"After the Fall" -- the 'shipper speculation

[KingofCretins]

From Brian Lynch's last podcast, we know that the relationship type stories are not the priority for this series and not to really invest in them. It probably goes without saying that there's not a whole lot of Buffy/Angel or Buffy/Spike development (for which I should buy an extra couple issues a month on principle).

But, still, there are some ideal curiosities of what kind of relationship touches might be going on in... well, if not the B plot, maybe the C plot.

For instance, I have a pet theory that there might be something between Connor and Gwen. It's all completely based on the way he supported her when she was unsteady after finding Gunn's victims in Chapter 2. But... Gwen isn't really one who'se had a lot of experience with physical intimacy of *any* kind, so I'd expect she'd be kind of guarded about that. So, to me, it seemed worth noting that not only did Connor reach out to her, but she permitted it. I don't know why, but I find the idea that they might be involved, or at least attracted to each other, just completely adorable.

Angel and Nina is another interesting dynamic, especially after, well, certain changes we've become aware of. She seems to be interested still, but the poor woman also seems to be kinda batshit crazy at this point on account of the sun-moon problem. But, I'd love to at least see some casual, off the plot dialogue between them that suggests where things stand. After all, Angel did mention that he'd be interested in trying things afterwards when he tried to send her away.

I'm not even going to touch on anything going on at the Playboy Mansion.

What do people think? We going to see at least those little flares of 'shippy sidestories, and might these be they?

[vampmogs]

I don't really think we were supposed to actually believe Angel when he said about maybe catching up some time. I read that scene as if he was saying it awkwardly and really just wanting to move on, which is when he says "so about Connor.." That's all he really cared about.

As for the other ships, could be some Spike/Spider and maybe some Connor/Gwen but they aren't going to be pivitol to the story really.

[Enisy]

What I want/expect is for Angel: After the Fall to only work with 'ships that had already been introduced in the TV series (Wesley/Illyria, Gunn/Gwen, maybe Angel/Nina, etc). Twelve issues is not nearly enough space for the alternative, in my opinion, at least not for anything long-term.

[Nina]

I doubt if there is time for relationships. It won't suprise me if Spike/Spider or Gwen/Connor become a canon ship. But it's war and our main characters are the whole day fighting and nobody is really close with another.

btw,
Another big thing can be that Fred is coming back, at least a little bit of Fred. If Illyria will become 50/50 with Fred, I can see a relation between Spike and Fredyria.

[Enisy]

Spike/Illyria would make more viable a 'ship than Spike/Spider, since it already has some foundation from the TV series, and doesn't have to rely on twelve comic issues to be developed (which is the equivalent of, like, three TV episodes, judging by Buffy: Season 8, or maybe the equivalent of a 2-hour movie). Would definitely make me shake my head when there's still Wesley/Illyria to work with, though.

Connor/Gwen sounds cute, but again, there's no time to develop it properly. It would just be... there.

[sueworld]

I may be wrong, but I really don't think we're going to see any real shipping with any character (new or otherwise), unless it's only fleetingly touched on, or it's a friendship kind of thing, as these comics aren't really meant to be the Angelverse version of 'True Romance' novels.

I belive that they are mainly being written for a male audience and many blokes (King excluded it seems) just aren't all that interested in that sort of thing. Instead favoring more action oriented stories.

[KingofCretins]

I've got no problem with it just being "there" -- as often as not, Xander/Cordy was just "there", Giles/Jenny was just "there"... there have only really been five "A plot" relationships, 3 for Buffy, 2 for Angel. That's out of, what, 20 or so canon 'ships? At least?

[Enisy]

Yeah, but we had time to get invested in those "just there" relationships on the TV series. Now, they would come off more like Angel: After the Fall's "token romance". I think I agree with Sue.

[Thomas]

I think if Fred comes back, somehow, she and Angel could possibly have a relationship. She and Angel would pretty much be the only ones who are still left in the group. If Fred gets separated from Illyria, she'd most likely go with Angel. Since, she obviously can't have a relationship with Wesley, maybe she and Angel can find comfort in each other? Fred would be Angel's last trace of "the old gang."

Also, with Wesley being the new link to the Senior Partners, I could see some jealousy arise and Wesley doing something that could get Angel hurt.

[Enisy]

Yeah, Angel/Fred would also work, since it had lots of build-up in the series. (Also, that kiss was hot). I don't think Fred will be coming back in the strictest sense, though. We might see Illyria behaving more like Fred with time, but a Fred who looks and acts and feels like Fred would diminish her death scene in A Hole in the World and Wesley's death scene in Not Fade Away, for me.

[ThePoet's<3]

Angel/Nina or Angel/Gwen. Perhaps and Angel/Fred if we get some Fred back.

YUCK! to Spike/Illyria. And Spider/Spike... Well, I guess she would be okay as long as they don't go into specifics - meaning - if Spike needed cuddles and she provided, it's okay. But I don't want to know much more about it. (Or see it for that matter...) I'm not into her - probably because I don't know anything about her. Not like Beck or Toki.

Connor/Gwen - meh.

I agree with Sue. I don't expect we will see a lot of 'shipping.

[alexa]

I don't really see romantic relationships being a big part of After the Fall either. You'd think they'd all be a bit busy being stuck in hell and all. This isn't necessarily a bad thing either.. I'm not sure it's really needed right now. But I would be interested to see what happens if Fred were to somehow emerge and stumble across Wesley.. although right now I'm more interested in how Wesely is even existing.
If Angel stays human.. pretty sure he will.. I hope. I'm always up for some Bangel, although it's complicated with the hell thing. It's been weird watching Angel for 5 years and always wanting him to be with a character on another show

[KingofCretins]

Of all these, the only one I really think would be great or have any hope of seeing develop in the background is Connor/Gwen. Or, I could just be completely misreading it. I'm not an overly sappy romantic about these series, but I do like to see things between characters that click get going, even if the story doesn't follow them.

[Enisy]

Personally, I'm more interested in the prospect of a Gunn/Gwen encounter, given their history (even though I'm almost certain shippiness won't ensue).