Steven released this Spotlight in October, 2000
My October "Spotlight" is on Kemical Reaxion. Kemical, or Kem for short, has proven herself to be a versatile, clever writer in the 'Daria' fanfic community, and a pretty respectable 'Daria' fanfic artist, to boot. Let's take a look at her fics (Without giving away too much of the plotlines, mind you as per the general "rule" of the "Spotlight"--read 'em for yourself, and if you have already, then comment on them yourself, okay?):
"On Guard" is a very good debut(?) canon-type of fic that involves Our Heroine and company, and "possible" future occupations, courtesy of Ms. Li's "encouragement". Daria and Jane (of course) are not pleased at being "volunteered" to participate, but both find themselves in the end enjoying their experiences, with Jane having her's at *Quinn's* expense!
"Cheese Is The Word" is a crossover with the movie musical "Grease", and a parody of it, too. It's quite rousing, with clever dialogue, and singing! If you liked the movie musical, you'll love this fic. If not, well, try to remember it *is* a fanfic!
"Why 2K?" is a "classic" Daria/Trent 'shipper tale, even though Kem basically points out that she *isn't* one. From the looks of this fic, you'd be hard-pressed to think that she's not, much to her credit. It's New Year's Eve 1999, and the true secrets come out of Daria's heart, Jane's "classic Yentaism" (Is that even a word?) kicks into overdrive, a blackout occurs, and Quinn "gets hers", along with Helen and Jake, er, well, fooling around, and--enough of that, if you catch my drift. ;D
"The QB next Door" may be the "darkest" Kevin-centric fic I've ever read, and what's *really* scary about this is that Kem has, at least to me, almost kept Kevin *still* in character! I could actually see him doing that! Kevin wants to "prove" himself as a man to Brittany, and he chooses Daria to do this (No, it's NOT that!). Adding a twist at the end that John Takis himself would be proud of (playing with our minds), Kem shows us *her* twisted side. Brrr!
"One Hundred Percent" is a post "Dye, Dye, My Darling" fic that asks, "What if?", as well as portraying Monique in a sympathetic light, something *very* rare (to me) in the 'Daria' fanfic community. Jane may have a BIG problem following her relationship with T(h)om, and she turns to Monique of all people to find out what she should do. There's yet another "Takis-like" twist in the end, and we find ourselves fooled a bit. More of Kem's shrewdness.
"Would You Like To Take A Survey?" Is a light-hearted spoof about Daria and co. answering certain questions to, well, a survey. It's quite funny. I found Jane's "answers" to be particularly humourous.
"Barely Tales" is a series of Kem's take of the 'Daria' characters in spoofs of popular fairy (faery?) tales. Her first (and so far only one out at this moment) is called "The Artist Formerly Known As The Frog Prince", a parody based on the fairy tale "The Princess and the Frog". You know the *basic* story: A beautiful princess is supposed to kiss a frog that's been cursed by a witch, and the spell is broken, resulting in a prince. Well, Kem puts her spin on this, and I think you'll find it quite funny. Psst--Daria's the "princess"! There is a part near the end that I seem to be the ONLY person to catch what Kem was inferring to, something, eh--"naughty". Don't worry, it ain't pornographic in nature--or *is* it? ;D
As I've written, Kem also is a very good artist. Her artwork reflects her writing: very versatile in nature, with several styles. Check it out on her website, or other websites, and judge it for yourself.
In closing, Kemical Reaxion has made quite a mark on the 'Daria' fanfic community with her writing and artwork. What do YOU (and the author herself) think? Thanks.
J
An honour well deserved
Congratulations, Miss Reaxion =-)
traP
Kem is definately one of my favorites in the community. You focused mainly on her fics, but correctly mention her visual arts abilities as well, which I consider to be amongst the best, both in doing canonical-ish renditions, and in putting our favorite characters into unusual poses.
She has a great flair for the writing twist, and for each of her stories that uses this device, I was fooled every time, and every time, I was able to go back through the story from the beginning on the second read, and see how deceitfully she set up the plot.
Brava, Brava.
Canadibrit
Go, Dariafic's resident Renaissance woman!
Seriously, her art is some of the best I've seen (up to and including Lil Grenier's work), the fics themselves have never failed to produce a good review and then there's the website - well-designed and far from an amateur effort. All in all, Steven couldn't have picked a better spotlight this month.
*applause from the balcony*
Milo Minderbender
I too, applaud both her stories and art. Well choosen, Steve!
Guy Payne
A wonderful artist and a wonderful person. Kudos, Kem, and keep 'em coming:-)
Guy "A Little Alliteration Never Hurt Nothing" Payne
Lew
About time, she's a little wonder...
Lew: Right. (Looks at the huddled, bleeding form of the clone.) Nice one 'Kem. I'd talk about this more (Grabs the clone's foot.) but I've something else to take care of...
(He drags the prone form away...for what, nobody knows.)
Author's Response
You like me! You really LIKE me! :-)
I can't express how shocked and thrilled I am about this! I didn't expect it at all! I'm so glad to see that my presence in the fan community has been a positive one! I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that you all have gotten pleasure out of my work!
Thank you all so much for the kind words. They mean alot! Now, I guess I have to live up to all that high praise, huh? :-) Better get back to work on my next fic!!!
Kem