|
|
There are many different comic book fan fiction groups. Most are dedicated to the continuing adventures of our favorite characters and most are dedicated to the current comic book timelines. But some groups break those timelines.
Five years ago, a group named 2099 Underground was formed, making it one of the oldest comic book fan fiction groups. The group was formed to continue the adventures of Marvel's 2099 branch, which had been deserted by Marvel Comics. Besides titles dedicated to already existing 2099 characters, the group also added many original titles. While they did begin with an already established continuity, the writers had plenty of room to branch out into unknown territory. While the 2099UG has been slowed up in recent months, EIC Jason C. Smith says to expect a brand new storyline that the whole group will be focused on. They're also looking for writers interested in writing for their anthology series, 2099UG Unlimited, and are currently looking for a webmaster for their website. For more information on either of those, e-mail Jason C. Smith at JCSNet@yahoo.com or go to their webpage at http://members.xoom.com/Ghostworks/
The success of the 2099UG also sparked an idea for a new group to branch out of it. Similar to Faux DC's beginnings connected with MV1, a group named DC Futures was formed, which took a look at the future of DC Comics. The group was formed in October of 1997, after a Superman proposal was rejected by 2099 Underground. Their continuity takes place in DC's year 2112. DCF was able to start all the way from the beginning, which was very entertaining and challenging for writers coming aboard. It also helped the group quickly grow from three titles to now thirty-four titles, either complete, ongoing, or limited. DCF is also still going strong, according to its Editor In Chief, Erik Burnham, as it wraps up its "AND JUSTICE FOR ALL" series, begins a new series called "Melding" by Tommy Hancock, and sees its longest running title, Batman DCF, surpass issue #33, a landmark in itself. DCF is always looking for new writers, so feel free to send a proposal to Erik at darvey@rocketmail.com or visit the DCF webpage at http://www.slayerfanfic.com/dcf
Erik Burnham is also the man behind our next group, MCFutures. Forming last March, MCFutures branched out of DCFutures and looks at the Marvel characters in Marvel's year 2112. Erik Burnham says that it also gives a more realistic version of the future, with a world fairly similar to today's but with "modestly developed technology." The group currently only has eight titles and is now emerging from a bumpy start. Their recent beginnings make them an excellent place for a writer to make their mark. Once again, you can contact Erik at darvey@rocketmail.com and their webpage is available at http://home.webworks2000.net/kilroy/mcf
Another future version of the Marvel Universe is Marvel Future Shock. Taking place in Marvel's 2208, this group took a big step in not selecting an EIC. Instead, the group is run by its writers and editors, who mutually agree on what goes on in MFS. It was formed back in September of 1998, with its first issues coming out last January. It takes pride in releasing at least one issue every week and constantly throws new twists towards the reader's direction. You don't know what to expect at Marvel Future Shock and they are willing to look over any proposal sent their way, as long as it fits their new world. You can access their webpage at http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Stargate/9997/mfs.htm
And those are just the beginning. Many new groups may be sprouting up soon to a web browser near you, featuring future variations of your favorite comic book characters (including a possible Image group and yet another Marvel group).
And while many groups have looked toward the future, others looked toward the past. One such group is the Golden Age Fan Fiction Group, a new group which just released its first issue in May. The group focuses on the various characters from the Golden Age of comics, around the World War II period. The group is just starting, making it a great place for new writers to begin. You can get started by contacting their EIC, Steve Swartz, at Solar_Winds@yahoo.com or by visiting their webpage at http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Keep/1960/
Another group based in the past is YesterYear. This group goes beyond Marvel and DC and even contains characters such as Indiana Jones and the Shadow, all in one universe. They are located at http://www.slayerfanfic.com/yy and their EIC, Tommy Hancock, can be located at spenser1@cei.net
And while the past doesn't seem to be as popular as the future right now, there is a new fan fiction group just now beginning, which could put a whole new spin in things. The group is called Medieval DC. The group will make variations of the modern day DC characters and put them in Medieval times. EIC, Les Chaon, says that he has found many challenges in forming a fan fiction group, but feels it will pay off. Their first five titles should premier later this month. He feels the group should be especially interesting, as they mix the fantasy of knights, dragons, and magic with the characters from the DC Universe.
So, next time you're looking for a good read or a new place to write, try one of the above groups. They can be pretty fun and exciting... and a good change of scenery from your modern day scenery.
