PokeShipping, being the romantic pairing of the characters Ash and Misty, is one of the most ancient and venerable traditions in the fandom of the Pokémon anime. It is the ship with largest base, one of the oldest histories, and arguably the most evidence. That evidence is not the subject of reflection here. What is of concern in this hopefully brief discourse is the spirit of the ship, how it is changing, and what can be done to keep it alive.
Firstly, let us address the reasons why we all support this ship. There are, according to my own classifications, three main types of PokeShippers: the Nostalgic Shippers, the Evidence Shippers, and the Aesthetic Shippers. Keep in mind that these classifications are how I observe various Shippers, and are in no way any kind of definite categorization.
Nostalgic Shippers
For many, this ship is a memory from our childhoods. People who have grown up watching the Original Series (such as myself) identify the “original trio” of Ash, Brock and Misty with happy, fun-filled youth, when we would get up in the mornings to watch our favorite little balls of destruction duke it out on the television. Considering the Original Series, there was little to no alternative to PokeShipping (ideas like PalletShipping and BoulderShipping being outside of our comprehension, and likely out of our realm of knowledge). Therefore, it was assumed that Ash and Misty were in fact romantically attached (if slightly one-sidedly so). Nostalgic Shippers are attached to the idea because they’re fond of it, much in the way you might be fond of your first toy. These are the Shippers least likely to switch out to other ships.
Evidence Shippers
Others may support PokeShipping due to high count of clues and evidence in its favor. In the eyes of many fans, PokeShipping has reached near-canonical status (while still, nevertheless, not being canon), and hence, due to an attachment to the authorities on such matters (read: the authors and producers of the show), support the ship. This does not mean that it is the only reason they support the ship, as I shall explain later on. These Shippers are the most likely to switch over to another one should it become canon or gain more support and provide more evidence.
Aesthetic Shippers
The most informal kind of Shipper, their interest is aesthetic. To them, Ash and Misty look “cute” together, and love the various ways they can be represented together through fan-made art, fan-made fiction, or even official works. These are the Shippers most likely to “multi-ship”, as they can appreciate the aesthetical value of other ships as well.
It is very likely that many of us fit into more than one category. I know that I myself hold on to this ship for nostalgic value, as much as I do for its perceived status (adding that I may rescind a little from it if it is denied canonically – but more on that later on). I must stress however that we are all PokeShippers, and no matter your particular reasons for supporting this glorious ship, we are all in the same boat, so to speak.
With that out of the way, we can turn to the changes affecting our ship. Possibly the largest threat to its integrity is Misty’s noticeable absence from the anime. Since the end of Season 5 “Master Quest”, Misty’s appearances on the show have been rare, and none can be called “PokeShippy” in all honesty. This has led some to doubt the ship’s current relevance. If Ash no longer really cares about Misty (as is becoming more and more suggested), or even, God forbid, Misty forgets about Ash, then what does it mean to be a PokeShipper anymore?
In response to that one could say that we always have the past. No matter what goes down, it is undeniable to us that there was some romantic attraction in the Original Series, not counting several of the feature-length films. Hence, PokeShipping may well become a “historical ship”. Misty may have had feelings for Ash in the past, and vice-versa, but this is no longer true. Note that this is only a proposed theory for the future of the ship. I do not in fact support it. This outcome would be easier on the Aesthetic Shippers and the Nostalgic Shippers, to whom it either doesn’t matter or who hold on to the past anyway. The Evidence Shippers will be however, harmed the most.
Another threat besieging our beloved ship is the presence of other ships related to Ash and Misty. These include, but are not limited to AdvanceShipping, PearlShipping and more recently NegaiShipping in Ash’s case, EgoShipping and OrangeShipping in Misty’s. Many of these have evidence to support them as well (whether we choose to disregard this evidence and counter it is our own decision), but none contain so much support as PokeShipping. There has been a tendency of late to support NegaiShipping, a pairing of Ash and Iris, a character from the newest season of the anime,” Best Wishes”, and this has caused significant distress in our community. I will address it now, in order to get it out of the way.
NegaiShipping is new, and that is its greatest appeal. Someone new and seemingly interesting, Iris fits the new look of the Pokémon anime, where changes have been made great and small. My estimate is that it will follow the path of AdvanceShipping and PearlShipping: it will gain a steady following, but will not reach PokeShipping in terms of stature and gravitas. However, one issue it does present is that it weakens our ship, as does every opponent. As has already been witnessed, it appeals to the Aesthetic Shipper, and possibly in the future, to Evidence Shippers as well (this is of course dependent on whether it gains any evidence over the course of “Best Wishes”; episode count for this new series is still low).
I would like to mention, a little off-handedly, something that has been on my mind for some time: even if Ash does get a new romantic pairing with more attractiveness and evidence than our own, even if a new relationship is made canon (not necessarily NegaiShipping or any of the previously mentioned ones), it doesn’t really matter. As Misty’s reappearance grows ever more unlikely, we can still grasp to her as a rock, as an anchor. Her feelings are not in doubt, they will not change. Of course, PokeShipping will become a one-sided ship, but that makes it all the more tragically romantic. While I have every wish to see the current dual-sided version come to fruition, it may very well take this other path. This future would actually work out for all three kinds of Shippers; although it will obviously come as a blow to all of us should it come to pass.
That concludes the list of major threats to PokeShipping that I can identify. Now we must see what we can do to keep our ship alive. I doubt sincerely that it will diminish in strength and vitality, but as the Boy Scouts of America say, “Be Prepared.”
1. Talk about it. This is essential. If we are to encourage it and preserve it, the ship must not be allowed to sink. The best way to do this is to hold discussions, as we have been. We must not only exclaim our joy at belonging to it, but also discuss possible ways it could be weakened. Reasoned debate about our future would also help to clarify PokeShipping’s status to some of its members.
2. Post fan-art and fan-fiction. Need I say more? Visual or written representation of Ash and Misty together in romantic situations or for that matter, any situation (even apart), not only keeps us thinking and talking about the ship, but also encourages other Shippers to present themselves, especially Aesthetic Shippers.
3. Be willing to accept changes and stagnation. This will be most difficult for Nostalgic Shippers. As mentioned earlier, the possibility that the dynamic of the ship may change is a very real one, but no matter what happens, we must be willing to preserve PokeShipping, in any shape or form.
4. Remain loyal. This final suggestion cannot be stressed enough. Loyalty is an important aspect of any ship, but the surest way of keeping PokeShipping in memory is to stand by it, and defend it. We cannot abandon everything that we have believed and still do about these characters and this show.
In conclusion, it must be said that this is after all, only a ship. It is the pairing together of two entirely fictional characters from an anime based off a game set in a fictional world. In the broader context of our lives, it does not matter. Do not obsess over it (well, you can obsess over it, but don’t let it control your life). I’m sure this goes without saying to any of you, but I feel that I must offer some sort of disclaimer. Remember, PokeShipping has always been the way, it is the way, and it shall always remain the way! Ever onwards and forwards, evolving and changing, holding fast and standing strong, never to fall into darkness or oblivion. I hope this brief essay has allowed you to reflect on our ship, and has helped you to reach conclusions of your own. Whatever your future path, good luck and Godspeed!
-The Normish, 28/09/2010
Re: Pokeshipping General Discussion 
Originally Posted by Kakuna Matata
Maybe I shouldn't post here then. Pokeshipping is my favorite Ash x Main girl ship, but I like a whole bunch of others. Don't hate meSteven Stone Lover <3
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