Often times in anime (MOST times), things don’t always go as we’d like them to. Character X hooks up with Character Y while Character Y is secretly shacking up with Character V and flirting with Character Y’s mom. The whole time we’re shouting, “He’s a putz! You can do better than him!” or “Kiss her, you jack ass!” I know I’m not the only who gets involved with anime this way. I know because of the overwhelming debate between factions for and against character slash romances.
My opinion is that, while it sucks that a romance didn’t go as I wanted it to, I won’t mourn the loss of a potential hook up. I get involved with after-anime debates of this nature only as far as agreeing “Yeah, that’d be a good match” or “What the f* are you smoking?!” I won’t slap two characters together and defend the match with my honor and life. I don’t begrudge other people doing it, though, as long as there’s no fan fiction involved and no name calling or condescending attitudes towards opposing views.
On one of my posts, there’s some debate going on about a hook up between Hellsing’s Integra and Alucard. I’m against seeing any of that love unless it’s in the manga because it’s not canon. That’s one series that needs NO love, IMO. Some people are doing or want slash between Maxwell and Integra, Seras and Alucard and lord knows who/what else. Hey, if it keeps people off the street, have fun.
Slash fan art doesn’t bother me much unless it’s explicit or blatantly unrealistic (the Silver Haired Men from Advent Children screwing each other is just wrong, folks and not gonna happen). There’s some really nice slash art of Sesshomaru and Sango from Inuyasha on DeviantArt along with other well done slash art. That doesn’t mean that I’m happy that two characters from canon are together, just that I appreciate good art.
I guess I’m a snob when it comes to up holding canon in anime since I’m also not a fan of fan fiction in general. Who likes slash? Anyone else can’t stand to see canon crapped all over or does seeing forbidden love make you a happy camper?
Ah, damn, why can’t we just leave other people’s hobbies alone? No-one ever picks on hentai or ero fanart/doujinshi made of non-ero series. Why can’t people enjoy slash without having to apologize for it or having to explain themselves? Especially since it always ends in “YURI RULZ BUT SLASH SUXX!!11″. Double standard, much? Geez.
Wow. So many fan subgenres I never even knew about. I’d say I have nothing against Slash since I’ve never encountered it before
Wait … Sango and Sesshoumaru? I thought slash only referred to boyxboy relationships (canon or not). As for the topic at hand, I don’t mind fanon pairings so long as those who support the pairings don’t try to argue that the pairing is canon when it’s obviously not. I can definitely appreciate the well-written fanfic which plausibly puts together characters.
kuromitsu – I think Rachel has treated slash pretty respectfully. I’m sure the comments will be that way too!
Chris – Yeah, there are so many sub-genres it can be kinda crazy!
Senna – I agree with you about not forcing it as canon when it’s not!
In regards to slash only being boy/boy, UrbanDictionary defines slash as:
“A genre of fanfiction involving pairing two male or female characters together; characters are commonly shown with a slash in between.”
For example:
“Did you read the latest Harry/Draco (slash)?” = boy/boy
“Did you see the latest Integra Hellsing/Victoria Seras (slash)?” = girl/girl
Some (but not all) fans do distinguish girl/girl as ‘femslash’. So I guess it all depends on who you ask.
Slash is hilarious.
It’s also an interesting cultural phenomenon.
And it’s also easy to ignore, so I don’t understand all the hatin’.
I think that, if it makes people happy, it’s going to happen no matter how much your or I protest. I actually enjoy the idea of Alucard/Integra slash, because of the lack of love in the series. For me, if there’s no love, I’m more likely to insert my own fantasies into it, whereas if there’s too much, like many anime such as Sailor Moon, I’ll just go with what they give me. Though Mars/Venus is yummy, now that I’m older and less attached to the series.
XD
I think slash and fan fiction in general is something that you just have to be willing to be lighthearted about, because if you get too serious with it you end up turning out to be those people who would die for their pairings, and that’s just scary.
Actually, in wikipedia, slash romances are described that: “…Due to increasing popularity and prevalence of slash on the internet in recent years, some have begun to use “slash” as a generic term for any erotic fan fiction, whether it describes heterosexual or homosexual relationships…”
In the absolutely strictest sense of the word, slash is boyxboy @Senna. It’s become more encompassing now, however.
@Seth, I don’t hate slash. Maybe there are others who go outta their way to make a point of bashing it, but I personally don’t care who pairs who with who or whom. My view is that “I don’t begrudge other people doing it, though, as long as there’s no fan fiction involved and no name calling or condescending attitudes towards opposing views.” I hate fan fiction, so if it is involved I don’t like it. However, I also don’t hunt people down who do write fan fic and tear ‘em a new one.
In a previous poll on fan fiction I stated, “I’m continually baffled as to why anyone would want to write such crap, but then again no one is forcing me to read it. I respect the right for people to do, write, draw, think, whatever the hell they want in reference to anime. I hope people don’t get the idea I loathe fans who enjoy the sub genres I don’t and who also show respect for fans of the opposite opinion.
@Anii, yeah many people on a previous post are pretty hyped about the AxI paring. If any pairing makes any sense, it’s that one. But my opinion is that this is an action series, filled with gore and thrills and doesn’t need the lacy frills of a romance. If Hirano says, “Let there be love”, then okee dokee. And I agree with your scary sentiment. Fans should respectfully enjoy their pleasures and be mindful of opposing views. Otherwise it’s no damn fun for anyone.
@kuromitsu, I hope I didn’t give you the impression that I think slash sucks (fan fiction does IMO, but that’s only my opinion.) or that the people who like it should sit up and explain their interests and apologize for them. I don’t think that at all. Sure, there are one or two fan genres I don’t particularly like, but so what?
This is simply a poll. An arena if you would, where people can cast their opinion anonymously (or not) My views are strictly reserved towards the subject matter that’s being polled and not the people who enjoy it. I don’t hate yaoi (just the few fans of yaoi who disrespect the personal space and opposing views of non-yaoi fans). Just like I don’t hate slash. I do indeed hate fanfic; whoop dee frick’n do. I also hate country music (sorry country music fans, but I’m being honest here), but I don’t go out and bash open the stereos of anyone I find enjoying it.
So please, folks, don’t ever think that the polls on these genres are personally reviling you. You are more than the sum of your interests and I respect your right to respectfully enjoy them.
That said, I won’t apologize for my opinion, just like I don’t expect anyone to apologize for theirs.
I guess it depends on how attached to the particular fiction I am. And regarding pRon slash romances — well, anything can happen in that wild world. And if its sacrilege, or pure genius — again, depends on how attached to the series I am, ne?
Of course, it seems I’m somewhat uninformed on the subject matter here.. looking at the other posts, I’m not sureif I’ve read any real slash fiction.
Well. Avoid what sinks your boat, buoy it up with what doesn’t.
And as far as frustrating romances go.. screw Kiba!