Popular Poké-Shipping

Years ago, I discussed a particular case of "shipping" - that which pertains to assigning bonds of relationships between characters - in the world of Pokémon, specifically that for some human ones in the anime. As expected, the realm of "shipping" can and does go beyond the human characters. In the case of Pokémon, it goes to the creatures that bear the name. In this day and age, there are a few of these popular Pokémon "ships", and they are worth noting to some extent.

One of these that is currently very popular is the "ship" between Lopunny from the fourth generation and Cinderace from the eighth generation. The dynamic is that they, of course, are rabbit-like Pokémon, and by that virtue, they make for a "harmonious" couple. Often, Cinderace is regarded as the male and Lopunny is regarded as the female, especially considering that most Cinderace are male, as it is an evolved starter Pokémon. This has made for a source of entertainment and humor on some channels on YouTube, and thanks to the Expansion Pass, the two Pokémon can potentially meet; the report is that the interaction is actually wholesome. It's a neat "ship" in any case.

The next popular "ship" between Pokémon involves that related to a particular Pokémon that some "shippers" might really enjoy, and which I've even mentioned on this blog at times. That Pokémon would be Sylveon, and it is plainly obvious why. It is a total relationship fodder with its cutesy appearance that some fans just cannot resist. Likewise, they cannot resist pairing it with another Pokémon, and one particular choice for this "shipping" is Umbreon. The contrast is immediately evident: the latter is a Dark-type Pokémon, and loyal fans know that the Fairy type commands an upper hand over the Dark type. The relationship thus becomes something that is rather suggestive, to put things lightly.

For the last kind of "shipping", this may not involve a relationship in a traditional sense, but it is a relationship nonetheless that some have "shipped". Those with experience in breeding Pokémon in the main series games will know that Ditto will readily breed with most species of Pokémon, thus in effect acting as the surrogate parent in a relationship. This ingenious and unique characteristic is utilized by some to establish the partners of Ditto under different circumstances as one of the parents (either father or mother, depending on the partner) of particular Pokémon bred from them. The result can be purely amusing, but then so is "shipping" in general, even with Pokémon.

It becomes clear that "shipping" knows no bounds, with respect to the forms of the characters being "shipped". All of the above cases of "shipping" among Pokémon demonstrate some sense of a relationship, especially that which evokes similar impressions as per usual human relationships. And they are especially popular now thanks to the interests of certain Pokémon fans in establishing the most fanciful of links to creatures that define life in this world alongside their human companions.

One year ago: Pieces of a Pokémon Life

Two years ago: Cosplay: IJF - Cosplayer Rising Star

Three years ago: (Un)finished Business