Steven released this Spotlight in April 2003
Yeah, yeah, I know. It's been a looong time since I last did a "Spotlight". My apologies, Real Life and all that, etc., etc...
Anyway, to me, Erin's 'Daria' fanfiction writing ranges from simple canon, to parody, to crossovers. Let's have a look at his fics. Keep in mind that I'll only give the barest of details on them, so as not to give any spoilers, and you can read them for yourself.
First up is "Killjoy Was Here", which Erin based on the group Styx album, "Killroy was Here". It seems that everyone in the future is jumping on Dr. Sandi Griffin's popularity bandwagon, save a brave Daria Morgendorffer, who opposes it with all of her might. A bit weird, if you don't understand the 1984 concept, that is. Complex crossover, definitely.
Next, "Guilty Pleasures" exposes what Lawndale's teens are *really* up to when they believe nobody's watching. It never occurred to me that Daria would *ever* do that in secret. This definitely is a light-hearted, fun, canon fic for everyone.
"Daria vs. The Lawndale Zombies" is based on the famous B-movie, and it's a true horror fic. Yes, it has gore and violence, but not to the point that it's out of control. Erin does a very good job of placing the characters we know and love in danger, and it's actually fun to read--if you're into horror...complex (yet simple) crossover.
Before "IICY?", Erin wrote "The Daria Chronicles", about Daria's life at fictional Willmore University, and "Brush Strokes", Jane's life at the fictional Von Knippling Academy of Art in London. Seeing the two having separate adventures was good, but truth to tell, I was spoiled. I'd rather see both feeding of of each other's wisecracks, not that either wasn't good, mind you. Erin apparently abandoned both, since he wanted to write either as a post-canon-type of series. I don't think both are "post-canon", since the show established Daria as going to Raft University, and Jane to Boston Fine Arts College. Still, they're good fics, since Erin did make the new characters interesting in their own right.
Now come to my favorite Erin Mills fic: "Last Night In Lawndale". Based on the film "Last Night", there are only six hours left for the world to live. Basically, Erin chronicles the 'Daria' character's last hours. The thing I liked about it is that it mirrored our feelings over the coming demise of the show: There's nothing we could do about it. Nothing at all. It's hopeless. Soak up all of those precious memories, kiddies, this is it. It'll never be here again. Though it's *not* canon to me, yet this fic *is* canon--in the way we felt about the ending of the show. Personally, I think Eichler wanted to end 'Daria' after six years, since he stated about the "One season = a half year". Season Five to me was abbreviated, combined with Season Six. It felt rushed, somewhat. I wished there was one other season...oh, well.
"Story Girl" is a short fic based on Billy Joel's song "Piano Man". I'm not much on song fics, but this invloved a little clever exchange between Daria and Jane, and it was okay. Parody.
"Super Zero" was about *Jake's* little secret he was keeping from his family. Oh, Jake, if only you'd told them, Kara would get off your back, and your family would truly respect you... ;D Parody.
"The Muppet Show: Cynicism & Violence": Now, see, every well-known 'Daria' fanfiction author dabbles in the ludicrous, insane, and ridiculous at least once their writings. Take Kara and her "Abrupty Amy" series. Yam and his "Blues Others" fic. Well, say hello to this fic. What happens when some of the 'Daria' cast appears on "The Muppet Show"? Read and find out! Crossover (insane).
Finally, another crossover is dabbled on by Erin, and it's a doozy. I don't know it he'll finish it or not, since Erin seems to have "retired" from fanfiction writing. In a way, I hope he finishes *this* one at least. What happens when you take 'Daria' (specifically Mrs. Morgendorffer herself) and cross it over with "The Mask"? Find out in "My Big-Head Girl", and tremble!
Our illustrious Mr. Mills also has the distinction of actually "appearing" on a 'Daria' ep, one of two well-known fanfiction writers. It was in "Camp Fear" (Michelle Klein-Hass was the other one). He was the brown-blonde haired dude wearing glasses and a tee-shirt. Lucky stiff. ;D There was another project he was working on, concerning discarded cartoon characters who went to an island when their shows went off the air. He had sent me two parts to beta, too. Since he's retired, I guess he's not going to finish *that* one, either...(hint, hint, guilt-trip being laid on thickly) ;D
Overall, Erin Mills covered the "gauntlet" of 'Daria' fanfiction, from simple canon, to parody, to crossovers. What do YOU (and the writer) think? Thanks.