I think it's high time our lovely ship had a list like this. I'll need help though, so fans, add your own after mine!

100 REASONS TO SHIP BORRA

1.) Because from the moment they met there was 'something implied'

2.) Because Bolin is a better fit for Korra

3.) Because he makes her smile

4.) Because he makes her LAUGH

5.) Bolin thought there was something special about her before he knew she was the Avatar

6.) Korra was worried when she heard Amon had taken him

7.) They became friends faster than Korra and Mako, and have stayed friends throughout season 1 so far.

8.) There is an innocence to them together

9.) Because NOT ALL NICE GUYS HAVE TO GET FRIENDZONED

10.) They can be alone...together. Together...alone! xD

11.) Korra loves Pabu

12.) They can burp together

13.) They both like noodles

14.) They're both gorgeous, strong, funny and BEAUTIFUL!

15.) Their babies would be ridiculously adorable. Think of it...button noses, blue eyes, and curlicues on their foreheads? DO WANT.

16.) Bolin isn't intimidated by Korra or embarrassed that she saved him.

17.) Korra can be herself with Bolin. There is no stress or worry in her when she's with him.

18.) He makes her feel good about herself.

19.) He appreciates her as a team member and friend.

20.) They're both 'one of a kind'

21.) Who needs sexual tension when you have mutual trust, loyalty, and adoration? and you can LAUGH with each other?

22.) They can hold a conversation without arguing.

23.) Bolin would never reject Korra's friendship.

24.) Bolin would do anything to protect his brother...and Korra.

25.) He BOUGHT HER A FLOWER AND A CUPCAKE

26.) He offered to beat up Tarrlock for her.

27.) Korra needs someone to help her forget the stress of being the Avatar.

28.) They can have 'private practice sessions'

29.) Korra was impressed by Bolin's new form of Earthbending. NOT Mako's.

30.) Bolin can provide optimistic insight when things seem to be at their worst. Korra will need this in the future.

31.) Bolin accepted rejection as gracefully as he could for a teenage boy, which was pretty good. It shows he's able to cry a little, but accept things and move on instead of harping on them (cough, MAKO cough)

32.) Korra will come around once she gets tired of being treated like trash and realize Bolin's always treated her like a princess.

33.) They're both able to be honest with each other.

34.) Korra believes in him even when Mako doesn't (remember when he talked to Pabu? Mako yelled at him and got frustrated, but Pabu DID save them.)

35.) He's able to take charge and focus, just like Korra.




Ok! lets keep this going over the last couple episodes of season 1! then, LETS TRY AND MAKE IT TO 500!

I think one of the things that Korra illustrates beautifully is that what people want out of relationships differs from person to person, so I decided to write an analysis/musing on each of the semi-canon ships in the snarly tangle that is Avatar shipping.

On Borra:

So why does Bolin like Korra? And why doesn't she like him back? I think it comes down to the fact that right now they want different things in a romantic partner, but before I dive into that, I want to talk about an initial issue between them, one that seems to have already been worked out!

The initial issue: So why does Korra shut down Bolin within seconds of meeting him? He's handsome, friendly, and he's helping her! I think the problem is that A.) Korra is accustomed to people shamelessly hitting on her and B.) She really doesn't like it.

I came to this conclusion while watching her little upset in the bar with Tahno. She's just so confident! Yes, Korra is a confident person, but she's also easily flustered when it comes to dealing with people. But with Tahno, despite his absolutely shameless innuendos, she doesn't blush or flip out or anything. She just deals with him, confidently and smoothly. And she's just as confident with Bolin when he first hits on her, though of course she's a lot less harsh, which is perfectly appropriate since Bolin is a lot less creepy.

Korra is used of this. Why? Perhaps because she's hot and she's famous? Maybe she even had a creepy little fan club down in the southern water tribe. But just because she's had experience with people shallowly hitting on her, doesn't mean that her experience goes any further than that. Before Bolin, it's possible that no one ever tried to pursue a sincere romantic relationship with her. In some ways, the shallow come-ons probably only contribute to her insecurities. (And even if it's not specific flirtatiousness that bothers her, I think Korra is wary of being objectified in general - a product of often being seen as more of a symbol than a person).

Korra wants someone who she's certain likes her for her, so it's no wonder Bolin's quick infatuation is such an immediate turn off. Indeed the success of his attempts to woo her seems directly related to how focused he is on her as a person. She likes the gift and the flowers (even though she's distracted) because they are a thank you for what she specifically did. On the other hand, she is completely dismissive of his "Alone. Together," routine. Korra does not like swagger.

But Bolin's real triumph comes in the scene in 105 where he asks her out. Sure, Korra was on the rebound, but I think what he said also made a big difference. "You're the buffest, talendest girl in the world etc." He conveys that likes her a lot, as a person, and not just in a casual/player sort of way. Indicatively she blushes and immediately asks, "That's how you really feel about me?" He's been hitting on her for several episodes, but I think this is the first time she truly realizes he's serious, and thus, the first time she's willing to even consider him romantically.

Note the word consider though. They get past this particular disconnect thanks to Bolin's honesty and persistence, but there are other roadblocks. Bolin's flirtatiousness has already considerably impeded any potential relationship for one thing, giving Korra plenty of time to fall for Mako.

What Bolin wants: At first, I thought Bolin just wanted to have fun with girl he loves. And in some ways he does! Bolin's great in that he's very open about his feelings, so I don't really have to write much here. He's very attracted to Korra and he has a great time with her, so in his mind, why shouldn't they be dating?

I do think there might just be one subconscious nuance to Bolin's interest though. He seems to really fall for her after she saves him from Amon, he gives her the "one of a kind" line after she chases off Tahno (and Bolin is clearly scared of Tahno) and he forgives her immediately after she heals him with her waterbending.

Maivry over at Avatarspirit.net made an excellent point to me that Korra's strength inspires Bolin: "I don't think Bolin explicitly wants a protector. I mean, he has Mako, so the only time he lacks a protective figure is when Mako's absent. Korra can be, too, so that doesn't really fix his problems, right? But Mako has come off as a little condescending towards Bolin a couple times, and I wonder if that encourages Bolin to be less assertive when the going gets tough. Korra, on the other hand, hasn't criticized Bolin that I can think of, but she just stands up and faces problems without saying something like, "I guess I have to handle this." She's so confident and open to helping people just because that's what she ought to do -- and she's good at it.

Although I think Bolin appreciates what Korra has done to help him, I think her actions are more conducive to inspiring him compared to Mako. He's already dependent on Mako. Perhaps what he really needs is to have some who helps him become independent."

If these are the things Bolin wants out of a relationship, then Korra suits him just perfectly. As he says, "She's fun! She's strong!" But does Bolin give Korra what she wants?

What Korra wants: As I mentioned in the Makorra essay, Korra is looking for a comrade-in-arms. She likes having fun, no doubt about it, but it's not what she equates with romance. In fact, I don't think it's even what she equates with close relationships period. Despite her perky personality, Korra seems instinctively drawn to serious people. Right now, her closest relationships in the show seem to be with Lin and Tenzin, Mr. and Mrs. Serious. And I think it's interesting that Katara was her mentor, who always seemed like the most serious, dutiful member of the original Gaang (though I'm not counting Zuko here).

I have heard arguments that it's somehow "the show" that's not taking Bolin seriously, but I don't think Bolin is a very serious person period. My mom is a little like Bolin (and she instantly connected with him) in that even when she's sad or scared, she's still putting on a bit of a show. She's flamboyant, just like Bolin is when he plays with Tenzin's limp body, tries to reason with Amon, or calls out Mako at Narook's. It doesn't make Bolin's sorrow or endangerment any less legitimate, but it does say something about his character. One of the few times I can think of that Bolin is entirely serious is in the second fight in 106. And Korra is a bit too preoccupied with Mako in that scene to really appreciate it.

Potential: Like Makorra, I think in order for this couple to happen, they are going to have meet somewhere in the middle. First off, Bolin is going to have to take life a bit more seriously. He is also going to have to prove himself as someone who can fight by Korra's side. As with the Masami essay, I am not trying to make any gender commentary here! Bolin doesn't need to "man up" in order to find a girl or anything. It is perfectly fine to have a relationship with a weaker man/stronger girl and I have seen many happy ones. But because of what Korra specifically wants, as an individual, I do think Bolin's going to have to see some more development for Borra to work. I also think the couple just needs to spend more one on one time together in general. In order for Korra to see Bolin as a comrade, they may need to go on a "life changing field trip," if you will.  

But Korra may also want to reevaluate what she wants out of a relationship. She's the Avatar, so by the time she's fully realized, no one is really going to be her perfect equal. Korra may eventually realize the value of having someone she can laugh with at the end of the day, not just someone she can kick butt with. Starting with episode 4, we've seen a lot of Korra rejecting fun and pleasure for the sake of her Avatar duties. Bolin is one of the few people who can help her balance things out in this area, and she may come to understand how important that is.

Bottom line? A great couple with lots of potential. I really look forward to seeing more moments between them, and how their relationship could develop both their characters.

---

Excellent Borra essay, written by RuonJian @ avatarspirit.net forum. (In case you might wonder, I have his permission to post it as journal.)
There is also a Masami and Makorra version available in the forum...

So today begins BORRA WEEK!

Let's see what you guys have in store for today's first prompt: DAY OFF

will it be a fanfic about Korra having a 'day off' from her Avatar powers? Or just a silly day at the beach where Bolin and Korra get to unwind? YOU be the artist. Using your own skills, bring this prompt to LIFE!

You are more than welcome to link your submissions in the comments to help them get more views!

Can't WAIT to see what everyone's done!



ALSO, just a heads up, Borrafans is holding a very special FAN CONTEST where the fans who complete EVERY SINGLE Prompt from Borra week can enter to win...a MINI RED PANDA Squishable! yes folks, you heard me right. a mini red panda squishable that looks just like a fat chubby Pabu (retail: 20$) can be YOURS. All you have to do is:

1.) LIKE our Borrafans facebook page
2.) SEND a PM to the Borrafans facebook moderators with links to ALL your Borra Week submissions! (All submissions MUST be on deviantart under one account name to qualify. They do not however need to be submitted to Borrafans at the time of judging. They just have to fulfill the prompts)

Contest ends August 9th. Winners will be announced and notified a week later.

and thats all there is to it! so get crack-a-lackin'!

So, since Valentines Day was yesterday, I figured we should honour our fave couple with just why we love them so much. SO in honour of the 14th, here's 14 things we LOVE ABOUT BORRA!

1. The way Bolin looks at Korra.

[link]

Like, the way he just looks on at her like she truly is the most amazing girl he's ever met and he's just in awe.

2. The way he's not intimidated by how powerful she is.

[link]

When she saved him from Amon, he made her a little cupcake and brought her a flower? And thanked her? And didn't go all "Oh whatever, I'm a big strong dude I didn't need to be saved by a girl, whatevs"

3. The way they laugh together.

[link]

Seriously, they had SO much fun on their little date. It was incredible. They each think the other is hilarious and obviously love to be in each other's company!

4. The way Bolin offered to take out Tarrlok for her.

"Who is this Tarrlok guy, is he bothering you?" Oh Bolin. Tarrlok is bothering ME!! SAVE ME BOLIN!

5. She's beautiful, he's GORGEOUS!

[link]

Seriously though. True stuff.

6. The way Bolin handled himself when he saw Mako and Korra kissing.

He's cool because he knows they gonna be together someday. And even if that possibility didn't exist, he still wants Korra in his life, and wants to be best friends with her. Even though it hurt, he won't give up Korra for anything.

7. The way Bolin accepts Korra no matter what she is or wants to be.

He may have been a little confused when Korra told him she was a waterbender and an earthbender, but he was still pretty cool with it. He was all, hey wherever your heart lies, that's cool girl. You go with that. He's practically "Hey Girl Ryan Gosling"

8. Bolin has never treated Korra badly, right from the beginning!

Unlike a certain brother of his, who has been kinda straight up douchey to Korra throughout the season.

9. Bolin does everything he can to try to cheer her up!

[link]

When she's having trouble with Tarrlok, when she loses her bending, Bolin is there for her any time.

10. They aren't the "New Zutara"

Though I'm not sure I fully support the theory that the creators just threw in Makorra to please the Zutara fans, there is something really special and unique about Bolin and Korra, that just isn't there with Mako and Korra.

11. Pabu and Naga are pretty much best friends, maybe more.

[link] | [link]

And if you've ever seen One Hundred and One Dalmatians, your pet liking your significant other's pet is pretty gosh darn important.

12. Bolin only focuses on one girl, and that's Korra.

[link]

Even when he knew that Korra liked Mako, and that he could go after another girl, maybe Asami, he doesn't. Because he knows that Korra is special and that she's worth waiting for.

13. Bolin and Korra are putting a really solid friendship foundation down that is key to a sturdy relationship.

As opposed to Makorra, which is diving in pretty fast. It doesn't seem like a relationship that speedy will last. It does sometimes, but it's rare.

14. They just look so dang good together.

[link] | [link] | [link]

So what do you guys think? Do you have your own reasons? Canon, non-canon, feel free to share them!

So, I don't know if everyone's heard by now, but it looks like Nick has picked up Legend of Korra for another 26 episodes after Book 2.

NOW. THIS MEANS.

The shipping wars...have blown wide open. Makorra just recieved a MASSIVE hole in it's hull, thanks to the usual taboo of  tv show relationships falling to pieces if started before the end of a series. AND...we have a chance to meet new characters and possibly fall in love with them too, hopefully leading to a happy Asami at some point maybe, and if things don't go our way, someone for Bolin.

This also gives PLENTY of room for Bolin character development, and moments with Korra and him alone.

My friends, the shipping wars have only just begun...

RALLY BEHIND ME, WE SHALL GO TO WAR TOGETHER AND WIN!!!

Heylo there all my lovely Borra fans!

So, I just finished out an EPIC weekend at New York Comic Con, and guess who I was on Saturday?

You guessed it! Season 2 Korra with my boyfriend in Bolin's season 1 outfit!!

of course we seized every opportunity to smooch for the cameras, and were couple-licious for the entire day. lots of hand holding, Pabu-speak, and Mako hatin'. Oh yes, and a few smirks at Lins we passed, and other korras, just to make them smile. ^_^

I think my favorite comment of the day was when I had to grab my bag from the coat check, and a big guy in a trench coat and wig with his phone moved aside for me, put his phone back up to his ear and went "Sorry, had to let the Avatar through." I was dying of the awesome inside. xD Also, the coat check people loved me. <3

It was my little mini-triumph over Makorra that not a single person called us out for not being canon, and we even got 'aww's from some of the photographers and passersby. WHO'S THE MOST LOVED SHIP NAOW EH? After hearing about the hate and slamming some Mako/Korra couple cosplays got, I admit, I was a little afraid, but the crowds at NYCC were super nice and supportive! (I also think we're one of a rare few Korra/Bolin couple cosplayers in existence...)



We even met a Mako with a little contraption that let him 'conjure' flames, who admitted to not even really liking Mako, and supporting Borra! Another score for us! (I gotta admit though, so far, all the Mako's I've met have been super super nice, it makes it so hard to not like the character sometimes!)

Caught up with an Avatar cosplayer group, and did a few shots with all of them. Lot of oldies, like the Fire nation katara, suki, toph with Melon Lord, and another Korra! (she was season 1, though, so it's all good. I'm a time traveler. Don't ask. The Doctor was involved.) Everyone was really great and I had a blast!

Just thought I'd share, during this drought of Korra news. (doesn't my bf make a sweet Bolin?)