...is really, really hard. Mostly, listen to what's been said: it's pretty much all solid. In general, when I review bad or simply somewhat shaky fic, I try to remain absolutely clear. If you're concerned about the quality of the review--in either content or phrasing--I'd also suggest getting the review beta-read by someone who A) has some knowledge of the canon in question, B) probably takes the time and pain of reading the fic, and C) will be as honest with you as you want to be with the author. It probably is more tactful to avoid calling the character a Sue outright, and I agree with VM's reason of not using it due to vague definition far more than anything else. (Keep in mind that I am, in general, far more confrontational as a reviewer than I should be.)

One of the hardest things I've found to deal with in the DCU in particular is that so many writers have worked on it that defining "OOC" can be difficult beyond belief, but if it's truly that bad, just be prepared to cite sources. I'm sure if the author has betas at all, then he/she/thing is convinced they're fantastic, but it never hurts to offer a few suggestions about what to look for in a Beta.

As for the mission material thing: as Neshomeh said, that's no reason not to review. It may delay things, mind, especially if the author really does improve. Plus, wanting to do this is... really nice and incredibly admirable of you, and that's always worth it.

Oh yeah, and you're looking at the DCU. The Badfic will never end and is probably deep enough to do diving contests in. I've been afraid to dip my feet in for fear of Death or Permanent Mental Damage. That said: if you ever want a partner along for the ride with one? I am going to be horribly selfish and self-serving and offer to hop on-board. *sheepish*

I've felt the same way in the past, but I'm with VM: go ahead and review, and if the author receives it well and makes improvements, ask for their permission to spork the old version. It would be in poor taste to spork it after improvements have been made without the author's consent. If they're really making an effort, there's no sense dwelling on past mistakes.

On the other hand, if they turn out to be unreceptive and act like a jerk about it, spork away.

It can be disappointing to lose materials, but remember that there's always more badfic out there. If you end up not being able to spork this one, something else will come along, and you'll have done a good deed by promoting goodfic rather than just thrashing badfic. Fear of losing PPC material shouldn't deter you from reviewing. {= )

~Neshomeh

If this fic is ALREADY bad, right now, and you don't need it to be 'finished' to spork it (as in, if you sporked it you could get a good story out of the 'badness' with rising action -> climax -> falling action) what you can do is copy the text of the fic as it is right now and THEN leave the review.

If she changes the story, you have a snapshot of the badness as it is at this exact moment. If she does end up fixing it, that can even be written into the sporking, too! Remember, Spidey3000 was handled by his own author in the past.

I don't think by sporking it you'd disrespect the author if she improves. If the current, unedited work is genuinely terrible, and it's the Sue, not the author... As long as you spork it with respect for the author and in the spirit of the PPC/in good humor it should be fine. At least in my eyes.

You could leave an honest review, letting the author know what problems you have perceived in her story and tips on how to fix them, and then PM or ask her by review if she minds if you PPC the older version.

As for the Sue thing-- it's possible to point out the flaws in the character without calling her a Sue. That's become such a loaded term it can be hard to use without any kind of issues, partly because the criteria are so vague. Instead, focus on why the character doesn't work, and how the Riddler is off character-- and how the two are related.

Leaving good reviews isn't always easy, but if the author takes crit well, it can be really satisfying. Mostly just be honest-- "You've got issues here, here, and here, but you're doing this well and I think if you fix this, this, and that, the story could come off a lot better."

It's a pain, but we are here to promote goodfic, not just slash badfic. And it does get easier to write stuff like that with practice-- like anything else, the more you do it, the better you get. Good luck, San.