History FanFic / TheBubblegumZone

Mostly written in the 1990s, ''The Bubblegum Zone'' is a classic of the self-insert genre filled with high-action, advanced technology, a plethora of pop-culture references and great drama. The beginning can be a little iffy at times, as Bert can come off as a GaryStu, but the story [[GrowingTheBeard really kicks into gear]] past the halfway point, especially once it passes the original [[OriginalVideoAnimation [=OVAs=]]]. Many fans regard this series as one of their favorite pieces of fan fiction and it has been greatly influential to the growth of the genre, to the point where many self-insertion or Bubblegum Crisis stories written afterwards feature explicit shout-outs to or crossovers with the Zone.

!!''The Bubblegum Zone'' Contains Examples of:

* [[CoolCar Cool Truck]]: Bert builds himself the Bond car of trucks.

* DeTerminator: Bert on occasion late in the series.

* FanVerse: The Zone has been referenced and/or used in a great many later works. Craig Reed's [[http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/view_st.php/112241 BubbleGum Avatar]] and DartzIRL's [[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5094598/1/Yours_Truly_2032 Yours Truly, 2032]] both exist ''because'' of this story.

* [[spoiler:KnightInSourArmor: What Bert becomes due to an incredibly traumatic experience. He gets better after a long struggle.]]

* {{Crossover}}: [[spoiler:[[GhostintheShell Motoko Kusanagi]]]] shows up late in the series. ''Why'', we don't know yet.

* ShoutOut: Numerous, to everything from Star Wars to Ghost in the Shell.

How much trouble can one man get himself into? ''The Bubblegum Zone'' is the story of Bert Van Vliet, a college student who suddenly finds himself catapulted into the animé series BubbleGumCrisis mid-way through the second OVA episode. He quickly joins the Knight Sabers, builds his own hard suit(s) and tries his damnedest to save everyone.

Mostly written in the 1990s, ''The Bubblegum Zone'' is a classic of the self-insert genre filled with high-action, advanced technology, a plethora of pop-culture references and great drama. The beginning can be a little iffy at times, as Bert can come off as a GaryStu, but the story [[GrowingTheBeard really kicks into gear]] past the halfway point, especially once it passes the original [[OriginalVideoAnimation OVAs]]. Many fans regard this series as one of their favorite pieces of fan fiction and it has been greatly influential to the growth of the genre, to the point where many self-insertion or Bubblegum Crisis stories written afterwards feature explicit shout-outs to or crossovers with the Zone.

* FixFic: The chapters that take place during the OVAs has Bert trying to attain the best possible outcome using his foreknowledge and tech savviness.

* ItGotWorse: The aftereffects of [[spoiler: Bert being tortured]].

* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotAwesome: At one point, Bert builds a [[spoiler:''Batman'']] hardsuit. Also, the Warhorse -- a ''flying, scramjet powered motorcycle''.

* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotAwesome: At one point, Bert builds a [[spoiler:''Batman'']] hardsuit. Also, the Warhorse a ''flying, scramjet powered motorcycle''.

* AirVentEscape

A [[{{Understatement}} lot]].

* CompleteMonster: Hollister et al.

* CrowningMomentOfAwesome
* CrowningMomentOfFunny
* CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming

* GaryStu: Only very early on.
* GrowingTheBeard: While the beginning isn't by any means particularly bad, the story becomes better and better once you get halfway through the original OVAs, especially when the original material begins appearing.
* HighOctaneNightmareFuel: What Hollister and friends want to do with Sylvie and Anri.

[[caption-width-right:314:The Knight Saber's usual reactions to Bert.]]