Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-11462509-20130929214446/@comment-24667521-20140811021007

[cracks knuckles] I can't believe this forum has been around for more than a month. I thought I would have noticed it by now.

Anywho, I shall be talking about two pairings today, so be prepared to read a little bit.

The first pairing I will be discussing is Icebreaker (Ralph x Elsa). I honestly started shipping this pairing because of Jennifer Lee's tweet, but there's so much more to it than that. See, Ralph and Elsa were both rejected--not just isolated or lonely, but REJECTED--and treated like monsters because of who they were and because of their abilities/roles. Elsa was shunned and forced into hiding because of her ice powers, and Ralph was despised by the other arcade characters and had to live in the dump because of his wrecking abilities and "bad guy" status. This sets the basis for their relationship, as they both know what it's like to be treated like bad guys...even though they are not. They are kind-hearted, self sacrificing people. Sure, at first they might have pursued certain actions that were more harmful than helpful (Ralph trying to win a medal while leaving his game Out of Order, and Elsa isolating herself in Her ice castle while leaving Arendelle in an eternal winter), but in the end, they both learn to accept themselves for who they are through the love of a friend or sibling (Vanellope and Anna, respectively.) and not let labels bother them.

That is the basis of their bond--they know each other's struggles and have been through the same. And not only that, I believe that their personalities line up in a way that would create a positive dynamic for both of them. Where Ralph tends to be hot-tempered at times, Elsa is reserved and level-headed...so she would be able to help Ralph learn to control his temper and not make any rash mistakes. At the same time, where Elsa can be insecure and conformist, Ralph is protective and empathetic. He would encourage her to love herself (and it would mean even more coming from someone who's been throw the same) and not to listen to what other people say. Together, they would help each other become more well-rounded people who are both confident and in control of themselves.

Now, how would they perceive each other? Well, let's start with Ralph. Elsa is obviously very beautiful and refined, and I think Ralph would easily be attracted to her and as such, may try to imitate her regality so as not to scare her off. Of course, he might not be super successful, but I think Elsa would appreciate the fact that bumbling, clearly-in-love-with-her Ralph (I highly doubt he'd be good at hiding attraction. XDD) is being respectful of her instead of trying to put moves on her or such. Eventually, I imagine that they would slowly become friends, and when Elsa learns his story their bind would slowly develop even more. After all she's been through, I doubt Elsa would be put off by Ralph's scary looks or his hobo-like clothes. Sure, she might be weirded out at first, but after being treated like a monster herself I don't think she'd be so judgmental. Elsa is not some hormonal teenager just looking for attractive looks, and once she learns that Ralph is a kind soul I don't think his looks would stop her from loving him--though it may take a while, simply because Elsa is so introverted.

And that is why I ship Icebreaker. The other ship I shall be talking about today is Javis (Jack x Mavis)

This one has been my OTP for a long time, but I couldn't really figure out why until recently. I mean sure, they've got those cute little things like "black and white" or their flying abilities, yadda yadda. I don't care.

The first thing to notice is that their personalities really match. They're both teenagers, mentally and physically, and they are both optimistic, energetic, and fun-loving. I think they would just love to go flying together night after night, going around to see the world. Mavis has never seen much of the world before, and Jack could really help her with that. Yeah, I know that Jonathan helped her with that, to some extent, but what happens when Johnny is gone? Not saying that Jack would "replace" him or anything, but I honestly think that Jack shares many traits with Jonathan and that Mavis would easily click with him after Johnny is dead and gone. And since Jack is so passionate and caring, he would have no problem waiting until Mavis is done grieving for Johnny and is ready to move on. Plus, he would remind her how great it is to have fun, which would really help her when she is going through tough times. Mavis, being a fun lover herself, would do the same for Jack when he is down on his luck. Jack wouldn't want someone who is a downer. He needs someone who is fun like him so that they two of them could raise each other up when they are down.

As an added side note, Jack's extra abilities as an immortal spirit would probably make it easier to travel around the world together.

The main reason for the shipping, however, is the fact that both of them are two of the very few characters in the fandom who are immortal IN-CANON. I know, it sounds a little shallow, kinda like having similar wardrobes or abilities, but there's something really important to keep in mind about this:

BEING. IMMORTAL. SUCKS!!!

I've already mentioned before that Jonathan would eventually meet his mortal fate, which would probably have a large effect on Mavis. Jack would most likely experience the same thing. He already knows that humans die, but how much more would it affect him after kids start believing in him? Both characters would have to go through lots of loss, and like anyone else, may end up being rather detached from the human form. (Since they're both teenagers mentally, I think this is even more likely.) Even when Jack is bringing snowballs and fun times to children, he might not let himself get attached to them so as to avoid heartbreak. Same with Mavis. But when they meet each other, many years after their movies happen, they would never have to worry a both losing each other. Ever.

By that context, the only other character who fits the bill is Tooth. But I imagine that she'd end up being a little to busy for Jack (but that's not what we're talking about now), so Mavis is the only other character who really fits. Everyone else that Jack and Mavis are shipped with will eventually die off. (Yeah, I've read headcanons where they're reborn as guardians and such, but none of that is canon. Jack and Mavis are the only two who are more or less guaranteed to be alive forever.)

Yeah, I realize that people ship them with other characters, and that's fine, but, in my very humble opinion, they are the best match. And same goes for Icebreaker.

Whew, I hope you all didn't fall asleep while reading that. Once again, I respect all ships, but these are the ones I feel work out the best. And to the OP...thanks for this forum. I've been wanting to talk about this for a while. XDD