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Hanson Meets A Cockkroach

by Antares (link)

Genre drama, comedy, romance
Pairings Isaac/OFC, Taylor/OFC
Length prologue, 45 chapters and epilogue
Status Completed

I have to admit, I wouldn’t have picked this story to read if I hadn’t realized it was likely one of the first hanfics posted to the internet, as early as July 1997. The prologue is every bit as strange as the title implies, but from there it goes quickly into teenybopper territory.

The story’s characters are clearly based on the author and her friends, right down the fictional band The Cockkroaches–hence the fic’s title There are dozens of pointless details about their families, pets and more, and the narration often dwells on how unattractive Teresa, the main character, is. Of course, Taylor seems to like her anyway and it only takes one chance encounter for the guys to decide she’s a friend.

In spite of the author’s claims that she isn’t writing that sort of story, what little plot actually exists in Hanson Meets A Cockkroach revolves around crushes, first kisses and other related teenage drama. Presumably in an attempt to subvert people’s expectations, Antares chooses to end the story with Teresa and Taylor as nothing more than friends. The epilogue focuses on The Cockkroaches’ rise to fame, but I have a feeling the aborted sequel would feature more romance.

I have to say, this fic is almost exactly what I expected from an early fic. The prologue sets up a little more intrigue than the rest of the story really contains. Instead, it’s rife with all the typical cliches you’d expect, even though many of them likely weren’t cliches–yet–when Antares wrote the story.

Review by Bethany (website)