Nickelodeon’s animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender has been a favorite among both younger and older audiences since its release in 2005. Critically acclaimed for its breathtaking visuals and phenomenal storytelling, the popular cartoon hit the shelves this summer for the first time on Blu-ray.
In a world where some humans can bend elements to their will, a reincarnated human embodiment of light and peace known as the Avatar must put an end to a 100-year war that the Fire Nation started in his absence. This sets the stage for Avatar: The Last Airbender, a coming-of-age adventure story that treats its diverse cast of young characters with respect and builds an immersive universe that blends the familiar with the fantastical. Here’s why this cartoon series is still one of the greatest of all time.
The Characters
With the writing expertise of Aaron Ehasz, all the characters and even their animal companions have a specific purpose that makes this story shine. Aang, the current Avatar, plays a central role as the destined savior of the world and master of all four elements. It’s a tough responsibility for a 12-year-old Airbender, but his wisdom is beyond his years and his upbeat personality makes him so darn likable.
The other major characters are wildly popular as well, whether it’s the scarred Firebender prince Zuko, the blind Earthbender Toph, or siblings Katara and Sokka of the Water Tribe. Protagonists and antagonists alike are fascinating and multi-dimensional.
Power of the Elements
The art of controlling aka bending the four elements is probably the most iconic part of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Those with the ability are known as [insert name of element]benders, the type of which depending on their ethnic origins in either the Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, or the Air Nomads. Each element has a unique spiritual identity and form of combat, and the Avatar is the exclusive wielder of all four.
Bending is expressed with a heavy influence from traditional Chinese martial arts, and it’s a real treat to see how all the movements fit together gracefully.
The Artwork
Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino showcase a mastery of illustration rarely seen in cartoons. The animators designed the architecture and fashion of this world with the elegance of traditional Eastern culture, particularly from the Qing Dynasty China. Each nation has a neat set of colors and styles that represent its respective element.
The rich backgrounds and attention to detail in Avatar: The Last Airbender have a stunning quality of art in animation that’s surpassed perhaps only by its sequel The Legend of Korra.
Fight Scenes
Combat in Avatar: The Last Airbender is choreographed with a genius display of skills that makes every fight exciting to watch. The creators enlisted martial arts specialist Sifu Kisu to consult on authentically depicting a wide range of Chinese martial arts and weaponry; characters who are element-savvy still have to outwit their non-bender opponents to gain the upper edge.
Battles have the fantasy appeal with things like spirit magic and shooting lightning, yet are very realistic about how personality and experience can affect the outcome. A hard-earned victory feels a lot more satisfying, and every fight is a fight that wows.
The Soundtrack
The soundtrack is the cherry on top that really brings out the raw emotion of the show’s most powerful scenes. It packs a punch that can leave you in tears of joy or despair. The main characters all have a subtle but consistent theme that adds to their charm; the little tune or beat starts playing in the background when it’s someone’s turn to take the spotlight, and it nails their distinct personality.
Composer Jeremy Zuckerman added his own spin to the traditional Eastern music style, combining it with anything from a divine-sounding chorus to the show’s invented instrument called the tsungi horn.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is a classic that rarely disappoints. It’s almost 10 years since the series concluded, yet unlike many other animated shows, The Last Airbender still stands the test of time. By taking elements of traditional Eastern philosophies and combining them with universal themes and sharp storytelling, the Nickelodeon cartoon is a timeless masterpiece.
