Fandom: MAN FROM UNCLE
Pairing: Napoleon Solo/OFC, pre-slash
Length: 3,100 words
Author on LJ: xparrot
Author Website: Xparrot on AO3
Why this must be read:

Before you go eewww, Napoleon/OFC--look at the title again. You'll like this story!

Xparrot has been writing MFU for about a year now and I could have picked just about any of her stories to recommend. She has an easy, fluid writing style and a knack for letting you see that deep feelings run beneath the bright surface of Illya and Napoleon's banter and squabbling. I decided to rec Sublimierung because, well, because who can resist a combination of MFU and, um, Nietzsche?

Napoleon going on a date and thinking of Illya is almost a trope in MFU fiction. This is a very clever take on that. Napoleon is on a date and doesn't need to think about Illya, Illya is already so much a part of his psyche that he's just....there. The story is charming and funny, Xparrot takes full advantage of the mix of absurdity and drama that MFU canon allows its writers; but underneath it all is a poignant yearning, Napoleon reaching for something that isn't quite clear to him yet.

It was Illya's turn to write up the mission report, and with usual Russian efficiency he tended to mentally compose those during free moments on the mission itself, typing them up later from memory. So Napoleon wasn't surprised when after a half hour of meditative silence, Illya finally asked, "What is the psychological term for the successful defense mechanism? The transformation of energies towards an alternative goal?"

"Like, say, world domination?" Napoleon eyed his partner suspiciously. "Are you psychoanalyzing THRUSH kingpins again?" Illya had recently been rereading Freud, and applying it to their foes with unsettling conclusions. A THRUSH-man's Oedipal complex was not something Napoleon cared to contemplate in detail, especially not when he had met some of the mothers in question.

"Vytesnenie," Illya muttered to himself. "Displacement? No, that's not quite it. I know there's a word for it..."

"It might come to you faster if you weren't hanging upside down by your ankles."

The effect of Illya's arched eyebrow was scarcely diminished for being inverted. "Napoleon, if I couldn't think hanging upside down, I'd hardly have time to think at all."

Sublimierung

This issue covers January 5th in crossover fandom.

All fan fiction has been listed at least twice, once for each fandom represented in the story. As the lists are very long, lj cuts have been implemented. Enjoy!

( Crossover Media, Challenges and Announcements )


( Crossover Fan Fiction )
We don't pretend that what you see in this newsletter covered everything in the world of crossovers on Live Journal for the dates in question, though we have done our best. Please feel free to comment with suggestions on ways to improve the newsletter. Also, please let us know of any content we have overlooked or if any of the links are broken.

~Your editor,
st_aurafina

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi/Beru Whitesun Lars
Length: ~2000 words
Author on LJ: smittywing
Author's website: Her own website
Why this fic must be read:

The van's next stop is a site devoted to the pairing of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Beru Whitesun Lars. Yes. The Sepia Side of the Force. Sands in the Hourglass by Aeshna hails from the years of hot and heavy speculation about the prequels, its plot springing from then-canon that Owen was Obi-Wan's brother. Beru, therefore, is Obi-Wan's sister-in-law and her marriage is in trouble. Two years after Order 66, Obi-Wan lives alone in his hut, heavily assaulted in the Force by the still-ongoing deaths of Jedi. He suffers, she comforts, they soothe each other in a very basic way. It's hot and heavy; Beru comes to life in a manner that you'd not thought before. It's a finely characterized adulterous soap opera, as its title suggests.

Sands in the Hourglass

News
- cj_rss posted Rumor: Lucasfilm/DC crossover in the works?.
- 501stlegion posted The TK Project Moves into 2010.
- starwars_today posted Crosscurrent Excerpt: Chapter Two.
- theforcenet posted Both New Year's TCW Episodes Now Online.
- lazypadawan posted New Galaxy Cards set to be released in February.
- theforcenet posted IGN Speculates On More SW Films.
- starwars_today posted George Lucas's Blockbusting Out Now.
- theforcenet posted George Lucas Heading To The Daily Show.
- theforcenet posted Summary Outline For SW: TOR: Fatal Alliance.
- theforcenet posted A "Star Wars-Like" Adidas Video Game?.
- theforcenet posted Juvie Star Wars Book Updates & More.
- starwars_today posted Star Wars: Visions - Clash on Kothlis.
- cj_rss posted Out this week: The Clone Wars.

Art
- chivalryundead drew Boba Fett and Cad Bane. (Rated G)
- theresonlytoday drew Rubik's Cube Wampa and Boba Fett. (Rated G)

Fic
- otahyoni posted a fic rec.

Challenges/Contests
- anakin_icontest has Challenge #57 Extension.
- obiwanstillness has Mod Post.
- leiastillness has Challenge #41 Extension.
- padme_stills has Mod Post: Closed.
- padanistillness has Mod Post: Closed.
- sw_eu_icontest has Challenge #30 Voting and Challenge #31.

Graphics/Icons
- potix posted 11 Padmé icons, 18 Obi-Wan/Padmé icons and 9 Obi-Wan icons (part of a multifandom post).

Pictures
- officialswblog posted Millennium Falcon Guitar.

Humor
- writestufflee posted a Star Wars joke.

Capslock Content
- okroginator posted Capslock Monday.
- tehblahishness posted No Ahsoka Monday? What Is This Nonsense?.

Miscellaneous
- starwars_today posted Star Wars Veggie Carvings.
- theforcenet posted Humpy The Ewok Sketch Cards.
- theforcenet posted The Star Wars Lightsaber MP3 Player.
- starwars_today posted Star Wars: "Strictly Big Screen Stuff".
- officialswblog posted Hiro Channels His Inner Jedi on Heroes.

If you have anything to contribute, please leave a comment including a link, title, rating, and characters/pairing, as appropriate, on this post. If you have anything that should be reported, let us know! We encourage it, in fact. Pimp yourself, pimp others, pimp anything of any interest unto the SW fandom. All comments will be screened.

Fandom THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim/Blair
Length: 77k (for each story)
Author on LJ: chryssalys
Author Website: on her LJ (her site at ejai.org is gone) and at 852 Prospect
Why this must be read: Wonderfully angsty post TSbBS slash about discovering you're in love when you're too far away and too committed to the path you're on. There's a sequel as well:
A Sense of Belonging. What makes this stand out for me is that not I can totally picture Blair and Jim in this situation, and the dilemma they face feels very real.

A Sense of Home

This issue covers January 4th in crossover fandom.

All fan fiction has been listed at least twice, once for each fandom represented in the story. As the lists are very long, lj cuts have been implemented. Enjoy!

( Crossover Media, Challenges and Announcements )
( Crossover Fan Fiction )


We don't pretend that what you see in this newsletter covered everything in the world of crossovers on Live Journal for the dates in question, though we have done our best. Please feel free to comment with suggestions on ways to improve the newsletter. Also, please let us know of any content we have overlooked or if any of the links are broken.

Cheers,
vichan

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: none
Length: 18401 words
Author on LJ: I don't think she has one
Author's website: FFN profile
Why this must be read:

Surprisingly, the creation of interesting original characters is a rare fanfic gift for an author. Elemarth has a forum regarding this aspect of writing over on fanfiction.net, which says a lot about her skills in this area. "Candles" more than holds your interest, it makes you root for this varied group of Order 66 survivors as they go about their business of survival, shorn of cultural roots, shorn of everything but their lives. It's a raw, almost minute-by-minute description of Master Jian Kaari in her group of seven Jedi of various ages as they struggle with their options in the Empire. What should they do to make a living? Should they continue to use the Force in small doses? Should they stay together? The GFFA is a harsh place in this story, but they are Jedi. They'll do their best. Canon characters are mentioned, but not dwelled upon.

Candles

This issue covers January 3rd in crossover fandom.

All fan fiction has been listed at least twice, once for each fandom represented in the story. As the lists are very long, lj cuts have been implemented. Enjoy!

( Crossover Media, Challenges and Announcements )

( Crossover Fan Fiction )
We don't pretend that what you see in this newsletter covered everything in the world of crossovers on Live Journal for the dates in question, though we have done our best. Please feel free to comment with suggestions on ways to improve the newsletter. Also, please let us know of any content we have overlooked or if any of the links are broken.

~Your editor,
lilacsigil

Hey, I’m repmetsyrrah, and I’ll be you DCU reccer for January. I’m an avid reader of the comics but my fanfic tastes lean more towards the movieverse- mostly the Superman movies and I’m a die-hard clois fan so that’s what you’re likely to see the most of this month. However I do have a few other ones to keep it interesting.

Fandom: DC- Superman Returns
Pairing: Clark/Lois
Length: ~ 200,000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Wahoogal06 on FF.Net
Why this must be read:

Hope I’m not being too ambitious starting with an epic but in my opinion this is one of the very best fics by one of the very best authors in this little corner of the fandom. I know fans were divided over the latest movie but this fic takes a realistic look at the aftermath of Superman Returns as well as having an extremely original plot to weave it into.

One of the few fics I've read where I almost haven't been able to believe what the author's doing with the characters. She puts them through so much and pushes them right to the edge of but she does it so well and believably that you won't be able to help but read on. The first of a five-part series of which three are completed, this is a fantastic fic if you want something to really sink you teeth into.

Searching For Clark Kent

Fandom: NCIS
Pairing: Tony/Tim, or gen -- you decide!
Length: 2,131
Author on LJ: kasuchi
Author website: kasuchi's fic tag
Why this must be read:

This story neatly encapsulates a lot of what I love about NCIS: how the plots are often silly and always secondary to the character dynamics; how much the team loves each other, and how they express it in merciless banter; how it doesn't take itself too seriously; and, finally, how ambiguous the relationsips are -- you can read almost any pair of characters as being in an offscreen relationship and it works. (This story also has just three comments and two delicious bookmarks. *coughs*)

This particular fic centers around Dinozzo and McGee, undercover in couples' therapy for gay men. You can read it as slashy gen or genish slash -- it works either way. It's flat-out hilarious, too, with great character voices across the board. Here, have an example!

( Tony leveled a dark stare at Ziva. )

It's fun, it's funny, and it's characterized excellently, with some great things to say about Tony and Tim in particular. So this is your cue. Go. Read. Enjoy. Review.
The Old Ball and Chain

Greetings and salutations! I’m laughingacademy. I have recced fics in many fandoms. But this month, I’d like to take you on a journey through Time and Space, into the world of...the Mighty Boosh!

---

Fandom: THE MIGHTY BOOSH
Pairings: Gen, or very mild Howard/Vince
Length: 1,625 words
Warnings: none
Author on LJ: nebula99
Author Website: unknown
Why this must be read:

A new story for a new year — the author wrote this, her first Booshfic, for Yuletide 2009, and it’s wonderful. Aw, look, Vince is crimping to an abandoned kitten! How could Howard possibly have a problem with this?

He lifted the creased paper and held it up to the light. The words glowed red as the sunlight poured through the window.

Behold.

This is the Tatty Kitten of the Apocalypse.

Nurture it as your own and you shall be rewarded with a slow and painful death.

P.S. It is litter trained.

...Oh.

“The Tatty Kitten of the Apocalypse,” available at the Yuletide 2009 archive and the author’s LJ.

The First Time Dean Kissed a Girl by mymuseandi (PG)

title: The First Time Dean Kissed a Girl
fandom: Supernatural
genre: gen - PG
length: comment meme (less than 1000 words)
author on LJ:mymuseandi
author's Website: mymuseandi
Why this must be read: Hai! Yes, the Cat-in-charge is back with more fic. One great thing about the Supernatural fandom is the comment memes. It is very easy for writers who don't put out a lot of fic to get lost in such a big fandom, and these memes are a great way to discover those authors. This fic's title says it all: "The first time Dean kissed a girl."

( Dean wipes his wet cheek with his right hand )

Now go read and don't forget to pet the the author: First Time Dean Kissed a Girl

Good day! I'm fearlessfirefly and I'm driving the crack TARDIS van for Doctor Who this month! I'll be focusing on old school with a dash of Nu Who for good measure, so strap yourselves in (or hang onto the hat stand, it never moves) and get ready to be entertained. Geronimo!

Fandom: DOCTOR WHO
Pairing: Ten/River
Length: 1,591
Author on LJ: calapine
Author Website: fic tag on LJ
Why this must be read:

I'm kicking off this month with a poignant look at a couple that just doesn't get enough love in fandom: the Tenth Doctor and River Song. It rings true to the complex dynamics of their relationship and it is just so beautiful that it must be read.

Mistitled

If you enjoy the story, please don't forget to leave a comment and tell the author how you liked it! ♥

Hey everyone, I'm horseriderjen and I'm back for another round in the driver's seat! Buckle your seatbelts and prepare for another trip through the BTVS fandom!

Fandom: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER 
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Length: medium
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Liz's page on Oakpark Street
Why this must be read:

Living in a dormitory while away at college is very common. And having lived in one myself, I know how hard it is to have any real privacy...and how fast gossip spreads. I love this story because it gives us a 'normal' moment that could have happened in the series. I mean there must have been many times when Giles was at Buffy and Willow's dorm room for one reason or another.  And of course with all the time spent together people would have to notice that Giles is around a lot...around Buffy in particular a lot...not to mention leaving her room at odd times. It's only natural that someone would put two and two together and come up with Buffy and Giles dating....right?

Gossip

Hi, I'm frolicndetour and I'll be your BSG driver for January.

Fandom: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Pairing: Gen/Ensemble
Length: 3833 words
Author on LJ: amathela
Author Website: Her BSG fic tag
Why this must be read:

This story is pure fun, and while the summary, "there's a dragon aboard Galactia," certainly puts the "crack" in crack-van, it's remarkably in-character and as plausible as it can possibly be. But that's not really the point; the point is Baltar, Gaeta, and head!Six playing D&D, Kara and Lee taking on a dragon with explosives, Billy taking on a dragon with a rock, Saul and Ellen being Saul and Ellen. Nearly all the season one characters make an appearance, and are depicted with great humor and affection. Plus, there's a dragon. Aboard Galactica.

( Extract under the cut )

Dragon Wars: D-War

Fandom: STAR WARS
Pairing: Obakin (Anakin and Obi-Wan friendship)
Length: 31890 words
Author on LJ: I don't think she has one.
Author's Website: FFN profile
Why this story must be read:

Susan Zell has written other hurt/comfort stories, but this is the first in the Star Wars 'verse. This story has a plot that could have come from the ongoing animated series and it has an Anakin fulfilling all of his roles as Jedi, husband, devoted friend and protector of the Republic; really, it is a wonder why he hasn't cracked before this. But he hasn't, and we get to see him at the peak of his form. As for Obi-Wan, he is down but not out, facing his health predicament with fortitude, aiding in his own treatment. And the comfort part of the story doesn't end with his stabilization, because there is a pace to this story, a recovery period entirely in tune with the story's tenor.

Death's Shade

News
- starwars_today posted Star Wars: The Best of 2009.
- theforcenet posted Artist Kevin Graham in Hospital.
- theforcenet posted ForceCast: 2009 Year in Review – Part 2.

Discussion/Questions
- lazypadawan discussed TCW episodes “Grievous Intrigue” and “The Deserter”.
- darthcynique discussed TCW episode “The Deserter”.

Art
- jenniferbaughan drew Star Wars creatures.

Polls
- lazypadawan has This week’s poll!

Challenges/Contests
- leiastillness posted Challenge 40 Banners.

Sites
- Star Wars Facebook group

Graphics/Icons
- giki93 posted 25 Prequel Trilogy icons.
- hydrogen_helium posted 7 Dark Empire icons.

Capslock
- buff_iroh posted Welcome to Clone Sundae, Cut.

Role-Playing
- corran_antilles posted about Star Wars Epics.

Miscellaneous
- desmonthesis posted The Phantom Menace review on youtube.com.
- theforcenet posted Yummy Star Wars: SW Veggie Carvings.
- theforcenet posted Random Weekend Star Wars Fun (1/2 & 3).

If you have anything to contribute, please leave a comment including a link, title, rating, and characters/pairing, as appropriate, on this post. If you have anything that should be reported, let us know! We encourage it, in fact. Pimp yourself, pimp others, pimp anything of any interest unto the SW fandom. All comments will be screened.

Hey everyone, I'm wayoffbase, and I'll be reccing bandom fics to you this month. I mostly read Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy fics, so that's pretty much what I'll be reccing. Also, I haven't read anything new in bandom in a while, so these are some of my old favourites, fics that I still read now, and have read over and over. Enjoy!

Fandom: BANDOM (Panic! at the Disco)
Pairing: Ryan Ross/Brendon Urie
Length: No word count provided, but it's in two parts, so reasonably long
Author on LJ: brushstrokes
Author Website: None
Why this must be read:

Is 'because it's awesome' a valid reason? This fic is genderswap, but even if you hate genderswap, you have to read it. It's sweet and sad and amazing. And it doesn't have a magical ending, 'sex solves everything' or otherwise, which is brilliant. It's also hot and funny, and the way the characters interact makes me smile.

Link: Ordinary Boys

Fandom THE SENTINEL
Pairing: none, gen (smarm really)
Length: 120k
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: Jess Riley's Fic
Why this must be read: Blair's instincts about people and his willingness to trust, especially people he calls friends, are examined in this fic. What happens when a case Jim's working on with Blair's help collides with Blair's belief in a friend? Jim's anger in this is a palatable thing, and every time I read it, I find myself thinking, "How can the guys get through this?" This fic won the Burton Award for best angst story and a Light My Fire Award for best case story.

Runaway Train

Volume 005, Issue 002
This issue covers Jan 2 in crossover fandom.

All fan fiction has been listed at least twice, once for each fandom represented in the story. As the lists are very long, lj cuts have been implemented. Enjoy!

( Crossover Media, Challenges and Announcements )

( Crossover Fan Fiction )

We don't pretend that what you see in this newsletter covered everything in the world of crossovers on Live Journal for the dates in question, though we have done our best. Please feel free to comment with suggestions on ways to improve the newsletter. Also, please let us know of any content we have overlooked or if any of the links are broken.

~entwashian