Recent Entries 
21st-Sep-2011 11:38 pm A Week in the Life of Highly Respected SHIELD Agent Phil Coulson by boombangbing (Teen)
Title: A Week in the Life of Highly Respected SHIELD Agent Phil Coulson
Pairing: Gen
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] boombangbing, boombangbing
Author Website: AO3, [livejournal.com profile] misfit_fandoms
Why this must be read:
I'm more of a DC girl than a Marvel girl, but apparently the two have been combined into one rec category, and what with all the great Marvel movies recently I've kind of been sucked in.  This is one of the fics that got me sucked in to reading the fanfic.

Phil Coulson is a long-suffering SHIElD agent.  It's his job to make sure that this collection of characters who make up the Avengers (but particularly that king of ADHD Tony Stark) toe the line and keep within reasonable limits and actually come together as a team.  This is often a very difficult, thankless job, but Phil does it with aplomb and good humor.  While still being a little bit of a badass himself.  This fic is a brief look at the man behind the curtain as he: tries to corral Tony Stark, helps retrieve the Hulk on a rampage, briefs Captain America about what the 21st century is like, and foils a bank robbery.  Among other sundry things.

Phil would just like to state for the record that this was all Tony Stark's fault. (Seven increasingly chaotic days in the life of Phil Coulson.)

Snippet of fic )

A Week in the Life of Highly Respected SHIELD Agent Phil Coulson

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8th-Sep-2011 09:35 am Unbound by Te (R)
Fandom: HIGHLANDER/X-Men 2
Pairing: none
Length: 1,770 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] thete1
Author Website: Teland
Why this must be read:
I pretty much have to recommend just about everything by this author. Te has shaped how I see the characters of many of my favorite fandoms simply by the amazing way she portrays them. Her characterization is always deep, and this is no exception. This story is much shorter than her usual fare, but I am still continually amazed by how much of a punch it packs. This is one of my "comfort" reads, not because it is all that comforting a story, because it most emphatically is not, but because of how dang well it is written.

This piece is a epilogue to the movie X-Men 2 involving Sergeant Lamb (aka - Methos) and Yuriko (aka - Lady Deathstrike in the comics). It's a coda story that awakens your imagination for what will happen next. HIGHLY recommended, like all of Te's work.

Unbound by Te
crack_van: (Default)
30th-Mar-2011 11:30 am More Comfortable by cat_13145 (T)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Characters: Sgt. Nick Fury, various Howling Commandos of his squad, mystery guest
Length: ~3k words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] cat_13145
Author Website: LJ Tags
Why this must be read:

Author's summary: Nick assumes that the whole 'don't have sex with other guys' thing is just another silly army regulation that doesn't apply to him or anyone under his command.

In his wartime world, Nick is king, but even kings need grand viziers. One such comes to Fury's rescue when a Howler is threatened and the above summary becomes as true as it can be.

More Comfortable

LJ is loading sloooow, so I'm skedaddling out of here in my jeep. Thanks for listening to my recs, comics fans, and Happy Spring (or Autumn, to be Equal Opportunity to Southern Hemisphereans) to you all. I hope you grab the keys to the van from the top of the refrigerator and take her out for a joyride. It's lots of fun.
crack_van: (Default)
25th-Mar-2011 11:29 pm Sleep by hummingbirdmoth (K+)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Canon pairings
Length: 501 words
Author on LJ: I don't think there is one.
Author Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

What do Thor and the other gods of Asgard dream of? queries the author's summary. Do they solve problems with their minds in the unconscious state? Do they even go all the way out? What do the gods do who don't sleep, like Heimdall? Thor, being the best known Asgardian, gets the first treatment of this short yet effective story, but the other gods are well-served by this author, too.

Sleep
crack_van: (Default)
25th-Mar-2011 08:46 pm VID REC: Marvel Comics - Covergirl
Vidder: lazerhaze
Musical Artist: RuPaul
Pairings: None
Vidder on LJ: I don't think there is one.
Vidder Website: YouTube Channel
Why this vid must be viewed:

It's a catchy tune, and the artwork of luscious femininity is laid out before one. That's reason enough, and to underscore the vidder's strong affinity with the artists' efforts, the last minute or so has no score, just one visual after the other. It's enough to make one take up drawing.

Women of DC and Marvel
crack_van: (Default)
25th-Mar-2011 10:24 am Answer the Question by Tomas the Betrayer (T)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairings: None
Length: 10800 words
Author On LJ: I don't think there is one.
Author's Website: FFN Profile
Why this must be read:

In Gaiman's magickal Marvel: 1602 series, characters' essences remain the same and their actions flow from the canon characterizations naturally. During the course of a search for stories set just a little before the current Marvel timeline (I was thinking of 1943) and willing to stretch the parameters back to 1602, this fic leaped out at me from the initial bar brawl scene. Add to the exciting action the story's title reference to a notorious question designed to shrivel unlucky witnesses, and you have a thoughtful political piece, as well.

Answer The Question
crack_van: (Default)
11th-Mar-2011 11:42 pm Leaving by Iris (PG)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Length: 560 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] hockeyiris
Author Website: Fic Journal
Why this must be read:

With the upcoming Marvel movies of popular interest, a story about the stalwart Captain America and his lover prove that strength comes in many forms. Tony has the iron fortitude of an Iron Man when it comes to certain things, but not when it comes to safeguarding his health. Steve is grieved to leave their life together, yet his reasoning is sound: "It's like passive-aggressive suicide and I can't watch you do this to yourself." With two such strong characters, something in the relationship will show the strain and it just happens to be plain-spoken Steve who comes out with the truth behind the (hopefully temporary) breakup. There's the auditory touch of that final click of the closing door as someone walks out of your life that I could almost hear that made me shudder.

Leaving
crack_van: (Default)
4th-Mar-2011 12:21 pm The 86th Floor by Silvre Musgrave (T)
Fandom: DC COMICS
Pairing: None
Length: 2813 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] silvre_musgrave
Website: FFN profile
Why this must be read:

This entry is double-tagged because Doc Savage is the main character in as venerable a franchise (published by both Marvel and DC) as anyone could think of. In this series of ficlets, Doc and his companions emerge as both human and larger-than-life as they deal with their roles as non-super-powered heroes from the 86th floor of (implicitly) the Empire State Building. [livejournal.com profile] crack_van encourages reccing 'personal favorites' and this franchise has been one of mine since 1964; what a thrill when Mike W. Barr wrote a DC series, and other authors afterwards.

The 86th Floor
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27th-Sep-2010 06:05 pm Days Like These by abvj (PG-13)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Tony/Pepper, mentions of Pepper/OMC
Length: 4,000
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: 'fic' tag
Why this must be read:

Because this piece has a wonderful Pepper point of view on her relationship with Tony and why they won't take the next step and become something more, at least for now. Their dynamic is perfectly displayed in this story, and is a definite must read for fans of the pairing.

Excerpt )

Days Like These
crack_van: (Default)
24th-Sep-2010 07:09 pm VID REC: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE - War (What is it Good For?)
Vidder: HumansRSuperior
Musical artist: Edwin Starr
Pairing: Gen; Tony Stark
Vidder on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Vidder's website: 'music videos' tag
Why this vid kicks ass:

Catchy song, sharp editing, this fanvid is a wonderful study of the changes Tony's view of the world goes through in the movie. His speeches about war and peace serve as wonderful bookends to this great piece.

War (What is it Good For?)
crack_van: (Default)
23rd-Sep-2010 03:08 pm The City of Los Angeles v. Iron Man by mekosuchinae (PG)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Gen; Tony Stark, Pepper Potts
Length: 1,260
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: '!fanfic' tag
Why this must be read:

Because Tony being sued for financial damages while saving the world as Iron Man is just so hilarious a concept, and lets face it probably happened at one point or another. The legal paperwork in the beginning is a perfect touch to this piece, and Tony and Pepper's back and forth banter about this turn of events is wonderfully in character.

"This is ridiculous," says Tony. "They're suing me for doing my job?"

"Technically," Pepper says, "it's not your job."


The City of Los Angeles v. Iron Man
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20th-Sep-2010 05:48 pm A Small and 100% Innocent Token of Gratitude by svilleficrecs (NC-17)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Tony/Pepper
Length: ~7,500
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: my fic at del.icio.us
Why this must be read:

Because who doesn't like some smutty goodness every once in a while? I love the slow build-up of this piece and Tony's accidental seduction, the sex is hot, the banter is perfect. It's everything a Tony/Pepper story should be.

Excerpt )

A Small and 100% Innocent Token of Gratitude
crack_van: (Default)
15th-Sep-2010 06:06 pm Iron Man / Bones / The Office / Heroes / X-Men (PG)
Title: Five Women Pepper Potts Has Shown To The Door by amazingly_me
Pairing: Tony/Pepper, with mentions of Tony/Cam, Tony/Kelly, Tony/Elle, and Tony/Jean
Length: 2,547
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read:

It's very difficult to do multi-fandom crossovers well, but this author does an excellent job showing Pepper's interactions with each of these very different women. I loved how she saw aspects of herself as well as her fears in all of them and eventually decides to take the next step with Tony.

Excerpt )

Five Women Pepper Potts Has Shown To The Door
crack_van: (Default)
14th-Sep-2010 04:49 pm Fabricated by inlovewithnight (Unrated, PG-13-ish)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Gen; James Rhodes
Length: 1,813
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read:

Because this author writes Rhodey so well in this piece, he's grieving for Tony is his own way while at the same time holding on to that smallest amount of hope he has in order to try and find his friend. I loved seeing Obadiah through Rhodey eyes and his growing doubt about Obadiah's intentions is just brilliantly done.

He volunteered to be the point man on this operation. More than volunteered, he flat-out insisted that he be the one in charge of the chaotic mess that is Looking For Tony In The Motherfucking Desert. He's always been kind of a stupid man where loyalty's concerned. And where Tony's concerned. The intersection of the two is a bitch and a half.

Fabricated
crack_van: (Default)
13th-Sep-2010 05:03 pm Benefit Limitation Agreement by quigonejinn (PG)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Tony/Pepper
Length: 1,847
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: mere shadow and vapor
Why this must be read:

Because this piece is crack!fic done right as Tony and Pepper decide to put into writing the particulars of their evolving relationship and what exactly constitutes proper work behavior.

This Benefit Limitation Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of this 19th day of July, 2008 (the "Execution Date"), by and between VIRGINIA ELIZABETH POTTS, a natural person residing at 3948 Garden Drive, Apartment 138, Pacific Palisades, California, 90272, and ANTHONY EDWARD STARK, a natural person residing at 12 Andrews Street, Malibu, California 90263.

Benefit Limitation Agreement
crack_van: (Default)
10th-Sep-2010 02:30 pm He Was Always Better At Sleight of Hand by araceli_maura (Unrated, PG-13-ish)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Tony/Pepper
Length: 2,646
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Why this must be read:

This piece is a wonderful depiction of the dance that Tony and Pepper do around each other, it's unsaid and bittersweet and they're just waiting for someone to take the next step forward.

Excerpt )

He Was Always Better At Sleight of Hand
crack_van: (Default)
8th-Sep-2010 06:41 pm That Time with the Dobermans (and the Hole in the Wall) by mspotts (PG)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Gen; Pepper Potts, Original Character, Tony Stark
Length: 2,216
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: N/A
Why this must be read:

This piece is just hilarious, who knew a story about Pepper Potts being kidnapped could be so funny? Pepper's point of view is just perfect here and the author's OC!kidnapper really shines in this one-shot.

So, somewhere in between becoming personal secretary to one of the most powerful men in the world, and said man becoming a self-proclaimed superhero, Pepper had accepted that fact that one day she was going to be kidnapped.

That Time with the Dobermans (and the Hole in the Wall)
crack_van: (Default)
6th-Sep-2010 06:47 pm People Who Know My Sins by atrata (PG-13)
Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Tony/Pepper
Length: 1,981
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: multifandom fic & recs by atrata
Why this must be read:

Because one of the most beautiful yet heartbreaking parts of Tony and Pepper's relationship is that she's always there to pick up the pieces when he falls apart. [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] does an excellent job showing their partnership in this piece, along with the banter that makes me love these two so much.

Excerpt )

People Who Know My Sins
crack_van: (Default)
3rd-Sep-2010 01:07 pm for today or the rest of my life by calicokat (NC-17)
Hi everyone, I'm [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] your Marvel Comics driver and over the next month I'm going to introduce you guys to my favorite Iron Man fan fiction, so lets start off with some Tony/Pepper.

Fandom: MARVEL UNIVERSE: IRON MAN MOVIEVERSE
Pairing: Tony/Pepper, Pepper/OMC
Length: 8,233
Author on LJ: [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com]
Author Website: Memories
Why this must be read:

When Pepper starts dating someone new Tony is not exactly trilled about this turn of events and takes it upon himself to get involved in his assistant's love life. Pepper is written just perfectly in this piece, she's so aware of herself and the people around her, if you're a fan of a strong Pepper Potts then this is the story for you.

Excerpt )

for today or the rest of my life
crack_van: (Default)
31st-Aug-2010 06:44 pm Agamemnon by Irene A. (K+)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: None
Length: 2000 words
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Irene_A on ff.n
Why this must be read: Bucky Barnes went to war; his sister stayed home and waited for his return. Beautifully written, and proof that the Pit has more than just voles.

Agamemnon
crack_van: (Default)
31st-Aug-2010 06:12 pm Things to do in New Jersey when you're dead by dorcas_gustine (PG-13)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Length: 7000 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] dorcas_gustine
Author Website: dorcas_gustine on Archive of Our Own
Why this must be read: It's sort of romantic and very creepy. Remember the Living Armor? This ratchets it up a notch or ten.

Things to do in New Jersey when you're dead
crack_van: (Default)
31st-Aug-2010 05:56 am DAREDEVIL'S RAINY NIGHT: A HARROWING TALE OF MANPAIN by dytabytes (Teen and up)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: None
Length: 800 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] dytabytes
Author Website: The Big Damn List.
Why this must be read: Wet, emo Daredevil IN CAPSLOCK.

DAREDEVIL'S RAINY NIGHT: A HARROWING TALE OF MANPAIN
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30th-Aug-2010 05:05 pm Concession by obsession_inc (Mature)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Pepper Potts/Tony Stark
Length: 26,000 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] obsession_inc
Author Website: obsession_inc at Archive of Our Own
Why this must be read: Something happened to Tony Stark and Pepper Potts. Christine Everhart is assigned the story. As she digs into what happened, revelation builds upon revelation in a beautifully paced story with a killer ending.

Concession
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30th-Aug-2010 01:00 pm Trembling on with steady aim by Gloss (Teen and up)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: None
Length: 3700 words
Author on DW: [personal profile] gloss
Author Website: Glossings: Fanfic by Glossolalia

Why this must be read: This is an AU in which Bucky, Captain America's partner, was Nisei: a second-generation Japanese-American. His life was poisoned by American racism and stupidity. He went to war against America's enemies, driven by his anger. The story is powerful, and the ending is magnificent.

Trembling on with steady aim
crack_van: (Default)
29th-Aug-2010 05:18 pm Rock Splits, Records Fall Down by Valtyr (Explicit)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Length: 18,600 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] valtyr
Author Website: Valtyr's fanfiction at Archive of Our Own

Why this must be read: This story, set in the Ultimates universe, is structurally similar to some of the 'breather' stories published by Marvel Comics; it's a moment in time between long, violent story arcs. It's set after Volume 2 of the Ultimates, and before Volume 3. The Ultimates are licking their wounds, dealing with their regrets and pain, and chary of the future.

There are beautifully executed portrayals of the characters. Valtyr is able to give the characterization the time and care that the canon writers sometimes sacrifice for yet more slam-bang action scenes, and her characters have a more accessible inner life. They become more understandable and more likable, though no less flawed.

The storytelling is also beautifully done. The action is restricted in space and time. The setting is limited to the mansion and its grounds, through which the Ultimates wander, dealing with each other in little groups of two or three, rarely more. Careful attention is paid to the surroundings, to sound and heat and texture. The effect is atmospheric and almost dream-like.

Rock Splits, Records Fall Down
crack_van: (Default)
23rd-Aug-2010 09:31 pm LEVERAGE/IRON MAN (G)
If you're familiar with Crack Van, then you know the crossover recs (Crack Van Collisions) are posted on the 15th. If you've checked the calendar, then you know this is the 23rd. However, if you've taken Intro to Calculus, then you also know that 15 is equal to 23 for large values of 15 and small values of 23, so there's no problem, right? (Also, I got permission from the mod to post this one late. After all, fandom does not run on math alone.)


Title: Nerds of the Earth, take note!
Pairing: Gen
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] emeraldwoman and [livejournal.com profile] brown_betty
Author Website: Betty's works on AO3, Emeraldwoman's works on AO3.
Why this must be read: It's a cool caper story where Alec Hardison and Tony Stark fight JARVIS' evil twin, the Black Widow and Eliot Spencer have a cagematch sans cage, and Nate Ford and Nick Fury compete for the title of Mister Mastermind, all told in a delightful Alec-voice. Also: Agent Coulson's secret super-power, revealed!

Link: Nerds of the Earth, take note!
crack_van: (Default)
20th-Aug-2010 07:47 pm Almost No One Makes It Out by Atrata (R for language)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: None
Length: 28,000 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] atrata
Author Website: multifandom fic & recs by atrata
Why this must be read: Almost No One Makes It Out is a sterling example of the AU form. Take an established universe, change one item -- one crucial item -- and watch what happens. In this case, [livejournal.com profile] atrata created a universe without a Stark Enterprises. Tony's father and grandfather did not create a successful munitions company. So Pepper Potts is not the massively competent personal assistant to a Fortune 500 CEO, but she's still massively competent, and still possibly in love with Tony. JARVIS does not run a high-tech Malibu mansion with its highest-tech workshop, but he's still there, still speaking. Most significantly, Tony Stark does not lead, and has never led, a privileged life. He's still amazingly brilliant and amazingly abrasive, but now he is not protected against the heavy consequences of his own misbehavior by wealth, power and influence.

And yet, he creates the Iron Man, and finds his path in doing so.



Link: Almost No One Makes It Out on Dreamwidth; Almost No One Makes It Out on Archive of Our Own.
crack_van: (Default)
19th-Aug-2010 07:46 pm Constructs in Progress by Muccamukk (Mature)
Hi there! ::waves:: I discovered this afternoon, purely by chance, that I'm the August driver for Marvel Comics fandom.

Oops.

Still, better late than never, right? And it's not like there's any problem in coming up with a rec on short notice. After all, how many post-Apocalyptic cyborg-unicorn racing stories are there that are set in the Marvel Universe, just waiting to be recced on Crack Van?


Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Steve Rogers/Tony Stark, Natalia Romanova/Steve Rogers, Natalia Romanova/Steve Rogers/Tony Stark
Length: 30,000 words
Author on LJ and DW: [livejournal.com profile] muccamukk
Author Website: Muccamukk's Fanfic Masterlist.
Why this must be read: Post-Apocalyptic cyborg-unicorn racing, with bonus Virgin!Tony Stark.

It's well-plotted and well-characterized, with good alternate universe building. Some of the lesser-seen Marvel characters (like Brother Voodoo) get to strut their stuff in the spotlight.


Link: Constructs in Progress
crack_van: (Default)
27th-Jul-2010 08:56 am Growing stronger, warm and wilder by gloss (X)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Sam Wilson/Steve Rogers
Length: one-shot
Author on DW: gloss
Author Website: glossings
Why this must be read: Sadly, there's precious few fics in Marvel fandom that focus on the closeness of the relationship Steve has with Sam Wilson. This fic does a great job showing them both as lovers and as best friends, but doesn't shy away from the conflict that makes them interesting. It's a particularly wonderful look at Sam Wilson, though the joyfulness of Steve Rogers shines through from Sam's POV, too.

Excerpt )


Growing stronger, warm and wilder
crack_van: (Default)
20th-Jul-2010 12:50 am Gathering Up the Pieces by hallidae (R)
Fandom: MARVEL COMICS
Pairing: Thor/Hank Pym
Length: 616 words
Author on LJ: [livejournal.com profile] hallidae
Author Website: Fic Index List
Why this must be read: This is a tag to the Mighty Avengers 20 issue, which featured Janet Van Dyne's funeral. The comfort that Thor canonically offers Hank in that issue is taken to the next logical (slashy) step in this fic.


Excerpt:

His human companion had settled into a quiet daze, the destructive rage long spent. In truth, this worried him more, as without the anger, there was nothing left but the thick, oppressive weight of loss and pain. Concerned -he knows the man tries so hard, but Hank has never been the most stable of people, even at the best of times- he reached out and brushed a heavy hand as gently as possible over short blond hair. The man didn't lift his head, didn't so much as twitch, and he found himself leaning close to see if in truth Doctor Pym was even still breathing, rather than drowned under the waves of grief.

Rest Here:

Gathering Up the Pieces
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