I am a sucker for good gen, as the following list demonstrates. Naruto has such a diverse cast of characters, I love stories that show off how expansive the series is. Updated: 4/23/10


This series of vignettes, one for each of the Konoha 12, is an essential for anyone who loves Naruto. If you haven't already read it, do so right now. This story was written well before Shippuden, and is still spot on.

It Takes a Village by quillofferings

A Naruto snapshot series. Oneshot. I am not giving away anything more.

This is one of those stories that hits perfectly on one of the key themes of Naruto: repeating patterns. Plenty of stories play on the theme of course, but this one is an absolutely classic, a must read.

Spirals by nescione

From the sannin to the present- a look at how history repeats itself, and how it doesn't.

( Continue reading; Naruto: The Essential Gen FicsCollapse )

The best vids turn you into fans. Fans of the character, fans of the song, fans of the show. I was already a dedicated West Wing fan (it really is my favorite show), but if I weren't, chaila's amazing vid would be enough to turn me into one. It certainly made me find the song on iTunes so I could listen to it on repeat.

Rise by chaila

We aint never scared
To pave a new path
Make a new street
Build a new bridge
Say can you see by the dawns early light

This is the sort of video that works on multiple levels. It works on a very basic, motion color accessible to non-fans level. And it works on a deeper, I know this show intrinsically and this video makes me completely incoherent level. Run, don't walk.

I really can not say enough good about this video. It draws on the three sibling relationships from Supernatural, Firefly and Heroes respectively, pointing out all of the startling similarities that lie there. From purely visual parallels, shots that seem to mirror each other, to the similar dynamics that exist within each show individual. This video is simply exquisite.

The subject material (incest!) might make some people squeamish, but I found the video fascinating and engaging. It is one of those videos that works so well on every level, it is kind of astounding. I'm particularly impressed because I'm learning just how difficult it is to make a video with multiple sources come together as one.

Climbing up the Walls by obsessive24

I am the key to the lock in your house
That keeps your toys in the basement.
And if you get too far inside
You'll only see my reflection.

Oh man. Two of my favorite slashy couples, the old school Sheppard/McKay, and the new and sparkly Dean/Cas. I adore this crossover, because it is long and lovely and has plot and includes everyone, not just the aforementioned four. I read it having only seen the first 2 seasons of Supernatural, so I'm sure you can read it and understand it without having to know both shows, but the author has thoughtfully linked to brief summaries of each series for any confused readers.

What Happens In Vegas by savingfaith333
Pairings: Dean/Castiel (SPN) & Sheppard/McKay (SGA)
Rating: NC-17
Summary: A Wraith is loose in Las Vegas, and when the Atlantis team stumbles across a couple of detectives already on the case, two guys who ride around in a ’67 Impala and look nothing like local PD, they quickly come to the conclusion that life would go a lot more smoothly if they all just worked together. But things are crumbling around them fast, the ground slipping away beneath their feet, and it forces both John Sheppard and Dean Winchester to the same eventual realization: it’s time to stop lying to themselves, once and for all.

Seriously. This fic. I love crossovers so much, and it is really hard to find anything better than the occasional one-shot, so I was thrilled when I ran across this. Chapters and everything! Even better, there are rumors of a sequel. All I can say is, 'Yes please!'