Shobin

Shobin is the non-binary ship between Shulk and Robin from the Super Smash Bros. fandom.

Canon
Robin and Shulk have fairly similar backstories of being found by a group of heroes (The Shepherds for Robin, Colony 9 for Shulk), with the difference that Shulk was found and raised as a baby while Robin was fated to meet Chrom and his vigilantes as an adult. Both seem to enjoy reading, Robin uses a spellbook as one of their regular weapons, Shulk's character art for his home game shows him reading a book. Both are rather studious, Robin is fascinated with strategy and is a Genius Tactician, Shulk has studied the Monado for many years long before he ever got to use it.

Super Smash Bros. For Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
Both Shulk and Robin were added in this game as a part of the base game. They are both mechanically unique characters, with Robin having durability for his sword and spells, while Shulk is capable of temporarily buffing his attacks with the runes of the Monado.

In the Event Match "New Challengers 2", Robin and Shulk are two of the opponents.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Robin and Shulk do not interact in this game.

Fanon
Shobin is the most popular ship in the "Super Smash Brothers" tag on AO3. On AO3, the ship is so popular that Fire Emblem and Xenoblade Chronicles fans actually started shipping it without any Smash basis. Part of the appeal is their many similarities in design, characterization and tragic backstories. However, many also like the idea of Robin's Dark Fantasy setting clashing with Shulk's Science Fantasy setting, finding the mashup to be incredibly interesting.

The het and slash variants seem to be equally popular, though some prefer Male Robin as Shulk's partner since they have similar haircuts.

A common theme is to make Shulk forward and friendly towards Robin, with Robin responding nervously or aloof, sometimes calling Chrom for help.

Some depict Shulk as a father to Robin's child Morgan, either having conceived Morgan with Female Robin, or being a stepfather with Male Robin.

Fandom
FAN FICTION