jedibuttercup

I always think it's cliché when the heroes of the two different 'verses just happen to be long lost relatives or best friends. Besides, I like to watch that kind of relationship build between the characters, give them something to overcome; a much better pay-off than just reaping the benefits from Day 1.

Well, that all depends on how things are done. The long lost relative, tends to be a bad cliche, and lazy way to start a crossover. However, I'm a bit unclear about what you mean by best friend? Do you mean the two characters are best friends who have kept in touch? Or that the two were once friends, who were close at some point, and have since grown apart?Current best buds we have not heard about is ridiculous, and is just as bad as long lost relative.

However, former best friend with whom a character has not kept in touch, can work in specific situations. Having one knowing previously unknown details about another character's past can make for an interesting perspective in a crossover.

For instance, if I were to do a crossover, between Bones and Stargate Atlantis, would it be bad to make Booth a former military acquaintance or buddy of Sheppard, with Sheppard knowing some of the sadder details of Booth's military career?