17 replies to this topic

[Nate River]

Well, I've been known to browse crossovers on FF.net just to see how people combine two series. Occasionally, I get something that is very well-written and fun to read. Others...well, it is Fan Fiction in the end.

I guess I should have written this before hand, as I'm already in the middle of writing a crossover. But, as with anything, I feel there are things you should do, can do and should not do. I've got a few ideas; and here you can post your own.


1) How the two series come together
In my opinion, it USUALLY works best when you make a story where the two stories can exist in the same universe. It saves complicating things, and is actually kind of cool to think the two could exist together as it is. Sometimes, that is obviously impossible. If it comes to that, I recommend avoid having a portal appear out of nowhere that transports one set of characters to another world for no apparent reason. It's best to show the two worlds are connected in one way or another.

Sage advise especially on the portal. It's an incredibly lazy thing to do. The other problem I see when that is used is that it's completely random and done by a monster of the day who has no significance to anything other than a cheesy plot device. It's usually one of the tell-tale signs that the story will have no plot and direction. It'll just exist so the authors favorite characters can meet and jack around.

I think you could tie the use of one to the plot, but it's still and incredubly difficult thing to do without looking cliche' or lazy.

3) Make sure the two can interact without one stealing the show
Even with one of my favorite crossovers, this seems to be something of a problem. Basically, especially in a crossover involving action, you do not want to have one cast from one series do all the work while another is only left in the sidelines to stare in awe. Even if one group will have a slight edge over another, BOTH must have something to offer to help one another. This is one of the reasons why I have a hard time taking crossovers with DBZ seriously; in terms of fighting, there are not a lot of series that have a cast of characters that come close to the power of Super Sayians. Likewise, most Gundam crossovers with non-mecha series work because most other series do not have weapons to stand toe-to-toe with Gundams, and feels unbalanced. It's okay if the two have different abilities/specialties, but they have to be able to be useful to the other side.

This is one thing I don't think most authors give much thought. I believe most crossovers are born of a simply desire to see to series the author likes interact with the end result being a cramming of two universes that aren't compatable. I remember when I first started reading them, I wandered into fics where DBZ was crossed over with others and that problem was usually solved (poorly) by dumbing down DBZ. The power in that series is so out of whack that, as you said, it hard for anyone else to keep up without completely suspending disbelief.

I remember the DBZ/Sailor Moon section where this is rampant and battle of the sexes extradoire. I still wander there on occasion. I don't read the stories, but the reviews back and forth are pretty funny.

When it comes to Gundam, I think fusions work better that straight crossovers.

I'm less down on four and six than you are. It's a sorta it depends for me.

The only other thing I'd add is plot. It goes without saying, but in my experience crossovers were even more devoid of plot than straight fanfiction because of what tends to motiviate their creation. A crossover is still a story and far more than just charactes fromt two universes interacting or jumping in the sheets together. There needs to be a purpose and a place to go with an ultimate conclusion.

[Torxe]

First of I'm in no aspect whatsoever an author/writer or artist.
but still could come up with some scenario's for fanfics (guess everyone has imagination )

Second I'm not even sure if this is listed under the category cross-over:

But imagine a character from series A warps for some reason known or unknown/still to be figured out into the world of series B. Makes some friends these will try to help him to get back to his own serie (although I suspect some people would call it universe/dimension in the story). Then you probably need some kind of a portal or event to warp him back.

In such an occasion I could easily see the warped in character beeing very overpowered and make some enemies that want to acquire this power etc...

Although this could be one of those plots of which there are 13 in a dozen.
(The only fanfics I read are NaruSaku non-crossovers and preferably non AU however I enjoy AU also)

[Nate River]

In all fairness, many series already use portals and alternate dimensions in some way. As long as you use it in a way that's plausible to the two you're doing, I think it can be pulled off well. My problem in most fanfics that do such things is that the portal or means of hopping between the two series comes out of nowhere; a little more creativity would be very much appreciated.

I'm also not sure what you mean by "fusions"?

True, I've seen it tied to the actual plot where there is a motivation/purpose/reason behind it's use besides just getting people together. I'm just a bit jaded on it because the device has been so throughly abused (and is used so often in crossovers), so that want to see something else used. I've tended to prefer those where the universes are simply woven together as if they are already one, but that requires carefully selecting the series you use.

Maybe I'm using the term wrong, but my understanding of term would essentially be transplanting one series characters into the other like. Like with Gundam, instead of them existing in a seperate universe they are written in as characters to it. I've read a few, but it's not really my cup of tea.

As you said, what I really want to see more than anything else is creativity. That and a genuine story as opposed to simply a series of interactions between the authors favorite characters.

Actually, there is one other piece of advice I thought of: don't crossover too many series at once. I've seen a couple hit the four-five range and still be okay, but the author significantly limited the number of characters from each series involved (two or three at most). The more universes you combine the greater number of compatability issues you have and the greater potential of having so many characters involved that you lose control of the fic.

[Madz]

I don't have much to say, just that writing crossovers is too hard for me , I don't think I'll ever adventure into writing one. But a crossover which I've immensely enjoyed is Troika Parallel by Shivakashi (it's the only cross over I've bothered to read). It's a Naruto / Harry Potter / Inuyasha cross-over, and the author did a fabulous work, in my opinion. Each character contributed immensely to the story, and it was brought together in a realistic, intelligent and very enjoyable way.

[desaix]

All good advice, but remember that every rule is made to be broken.

One of my favorite crossovers of all time (not a Naruto-fic, but then I don't think Naruto lends itself well to crossovers) is A Faint Hope, wherein the series Ranma is crossed over with Star Wars. I think I'd almost call it a unique form of crossover (a cross-fusion, perhaps?) where the characters of one universe are living in another universe, and go on a parallel adventure to the characters of that universe, only meeting with the original characters of the 2nd universe a few times... but the characters from the first universe all take the roles of the characters in the 2nd universe, anyway. (Hint: Luke's torpedoes didn't blow up the death star in the original Star Wars movie... but it sure looked that way to everyone else. I haven't been able to watch that movie, since, without thinking of this storyline)

Hard to explain, but I think if you read this (well-worth-the-read) fanfic, you'll get what I mean.

Oh, to help those not aware of what different types of crossovers are:

(basic) Crossover: The characters from one universe go into another universe (and\or visa versa) and the two sets of characters interact with each other.
Fusion: The characters from one universe take over the roles of characters from a second universe as if they were always there.
Crossfusion: Well, I've only ever seen one cross-fusion, so... see the story mentioned above.

Edited by desaix, 17 March 2011 - 06:48 PM.

[windandwaves]

I've seen people talking badly about crossovers here and everywhere, especially Naruto/HP crossovers and some other ones. Sure, the topic here was locked and it was about three years ago, but I want my say, as I've only stumbled upon this site recently.

Not all crossover fics are bad. I know a lot of them are, and especially the Naruto/HP ones where the author just screws the thing up or gives up the plot halfway. However, I have also seen truly good crossovers in that particular area.

One that can be named is The Hand of Friendship by Qi Okami, which is still in-progress, and the author updates almost weekly. It is set just after the Third Shinobi World War and features Minato Namikaze and two of his students going to Hogwarts during the Triwizard, which is set in modern time. Apparently the author indicated that Sandaime and Dumbledore knew each other (two old men) and after the war, Konoha needed funds desperately, and Dumbledore was willing to pay well.

If you ignore the difference in timeline--for Kishimoto never stated a solid period of time for Naruto, we just assumed--the story is pretty good overall. It makes sense for Sandaime to accept the mission from his long-time friend in order to help the war-torn village, and also for them to strengthen bonds. The author makes few mistakes in spelling or grammar, and is careful about the way he or she lays the setting. It's also quite a breather as it isn't an ANBU team with Naruto in it going off to Hogwarts to protect Harry, because the mission also highlights the bond of friendship between shinobi and wizard. It's good to see the shinobi teaching wizards their place too, calling them "lazy".

Another one worth taking a look at is Worlds Apart. It is a completed fic and features the generation before Naruto, namely the war times. The author also makes few errors here and provides more of a laugh than The Hand of Friendship, which is more serious. The interactions sound almost natural.

Basically, a fanfic is still a fanfic and it is a fantasy-related genre of writing. For those who can read, just ignore the timeline and the dimensional details, and you might realize that there are pretty good crossovers out there.

[Nate River]

Merged threads.

[Paladin13]

Since I have written two crossovers myself I guess I should throw my two cents in. Yeah it is a pain trying to work two universes together, especially when one doesn't like to play well with others. Not because of overpower characters such as DBZ but trying to a place to cross without destroying both worlds while changing one to suit the other. So the hard part is preserving what made both worlds unique from each other.

[catsi563]

having written a well received Fusion with Beauty and the Beast and another one on the way. Ill weigh on as wlel.

A fusion can be a very difficult piece of writing because you have to find the perfect character to step into the shoes of the other character. You cant just drop character a into character b and hope it comes out ok or because A looks good as B or has similar traits.

The character has to be believable as either person.

Naruto is an example of a classic shonen character who relates well to most any other character. hes loud brash and courageous. he could easilly fit into nearly any Shonen story as the main protagnist such as Bebop, Inuyasha, Bleach, Historys Mightiest Disciple Kenichi etc. He could also fit into a few non Shonen such as Ah my goddess's main character Keichi Morisato.

In Beauty and the Beast for example the Core character of Naruto is still there. hes loud brash and quick tempered and uncouth. it isnt until Sakura shows up at the castle that she brings out the side of him hidden under the temper. Literally the side of him hidden by the Kyuubi so to speak. That we see the open and friendly Naruto who seeks only to protect those precious to him and who falls in love with Sakura.

Sakura also is there as well. She seeks acknowledgement from someone special, and wannts to better herself and her life by stepping beyond the boudns of mundanaity she seems stuck in. Much as Sakura in canon does by training with tsunade. By accepting naruto/beasts offer she steps out of her little quiet world into a larger one and thus begins her journey.

Each character was chosen not just specificly because of the pairing involved. Each was chosen because they were believable as that character. This goes for the supporting characters as well.

Sasuke is entirely believable as the arrogant self center Gaston because in his own ways if Sasuke were brought up differently he very well could turn out that way. Its not a stretch to see a Sasuke raised as a prince of the Uchiha being stuck up and arrogant and self assured like that.

You cant simply dump characters into another role and then copy paste there lines on them. it also wont work. Yopu have to stay loyal to the source material of both worlds whilst simultaneously balancing the characters and the needs of the story.

Shikamaru for example in any story should always show a marked laziness of personality clashing with a high intellect and devlish cunning.

Choji should always be ""big boned"" and have a love of food and cooking as well as be generaly good natured and friendly.

Ino should always be gorgeous and flighty and a little vain but fiercely determined to protect her precious people and be a keen observer of people as if she could read their minds.

keeping these in mind you can slip them into nearly any story with little effort as long as the core character remains intact and recognizable to the audience.

thats the msot dificult part making sure that the character remains true to itself and to the audiences expectations while remaining true to the story.

[Paladin13]

And staying loyal is the hardest part of writing a crossover. In my Battlestar Galactica/Honor Harrington cross I've done trying to put Kara Thrace in a new universe, culture shock and all, with out her losing her Starbuckness

The one problem I see with many who try to do a 'fusion' they do it as an excuse to do Yoai/Slash, a big reason why tend to stay a way from most Naurto crossovers.

[Nawheetos]

I do have a bit of a weakness for Harry Potter crossovers >_> (don't read HP fanfiction on its own, but with Naruto... or, well, Hitsugaya on occasion...it's fun)
With Naruto, it usually goes with the shinobi lands being a sort of hidden continent, which with all the magic etc floating round is just about workable - and as far as Bleach goes, that's easy.
There are very few decently written ones though. Mostly they're terrible for one reason or another - but once in a while, it works :3

Edited by Nawheetos, 19 March 2011 - 09:49 PM.

[Paladin13]

I do have a bit of a weakness for Harry Potter crossovers >_> (don't read HP fanfiction on its own, but with Naruto... or, well, Hitsugaya on occasion...it's fun)
With Naruto, it usually goes with the shinobi lands being a sort of hidden continent, which with all the magic etc floating round is just about workable - and as far as Bleach goes, that's easy.
There are very few decently written ones though. Mostly they're terrible for one reason or another - but once in a while, it works :3

Or are Yoai... I like HP/Naruto crossovers as well but so many of them are Yoai or Slash, or are Konoha or Sakura bashers.

[TwinEnigma]

Fusion still doesn't feel like it's doing it for me; as far as crossovers go, I want to get a sense of both series instead of one cast of characters playing the roles of others. It just sounds like lazy writing to me (it may do better as a doushinji though).

I'm the same way. Fusion-fic - well, a lot of the time it's like reading the original with the serial numbers filed off and another series' character's names swapped in. There's no real attempt to make it one's own.

The most difficult crossovers to write in my experience are ones for series that are intensely visual (such as Mononoke), ones where you have to be constrained by keeping to the canon of one series specifically for timeline, ones where you have to adapt another series characters to a different universe as if they'd been there all along or ones where there is a sudden twist.

Reincarnation crossovers are... among my pet peeves. It tends to be treated like a "COOL SKILL UPGRADE" with a personality shift and sudden makeover. Memories from the previous "life"/crossover character are treated as awesome and useful. Very rarely are they traumatic or if it's even mentioned, it's glossed over so fast you get whiplash from the speed of it.

There's so much more that could be explored there: how do you really cope with that kind of awareness, would it drive you crazy, how would you cope if you were someone bad/good before and now are on the opposite side, etc. And I'll admit that's why I did "For The Greater Good" - I wanted to write awareness of a previous (crossover) life as Not A Good Thing in the strictest sense of the words.

Alternate Character Interpretation can go hand in hand with a lot of crossovers (especially AU ones), but it's something you have to handle carefully - especially when it coincides with a massive Darker and Edgier moodshift. Some people just won't be able to accept it, no matter how well it's written, but in general, if you are able to successfully carry off an alternative interpretation you can get away with some pretty nifty crossovers. I've done this for more than a few of mine.

Building an AU verse version of a Naruto character is hard, depending on the universe. It's sort of like you have to massage them in, but it's critical that you know the canon of the series you're bringing them into really well and keep their personalities more or less recognizable. Likewise, the reverse is true - bringing an AU version of another series character into Naruto requires some serious finesse. Nothing gets me to bolt faster than Kagome Higurashi, from the most ancient and revered bloodlines, rivals of the Uchiha, master of the CanonSue no jutsu and in love with Naruto/Gaara/Sasuke/Itachi/Deidara etc! _{To date, I have yet to see an Inuyasha/Naruto crossover I can stomach.}

Twist fic with crossovers is hard, especially if you want to keep the nature of the twist a secret. You have to be very careful about juggling the proverbial elephant in the room without dropping it until the reveal and heavy dialogue between crossover characters can prove problematic if the characterization is crap. If your characterizations are strong, you can pull this off amazingly and still keep the surprise until the end.

IDK, I'm probable not explaining it well - but I'd feel weird using my own stuff as examples.