Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender
I had always been interested in this series, I watched it upon release, but I couldn’t continue to watch due to some schedule conflicts. Here I am now, finishing up the story, and I have not been disappointed.
Although the show is meant for a much younger age range, I absolutely love it. The combination of the rich fantasy world, based on many different Asian and tribal cultures, visually powerful animation sequences, building romantic plot line, and main theme of friendship and hope, easily keeps me smiling, laughing, crying and cheering for the lead characters.
Visually, one of my favorite aspects of the series is the earthbender, Toph. Her fighting style, based on Southern Praying Mantis style, is so well expressed in her animations. Her motions are so intense, powerful and focused; her blind eyes are motionless which intensifies the feeling of her focus, it’s chilling! Quite frankly, she is a little bad ass, and I am always excited to she her strut her stuff.
Of course, I love the main character, his love interest and their amazing friends; they all have vast strength. Literally, wielding very skilled and amazing fighting abilities, but also how they are so determined, full of love and friendship. Seeing these young people grow into leadership roles really makes me happy, and sad for our own world. Our world being so tainted by greed and ignorance; what can I say? I am a bit of a dreamer.
Learning even though there are distinct boundaries, and divisions between the different races which inhabit this world, they are in all reality the same people; this is one of my favorite themes in the series. Learning how race and culture can not determine individual worth, and how good and evil can be found no matter where you look. Friendships and relationships are built everywhere the young heroes go. This series is amazing, I could go on and on about it; makes me wanna create all sorts of fanart. 