What is the top ship on AO3?

Beyond the Obvious: Decoding the Top Ships on Archive of Our Own in 2023

Archive of Our Own (AO3), the sprawling, user-driven haven for fanfiction, offers a fascinating glimpse into the collective imagination. Beyond simply chronicling popular pairings, analyzing AO3’s trends reveals deeper insights into cultural zeitgeists and the desires of fandoms. While pinpointing the single “top ship” is a near impossible task due to the sheer volume and diverse nature of the platform, examining the pairings that consistently top the charts provides a compelling narrative.

In 2023, the reign of male/male pairings on AO3 was undeniable. While the platform caters to diverse pairings of all genders and orientations, the prevalence of “slash” fiction was particularly noteworthy. This wasn’t merely a superficial popularity; it signaled a deeper engagement with complex relationships, exploring themes of vulnerability, acceptance, and challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

Two pairings stand out as particularly influential. Stranger Things‘ Steve Harrington and Eddie Munson, affectionately dubbed “Steddie,” dominated much of the year. Their unlikely friendship, cut tragically short, resonated deeply with audiences. Fanfiction allowed writers and readers alike to explore the “what ifs,” delving into a connection that could have been so much more, offering comfort and healing from the show’s abrupt ending. The appeal lay in the contrast between Steve’s initially stereotypical jock persona and Eddie’s outsider status, creating a dynamic ripe with potential for emotional exploration and character growth.

Equally significant was the continued popularity of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin from the Harry Potter universe, often referred to as “Wolfstar.” Despite the canonical unfulfillment of their relationship, fans have long embraced their potential as a powerful and heartbreaking love story. Their complex history, fraught with secrets, trauma, and societal prejudice, provides fertile ground for writers to examine themes of loyalty, acceptance, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. Wolfstar’s enduring appeal speaks to the longing for representation and the desire to rewrite narratives to reflect a more inclusive and hopeful reality.

Beyond these two dominant forces, a wave of other male/male pairings surged in popularity throughout the year. Alhaitham/Kaveh from the popular video game Genshin Impact captivated audiences with their dynamic of intellectual rivals secretly harboring deeper feelings. Their bickering and competitive nature provided a compelling framework for exploring themes of hidden affection and the complexities of cohabitation.

Similarly, the tumultuous relationship between Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya from Bungou Stray Dogs, often called “Soukoku,” fueled a significant portion of AO3 content. Their dysfunctional partnership, built on a foundation of mutual respect and grudging admiration, resonated with fans who appreciated their dark humor, intense battles, and the underlying vulnerability beneath their hardened exteriors.

The prominence of these pairings, and others like them, isn’t solely about romance. These relationships often serve as vehicles for exploring deeper themes relevant to the real world. They offer a space for fans to grapple with issues of identity, trauma, societal expectations, and the search for belonging. AO3, therefore, becomes more than just a platform for fanfiction; it’s a vibrant community where individuals can connect, create, and explore complex human experiences through the lens of their favorite characters and stories.

While defining the single “top ship” is ultimately subjective, the trends on AO3 in 2023 undeniably pointed towards a continued fascination with male/male pairings, fueled by a desire for nuanced characters, complex relationships, and the exploration of themes that resonate deeply with a diverse and engaged audience. The platform continues to evolve, and the ships that capture the collective imagination will undoubtedly shift, but the underlying desire for connection and meaningful storytelling will remain a constant driving force within the vibrant world of fanfiction.