Hazbin Hotel: Top Ships On Ao3 Through The Years

Introduction: A Deep Dive into Hazbin Hotel's Fandom and its Ships

Hey guys! Let's dive into the fascinating world of Hazbin Hotel fandom and explore how the top ships have evolved over the years on Archive of Our Own (Ao3). For those new to the scene, Hazbin Hotel is an adult animated musical comedy created by Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop). The show follows Charlie Morningstar, the princess of Hell, as she strives to rehabilitate demons in her hotel to reduce Hell's overpopulation. With its vibrant characters, catchy songs, and compelling storylines, Hazbin Hotel has garnered a massive and dedicated fanbase, sparking countless fan theories, fan art, and, of course, fanfiction. And where there's fanfiction, there are ships! Shipping, the practice of pairing characters in romantic relationships, is a cornerstone of many fandoms, and Hazbin Hotel is no exception. The dynamics between the characters, their interactions, and the overall narrative provide fertile ground for fans to imagine their favorite characters together. On platforms like Ao3, these ships come to life through fan-created stories that explore the possibilities of these relationships. Over the years, the landscape of Hazbin Hotel ships has shifted and evolved, influenced by new episodes, character developments, and the ever-changing preferences of the fandom. Some ships have risen to prominence, dominating the fanfiction scene, while others have faded into the background. Understanding these changes provides a fascinating glimpse into the fandom's collective imagination and the factors that shape it. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's embark on a journey through the history of Hazbin Hotel ships on Ao3, tracing their evolution and uncovering the stories behind their popularity.

The Initial Spark: Early Popular Ships and Their Appeal

In the early days of the Hazbin Hotel fandom, even before the series was picked up by a major streaming platform, certain ships quickly gained traction and captured the hearts of fans. These initial pairings often stemmed from the pilot episode and the available character interactions, laying the foundation for the shipping dynamics that would follow. One of the most popular early ships was Charlie x Vaggie, often referred to as Chaggie. This pairing is rooted in the canon relationship between Charlie Morningstar, the optimistic princess of Hell, and Vaggie, her fiercely loyal and protective girlfriend and manager of the Hazbin Hotel. The dynamic between Charlie's unwavering hope and Vaggie's pragmatic cynicism created a compelling contrast that resonated with fans. The visible affection and support they showed each other in the pilot episode solidified their status as a beloved couple within the fandom. Fanfiction featuring Chaggie often explores the depth of their relationship, delving into their individual vulnerabilities and the strength they find in each other. The ship's popularity also benefits from its canonicity, providing a solid foundation for fan-created content. Another early favorite was Alastor x Charlie, or Charlastor. This ship paired Charlie with Alastor, the enigmatic and powerful Radio Demon, who offers his assistance to her hotel. The appeal of Charlastor lies in the dramatic tension between Charlie's pure-hearted nature and Alastor's mysterious and potentially sinister motives. The dynamic is a classic