Superman Complex by Cevuplay

This review is brought to you by the lovely (Angst Lovin') Snshyne

The author describes the story like this: Edward Cullen is a rock star in the biggest band of the decade. He’s America’s “It Boy,” but he’s still unhappy. Will Bella be in time to save him? AH AU


I was trying to decide on an angsty fic to read for a few weeks and I have so many on my list, but I wanted something different than the typical angst plot. This story was rec'd to me by the beta, the_glory_days, who is just an awesome writer and an even more awesome person in general. Her story, Alphabet Weekends is in my top ten and you really should check it out.  Here is the link:  http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4918784/1/Alphabet_Weekends


You know those fics where you have to read like the first ten chapters before you decide if you really want to keep reading it? And even then, you continue to read it because you stuck it out for those ten chapters so you feel like you should continue just based on principle? Superman Complex is NOT one of those fics. Not even halfway through the first chapter I was itching to get to the end and then onto the next chapter to see what happens next. A majorly, tragic event occurs at the very beginning that fuses Edward and Bella together based on unconventional, psychological circumstances. He needs her, he depends on her and she willingly makes herself available for his every need.


I know a lot of readers like that strong, forceful, dominant Edward. The one where confidence oozes out of his pores and he's just utterly irresistable. Guess what? You still get that with this Edward, but it's not a constant in the story, which makes you appreciate it all that much more when his winning personality shines through. He cycles back and forth between a childlike innocence to a charismatic, twenty-something hearthrob, complete with the crooked grin, and the transitions are fascinating. In my opinion, this Edward is more like a real person you can fall in love with rather than a completely idealized, fictional character that we have no choice but to fall in love with. But that does not make him any less special. He's very easy to connect with and be drawn to. A person who is hurting, but finds strength outside of themselves to start to heal and hopefully finds love in the process.


I like this Bella and I think you will too. She's ballsy without being a bitch, but still maintains that fragile innocence that is associated with her character. That inherent selfish streak associated with canon-Bella is absent and she doesn't take advantage of Edward's feelings. All wins in my book. Cevuplay does a great job maintaining that balance in her characterization of Bella. Too many times we find a Bella who is either a simpering wimp or a raging bitch, neither of which are my cup of tea. She is the one person who can help Edward recover and she's not afraid to take matters into her own hand to make sure he heals into the best man he can be. In the process, she learns a lot about herself as well.


Something unique about this fic, other than the entire psychological plot, is that cevuplay picks the names for the songs and writes the lyrics to them as well. So many times when a song is used in a fic, I gloss over the lyrics because I already know them. But in Superman Complex, you actually need to read them because they are not already known and they add so much to the story. Something else I like about this story is that it's not only angsty, but it has some humor weaved throughout. Or, perhaps I am just that jaded. Nonetheless, there is some light in this fic (usually provided by Emmett) and I appreciate the delicate balance that cevuplay has created.


As for updating, cevuplay doesn't really have a schedule. However, she tends to have an update once a month and more towards the end of the month. She states in nearly every chapter that Superman Complex is her pet project and that speaks for her commitment to the project. Waiting a month may seem like a tough thing to do, but it's worth the wait as each chapter thus far shows a good progression and there doesn't seem to be a bunch of lulls and filler floating around waiting for the major plot line to kick in. Like I said, not even halfway through chapter one I was hooked. I've talked to cevuplay and she's a sweet girl. Wicked genuine and unassuming. How refreshing!!


Here is the link to the story: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4874063/1/Superman_Complex

The story has a Twilighted thread started by the_glory_days: http://twilighted.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=7873


You can follow cevuplay on Twitter here: http:  //twitter.com/cevuplay

So, what do you think about that?  Run out and read Superman Complex - Snshyne thinks if you love angst like her then you will love this story.  Don't forget that we are comment whores....Please leave us a comment and let us know what you think!  Thank you for taking the time to read Southern Fan Fiction Review!