The Rivamika Ship: Why People Favor Mikasa and Levi Over Eren

As a RivaMika shipper, I feel qualified to discuss why people tend to gravitate towards Mikasa and Levi as a couple rather than Eren. This article will explore three main points: the reasons people ship Eren and Mikasa, why Mikasa and Levi make more sense, and common misconceptions about the Levi/Mikasa ship.

1. Why People Ship Eren and Mikasa

TL;DR: People ship Eren and Mikasa because they enjoy it. There’s no need for a higher motive or justification. Shippers just embrace the ship and let others enjoy it as well.

However, many people opt for the 'safe ships,' those that have been hinted at or established in the canon. Eren and Mikasa are the designed protagonists, creating an inertia for fans to view them together. Additionally, the cultural narrative that romantic love can fix even the most troubled souls has influenced many to support the ship despite its toxic nature. Their relationship, although complex, is often viewed positively due to their shared history and Mikasa’s devotion to Eren.

Yet, their relationship is dangerously toxic. Mikasa is overly dependent on Eren, and there is a lack of emotional depth in their interactions. For instance, Eren has never shown affection towards Mikasa in contrast to his more profound relationships with other characters. Their connection, exacerbated by living together since a young age, raises questions about boundaries and trust. Moreover, their relationship lacks the communication and support that one might expect from a healthy bond. Eren’s dismissal of Mikasa for most of the manga, despite a late reconciliation, indicates a lack of mutual understanding and appreciation.

Additionally, there’s a sense of 'Lurve' in their relationship, where Mikasa’s intense but unrequited love for Eren is romanticized, often to the detriment of Mikasa’s well-being. This unhealthy dynamic makes the Eren/Mikasa ship more of a cautionary tale than an ideal romance.

By the end of the manga, Mikasa’s experience with Eren is far from romantic, highlighting the red flags and mistakes that a good partnership should avoid. The unbalanced relationship and Eren's actions make the Eren/Mikasa ship less than ideal for many fans.

2. Why Mikasa and Levi Make More Sense

Whether 'should' is the correct word or not, one cannot deny that Mikasa and Levi make a more balanced and dynamic duo than Eren and Mikasa. Several factors indicate a potential bond between Levi and Mikasa beyond mere rivalry.

Historically, their relationship has evolved significantly. Mikasa's initial dislike of Levi gradually dissolves as she witnesses his heroism and selflessness. Their growing comfort and trust in each other are evident in their seamless teamwork, especially during critical moments like the confrontation with Kenny’s gang. This progression suggests a deeper, more meaningful connection, which is largely absent in their relationship with Eren.

Moreover, Mikasa’s character development shows a growing independence, despite the roadblocks presented by the manga’s canonical narrative. Levi, as a mentor and friend, plays a crucial role in her growth. Their shared experiences and mutual respect create a dynamic that transcends simple rivalry. By the time of the end of the series, Levi and Mikasa’s teamwork and camaraderie suggest a more mature and grounded relationship.

Furthermore, the lack of canonical evidence for a Levi/Mikasa pairing in the later parts of the manga could be attributed to editorial decisions rather than an intention to develop this relationship. The anime also faced editing challenges, omitting several scenes that could have hinted at a more romantic connection.

While the manga hints at different potential endgames, the presence of Levi and Mikasa’s chemistry suggests a strong possibility that they could develop a relationship outside of the canon. Their character compatibility and the narrative support indicate they could have become a real, believable couple.

3. Common Misconceptions about the Levi/Mikasa Ship

Many people dismiss the Levi/Mikasa ship based on misconceptions, often triggered by cultural tropes and outdated assumptions. Two primary misconceptions are the idea of 'incest' and 'grooming,' as well as the notion of Mikasa as a victim or potential victim.

1. Incest and Grooming: The idea of Mikasa and Levi being related by their surname or by association is unfounded. While they share a common ancestor, there is no genetic relation that would classify them as uncle and niece or cousins. In many countries, sharing a last name does not automatically imply closeness in blood relations. The social and physical distances they maintain throughout the story further dismiss any notion of 'grooming.

2. Paedophilia and Age: The age differential between Mikasa and Levi is not significant enough to label their potential relationship as paedophilia. Mikasa is consistently depicted as an adult character throughout the series, often engaging in dangerous and mature activities alongside Levi. The age of consent varies across different jurisdictions, and the legal age of adulthood in many countries is significantly younger than 18. Furthermore, Mikasa’s character as a soldier and her engagement in complex intellectual and physical activities indicate a fully developed adult.

3. Character Development: Levi is not an 'old man' compared to Mikasa or Eren. Character ages are often fluid in manga, and specific ages are rarely confirmed. Levi’s age is a point of contention, with some fans believing him to be significantly older than he is. The manga’s timeline and Levi’s formative experiences, combined with his emotional maturity, suggest he is in the same age range as the other characters. This maturity extends to his interactions with Mikasa, indicating a mutual respect and attraction rather than an age gap.

By challenging these misconceptions, we can appreciate the Levi/Mikasa ship for the nuanced and mature relationship it represents, free from the stigma of unhealthy relationships or unrealistic age gaps.

In conclusion, the Levi/Mikasa ship is a compelling narrative choice that speaks to complex relationships, mutual respect, and the challenges of navigating a toxic environment. While the Eren/Mikasa ship may have some appeal due to cultural and narrative expectations, the Levi/Mikasa dynamic offers a more balanced and respectful viewpoint that many fans find inspiring and relatable.