Why Do So Many Fans Ship Robin and Franky?

What is it about Robin and Franky’s relationship that has so many One Piece fans convinced that they are, or should be, a couple? Among the many topics anime fans commonly argue about, non-canon relationships are often the most heated disputes. Shockingly, this pairing shares believers across all demographics. From young to old, men and women, fans of the series of all kinds will tell you this pairing is part of their personal fanon. What is it about this morbid baddie and her cyborg crewmate that makes people believe they’re meant to be? Is it just a matter of their close age, or is there more to this quirky duo that causes fans to root for them?

The chatter about these two being more than nakama began after their meeting during the Enies Lobby arc. They were both captured by CP9 with the intention of execution; “Demon-Child” Robin, due to her ability to read poneglyphs, and “Cyborg” Franky, for being in possession of Pluton’s blueprints. They both spent their childhoods hiding or on the run from punishments that they didn’t deserve. After the exploration into both of their backstories, it’s easy to draw parallels between their histories with the World Government. With such things in common, it only seems natural that they would bond to at least some extent, despite their differing personalities. That being said, is there any actual evidence that they might share something more than just friendship? A lot of fans seem to believe so.

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What Makes Robin and Franky So Compatible?

Following the Breadcrumbs

The pairing between the archaeologist and shipwright, commonly referred to as “Frobin”, is so popular, a wiki devoted to it exists. There is a relatively small amount of screen time spent between the two characters, but despite that, One Piece fans are always quick to point out any small interaction between the pair that could be construed as romantic.

Whether it’s Franky smoothly referring to the “attractive woman” before him when reuniting post-time-skip, or Robin placing a hand gently on the cyborg’s face in the color spread for chapter 987, Frobin truthers refuse to stay silent. Naturally, theirs isn’t the only non-canon romance that fans will cry out about from the rooftops, but it seems to be the most commonly accepted by all types of fans, whether they be casuals or devotees.

More Different Than They Are Similar

Perhaps what makes the combination so appealing to fans is the contrast in each person’s demeanor. While Robin is often portrayed as calm and placid with a penchant for making macabre predictions, Franky is usually bursting with energy and excitement, often putting his thoughts and emotions on full display. One could even say one is the black cat to the other’s golden retriever. While it may seem like these two very different dispositions would clash, when they are seen interacting, the duo are usually getting along. That is, as long as Franky isn’t trapped in the body of the crew’s adorable doctor.

Brought Together by the Powers Against Them

It’s Really All Thanks to CP9

In the end, what stands out about this pairing is the allure of opposites attracting. Despite sharing similarities in their tragic pasts, Robin and Franky grew into distinctively different people, processing their grief in ways that were nearly antithetical to one another. These differences could have kept them apart, or even pit them against each other.

Instead, they were brought together under the Strawhat flag, and in a way, it’s all thanks to the World Government. CP9’s relentless pursuit of those in possession of information they’d rather keep under wraps is what led to their meeting, after all. Many will likely agree that it’s a good thing they did. Whether or not there’s any truth to the cries of romance, one thing is clear: Robin and Franky make a great pair. One Piece fans can all agree on that much, at least.