it takes to read. Well-done stories about characters as children are always interesting, including this one."

The bad: Judge #1 said "the idea of looking to a character's childhood for explanations as to who they are now is not new." Also, "I think there could have been a little more thought put into [the plot] to make it a more insightful story as to who Domino was." "I don't think it went into enough detail especially about the young Domino's feelings about her situation." "There could have been more development especially the scene between Topaz (Domino) and Grace." Judge #2 said "It was fairly original, but not really surprising." When asked about the plot, they said "It could have been a bit more complex." Later, they said "There was a little use of lightning and thunder outside that was more distracting than enhancing."

The summary: Judge #2 said "A brief look at Domino as a little girl, feeling locked up like the Hunchback of Notre Dame in her rich parents’ house."

And the winner is…

The bad: Judge #1 said "Yes [the story makes sense] but it took me a bit of time to realize what was going on." Judge #2 said "The style’s fine, if a little simple," and that was about as close as Judge #2 came to making a negative comment about it.

The summary: Judge #1 calls it "Terry's reflections of her life after she is left without her powers and voice by Feral.  A very worthwhile read."