Line #14 Main/ShoulderTeammate


1	[[quoteright:330:[[Manga/{{Bleach}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/shoulder_teammate_0.jpg]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:330:[-Kenpachi never goes anywhere without his Yachiru. \
3	[[NoSenseOfDirection Too bad they have no idea where they are going...]]]]-]
4
5	->''"I always have to respect a man who knows the importance of a shoulder loli."''
6	-->-- '''[[http://gairon.deviantart.com/art/BHTSY-5-09-324017481 Kenpachi Zaraki]]''', ''Webcomic/BleachHappyToServeYou''
7
8	Whenever someone carries a small kid, their speaking animal sidekick, or a very small friend on their shoulder wherever they go. Maybe it is to help the smaller one travel faster, or a sign that the two characters share a close (figurative or literal) familial bond. Not to be confused with ParrotPetPosition, which is about {{Loyal Animal Companion}}s, rather than actual characters (unless the "parrot" is actually a sapient TalkingAnimal).
9
10	Often overlaps with MoralityPet and BadassAndChildDuo. See also HeadPet.
11
12	----
13	!!Examples:
14
15	[[foldercontrol]]
16
17	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
18	* Baby Beel, alias Manga/{{Beelzebub}}, tends to favor Oga's shoulder whenever they travel together. Which is pretty much ''always'', given you can't really afford to let the Demon King's son wander around.
19	* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'':
20	** The Moonlight Boy (Guts’s son) [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzbqeBEr0T1LssvLxFeptsttN99LfY0EmQtQ&usqp=CAU climbs on Guts’s shoulders]] to investigate the Berserker armour much to Guts’s discomfort. He falls off and nearly lands on Guts’s throwing knives causing Guts and Casca to come together to catch him.
21	** The newly reincarnated Griffith rides on Nosferatu Zodd’s shoulder while the latter is in his flying horned [[SuperMode Apostle form]].
22	* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'':
23	** Kenpachi carries his adoptive daughter Yachiru. She only leaves his shoulder for three reasons: To eat, to play, [[BloodKnight or to play.]] Worth mentioning that he actually carries pretty much ''everyone'' this way. Ask Orihime.
24	** Ichigo followed his example for a while with Nel.
25	* In ''Manga/{{Chobits}}'' Sumomo (a miniature persocon) is often carried this way.
26	* In ''Manga/{{Claymore}}'', Riful (in her human form) sometimes sat upon the shoulder of her boyfriend Dauf (in his much larger awakened form).
27	* Much like the books [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter Fili]] rarely leaves [[JunglePrincess Jasmine]]'s shoulder in ''Anime/DeltoraQuest''.
28	* In ''Manga/DragonBall'', even though Puar can fly, he'd rather stay on Yamcha's shoulder.
29	** Kid Gohan is often seen [[https://giffiles.alphacoders.com/141/14102.gif taking a ride]] on his father Goku's shoulder in the anime openings.
30	** [[GentleGiant Android 16]] is large enough that 18 can [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7qRF8LXwiy575FH7qKjHT7qUOa7nRBCg-Kg&usqp=CAU ride]] his shoulder pad on one manga cover.
31	* ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'', Lin is [[https://i.imgur.com/zOSuu7r.jpg occasionally seen]] taking a ride on [[FriendToAllChildren Kenshiro]]'s shoulder, he also does it with a [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRuRYDmqr5hnfKvso7oR4QN4bYLy_LVVEg_-w&usqp=CAU nameless little orphan boy]] earlier on.
32	* In a flashback in ''Anime/OnePiece'', Tony Tony Chopper is seen a few times [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwrlfAAV4AAaTb5.jpg:large hanging on Hiriluk's shoulders]] while in his cutesy, chibi-sized "Brain Point".
33	** Chibi-Chopper does the same thing with [[https://i.gifer.com/4NDQ.gif Zoro]] as well as [[https://i.imgur.com/jlO3QS1_d.webp?maxwidth=760&fidelity=grand Sanji]] and [[https://d.wattpad.com/story_parts/35/images/13fea17f7927d5f2.jpg Franky]] in the main story.
34	** {{Inverted\|Trope}} when [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/fd2b7f3659b5619127f5a8b7c6a5b428/bf5981aae5745baf-5c/s540x810/a07e42b0dd04889fa8bf2f4941894e67167d430d.png Chopper carries Luffy]] while the latter is too exhausted to move in the Enies Lobby arc. And yes, he's still in his chibi form. Captain's privileges, right?
35	** Nami does it with Luffy while flying on Billy in ''[[Anime/OnePieceFilmStrongWorld Strong World]]''. Later in Whole Cake Island she does it more comfortably [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/37/ce/15/37ce15b65837bc4e3fc06853a9f06239.png with Jimbei]].
36	** Robin is seen sitting on [[HumongousMecha General Franky]]'s shoulder in ''Anime/OnePieceFilmZ''.
37	** Mansherry rides Rebecca's shoulder in the epilogue of Dressrosa.
38	** Perospero rides on his mother Big Mom's shoulder during her UnstoppableRage towards the Strawhats at the end of Whole Cake, [[NervesOfSteel pretty brave]] considering she could kill him at any moment.
39	** In the [=3D2Y=] Special, Byrnndi World's older brother Byojack would usually sit on his shoulder. This do to a chronic sickness caused Byojack to stay very small while his younger brother grew very large.
40	* The first two mooks (a huge one with a hammer, and a very fast midget) in ''Manga/SamuraiDeeperKyo'' are introduced this way.
41	* Yui in ''Literature/SwordArtOnline'', when in Navigation Pixie form, likes to ride on Kazuto's or Asuna's shoulders when she's not in their pockets for fast travel or going as a HeadPet.
42	* Martial artist Jim Mazinger and his young spotter Kouji Kabuto of ''Manga/ViolenceJack''. While they are indeed close allies, it is also justified as Jim is blind and needs Kouji to see for him. This, in turn, references their original source material, ''Anime/MazingerZ'', where Kouji would pilot the title robot in a similar fashion.
43	* In ''Manga/WelcomeToDemonSchoolIrumaKun'', Sabnock Sabro seems to be a sort of magnet for these. At first it only seems like Valac Clara does so because she's a {{Cloudcuckoolander}}, but then we find out his sister does it too. Also, when Clara asked if Iruma wanted to climb Sabro as well, he didn't exactly shut it down, just state he had better things to do. It appears that Sabro's tall, mountain-man physique makes this trope an attractive idea. Additionally, he's initially averse to them doing this, but eventually stops bothering and just lets them keep doing it.
44	* One episode of ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'' features this with two one-shot characters, the small and timid Kohara/[[DubNameChange Brier]] and the much larger Oohara/[[DubNameChange Beauregard]]. The fact that their Japanese names Kohara and Oohara start with the kanjis for "small" and "big" makes it very appropriate.
45	* ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'': The elder of the two villainous Toguro brothers is often seen riding around on his much larger (but younger) brother's back. Kuwabara even insults him by calling him a "shoulder monkey" at one point.
46	[[/folder]]
47
48	[[folder:Comic Books]]
49	* Kid ComicBook/{{Gamora}} is [[https://www.previewsworld.com/SiteImage/CatalogImage/STL114378?type=1 seen riding]] on her adoptive father ComicBook/{{Thanos}}'s shoulder, in one of the covers of the 2019 miniseries.
50	* Rocket Raccoon and Groot from ''ComicBook/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' naturally [[https://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/3669125.jpg do this]], Rocket does it [[https://www.writeups.org/wp-content/uploads/Rocket-Raccoon-Guardians-Galaxy-Marvel-Comics-h8.jpg to Bug]] and [[https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_675,pg_1,q_80,w_1200/butvd69djdojsllxiiip.jpg Captain Marvel]] as well. Though [[https://nothingbutcomics.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/rocket-raccoon-groot-8-chase-michael-walshcrop.jpg?w=474 subverted]] with ''[[ComicBook/TheUnbelievableGwenpool Gwenpool]]'' as he scratches her head.
51	* [[Characters/SupermanJonathanSamuelKent Jonathan Samuel Kent]] will sometimes [[https://comicnewbies.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/superman-talks-to-his-son-about-god-3-e1519223670997.jpg adorably take a ride]] on his father ComicBook/{{Superman}}'s shoulders while flying.
52	* Most [[IncredibleShrinkingMan shrinking characters]] will sit on their fellow heroes' shoulders e.g [[https://www.cuartomundo.cl/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/kingdom-come-126-doll-teentitans1.jpg?w=253 Superman and Doll Girl]] in ''ComicBook/KingdomCome''.
53	* ''ComicBook/SpiderMan'':
54	** Spider-Man is small enough to ride on [[ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk Hulk]]'s shoulders in [[https://2.bp.blogspot.com/3-KuxsRG4Q6qizu-12NcwWs40k1UCX9F-UOA1fBQp3UlWUh32dRl-k-be6UQWXgqCwXxSkc4O1vX=s1600 most]] [[https://i.imgur.com/GhKoUuW_d.webp?maxwidth=760&fidelity=grand team]] [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTMRcoJFVIKutjjj-n7xT_TefkHyLWLlG50gQ&usqp=CAU ups]]. ''It's pretty adorable'', though Hulk will throw him off if "Bug Man" gets too annoying. ComicBook/{{Wolverine}} has done [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeWeCE9MaZHYGO-ATK_EQpG6pw_VmSaE8dXQ&usqp=CAU this with Hulk]] as well.
55	** Spidey once [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKslDn4WIrMYD666Y3JC0XgdwCwbTCmdrhCg&usqp=CAU took a ride]] on Red Hulk as well, much to Ross's irritation.
56	** Inverted as Spider-Man’s daughter Annie rides on her father’s shoulders on the [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSS3V9lmCC8vfBjfwIAoYd3u3pGEveaHPIfhw&usqp=CAU cover]] of ''ComicBook/TheAmazingSpiderManRenewYourVows''
57	* ComicBook/HarleyQuinn has [[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/c0/cd/19c0cda508f350d320efcfa028a1a81f.jpg taken a ride on Killer Croc's shoulders]] in ''ComicBook/SuicideSquad''.
58	* ''ComicBook/XMen'':
59	** [[TeamPet Lockheed]] the dragon always perches on ComicBook/KittyPryde's shoulder or ComicBook/{{Colossus}} if Kitty isn't around.
60	** Hell Colossus himself is known to give shoulder rides to Kitty and [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT04nvNxJaq_mnUn5tFqRdP3cYRxEdgDlpxIQ&usqp=CAU Illyana]] his little sister.
61	** Strong Guy from ''ComicBook/XFactor'' being TopHeavyGuy does with his teammates, namely [[https://www.writeups.org/wp-content/uploads/Strong-Guy-Marvel-Comics-X-Factor-Guido-Carosella-b.jpg Polaris]] and [[http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/35200000/Strong-Guy-Guido-Carosella-x-men-35222229-1217-992.jpg Wolfsbaine]].
62	* ''ComicBook/WonderWoman'' [[ComicBook/WonderWoman1942 Vol 1]]: After the gremlin dubbed Glitch gets stranded on earth they regularly ride on ComicBook/{{Steve\|Trevor}}'s shoulder.
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Fan Works]]
66	* ''Webcomic/BleachHappyToServeYou''
67	** Kenpachi Zaraki has respect for Starrk for having a "Shoulder Loli" in the form of Lilynette.
68	** As a child, Kenpachi was a "Shoulder Shouta" for Unohana back when she was a Kenpachi.
69	* ''Fanfic/OSMUFanfictionFriction'': Basil Valentine can serve as this to his two henchwomen, to an extent. If he's not walking on his own power, he's being carried on one of their shoulders, and he fits like a glove doing it too.
70	[[/folder]]
71
72	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
73	* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Aladdin}}'', Abu the monkey and Iago the parrot are commonly seen perched on Aladdin and Jafar's shoulders respectively .
74	* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanAssaultOnArkham'', King Shark carries Killer Frost on his shoulder while the squad is threading through the sewers. Used for ShipTease.
75	* WesternAnimation/TheIronGiant occasionally carries Hogarth on his shoulder. It helps that he's, well, ''a giant''.
76	* In ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King\|1994}}'', Zazu occasionally sits on Mufasa's shoulder.
77	* ''WesternAnimation/Shrek2'':
78	** Puss in Boots gets to ride on titular ogre's shoulder after Shrek takes a liking to him. Donkey even gets jealous.
79	** [[spoiler: Later on, Shrek and Gingy ride on the shoulder of Mongo, a [[AttackOfThe50FootWhatever massive]] gingerbread man created to storm the castle.]]
80	* In ''WesternAnimation/SpiderManIntoTheSpiderVerse'', after losing her MiniMecha in the FinalBattle, Peni Parker takes a ride on Spider-Man Noir's shoulder.
81	* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Tangled}}'', Pascal the chameleon rarely leaves Rapunzel's shoulder and at one point [[HeadPet sits on top of her head]].
82	* One of the alien pirates in ''WesternAnimation/TreasurePlanet'' is revealed as two when the "head" gets off the shoulders of his larger companion, who has his face in his chest.
83	* In ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'', Mei in her giant red panda form lifts Tyler onto her shoulder during his birthday party.
84	[[/folder]]
85
86	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
87	* [[BigGuyLittleGuy Master and Blaster]] in ''Film/MadMaxBeyondThunderdome''. [[TheDividual Together]], they are [=MasterBlaster=]!
88	* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'':
89	** In ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy2014'', Rocket Raccoon climbs on top of his teammate Groot during the prison escape, first to seek protection against the drones, and then taking advantage of the higher viewpoint to indulge in MoreDakka once he gets his paws on a gun.
90	** ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol2'': In an inversion of their dynamic in the first movie, now it's Baby Groot's turn to ride on Rocket's shoulder while the rambunctious raccoon delivers MoreDakka. Groot later finds a nice lil' perch on Yondu's shoulder, too.
91	** In ''Film/AvengersEndgame'', [[https://media.comicbook.com/2019/03/avengers-endgame-spoilers-rocket-raccoon-war-machine-1163076-1280x0.jpeg Rocket rides on War Machine's shoulder]]. Rocket can also be seen riding on Thor's shoulder near the end of ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar''.
92	* ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'' has variation where the Mothra adorably climbs on the fallen and wounded Godzilla’s shoulder to shield him with her wings and protect him from Ghidorah.
93	[[/folder]]
94
95	[[folder:Literature]]
96	* Poplock, an intelligent toad in ''Literature/TheBalancedSword'', often rides on Tobimar's shoulders (he switches shoulder regularly) once they team up.
97	* An adopted (or more properly mind-bonded) treecat in the ''Literature/HonorHarrington'' books prefer to ride on the shoulders of their human companion. They started as borderline examples of the ParrotPetPosition, but their in-story development puts them clearly within this trope.
98	* In ''Literature/{{Jingo}}'' a [[OurGnomesAreWeirder gnome]] joins the Watch; Vimes first sees him when he's sitting on the shoulder of a troll.
99	* After a new healer joins the titular guild in ''Literature/LogHorizon'', she's usually seen glued to the back of the tank.
100	[[/folder]]
101
102	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
103	* One of the variant lizardfolk cultures from the Role Aides 3rd-party ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' supplement, ''Lizardmen'', consists of two physically and mentally distinct subtypes: brawny, dull-witted warrior/laborers and puny EvilGenius masters/planners. The latter ride around on the shoulders of the former.
104	[[/folder]]
105
106	[[folder:Video Games]]
107	* Big Daddies in ''VideoGame/BioShock'' do this with their Little Sisters but only when you attack them. Big Sisters in ''VideoGame/BioShock2'' also carry the Little Sisters but in a cage attached to their back as they're not as big as their counterparts.
108	* In ''[[VideoGame/DarkForcesSaga Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight]]'', two of the BigBad's minions follow this trope, with Pic (the diminutive FragileSpeedster part of the duo) riding on the shoulder of Gorc (a huge MightyGlacier).
109	* Used as a gameplay mechanic in a late ''VideoGame/DarkSoulsIII'' boss. [[spoiler: Sickly Prince Lothric rides around on the shoulders of his giant brother Lorian during the second phase of their boss battle. Also played with in that by this point, Lothric's magic is all that's holding Lorian up.]]
110	* In ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'', V can ride on the shoulder of his golem {{familiar}} Nightmare, allowing the player to control its actions.
111	* Barret frequently gives his adoptive daughter Marlene a ride on his shoulders in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''.
112	* When Yuna summons Ifrit in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'', it bursts from underground and catches her this way before setting her down.
113	* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'', General Raubahn, a burly Highlander Hyur, often carries his Sultana Nanamo, a Lalafell, on his forearm.
114	* ''VideoGame/TheGirlAndTheRobot'': The robot can carry the girl around on its shoulder.
115	* Atreus scrambles onto his father Kratos's shoulders during the climbing sequences in ''VideoGame/GodOfWarPS4''.
116	* In the ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'' series, [[WeaselMascot the latter]] of the titular characters has the habit of riding on the shoulder of [[TheHero the former]]. Though, considering [[DeadpanSnarker what]] [[CasanovaWannabe kind of]] [[MilesGloriosus a person]] Daxter is, you might disagree about him being cute in the true sense of the word.
117	* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'':
118	** While the player carries her on Link's back (as a wolf) for most of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]'', Midna sits on Link's shoulder in one scene.
119	** In two cutscenes in ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriors'', [[TheBigGuy Darunia]] is showing carrying [[MakingASplash Princess Ruto]] on his bicep.
120	* Felicia takes a ride on Haggar's shoulders in the trailer for ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3''.
121	* Ferra and Torr from ''VideoGame/MortalKombatX'' are a symbiotic pair, where Ferra constantly rides on Torr's back.
122	* ''VideoGame/PlantsVsZombies'': A [[EliteMook Gargantuar]] is rarely seen without an [[DepravedDwarf Imp]] on his back. One variety of Gargantuar in [[VideoGame/PlantsVsZombies2 the sequel]] carried ''[[RuleOfThree three]]'' Imps on his back instead of one. In ''VideoGame/PlantsVsZombiesHeroes'', there were other variations on this team-up-- one with just Gargantuars, one with just Imps, and even one with the ''[[RussianReversal Gargantuar]]'' [[RussianReversal being carried by the]] ''[[RussianReversal Imp]]''.
123	* Big carries Amy and Cream on his shoulder in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''.
124	* Starting from Gun-Jack, the killer robots created by Jane in ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' carry her this way. We actually see her jump on Gun-Jack's shoulder as soon as she realizes he won the King of Iron Fist Tournament in his ending cutscene.
125	* Ibuki from ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' has Don-Chan, her pet Tanuki that [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/streetfighter/images/5/5e/SSFIV-AE-Polygon_Pictures.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20191217101724 can be this]]. Elena in her ending does [[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSscBIwrs7nQl1qnQnAojXCTntxebb7SE_DIg&usqp=CAU this]] with ''[[TheDreaded Akuma]] '' of all people.
126	* ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBrosWonder'': Prince Florian, a cute little caterpillar, accompanies you on your journey by holding your badges, and he'll appear the shoulder of a given character if they stand still.
127	* Hanpan from ''VideoGame/WildArms1'' remake is a talking mouse who often sits on Jack's shoulder to snark at him, or delivers some much needed wisdom or exposition while perched on Rudy's head.
128	[[/folder]]
129
130	[[folder:Webcomics]]
131	* ''Webcomic/BleachHappyToServeYou'' has Zaraki approving of Starrk and his Shoulder Loli Lilynette. Ichigo is also a member of the Shoulder Loli club with Nel, and [[spoiler: when Zaraki was young, he was the Shoulder Shota to Unohana.]]
132	* ''Webcomic/{{Goblins}}'': Pan the ogre is blind, so he allows a mute, paraplegic kobold named Yala to ride on his head, [[HandyHelper tapping him to warn him of danger or let him know which direction she thinks he should travel]].
133	[[/folder]]
134
135	[[folder:Web Original]]
136	* [[https://www.zerochan.net/463568#full This pixiv image]] of giant heavily armored dragon warrior with a small catgirl on his shoulder: .
137	[[/folder]]
138
139	[[folder:Western Animation]]
140	* Snail on ''Literature/{{Franklin}}'', for convenience, usually on Franklin's shoulder. Snail is fully anthropomorphic in his own right, not a pet.
141	* While he only rode on Groot's shoulder once during the movie, Rocket can be frequently seen riding on Groot's shoulder in the ''WesternAnimation/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy2015'' animated series, even to the point where posters and other promotional materials show him frequently being on Groot's shoulder.
142	* In ''WesternAnimation/TheKingKongShow'', cartoon Kong carries his kid buddy Bobby Bond sitting on his shoulder.
143	* In ''Mighty Man and Yukk!'', Mighty Man is an Atom-like [[PintSizedPowerhouse/WesternAnimation tiny superhero]] who travels on his dog Yukk!'s shoulder. (The exclamation point is a part of his name.)
144	* This briefly happens in the ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'' episode "Back to the Moon." When Pearl and Garnet fuse, Amethyst is hanging out on Sardonyx's shoulder.
145	* The title character in the WesternAnimation/{{Classic Disney Short\|s}} "WesternAnimation/MorrisTheMidgetMoose," a small moose with full-grown antlers, meets Balsam, a regular-sized moose with tiny antlers. With Morris standing atop Balsam's shoulders, they both become one complete moose.
146	[[/folder]]

Context Main / ShoulderTeammate