How Subversive is Shipping Really? An Analysis of Heteronormative Elements in Same-Sex Relationships Focused on German-language Anime and Manga Fan Fiction

This study investigates whether German-language fan fictions featuring lesbian and gay characters within the anime and manga domain can be regarded as genuinely queer. It situates these fan works within the specific traditions and practices of German fandom. Employing qualitative content analysis, the research examines two prominent fandoms, Naruto and Sailor Moon, focusing on the presence of heteronormative narrative patterns in fan fiction with queer protagonists. The study analyzes which aspects of the original media are adapted and how these adaptations shape the portrayal of queer identities. Furthermore, fan comments are examined to assess the extent to which readers recognize or challenge heteronormative tropes, providing insight into fans’ critical engagement with these narratives. The concept of world-queering (Floegel, 2020) is applied to determine if German-speaking fans actively create queer worlds through their fan works. Findings indicate that although queer pairings are common, heteronormative structures persist, suggesting that world-queering occurs only superficially. Overall, the research highlights the complexity and limitations of queer representation in German-language fan fiction and calls for deeper reflection on the negotiation of heteronormativity in these communities.