Relation'Shipping' in Cartoons: Good or bad?

[tucsoncoyote]

(Cartoon ) Boy Meets (Cartoon) Girl. They see each other
They become romantically involved or at least interested in one another..

Alright now a lot of ou are wondering why this thread? Well I've seen a lot of people as of late comment about "Shipping" (as in Relationships between cartoon characters usually developing between two main characters, and sometimes more then two characters...

For example, I can cite a number of relationships on numerous shows, and it's not just one channel but rather two or even three.

For example, earlier this year fans were in an uproar or all a twitter, when Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible Kisssed in The Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama.

People Watching Code Lyoko are all a twitter about Yumi and Ulrich getting interested in one another, as well as Jeremy and Aelita, and even Odd. (A romance /interest triangle perhaps?)

Yet Others watch Danny Phantom and are hoping to see something develop between Sam and Danny, or maybe Danny andd Valerie.

and the list goes on.. even on shows Like Codename: Kids Next Door, you see relationships between or suggested between characters like (Numbah Four, and Numbah Three, and even Nigel Uno (Aka Number one) and Lizzie.

Even other toons are doing it too. W.it.c.h. , Teen Titans, even Justice League Unlimited.

and now we can add Get Ed (From Disney/Jetix) on to that list as well as American Dragon :Jake Long (Between Rose (aka Huntsgirl) and Jake (The American Dragon)).

I mean these are the prime examples I have found tme and again..

so my question to the folks out there is this:

Does (Relation) 'shipping' help extend a show ot give a show a potential to explore a relation ship between characters? Or does it kill a show off quickly and Painlessly?

Does it really help improve the interactions between the Characters (even the Main Characters), or does 'relationshipping' of said characters just plain hinder and degreade a show, to the point where viewers lose interest?

After all, we've seen some prime examples here, and there are new ones cropping up laterly (Even Inuyasha is notorious for 'Shipping'.)

But lets hear from the folks out there who watch all these shows. Do 'Relationships' (either Romantic, or Personal) , hurt a show or Hinder a show or help it an nurture it, and if so , why?

The floor is now open.

:coyote:

[Dee]

What gets me is the massive explosion of 'relationships' outside the program and on the internet.

Things go as they do on the program, but take a bunch of fans, stick them on the internet and suddenly all the characters are in relationships with all the other characters. It's like 'geez.'

I think if it happens on a show, it can hinder. If a relationship becomes more of a focus than the premise, then it's doing harm.

[King Cocopuff]

What gets me is the massive explosion of 'relationships' outside the program and on the internet.

Things go as they do on the program, but take a bunch of fans, stick them on the internet and suddenly all the characters are in relationships with all the other characters. It's like 'geez.'

I think if it happens on a show, it can hinder. If a relationship becomes more of a focus than the premise, then it's doing harm.
You mean about all the fanfiction romances were stories make the characters out-of-character and pair the character with whomever they choose?

If the fanfiction writer develops a good realitic plot and buildup of romance where the characters stay in character it'd be okay. But if it was like THIS...

Sesshomeru: *person reading use a high pitch voice* OH MY GOD, INUYASHA I DIDN'T KNOW WHY I HATED YOU SO MUCH BUT NOW THAT HATRED IS GONE SOMEHOW AND SUDDENLY AND I LOVE YOU NOW AND I WANT US TO BE MARRIED AND SPEND THE REST OF OUR LIVES TOGETHER!!

Inuyasha: *also with high pitched voice* YOUR RIGHT SESSHOMARU I DON'T KNOW WHY I WAS SUCH A JERK TO YOU BUT I'LL CHANGE THAT BECAUSE I LOVE YOU TOO YES LETS GET MARRIED!!

Sessshomaru: OH INUYASHA!!

Inuyasha: OH SESSHOMARU!!

*The brothers smooch while all the other Inuyasha characters stare with shock and disgust*

...then I'll be weirded out, annoyed, or amused. If the real Inuyasha and Sesshomaru saw that they'd either inflict serious bodily harm on the author or kill him.

But that's off-topic! I can see this thread filled with people talking about shipping on the internet instead of the program instead.

If romance doesn't conflict with the plot or character personalities I'd be alright if it's on the program (I don't care about romance in real life or fiction life anyway, since I'm not interested in dating, so I care more about the characters as individuals then who should pair with who).

That's my own two-cents.

[Hatter]

Is "shipping" good or bad?

Badbadbadbadbadbad

God, it annoys me when people do nothing but post about how much they love so-and-so as a couple and want to see them together. I can understand if it's romance show, but that's hardly ever the case. Two characters look at each other, hey, that's enough for most shippers to go on.

What's the point of calling yourself a shipper? Do you think you're impressing anyone? "I'm obsessed with two unrelated cartoon children falling in love!"

God, keep it to yourself.

[Tay the Cat]

Is "shipping" good or bad?

Badbadbadbadbadbad

God, it annoys me when people do nothing but post about how much they love so-and-so as a couple and want to see them together. I can understand if it's romance show, but that's hardly ever the case. Two characters look at each other, hey, that's enough for most shippers to go on.

What's the point of calling yourself a shipper? Do you think you're impressing anyone? "I'm obsessed with two unrelated cartoon children falling in love!"

God, keep it to yourself.

You took the words out of my mouth.

[Conekiller]

It's one thing when a show explores this within it's boundaries. It helps flesh out the characters and adds dimension to them. But then the fans take it way too far, pairing up characters that have little to no connection with each other for example.

One of the ones I hate the most is Invader Zim shipping. Absolutely NOTHING in that show indicates anything romantic (aside from the Tak the Hideous New Girl ep, but that was a means to an end by the titular character) and yet people all over the place are making Zim/Dib, Dib/Gaz (ew) , Gaz/Gir (O_o) art/fanfiction and act like it's "official". No it isn't, in fact it's a great disservice to the characters the fans love so much to remove/alter aspects of the character's personalities for their own horny sastisfaction.

Another odd angle of this phenomenon is fans clinging to an earlier relationship when the characters have long since moved on (Cyborg and Raven havn't had any "are they...?" time since season 2) I recall the Digimon fandom having a fit at the end of season 2 when the characters are revealed older and some seem to have gotten married and bore children , but with characters not "right" (deemed by the shippers). Then the fans go and write fanfiction and have the gall to disclaim "yeah..the end of Season 2, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN for my story to work" :shrug:

[Neo Yi]

You mean about all the fanfiction romances were stories make the characters out-of-character and pair the character with whomever they choose?

If the fanfiction writer develops a good realitic plot and buildup of romance where the characters stay in character it'd be okay. But if it was like THIS...

You generally said everything I did. I'm all okay for fanfics for weird couples if it's handled brilliantly instead of it coming out of nowhere and making it rather...well, bad.

To me, when it comes to shippers, I've seen both the bad and good side of it and truly, it depends for me really. Any one who can be a shipper and support such a character in a mature manner is a-okay with me, but there are all those "flamers" and "obsessive type" who I cannot stand very well because their reasons and actions aren't exactly as logical and such, so yes, truly depends on how a person reacts.
~Neo

[kimpossible1fan]

Personally, shipping can be fun.

However when people start going LieK OMG!!!111KIM/RON DANNY/SAM ROBIN/StarFIre!!!! It's just plain annoying.

Okay, I promise I'll never talk like that unless I'm explaining something.

I am a shipper, I do not force my opinion on other people. What bothers me though, if they were meant to be together just do it from the begining.

[sdp]

they can be done well and they can be done pretty bad, so its not like having one makes the show bad, it can make the show better, it depends if they do a good job with it or not.

[MahouShoujo13]

I don't really know what to say. I'm actually a bit of a shipper myself but...

Sometimes shipping can give potential. It can make people's eyes glued on the screen for clues, not for just watching it. But, by that it's also negative. There have been some pairing shippers that have gone a bit too far. For that, I point your attention to a few of the pairing shippers:

RobinxRaven of "Teen Titans": Sure, there WAS the last part of "The End", but anybody can say they're just friends. Also, there was also an episode for the RobinxStarfire pairing. But...there have been many drawings and fanfics trying to make look like they were actually "destined" together. There was even a RobxRae fan that sent a virus to a person who had an account on DeviantART. Why? Because she drew BBxRae drawings. Wow. Makes you wonder.

AangxKatara of "Avatar: I'm sure you all prefer it that all the shippers of the pairings in Avatar to live in peace, but you're dead WRONG. In fact, most of the AxK shippers are trying to start a war with the ZxK shippers that actually have done nothing drastic to support their pairing. There have been flamers, and one girl posted a story on FF.net just to flame all the ZxK supporters (oh yeah, when a ZxK supporter posted some constructive criticism, she cried to her mommy and accused him of flaming when she was the one flaming first). And then there is S.P.A.R, that makes rude comments of all the ZxK momments, is filled with irony, and has tried to make AxK look like an official and "righteous" pairing of Avatar, when in fact the official pairings were only SukixSokka, HaruxKatara and JetxKatara. Heh...they even made an online petition that has stated the same reasons ZxK "will never happen (even if they don't know for sure)" that are ALWAYS rebuked. Most have went into arguments about only opinion. Not only that, they always add color to their friendship. Oh yeah, and some want Zuko to be with their character. *shakes head* Tsk, tsk, tsk.

InuyashaxKagome and InuyashaxSango of "Inuyasha": I know that IxK are the cannon couple, but I've heard whenever there's a IxS story...flamers rush to the scene. Pathetic.

NarutoxSakura from "Naruto": There has been debate whether who Naruto will go with, Sakura or Hinata. Although there are many clues of SasukexSakura and said that the creator actually planned for NarutoxHinata and that Sakura does not like Naruto the way many would (well...all three in the manga, which is wayyyy ahead compared to the anime), oh boy. I've seen many fanfics of NxS that make them OOC and have the characters express the author's opinions. I don't really know much about this fandom...but...this also makes you wonder.

There. That's how shipping is actually negative. Proof's right up there.

All I have to say is this: people, it's just a cartoon/anime/show. Lay off. There's nothing serious about it.

[zmanjz]

meh. With Shipping, Ya gotta be careful. There are so many ways to make people wretch that it's just not funny.

On the other hand, the creation of tension between characters can make something more or less interesting depending on the series. Really, the only series that I can stand to "Ship" are ones where the relationships are an integral part of the series.

Harry Potter? If mother's love is the thing that has protected him all his life, Imagine what the love of a Soul Mate can do?

Ranma 1/2? Tenchi? Come on, the basic premise of these shows is "Which of these girls is going to get the hero?" It's only natural to pick your favorite and root for them.

Naruto.... well, seeing as how that's still in early episodes, I won't say much, but it is entertaining, (I think the Manga Kas have reached the point where they simply incorporate "Messing with the shippers" as part of the plot, making the show just that much more suspenseful/enjoyable.


So, yes I can enjoy some shipping....

But yeah, the vast majority of them are crap... nothing good has ever come from a Spongebob, Transformers, or any other show where it's either ridiculous, disgusting, or otherwise revolting.

[CyberCubed]

I'm OK with shipping, as long as people don't go overboard like "ASH AND MISTY TOGETHER 4EVAR!!!!111!!!1"

It's also annoying when people cling to ships that no longer exist in the show, since a character leaves or dies from an earlier season.

[Ultra Mike]

I think the focus of this topic has shifted from "Is shipping good in TV shows?" to "what I think about fan shippings" so I'll post my thoughts on each one.

"Is Shipping Good In Television Shows?" - Dependent. If it's good for the plot of the story, if it fits the characters well, and if it leads to some interesting/emotional moments, then I'm all for this type of shipping. Some people just don't have any buisness writing romance though even if they are good at writing other genres. This is more of a problem with anime, since most cartoons are comedic so even if there is shipping it's either not important or just used as a gag.

"What I think about fan shipping" - I agree on what other people say about it being wrong to be obessed about certain couples. I have shipping ideas that would not work in the story, but either I just keep them to myself or write something that takes place in MY perspective of the universe. One where I can do what I want with them and not worry about what the original author/creator does with them. I personally think that's the best way to approach the subject if you're doing "off pairing" shipping.

[Peter Paltridge]

It depends on the cartoon. Romantic tension between two characters can either make them seem more real, or make the entire cartoon more forced, depending how it's handled and written.

As for the Internet....well, IMO, shipping has ruined fanfiction. I never read any of it now, it's like walking into an alley full of creepy weirdos.

[Tintin]

Honnestly, that's most hurt a show than helped it. And i not like the fanfictions help more, like we're nothing to do the copyright laws

[Dee]

Is "shipping" good or bad?

Badbadbadbadbadbad

God, it annoys me when people do nothing but post about how much they love so-and-so as a couple and want to see them together. I can understand if it's romance show, but that's hardly ever the case. Two characters look at each other, hey, that's enough for most shippers to go on.

What's the point of calling yourself a shipper? Do you think you're impressing anyone? "I'm obsessed with two unrelated cartoon children falling in love!"

God, keep it to yourself.
Bingo. And it's not just cartoons either--- this covers everything. People need to keep their fantasy character romance parings to themselves.

Its kinda sad. Sad in a 'wow, you kind of scare me' sad sort of way.

[Anthonynotes]

You mean about all the fanfiction romances were stories make the characters out-of-character and pair the character with whomever they choose?

If the fanfiction writer develops a good realitic plot and buildup of romance where the characters stay in character it'd be okay. But if it was like THIS...

Sesshomeru: *person reading use a high pitch voice* OH MY GOD, INUYASHA I DIDN'T KNOW WHY I HATED YOU SO MUCH BUT NOW THAT HATRED IS GONE SOMEHOW AND SUDDENLY AND I LOVE YOU NOW AND I WANT US TO BE MARRIED AND SPEND THE REST OF OUR LIVES TOGETHER!!

Inuyasha: *also with high pitched voice* YOUR RIGHT SESSHOMARU I DON'T KNOW WHY I WAS SUCH A JERK TO YOU BUT I'LL CHANGE THAT BECAUSE I LOVE YOU TOO YES LETS GET MARRIED!!

Sessshomaru: OH INUYASHA!!

Inuyasha: OH SESSHOMARU!!

*The brothers smooch while all the other Inuyasha characters stare with shock and disgust*

...then I'll be weirded out, annoyed, or amused. If the real Inuyasha and Sesshomaru saw that they'd either inflict serious bodily harm on the author or kill him.


You forgot to have more misspelled words, the two getting married and (if it's out of character for them) swearing---the other fanfic cliches. ;-)

Back on topic, relationships can work depending on the show and its appropriateness; "Futurama" had as a recurring thread Leela and Fry's feelings about each other, for instance.

-B.

[The_Magick_Hat]

I've no real problems with relationships in an animation as long as it is done well. I tend to be a romantic so seeing it tends to appeal to me, at least as long as it isn't gratuitous. I've seen romance in shows of all kinds done both very well and very badly.

Obsessive shipping fandoms, however, frighten me considerably. There's a reason why I tend to think of 'canon' in shipping debates as actual battleship cannons. Hours of opposing ships blasting away at one another with the viciousness of a full scale war tends to be both amusing and scary. And don't even get me started on shipping fics...

[Roman Legion]

You mean about all the fanfiction romances were stories make the characters out-of-character and pair the character with whomever they choose?

If the fanfiction writer develops a good realitic plot and buildup of romance where the characters stay in character it'd be okay. But if it was like THIS...I think it all depends on the balance between pure wish fulfillment and an honest desire to explore posibilities that a show never got into. Pure wish fulfillment is guaranteed garbage. On the other hand, wish fulfillment is probably a necessary motivation for most fanfic authors. Without one, you're not likely to get the other, even if the former can be bad for the end result.

--Romey

[JLU Dude]

I have no problem with shipping, but I don't talk about the couples I'm a shipper or on MBs. That I save for my fanfics and fanart, but I disgress. Yes, there are some couples I go "WTH" about, but I don't let it bother me all that much. I just roll my eyes or laugh.

[Jave]

I think it all narrows to this: "It all depends on the execution".

And this applies to cartoons AND fanfiction.

[ixiah]

I'm a shipper. There are some romance fanfics out there that do portray the characters nicely and there are others that seem farfetched. Regardless whether the characters stay true to the show's, its not really a mandate coz its just fanfiction. The writter basically fools around with characters created by someone else.

Let people use their imagination and express themselves the way they want to. Its their right no matter how annoying it is.

Now the couple wars crap, on the other hand, is something that everyone can live without. It'll ruin any show for anybody, IMO.

[Luna]

I'm a romantic at heart,so I do like to see relationships develop between characters over the course of a series(like Elisa and Goliath in Gargoyles,Fry and Leela in Futurama,and Inuyasha and Kagome).....and in the case of couples who are already together,it's kinda fun to see how they met/ended up together(like Homer and Marge Simpson).....
Of course,I also find relationships that didn't work out interesting(Goliath/Demona,Fry/Amy,and Inuyasha/Kikyo)....

On the other hand,I don't like fanfiction writers making up their own couples,especially if the characters don't even like each other in the series,or changing a character's orientation(i.e. making straight characters gay or vise-versa)just for their story....

[Bubblegum Girl]

I'm ok with shippings that are accurate(Example - Beast boy & Terra) but I really don't like the SLASH shippings(Prime Example Zim & Dib) unless it's what the creator of the show intended however that's not the case.

[Hordesman]

I'm ok with shippings that are accurate(Example - Beast boy & Terra) but I really don't like the SLASH shippings(Prime Example Zim & Dib) unless it's what the creator of the show intended however that's not the case.

Um, you do realize it's not yet marketable right? (I'm working on it. :D) The canon ones like Maggie/Toby and Lexington/not revealled yet are or would have been below the radar. Others result from creators wallowing in fan service to broaden the audience, particularly in Japan. Toei released fan-service shonen/shoujo ai product such as Christmas CDs to sell more Digimon stuff. And they went overboard. "Hearts Beating as One"? That is the real reason for the ending of 02. Disney occassionally delves into this game as well, but more for politicized gay viewers rather than bishonen yaoi fangirls. (OK, Nathan Lane's quote about Timon and Pumbaa made it into USA TODAY summer '94. They sure didn't fire him, did they?)

Now, Terra's a good example to bring up . Her character is more of a mix between Shaman King's Lyserg and Naruto's Haku. In the US, both characters would have been female in the first place instead of this big show where Lyserg had to drop his pants and Haku only mentions he's a boy before wandering off. The way Titans configures BB/T is much more in the vein of Ryu/Lys than of the original DC characters. It's based on a yaoi template, as is the likes of Sakura/Syaroan (even starting as romantic rivals).

And Zim/Dib... Well, it's not that bishonen-fueled hormonal drivel is it? Eh, I have to say it reminds me both of the rival pairing up theory that CLAMP tends to make canon. Aside from the equipment (assuming Zim isn't alien enough to begin with), Zim is closer to Sakura and Saint Tail whereas Dib is the pursuer like Li and the St. Tail boy whose name escapes me. Not my thing but I see where it's coming from. And I much prefer it to the transference shipping of Zim/Gaz...

And Ren/Pirika. :eek::eek: (I'm sorry, but while Yoh and Anna have to fulfill tradition, foreigners and minorities like Ren and Horo do not in the context of a Japanese series) And the varied combinations between the Elric brothers and Roy Mustang :eek: Dude, my cousin's writing this parody where Roy's shacking up with Gluttony and it does not seem nearly as bad as the stuff where Roy ends up with both Ed and Al. Or Manta taking a bath with the Asakura twins. :eek:

And over to Potter... Harry likes athletic girls like Cho and Ginny, not whiny little goth snots like Draco. Seriously, if Draco's into that sort of thing I suggest he try things out with Dudley because it's a better match. :evil: But I think it's pretty obvious Colin, and perhaps Dennis, Creevey are into Harry- particularly after their sole scene in the last book as the only 2 guys crowding Harry in a group of fangirls. Harry's POV doesn't pick up on it, but that's the way it gets snuck in.

[Freedom Fighter]

Ouch. My head hurts just thinking about 'shipping' discussions. And this coming from a person who's been a perpetrator and a victim of 'overcompulsive' shipping.

Relation 'shipping' in cartoons... or any form of media (books, regular TV, VHS/DVD) I think is good for two reasons. One, it appeals to the romantics out there. Two, it initates discussion among fans. Both, hopefully, will either draw new viewers/readers or keep the existing fanbase attached to it.

Though personally, I hate it when an 'are they together or not?' relationship is drawn out through the entire series... because then it starts to drag the rest of the show down. "Inuyasha" is a good example of that.

One common trend among 'shippers' though is the tendency to immediately believe that the lead male and the lead female of a show are DESTINED to be lovers. You know, it's influenced me so much that every time there's the slightest hint (intended or not) that such might be possible, I go hard to work analyzing it and trying to figure out if it's plausible following it or not. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't.

And then there are the crazy fandoms out there that either get annoyed at someone going against the overwhelming majority or do their best to pair up every single dang character in the show. Apparently, anime series are more likely to have this occur than their American or European counterparts.

Case in point, since someone brought up "Digimon"... there were pairings for every main character in 02, and I'm just talking about the 12 humans (8 male, 4 female). The ending of 02 blew me for a loop because none of the two couples I favored were picked... was a fan of Tai/Sora and TK/Kari and we got Ken/Yolei (neutral on) and Matt/Sora. Yeah, I was peeved for a bit, but I didn't exactly go crazy over the whole thing.

So to answer the question of the thread, I think 'shipping' in general is good for cartoons. For the fandoms, though, it just creates a ton of headaches.

[Hurricane V1]

I like shipping. It's a sign of a devoted fanbase. I shamefully admit, I used to get into heated arguements over the first ships I chose to follow, Twerp/Pokeshipping. You know, Ash and Misty from Pokemon. It seemed harmless at first. I'd talk with fans about hints we'd spot of Misty's affections for Ash and speculate when Ash would acknowledge and return them. It seemed like it would fall into place, with the one manga ending in such a situation. Then palletshipping started. I respected it, though I thought it silly, but I got such a pompus vibe from several palletshippers. In retrospect, most palletshippers on the various boards where quiet and respectful of AAML too, but you never remember the quiet ones, just the loudmouths. When they'd use such strong phrases like "There's so much evidence for it..." I'd get angry and fire back, they'd call me and other stubborn twerpshippers that we were homo-hating folk, and then some mods would step in. Such a sad ship to follow, poor Misty had to leave. Never saw it coming.

I like how many shows have main characters develop feelings for each other, but I feel it's becoming too quick. Sam and Danny Phantom have pretty much shown their feelings for each other, well not entirely to each other, but the audience sees it so clear the characters pretty much sense it. It kind of ruins the build up. Who am I kidding? I like the show so much I'm willing to ignore the rush of Danny and Sam's development. Then there's Avatar. I love that show, but I feel Ang's feelings for Katara were rushed as well. For the first few episodes he seemed to just like showing off for her like young boys do, then all of a sudden he wants to end up married to her eventually. He doesn't even get that nervous around her. Half the fun of AAML was the one sided-ness to it; waiting to see if Ash would feel something for Misty.

I've given up on shipping now though. All the ships I want to see proceed slower end up rushed. All the ships I want to see actually happen end up in oblivion. I was rooting for Beast Boy and Raven. Now that seems impossible. In the comics, I understand Raven likes Kid Flash (although I've been trying to find this one issue I saw before where BB teases Raven about trying to look normal while trying on a hot red dress, so cute, and yeah, I'm a guy) and in the show so far, it seems she's becoming closer to Robin than anyone else. I'm bad at shipping.

[Gokou Ruri]

I don't care as long as there is some actual grounds for it (Ulrich and Yumi, for example), but for something completely impossible (mainly same-sex pairings done by fangirls and fanboys) it's pretty annoying.

[OverMaster]

I'm all up for it as long as it is handled well. Often, the romance aspect helps to bring depth to characters who would stay just flat otherwise. Also, in many animation works, the already existing relationships, or hints of ones, just don't seem to go anywhere, so it's understandable for fans to want to do something about it.

That's not to say there aren't some fanfavorite couples I just hate (Kagome/Sesshomaru, Naruto/Sasuke and Matt/Mimi are three of the worst ones, all of them being terribly mindless and baseless. Heck, I shudder when I think I've seen some friggin' romance fanfics starring *Batman and the Joker*... Now that's just wrongsick).

[Elven Moon]

I'm a romantic at heart (or hopeless romantic if you will) so shipping has always appealed to me. It's fun and I love expressing my creativity for a certain couple (like a webpage, or fanfiction). It's fine as long as it doesn't stifle a show, making it the priority focus. Some shows only focus on a little of but show promise for certain people (like Fry/Leela of Futurama). Others are becoming more "up front" about certain people (Cindy/Jimmy of Jimmy Neutron).

I do admit I can get pretty passionate about certain pairings, and do get angry when provoked or insulted about them. I do feel hurt or annoyed (maybe even more so if I felt emotionally involved somehow) when another pairing takes what I was set on away, or when a character dies or leaves (when Misty left, I was none too happy, but I am still a very strong, "Never Say Die!" Pokeshipper :sweat: ). But I don't ever lash out at anyone, or start an anti-page or anything like that. I'm not THAT crazy.

[I.R Joey]

What gets me is the massive explosion of 'relationships' outside the program and on the internet.

Things go as they do on the program, but take a bunch of fans, stick them on the internet and suddenly all the characters are in relationships with all the other characters. It's like 'geez.'

I think if it happens on a show, it can hinder. If a relationship becomes more of a focus than the premise, then it's doing harm.

Exactly, you hit it right on the nose.

As for the examples Tuscon mentioned, those are all pretty much canon so what's to complain about?

Kim and Ron got together after a rather interesting third season.

Danny and Sam: The show's writers intentionally tease us with that. Though I guess they kind of tease us with other possible pairings to.

Kids next door: Again we get teased.

When done right romantic tension adds alot of really got material to a show. The problem is when people make up stuff and then go crazy with it. I mean I never understood some of the PPG fanfiction writers. The Proffesor and Ms. Keane (okay they did have one episode making fun of it), or the girls and the Rowdyruff boys (them kissing the boys was just a cute way to end the episode, not cause to plan weddings).



Oh well those are just my thoughts.

[Gatomon41]

I think shipping seems to add depth and complexity to a show. Of course it has to be done right.

I perfered if the shipping was hinitedd at or shown how it develops. It makes for a more interesting universe.

There something so interesting about having relationships in shows. Maybe because we can relate to the charecters better. At one time in our lives we have crushes on others. It makes the characters seem more human.

[speedster]

i'd say,it would be better to ship things in than out.... and yeah, i've been wondering indeed, about relationships not just between characters in series...

but in maybe characters.. outside their own series.

[Hordesman]

New Rules:

If you're writing about him dating the sister of the guy he fights with/moons over/saves in battle, it's called transference and denial and 'phobia.

Ash/Misty is not the Pokemon equivalent of SakuraSyaroan. If anything, Palletshipping is. Likewise, I was ambivalent about Kim/Ron for the same reason I don't read Static/Gear on ff.net Can't some ppl stay friends?

If he's a minor and the other he is the commanding officer or teacher, please stop. Roy and Kakaishi aren't that ecchi, believe it or not.

One-sided SasuNaru is funny. Naruto likes Sakura, Sakura like Sasuke, and Sasuke is so pathetic in his unrequited affection. Just imagine the Byronic Sasuke pining for the Falstaffian Naruto :evil:

A dealer at Metrocon expanded my awareness of Fanta. Apparently it's not just a drink Coca-Cola invented to discretely maintain the German market during WWII. It's also the term doujinshi artists use for Faust/Manta, a mix of marital infidelity, pedophilia, sadomaschism, gaijin and midget fetishes. No, I most certainly don't wanna Fanta thank you.

[Harvey]

Is "shipping" good or bad?

Badbadbadbadbadbad

God, it annoys me when people do nothing but post about how much they love so-and-so as a couple and want to see them together. I can understand if it's romance show, but that's hardly ever the case. Two characters look at each other, hey, that's enough for most shippers to go on.

What's the point of calling yourself a shipper? Do you think you're impressing anyone? "I'm obsessed with two unrelated cartoon children falling in love!"

God, keep it to yourself.Exactly! It's creepy, inappropriate, and just doesn't seem right at all - especially when they take it too far. You took the words right out of my mouth, Hatter!

[Strollymonster]

It's fine to work relationships into shows...the trouble comes when a show's fans become "shippy", obsessing over the relationships or, worse, coming up with their own in poorly-written fanfiction.

The most popular and endlessly annoying one I can think of is the Kurama x Hiei shippers that just won't give it a rest...

[I.R Joey]

I think we all pretty much agree that it's good as long as it is in moderation, and makes sense.

By the way good topic Tuscon.

[G. Wen]

How do I feel about relationships in a show, and most importantly, written by the show's writers? It depends on the execution. If the relationship develops organically (I have no better way of explaining it), explores aspects of the characters, and creates tension, it can add depth to the plot, and it keeps the audience guessing. However, if the plot takes a backseat to the relationship (resulting in melodrama), the relationship turns the characters into lovesick psuedo-shakesperean spewing fools, and the relationship is pounded at the audience, it can ruin the show.

As for fanfiction, ai ya ya ya ya. My god, some people have disturbing fantasies. It's one thing to think about the potential growth of your favorite characters, but some writers sound like they're lonely losers desperate for a threesome.

[Yash]

If it's done right, go for it. I myself admit to supporting LuffyxNami of One Piece.

What irritates me the most about shipping are the hack fanfics that follow. You know, maybe I would be able to tolerate your poor writing if you actually kept the characters... in-character, but when you start having Ash and Misty recite romantic poetry to each other, you crossed the line.

Don't get me started on Harry/Nimbus 2000.

[King Cocopuff]

Don't get me started on Harry/Nimbus 2000.Excuse me?!:eek:

Romance between a person and his inanimate object!?:eek: :eek:

[Doopliss]

In the actual show, if the writers want the characters to have a relationship, there's no real problem. Even the fans of it don't bug me.

But when people put stupid and random couples together, like Spongebob and Mr. Krabs, it disturbs me.

[Hordesman]

As for fanfiction, ai ya ya ya ya. My god, some people have disturbing fantasies. It's one thing to think about the potential growth of your favorite characters, but some writers sound like they're lonely losers desperate for a threesome.

Ed: "This must be a wet dream for you, having me and my brother."
Roy: "3 hot beautiful male bishonen with some 'cest and pedo? Oh, no, that's just the author's 'thing.' I actually dig that skull armor parading around in a dress over there."
Black Hayate and Den: "How come no one writes about r luv? it's so hawt!"

Luffy: "But it gets weird when we're not bishonen in the first place."
Sanji: "And suddenly I don't like girls, canon as it is."
Brock: "Or I explain to Tracey on our date that I go nuts over girls because I'm really thinking about their brothers."
Shanks: "And my crew and I have to pressure Luffy into a battle by gangbanging Zoro even though none of use really want to!" (um, yeah, this was written)
Faust VIII: "Meanwhile, what better way to avenge my wife's honor by assaulting a teenage boy?" (this too)

Nuriko: "But canon developments can seem just as hokey or worse. Awfully convenient Hotohori married a girl identical to me."

[The_Magick_Hat]

Excuse me?!:eek:

Romance between a person and his inanimate object!?:eek: :eek:Why not? It worked for Sledge Hammer. :p

But I forget myself. This is an animation topic.

I find some of the romances that anime/manga creators come up with both amusing and disturbing. Scary part is, it can be quite believable if done properly. :eek:

[tucsoncoyote]

I think we all pretty much agree that it's good as long as it is in moderation, and makes sense.

By the way good topic Tuscon. Thaknk you I.R., for those kind words, after all a topic like this should make a reader of the thread think with 'common sense'.

But after reading the entire list of comments that I have seen so far I do want to say this about 'relationshipping'.

First off I would like to admit, that I at was at one time what i call a Non-shipper, in a lot of ways i still am. However some couples and some relationships are indeed mentt to be, excpeically when you are dealing with Cartoons. For Example Some Relationships (Such as I.R, and others Has pointed out) are just the writers/producers / directors teasing us with the thought or notion of said couples getting together. (and yes I know that Codename:KND is one of these 'teaser shows. The Numbeh 3 and 4 shipping is alright as it kept the tension up between the characters yet latr on the same writers and producers srarted anothr pairing that of between Cree (Numbah 5's sister) and of course Numbah 2 , and yet later still numbah 5 herself (but in the latter's case we now have something of a triangle).

Now this also wasn't too uncommon elsewhere in TV Cartoons , perhaps the prime example of a shipping Triangle, (or should I say now 'Square" is in fact from the TV series Kim Possible, and subsequent Movie, So the Drama, shows that when you hae a perfectly executed 'shipping triangle' or 'square' as it were, you can get some rather odd bits of Romantic interactions beetween said characters.

Case in point with Kim Possible , First off you had one side of this Square (Actually in this case it was a 'Septagon' . On one side of the septagon you had Kim with three guys, (Kim/Josh Mankey, Kim/Eric, and Kim/Ron), yet on the other side you had Ron with Four Girls (Ron/Tara, Ron/Zita Flores, Ron/Yori, and Ron/Kim) yet in the end the sides slowly fell apart and both Kim and Ron ended up knowing what the other wanted. Now the other interesting thing about this series, is that they have left that story open so that this septagon could occur yet again. (Sure Josh Broke up with Kim and Started Dating Tara), and Sure Yori and Ron are now just friends, but that doesn't mean things will change or could.

But then you have to liook at this from just the Animation stand point and this type of 'Triangle' (or quare, or pentagon or Hexagonic State of Shipping has been around since the 1980's with the Japanese turned American series Robotech. In just the Macross Saga Alone you had a Triangle that dealt with the Main Male, Lead, (Rick Hunter), The Main, Female Lead (Lisa Hayse) and a secondary but still important Character, (Linn Minmei).

In the end you see how that one went.

But in todays world of Romacntic Cartoon Shipping, it's not too uncommon to have Love/Hate Relationships as well. The American Dragon/Jake/ Huntsgirl/Rose relation is Prime example, Jake and Rose Love each other but in their alter egos, they hate one anohter and for good reason.


But in the end, wwhen you think about this, shipping in cartoon context really isn't a bad thing, in certain cases it can actually increase the intrest of the audience and allow the characters to interact more dynamically (when given half the chance. ) But a Poorly written relationship could often mean disaster.

(and Yes folks even in the DCAU there are these things, Need I cite, Terry Mcginnis/Batman beyond Square with Linda Tan, Ten, and Max. or perhps currently the triangle betwen Hawkgirl/Green Lantern/Vixen, in Justice League Unlimited.

In closing, when you get these interactions, a lot can happen.. but if done correctly a shipping executed properly actually makes a show better, rather then worse, and I think the key words here are in fact, Used Properly.

Ending Note: I usually tend to Keep away from Fan Fiction romances as it seems that they tend to not interact as well when it comes to the actual fan ficiton writers.

But some writers on Fanfiction boards do try and in a couuple instances I have seen, do succeed, but it is still within keeping with in the frame of the idea of the show (hence used Properly) . Else if go outside said formulae, then the writing does in fact become meaningless and moot.

Nuff said. but yes Let's hear now about some 'Shipping Triangles' and larger interactions..

:coyote:

[King Cocopuff]

Why not? It worked for Sledge Hammer. :p
I never heard of Sledge Hammer.:confused:

Mind explaining what Sledge Hammer is so I'll get the punchline of the joke?

For the shipping part as long as the author keeps the character in-character and keeps the Universe's realism as best as they can then that'll be alright. I might not read it but if you try what I said above then I won't mind much.

Otherwise how would you feel if you were one of those Cartoon characters and some scary shipper waltzed in through a Dimensional portal and ordered who you should love, how should you date, and how you should act while dating?

Scary Shipper:*Just waltzed in through a Dimensional Portal in the Titan's Living Room, much to their shock* You, Beast Boy date Raven.

Beast Boy: Whaaaaaaattt?!?!?!:eek: :confused:

Scary Shipper: Date Raven. Love her. Cuddle her. Marry her and spend the rest of your life with her and have children. Also have sex with her.*Pictures the disturbing fantasy with a squeal*

Cyborg: Say What?!:eek:

Starfire:Huh?!:sweat:

Raven: Excuse me but what right do you have in just walking in and ordering who we should love?

Scary Shipper: Every right. Because it'll be so cool and romantic and Kawaii!!*Eyes sparkle*

Starfire: What is this 'Kawaii' she speaks of?

Robin: I think it's japanese for cute.

Raven: Beast Boy maybe my friend but that's as far as it goes. We're otherwise as opposite as the North and South Poles. That kind of relationship would never work out.

Scary Shipper: But haven't you heard? Opposites attract!!*Squeals happily*

Cyborg: But Beast Boy likes Terra more?

Scary Shipper*Her eyes turn angry*Terra...Grrrrrr. I hate that b**ch. I'm glad she's out of the picture. She was interrupting my little Beast Boy/Raven couple shmupple. I hope she's burning in he-

Beast Boy:*Angry* Hey, don't call Terra that!

Scary Shipper: She was interrupting with your love with Raven.

Beast Boy: I'm not in love with Raven! She's my friend and that's that! Don't insult Terra!

Scary Shipper: She was distracting you from who you should love!

Beast Boy: Listen here, just because she annoys you doesn't mean she should...

*Argument breaks out*

That probably answered the question.:sweat:

[Kurtman]

I'm cool with love in cartoons. But i'm not the kinda guy to watch cartoon characters having oral or anal sex.

[Hordesman]

I'm cool with love in cartoons. But i'm not the kinda guy to watch cartoon characters having oral or anal sex.

Same here, well, I'm not that kinda girl. But sex doesn't really figure in 'toons- romance does. I'm cool with slash as long as it doesn't come from nowhere, hormone-driven fans, against minor lines, multiple partners or within the family. And I don't want to read the sex part. Yuki and Shuichi's wedding night doesn't interest me, but them dealing with the PTA does.

[Jave]

Same here, well, I'm not that kinda girl. But sex doesn't really figure in 'toons- romance does. I'm cool with slash as long as it doesn't come from nowhere, hormone-driven fans, against minor lines, multiple partners or within the family. And I don't want to read the sex part. Yuki and Shuichi's wedding night doesn't interest me, but them dealing with the PTA does.Hordesman's a girl!!???

[Movie-Brat]

What's wrong with relationships in cartoons? It's normal, there's love eveywhere.

[Hordesman]

Hordesman's a girl!!???
:sweat:

[tucsoncoyote]

I never heard of Sledge Hammer.:confused: Actually King Cocopuff, if you're under 18, and don't know what Sledge Hammer! is well then you don't know what this show was about. (You can always 'google' it ) but rather then have you waste your precious time, I will explain it.

Sledge Hammer! (and yes folks that is with the Excalmation Point.) was a show that ran between 1986 and 1988 and consisted of a "Drity Harry" Style police officer, by the same name.

Now the interesting thing about Hammer! was the fact that the Main Character, Officer 'Sledge' Hammer, was an Los Angeles Police Department officer, and in fact he had a partner, a female partner.. (Already you're saying .. so?) but this is where Sldege Hammer! gets twisted and come back to the Harry Potter/ Nimbus 3000 shipping..

Officer Hammer was more "in Love" with his gun (a .357 Smith and Wesson (A la 'Dirty Harry') service revolver) then he was interested in with his female police buddy.

In the second Season of the series, they tried to play up the roles with "Shipping" between Hammer and his Partner, but in the end, (a Nuclear Explosion and subsquent Cancellation by ABC, due to low ratings), killed this show and Any 'shipping' with Hammer and His gun, out the window.

But you knew something was majorly wrong with Officer Hammer, when he is literally seen every other episode, literally talking to his gun, like it was his girlfriend.

Edited Note: Okay whoever wrote that 'idea' up for 'Sledge Hammer' an ABC TV Series should have been shot. The Idea was funny for the first season, but after a second season of Police officertalks to his gun like it were his Girlfriend, Lost interest and soon that Show definitely Needed to be Nuked.. Literally.

Additional Spoof Comment: Maybe it was one of those so called 'Twisted Fan Fiction' writers everyone spouts off about.

nuff said..

:coyote:

[King Cocopuff]

Thanks for the Info tucsoncoyote!:) Oh, and its Nimbus 2000.

[Buster Bunny]

Well you gotta have something going on with your characters, something that makes them the other half. Take Codename Kids next door, if it only had the fighting and stuff without the occasional love interest we would be missing out on a lot of jokes and entertainment. It lets you see that the characters are more than what they appear, they are human or if they arent its so you can relate to them even more.
Sometimes it can be cute but as mentioned earlier if the romance starts to get in the way of what the show was meant to be then there a problem. I'll take it to one of my favorite shows, Tiny toons! :) They had that thing with Buster and Babs. Some episodes focused on their relationship and it made them very good. Its that desire for the character to be complete.

But as you have all said, some of those crazy fan fictions for shows can get quite scary. However thats all they are, fan fictions. Its just some persons imagination at work and it can be disturbing or entertaining depending on the person/

[Jester2415]

relationships can be loads of fun, but they have too evolve. Inyusha is prime example of how not to carry out relationships. How many eps and Kagome and Inyusha haven't even amited to each other that they like each other:shrug:. A lot of fans like the soap opera in their toons, I do too when it's done right.