Avatar: The Last Airbender (Revisited)

[The_Phat_G]

The poor reaction to the announcement of title of the same name being released with the Wii has thrown into sharp focus how underappreciated this series is.

Probably the only drawback to this show is that some of the humor and script comes off as childish, but since Nickelodean is trying to market the show to children, that really can't be helped. The rest of the show is extremely well-thought out and the characters are well-developed and entertaining.

The attention given to detail concerning any martial arts exhibited in the show is amazing. The four bending styles in the show (Air, Water, Earth and Fire) are all based on real kung fu styles (Ba Gua, Tai Chi, Hung Gar and Northern Shaolin, respectively). The fight choreography doesn't stop at the bending styles though, and even extends to the different weapon styles used by characters, such as hooked swords, war fans and kamas, and stays very accurate to the original style.

I could go on for hours about how awesome and amazing this show is, but then there wouldn't be much left to discuss. Thoughts? What do you like or dislike about the show? Go!

[Mesden]

I could go on for hours about how awesome and amazing this show is, but then there wouldn't be much left to discuss. Thoughts? What do you like or dislike about the show? Go!

Really?

Probably the only drawback to this show is that some of the humor and script comes off as childish, but since Nickelodean is trying to market the show to children, that really can't be helped.

Well, that's about it. Past the silliness, it's quite a detailed and VERY good show.

Well, no matter how badass it is, Avatar mode does seem just a bit too much Dues ex Machina.

What do I LIKE about the show?

Everything. I mean, even the childish humor is cute at times, as well as the Love Interest story thing.

Is it me or is Saka just priceless throughout the show, too?

[Melfice]

I curse Nickelodeon Netherlands for airing this show right during dinner!
CURSE THEM!

I've only seen a few episodes of it, and I'm in love with it, but I've not seen enough to judge it completely.

[Demonlink2]

Well, if it weren't childish, it would be right up there with the best. But it's always funny, too.

And yes, Saka is there purely for comic relief.

[Mesden]

And yes, Saka is there purely for comic relief.

Not entirely! He's just really good when he IS the relief! Remember, he's kicked ass before too, you just never notice becaus Aang is normally topling entire armies with a swing of his arms. :rolleyes:

[Aerozord]

The detail to the martial arts is easily the best part of this show. Most anime just take things that look like martial arts and use them, Avatar actually gets not only to the detail of the moves but how they are used in combat. I am studying Tai Chi and often find myself naming off the positions the water benders use. FYI the basic water gathering and throwing are embrace ball followed by house parts main.

Haha really funny thing is I learned the technique the swamp water benders use to move their boats the week after seeing that episode.

I sometimes wonder if it really is targeted at kids though. Though you dont see it death is implied. Heck if they had it openly with a touch of swearing and blood and you have a typical anime. Only with fighting much more thought out.

[Mondt]

Is there a DVD for this yet? I never see the show on.

[Truce]

There are DVDs out, for the first season. I haven't seen one locally, but you'd probably have more luck than me; if that fails, buy online.

The second season though won't be a while.

Anyway, speaking of the second season, I do love the new characters introduced. Especially Toph.

[phil_]

The poor reaction to the announcement of title of the same name being released with the Wii has thrown into sharp focus how underappreciated this series is.Since I haven't been able to catch this show, I'll talk about what I know: the game and why almost no one is looking foward to it.

See, it's made by THQ. Those are the guys who make the atrocious Spongebob, Rugrats, Jimmy Neutron, and Power Rangers games. They also make Tak, which I've heard is good, and WWE games, which I admit to enjoying in high school. Still, a less-than-stellar developer/publisher, known for making crummy Nickelodeon games for a quick buck, is one strike.

Then, it's a beat'em up. Now, this is a show about fighting, and there are alledgedly RPG level-up elements in the game, but it's doubtful this'll do anything that TMNT didn't do on the NES.

Another discouraging note is that it's coming out on the Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, PSP, Game Boy Advance, and PC. That's eight platforms. How mich love do you think each iteration is going to get, with one studio (THQ, Studio Australia) doing all of them?

Finally, look at some screen shots (http://media.wii.ign.com/media/824/824672/imgs_1.html) from the Wii version. Pretty pitiful, yeah?

So, all-in-all, it doesn't look to promising. Sorry.

[The_Phat_G]

[QUOTE=Mesden]Really?QUOTE]
Yes really. I could probably write a thesis on this show. I've downloaded every episode and watched through the series a total of three times now as I introduced it to friends.

Anywho, I'd say without question my favorite character is Uncle Iroh. Especially now that he's being fleshed out a bit in the second season. When I get old, I wanna be exactly like Iroh, except I won't have all that firebending n stuff.

As to the game, I suppose I'm just a hopeless optimist. I know that chances are slim to nil that the game will end up being any good at all, but I can dream, can't I?

[Mesden]

As to the game, I suppose I'm just a hopeless optimist. I know that chances are slim to nil that the game will end up being any good at all, but I can dream, can't I?

You can dream about it being like Kingdom hearts/Devil May Cry control system and have it follow the damn story, yes.

[The Wandering God]

So, the The Complete Book 1 Collection (http://www.amazon.com/Avatar-Last-Airbender-Complete-Collection/dp/B000FZETI4/sr=8-16/qid=1158599686/ref=sr_1_16/104-0008488-1767114?ie=UTF8&s=dvd) is coming out tomorrow.

I can not stress enough how much you need to obtain this if you have any interest in martial arts, adventure, anime, or anything this is good and awesome.

[The_Phat_G]

That cover art rocks my socks right the fuck off. I'd buy the DVD in a second if I had the money and if I didn't already have every episode downloaded on my computer. Hell, if I had the money I might buy it just for the bonus features. If anyone gets it, can they tell me what kind of extras they put in there?

[Random Ninja]

They messed up boomerang boy's face! But anyways, as a fan of elementalists, the entire Avatar Universe has always interested me. Especially when you see some of the awesome abnormal benders. Like the dude that made the swamp monster, or the fire princess with her lightning moves.

[Mondt]

So that things the entire Water Book? 'Cause I might be buyin' it.

[Fighter=Genius]

Hmm I too am a big fan of elementalists, but in my ignorance I figured anything that aired on nick wasn't worth my time. I've seen a couple of episodes latley which looked pretty cool but if I don't see something from episode 1 to the end I freak, so I may have to get that dvd.

[Roland]

As much as I love the show, I'm so out of touch with Nick that I don't even know when it's on.

[Sky Warrior Bob]

I like the series, I really do. But I haven't been a fan of the 'Movies'. Obviously, both movies are really just a pair of episodes paired together. However, even beyond that, they're not my favorites. Maybe its because Avatar isn't meant to be compacted together like this, but I find the two episodes a bit overly complicated & dull.

But of course, they can't all be winners. Plus, maybe for whatever reason I just couldn't get into these two episodes.

SWB

[Aerozord]

the movies are just two episodes, heck they even do the 'previously on avatar' thing. I have no idea why they would call that a movie.

Actually am I the only one that finds it odd the Earth Kingdom capital actually has a brain-washing room?

I'm not complaining, but how the heck did this show get on Nick?

[The_Phat_G]

They do the movies to try and cover the fact that there were two months between each new release during the summer. "The Fury of Aang" aired on July 5th, and then this newest "movie" aired on September 15th. Gheyness. But now that the season proper has started again, new episodes should be coming out more regularly.

[The Wandering God]

Having finally caught up in the second season (Thank you Youtube!) I now feel ready to really dig in and talk about this show.

Spoilers to follow throughout post, you've been warned.

Well, that's about it. Past the silliness, it's quite a detailed and VERY good show.

Well, no matter how badass it is, Avatar mode does seem just a bit too much Dues ex Machina.
Actually I find the silliness refreshing. It's a nice alternative to the more "serious" series out there, where the humor is way over the top. And let's not forget, these are young people for the most part. If they were too serious, it'd be pretty weird.

And I agreed with you about the Avatar state being Deus ex Machina. Until the first episode of Season 2. Spoilers
Having the kind of drawback of killing off the cycle of reincarnation really does mean that it will have to be Aang who wins the battles.

Also, I find that they only use it sparingly. Ex: Lost in the desert, his avatar state COULD have activated, but didn't. It wasn't until he confronted the thief that he flipped out.
End spoilers.
As to Sokka, I actually give him more credit as the series goes on. He really does come up with some good plans, even if they are sometimes modified by the others. And as opposed to comic relief in other shows, he can actually take care of himself in a fight. More or less.

Anyway, speaking of the second season, I do love the new characters introduced. Especially Toph.
YES!

Ahem. I was kind of worried about the show's quality going down after the first season. Instead, I'm quite pleased to see that it has gone UP. Character development is handled slowly, but as time goes on, the characters reveal more depth. Aang in particular is really starting to come into his own. Sokka has matured greatly (even if he is still quite funny). Katara really is the heart of the group. And Toph provides the necessary cynacism and is really great together with Sokka.

And Zuko... Oh man. He just might be the most well written character on the show. I eagerly await the next donning of the mask.

So that things the entire Water Book? 'Cause I might be buyin' it.
Yes. And it has a bonus disc of special features. Although I don't know what they are yet, since I have not the necessary funds. But it will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.

Hmm I too am a big fan of elementalists, but in my ignorance I figured anything that aired on nick wasn't worth my time.
And that's probably why Invader Zim tanked. *sigh*

As much as I love the show, I'm so out of touch with Nick that I don't even know when it's on.
They are re-airing the series from the beginning at 5:30pm central time on the main Nick channel. They are only up to episode 4 or so I think, so nows the best time to catch up on season one. As to season 2, I tried waiting, but I had to go online to catch up. (Youtube)

As to the movies...
spoilers
Yeah, those were just to cover a lack of episodes, but at least they revolved around main story points. (The solar eclipse and the breach of the wall of Ba Sing Se.)

Also, I both enjoy and am frustrated at the lack of easy help Aang receives. I attribute it to the world being without an Avatar for a 100 years and being somewhat resentful of him. Also, he is just a kid.

But it seems Avatar is getting ready to finish up it's second season now, because apparently another new episode is coming on this Friday. Which means new episodes every week until it's done! W00t!

The Wandering God

[Aerozord]

Zim did tank, but its back on nicktoons with new episodes. And you will be happy to know they are very entertaining episodes.

Now I believe one of the special features is they go into detail about the martial arts behind the four elements. Trust me, the level of accuracy to actual forms is insane. Atleast compared to most anime where they basically BS it all and even if they use actual techniques the form is sloppy.

There is something I dont fully understand. Zuko is a beast with his broadswords, and we have seen how he can fire bend while using them. So why is it we never see him using them before the Blue Spirit incedent? Speaking of those weapons, judging by he fact in the last episode he grabbed one from an Earth Kingdom soldier wouldn't that mean he is using an earth kingdom weapon?

I love the whole Blue Spirit concept, because it seems to be an immerging aler ego.

PS I am gonna be without TV for a few months. so if anyone can PM me a link to someone that puts good episodes on youtube let me know

[The_Phat_G]

There is something I dont fully understand. Zuko is a beast with his broadswords, and we have seen how he can fire bend while using them. So why is it we never see him using them before the Blue Spirit incedent? Speaking of those weapons, judging by he fact in the last episode he grabbed one from an Earth Kingdom soldier wouldn't that mean he is using an earth kingdom weapon?
I think the reason Zuko never used his swords in combat before lies in the Fire Nation's culture of superiority. Not a single one of the firebenders in the Fire Nation Army use weapons, probably because they're so wrapped up in the assumption that their bending is the pinnacle of the martial arts, so to use any weapons would be disgraceful. Even the commander of the Rough Rhinos doesn't actually use a weapon, only metal bracers that could possibly enhance his bending. Zuko, who had already been dishonored and disgraced, hid his proficiency until he absolutely had to use it, ie: when he had to rescue Aang from Zhao so that he could capture him instead. Also, he usually only uses the swords when he's in a situation where using firebending would only worsen his position, so having the swords as an alternative fighting style is necessary.

My two cents on the subject.

[Dwarfburg citizen]

So far the show looks amazing but Ive never been able to catch it. Can someone post or PM me a link to where I can watch the episodes? I currently dont have enough money for the season 1 box set T.T

[ArlanKels]

Astoundingly I don't believe anyone has mentioned the death of Mako. An In Memory of was in one of the more recent episodes, and I feel that the loss of this voice actor will strike a hefty blow to the show overall.

For those who do not know who Mako was, he was the voice actor of Uncle Iroh, the beloved and eccentric yet seemingly wise and powerful old man who took care of Zuko.

I have seen every single episode of Avatar. Twice. At least. I have seen it both in a lower resolution online download stream style and in an on television version. I recommend watching it on the TV.

If you have /any/ questions about Avatar: The Last Airbender(The tv series) ask. I will answer as best I can. If your question relates to what is happening, who someone is, etc, again I can try to answer as I have no life.

:)

[The_Phat_G]

Another fanatic! Huzzah!

I certainly took note of the tribute to Mako. I agree that a new voice actor will be hard to get used to, because Mako's work made Iroh that much more real.

I can only hope that this doesn't mean Iroh will be taking less of a part in the series, because he is, without question, my favoritest character evar.

[ArlanKels]

I got to see Lake Laogai, the episode that's airing tomorrow(Friday) at 8pm.

Awesome episode. Probably one of the coolest fight scenes yet, and it's great to see Toph pulling out the earthbending powwweerrrrr.

[Aerozord]

Am I the only one that thinks Aang has been more awesome lately? Before he only used air and at times water, now he is using wind water and earth in combonation. I only wish I didn't have to wait two days to see it*

*I have to wait two because I can only see it on youtube...which sucks since I have already had to wait two weeks. Hey Nickelodeon this is the kinda crap that killed Futurama

[Mesden]

*I have to wait two because I can only see it on youtube...which sucks since I have already had to wait two weeks. Hey Nickelodeon this is the kinda crap that killed Futurama

It really does have that feel about it, huh? The entire "So awesome that Nick just *has* to fuck up 10 times over." doesn't it?

But they've dumped a lot of budgeting and time into this series, plus it's peaking in storyline conflicts. I don't think it'll go like that, even with production delays. (WELL worth the wait. Hell, I loved last friday's mass of awesome replays...Because it's just that awesome of a show.)

[Aerozord]

well technically what killed Futurama was low ratings. Lots of people wanted to watch, myself included. But it was hard to actually catch. But I think what is really saving Avatar from that fate is the amount of promoting they put into it. That and if given the choice, I would watch Avatar. Now that I think about it its my default thing to watch. Though friday night TV does suck now-a-days

[edit] looks like avatar has been completely removed from youtube. I cant find a single episode.

[The_Phat_G]

The general concensus among the Avatar community is that Lake Laogai was delayed so Nick could manage to show all of the Halloween specials for its most popular shows. Honestly, now having seen the episode, it was totally worth the wait. Toph's hardcore rating just shot through the roof. I mean, Jesus. The Dai Li were supposed to be like the KGB for Ba Sing Se, and she completely schooled them. It was very close to not even being funny.

[ShadowXSnake]

I love the show, but I disagree about the humor. There are a LOT of hidden gems and references to things you would never expect a kid to get.

I think the only drawback is the low framerate, it seems to be only 4fps as opposed to the 6-8 of fav anime shows.

[The Wandering God]

This is the post wherein I use my psychic powers to determine some of the events that will be happening in the season finale this Friday.

Spoiler tags to follow
Mostly I just had a really good idea about what Azula could be up to.

Trick Long Fei into helping her remove the Earth King by saying she'll allow him to rule the city as a regent for the Fire Nation.

Then double cross him.

Sokka is given a man's weapon by his father to replace the weapon that was on Appa's saddle.

Aang gives up the avatar state to rescue Katara. (The preview very much evoked feelings of Empire Strikes Back.) This also removes any safety net for Aang since he can't become all powerful again (thus increasing the tension in Season 3).

Iroh/Azula duel. At least, I want one. So bad I can taste it.

And someone is going to die. (This includes finding out the fate of Suki.)

All told, I can't wait.

The Wandering God

[I_Like_Swordchucks]

Um.... is it really a spoiler if you're just speculating? I agree with a couple of those, but I can't see Iroh versus Azula coming. Iroh would let Zuko fight I think.

[ArlanKels]

Remember guys, it's supposed to be on Friday that the last two episodes air. WOO WOO WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[The_Phat_G]

And there you have it. Plenty of twists and turns in this finale. So, thoughts?

Also, I feel that the last episode threw one important fact into sharp focus, and that is that Katara is now officially more badass than Azula, since it took both her and Zuko to put her on the defensive.

[Truce]

In terms of badassness...

Toph>All. You guys should know why.

In a close second is the Blue Spirit.

I'm convinced that once Zuko uses his swords and firebending together he'll be unbeatable. But, that's just me.

[The Wandering God]

And let's see how I did... (Oh and I put them in spoilers because they were based off late season 2 knowledge, and perhaps not everyone is caught up.)


Spoiler tags to follow
Mostly I just had a really good idea about what Azula could be up to.

Trick Long Fei into helping her remove the Earth King by saying she'll allow him to rule the city as a regent for the Fire Nation.

Then double cross him.
Yeah, this one was pretty obvious.

Sokka is given a man's weapon by his father to replace the weapon that was on Appa's saddle.
Wow, this was actually kind of a let down of a meeting. All it amounted to was Sokka knowing his father sees him as an adult now. Cool, but I was hoping for something more.

Aang gives up the avatar state to rescue Katara. (The preview very much evoked feelings of Empire Strikes Back.) This also removes any safety net for Aang since he can't become all powerful again (thus increasing the tension in Season 3).
Well, it almost went there, but Aang did what he knew was "right".

However, he DID get blasted while in the Avatar state, so this shows he is not invincible.

Iroh/Azula duel. At least, I want one. So bad I can taste it.
Because we now know that Azula won't fight if she doesn't have to.

And someone is going to die. (This includes finding out the fate of Suki.)
No, but seeing what Zuko did was big enough.

Speculation on Zuko's actions:
He finally decided what he wanted. Revenge.

For the death of his mother. Caused by his father's ambition. (Watch the episode, "Zuko Alone.")

And now he has the opportunity to get close to him.

Killing and/or defeating Azula wouldn't get him close to his father. But helping her take hold of Ba Sing Se would.

Zuko has practiced deception before and I can't quite get the symbolism of the scar out of my head. And who gave it to him. Seeing Aang's fear vision (which is his confrontation with Fire Lord Ozai), also seemed like the right counterpoint.


Now, any clues to when the next season starts?

How long did it take from seasons 1 to 2?

Anyway, great show.

The Wandering God

[I_Like_Swordchucks]

Actually I say Aang trumps all. Since as the Guru said, he is an Airbender, but he's also a Waterbender, an Earthbender, and a Firebender.

But anyways, the question is did he actually master the avatar state. He kind of got interrupted in the middle of going to it (which was why he gotten beaten so easily, his conscious was still in the vision. So he might not have actually gotten to that point... the vision showed him falling again, so he might not have actually completed the transition.

[The Wandering God]

But anyways, the question is did he actually master the avatar state. He kind of got interrupted in the middle of going to it (which was why he gotten beaten so easily, his conscious was still in the vision. So he might not have actually gotten to that point... the vision showed him falling again, so he might not have actually completed the transition.

Actually, I was unsure as well, but the Official Site (http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/avatar2/) says
The second time he meditates, (in 2.20) Aang is interrupted when Azula shoots him with lightning. In both cases, Aang is unable to clear the chakra and master the Avatar State.

I was thinking about the final words of season 2, "The Earth Kingdom has fallen" when I realized that they aren't entirely true. Ba Sing Se fell. But think back to the episode with Haru. And all those earthbenders. Who were talking about taking back their homes.

Oh, and good luck defending an earthen wall from earthbenders.

The Wandering God

[Sesshoumaru]

I want to know what happened to Iroh. All we have to go on is Zuku's 'I betrayed uncle'. Is he dead? In prison? Hiding? I need answers! It would also be nice to know what happened to the Kyoshi warriors after that got defeated. Still, its a great series, especially considering that its target audience is sixth graders.

[IHateMakingNames]

From TWG's post

The Earth Kingdom fell because there are no more great cities. Those prinsoers may have taken back some towns, but they aren't an army.

Also, now the Fire Nation controls some earthbenders, the Dai Li.

Sess's

Iroh is in prison. He was captured after Katara escaped, and since he simply gave up, I doubt he tried to escape afterwords. He's not dead because they replaced the voice actor, who had already done Book 2, so he must have more lines in Book 3.

What I am curious about is if Aang no longer loves Katara. He had to give up those feelings for the Avatar State, but he didn't master it, so that last thing he did may not take affect. I want to see the consequences for attempting to master the Avatar State, so I hope it's not ignored. Also, I hope Bumi can bend metal, because I dislike the idea of little blind girl being better than unreasonably fit 100 years experience Earth King.