Kung Fu Panda/Fanfic Recs
Proof that the remaining 10% is worth dying for here.
These are recommendations made by Tropers for the Kung Fu Panda Fan Fics, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. Feel free to add a fanfic of your own to the list, but remember to use the template found here.
You can also add to the current recommendations if you want. Refrain from posting Conversation in The Main Page though; that goes in the discussion page.
Authors, and Websites
- Recommended by Anything Goes
- Comments: A writer who is fluidly poetic, has a wide vocabulary range that he's not afraid to use, and is sometimes melodramatic but works in generating much Angst. His portfolio contains stories and oneshots that span both movies, most of which are powerful while touching all at the same time.
- Recommended by Jack O Crow
- Comments: A great author, who gives great looks at characters, while making her stories original, funny, and sometimes surreal. Most assuredly worth looking at.
- Recommended by Anything Goes
- Comments: Already rather established in the fandom, as evidenced by her near Doorstopper-length fics, this author can really write. Many of her chapters read almost like actual novels, keep the characters beautifully in-character, and show just how much dedication and effort she puts into her work.
- Recommended by Kaoru Sailor Z
- Comments: This author is highly recommended for her stories and like Luna, she can write. Most of her fics are mostly Shen-centric but believable and realistic. All the characters are in-character, even showing a side that is implied. She shows a lot of work and dedication to make it the best she can.
General Fics
Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance.
That's Why They Call It The Present by Luna Goldsun (minor sexual themes, violence)
- Recommended by Gattsuru
- Synopsis: Fairly long Fix Fic set after the events of the film, bringing back and giving a Heel Face Turn to Tai Lung, just in time to fight off an attacking horde lead by the man who made Tai Lung a Door Step Baby and sliced apart Tai Lung's father.
- Comments: Completed story. Shipping content features in some chapters, mostly between canon/non-canon characters or Snake/Crane, but is not focus of stories. Slightly Dark Fic, or at least Darker and Edgier than the original Never Say Die storyline. Falls into a lot of common fanfic traps, like adding a wide variety of satellite characters, pulling extra legendary warrior statuses out of thin air, having Heel Face Turned characters accepted a bit too easily, and 'borrowing' well-established jokes. Some Rape As Drama meets Prison Rape meets Unfortunate Implications, too. All that said, it provides an incredible deconstruction of Tai Lung's motivation and what would had happened if he were made the Dragon Warrior (as well as Master Shifu's), keeps each character's tone of voice similar to the film, and has some rather artful moments that make it well worth reading.
- One thing to note: while it may seem like pulling legendary warrior statuses out of thin air, the author has actually done her research well: the Dragon and the Phoenix have always been traditionally paired in Chinese mythology, and in fact are used to symbolize the Emperor and the Empire respectively. With Tai Lung's knowledge of the scrolls and his overall prowess as a warrior, it makes a lot of sense he would earn this position, particularly with all the ways he acts as a Foil to Po. Even if this seems like a bit too much to swallow for the snow leopard, it would not surprise this troper at all to see a warrior status like this appearing in one of the movie's sequels (obviously as someone else). The author is also currently working on a sequel, "Soaring Dragon, Dancing Phoenix" which is doing an admirable job of both explaining the warrior's powers and role and also making it seem much less like a random Rule of Cool insertion.
Memoirs of A Master by Luna Goldsun. Violence, minor sexual themes.
- Recommended by Sithking Zero, Keshia
- Synopsis: From FF.net: "Months after Tai Lung's defeat, Shifu has been shutting himself away. When Po and the Five investigate, they discover more about their beloved master than they ever thought possible."
- Pairing(s): Shifu/OC, OC/OC, Po/Tigress. This is not a shipping fic, though, so if you don't like those, then don't worry, it's not the main focus.
- Comments: Exactly what it says on the tin, the story revolves around Master Shifu's memoirs. They find his memoirs and begin to take turns reading them out loud as a group, which reveals Shifu's entire life, starting from his original home with his two brothers, his grandmother, and his parents. I could not put this story down, and I loved it to death. That's not to say that this is, in fact, a happy story, far from it. It's far darker than the movie upon which it is based, going into topics such as the Mongols and their invasions, the attitude towards women in ancient China, and political upheaval. Flushes out the KFP universe quite nicely, with depth and drama and storytelling that puts her previous work, That's Why They Call It The Present to shame. It is a rare author that can make one care for an OC, but this story makes you like Shifu's comrades and friends. Also, if you don't cry when Yeying dies, you have no soul. Also explains the origins of pretty much everything in the KFP universe, another plus. In short, one of the best KFP stories out there, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
- Just as a warning for those that do not like homosexual pairings, the OC/OC pairing is a homosexual one.
- The epilogue to this fic is the icing on the cake. It's short and comprehensive, and the many letters from friends past and present left this reader feeling very wholesome.
A Different Lesson by Nievelion(sexual themes, violence, gore and horror imagery)
- Recommended by Rem Tar 85
- Synopsis: Easily the longest (but no less interesting) Kung Fu Panda fanfic out there. Set immediately after the first film, it deals with a Heel Face Turn for Tai Lung and all that comes with it, including friendship, romance, hardships, and dangerous new villains, even going into supernatural territory, both in light and dark ways. Pairings include Tai Lung/Tigress, Crane/Mei Ling, and a surprise one at the end, but the plot deals just as much with action, suspense, mystery, and the consequences of redeeming a terrifying villain. No Get Out of Jail Free card here!
- Comments: Completed story. This one is epic, often very much Darker and Edgier then the movie ever was, and though it's long enough to pretty much make a novel of it, and one might not agree with some of the happenings and sometimes falling into occasional fanfic traps, it never stops being interesting and does things very smartly. Tai Lung's Heel Face Turn is realistically treated in making it a slow and steady, and sometimes quite difficult, process. The main villain is a true Complete Monster who provides a feeling of dread and danger, and the addition of known characters such as Mei Ling is most welcome, especially in how the author effectively uses the Wu Sisters (canon characters unused in the film) in his own way. There is also plenty of well-executed humor, believable character interaction, and admirable research of China by the author. A long read, no doubt, but it makes up for it by being one of the best and smartest Kung Fu Panda fanfics around.
- User:Ingonyama: As a decidedly non-Tai Lung fan, I have to say I was extremely skeptical about this one. But reading over it, once you penetrate the somewhat thick prose, it turns into an insightful redemption story that does a good job of making him into something forgivable, and even likable. The Wu Sisters are very obviously Expies of "Ozai's Angels", but they work very well with the story's Anachronism Stew...which in itself isn't nearly as bad as it has been in other KFP fics. There's comedy (keep an eye out for a subtle Deconstruction of most "Taigress" fic), horror, tragedy (the death of a fan-made character has never hit me this hard), and of course, loads and loads of action. Not to mention a long, long list of those things that make fiction go 'round.
- This fic had promise, and would have been good (by the normal standards of fanfiction, i.e., taking Darker and Edgier tone, Angst, and heavy focus on Shipping as a given), had it been one third of its actual volume. As it is, it becomes barely readable halfway through, due to being waaaaaay too wordy and long-winded. In particular, battle sequences just beg to be pared down (or cut outright). As about the plot and characterization, on the good side, the author did a lot of research, and catches the "voice" of some characters well. Most of the secondary characters are well-done too. The overall direction of the plot is interesting. On the bad side, the author mostly fails to reproduce the over-the-top tone and power level of Kung Fu Panda ("That's Why They Call It The Present" above is also guilty of that, by the way). "Mostly", because the Big Bad and the (concept of) the final battle are appropriately epic. And on the ugly side, the author changes the canon characters for the sake of his plot, and changes them noticeably (this time unlike "That's Why They Call It The Present"). Yes, even if we entirely discount a "sudden" spike of interest in the opposite gender and romantic feelings in characters. Tai Lung's unreasoning drive To Be a Master no matter what is given a more sympathetic explanation, and he is assumed to be far less sane and more rage-filled during the event of the movie, than he actually was. Po is suddenly mostly inept again, instead of being on Shifu's level in general skill, and regresses in personality as well (both to make the villains be a threat at all, and to make Tai Lung shine brighter at his expense). As a lesser problem, this fic is an example of how TVTropes can rot one's brain.
- Granted, while the fic can be very lengthy and wordy, by the author's own admission, the author does give a reasonable explanation as to Tai Lung's change of heart at the beginning, that fits in with the story's narrative, but does not take away Tai Lung's flaws. As for Po, he is not inept so much as the author showcases the fact that Po is actually still a beginner in kung fu, despite his defeating Tai Lung (which is also given further explanation as to what contributed to that victory besides skill). The events of the movie showed a training montage that seemed to take not very long, and in the fic, Po's initial defeat by the villains was displayed on the fact that he used the same techniques he used on Tai Lung on skilled opponents who would not fall for them, thus showcasing that Po's not invincible and needs more training and battle experience in general. Also, the author does not take away Po's natural skills and does a good job displaying the fact that some of the traits that make Po the Dragon Warrior is an intuitive, quick-thinking mind, and a very high aptitude for learning, seen especially when he manages to perform a very advanced kung fu technique on his very first attempt, much like in the movie with the Wuxi Finger Hold.
Bamboo: Wounds Heal, But Scars Won't by Herehopelies
- Recommended by Tora Yakari and Domenic
- Synopsis: First in a series of KFP one-shots. Shen doesn't care what scars do...
- Comments: A very sad but beautiful, extremely well-written one-shot about Shen's childhood and what drove him to massacre the Panda village, aside from just the prophecy. One of the most interesting things about this story is how much of is through the perspective of his parents, so you get some real insight into what they really felt and thought about their poor, sickly son. The author has promised to update this story with different themed one-shots in the future, so here's hoping the later additions are as great as the first.
The Life and Times of Lord Shen by Domenic
- Recommended by Kchishol
- Synopsis: The story of Lord Shen from his childhood to his death at the semi-hands of Po the Dragon Warrior.
- Comments: An intriguingly elaborate and heartbreaking story about the Peacock villain that takes maximum advantage of known backstory information. In doing so, we have a tragic story about a sickly prince's Start of Darkness trying so hard to connect with his parents until his determination drives him to do the unthinkable.
- Recommended by Anything Goes
- Synopsis: A compendium of short backstories, oneshots and novelizations on the different characters from Kung Fu Panda.
- Comments: Genres vary in this fic, but Angst seems to be the main theme. Each chapter concentrates on one character and is written in a rather abstract style, giving much more depth to the more obscure Masters and characters of the movie, most of whom are possibly Advertised Extras.
Instinct by 1Past and Present1
- Recommended by Jack O Crow
- Synopsis: A playful, rare moment is shared between Tigress and Po when the mighty feline discovers the joy of pouncing on unsuspecting people...
- Comments: A cute short story that shows Tigress' playful side. While listed as a friendship story, you can see Po/Tigress if you squint and tilt your head.
- Recommended by Jack O Crow
- Synopsis: A currently ongoing fic, set two years after a decidedly dark alternate ending to Kung Fu Panda 2, which involves the cast being killed off, with Tigress returning from the grave to avenge them.
- Comments: Something of a Dark Fic, it contains slightly morbid humour, a gritty feel to it, and decent action. Certainly worth a read.
Gongmen City: Shifu's Arrival by FyreDragon5
- Recommended by bookwormgal
- Synopsis: Did anyone wonder how Shifu arrived at Gongmen City so quickly? How did he react to the oppressed citizens? And how did he convince Ox and Croc to join him against Lord Shen?
- Comments: A nice glimpse of the red panda's thoughts and reactions when he arrives in the city, learns of the Furious Five being captured and Po's "death", and how he persuaded Master Ox and Master Croc to leave their prison near the end of "Kung Fu Panda 2."
- Recommended by Nausicaa of the Spirits
- Synopsis: Green was a beautiful, natural color. Plenty eyes in the city were green. Red was abnormal; it meant darkness. He meant darkness. This cub meant purity. Set before the events of KFP 2.
- Comments: Kind of a little what-if story involving Shen and his parents visiting the panda village and Shen meeting baby!Po months before the massacre of the pandas. There's a companion story, The Misadventures of Lord Shen And Baby Po, that picks up where the prologue leaves off.
A Turn For the Worse by The.anti.Kira36
- Recommended by Nausicaa of the Spirits
- Synopsis: Shen kidnaps Po and has a wicked plot in store for our hero. Will the Five be able to rescue him in time?
- Comments: This story takes place during the Zen Ball Master scene and deviates from the outcome.
Extermination by White Trenchcoat
- Recommended by Nausicaa of the Spirits
- Synopsis: Spoilers for second film. Hearing a worrying prophecy, the young Lord Shen sets out to change his destiny, and destroy a village of pandas. However, it won't be that easy.
- Comments: Takes place during the panda massacre, Shen getting exiled after the massacre, and that sad scene where Po's mother hides her baby and sacrifices herself.
- Recommended by Much Ado About Nonny
- Pairings: Po/Tigress
- Synopsis: Po is a superhero with a problem. A brilliant, gorgeous problem that has a knack for making him look stupid.
- Comments: AU, obviously. The plot basically revolves around Superhero!Po's somewhat complicated relationship with the beautiful Tigress, his co-worker at the Jade Law Firm who moonlights as a tightly-clad criminal. Also features Hungover!Tai Lung, who acts as Po's Vitriolic Best Bud as per the requisite Superman/Batman parallels for such a story as this. This work is a masterpiece; it is drop-dead hilarious, portrays the characters' canon personalities to nigh perfect detail, and somehow manages to be one of the most excellently written superhero parody fanfics out there in this troper's humble opinion. A must-read.
- Recommended by Gannetwhale and Much Ado About Nonny
- Synopsis: After Shen's death, spirits of the previously departed help him find inner peace.
- Comments: Fucking brilliant. Shen's characterisation at first seems more positive than the movie's, but don't let that fool you (and well, he found inner peace in his death, remember? ), as his interactions with the spiritual guides are believable and rather cleverly written. Overall, one of the best fanfics I have read in a while.
- Seconded. This is basically The Five People You Meet In Heaven, Shen-style. Beautifully written, heartbreakingly poignant at times, and a wonderful read.
Shipping Fics
Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast.
Can You See The Cracks? by Velorhi
- Recommended by J The Drafter
- Pairings: One sided Tigress/Shifu
- Synopsis : Tigress learns just how the Furious Five are seen by the villagers when she eavesdrops on Po talking to Master Shifu late one night, and she reflects on her own desperate need to have Shifu's regard.
- Comments : This is a well-written piece that gives us insight into the minds of both Tigress and the collective villagers of the Valley of Peace.
The Charming Lotus Flower by International-Wonderland
- Recommended by Nausicaa of the Spirits
- Pairings: Shen/Viper
- Synopsis: Viper starts to acknowledge plot holes in Shen's current plans that if used against him, will return China's freedom. However, terrible situations befall her when he catches on that she is chosen as the Snake of the Chinese Zodiac to crush his empire.
- Comments: A little bit of a Dark Fic, two recent chapters scream Hot Skitty-On-Wailord Action, but it's quite the read if you like Interspecies Romance.