Avatar: The Last Airbender - Book Two: Earth

Still holds up almost 20 years later. The animation is still so rich and impactful, and perfectly matched to the sound effects. Even the story and jokes hold up like a fine wine. It would make sense to reboot/remake this if it had aged poorly and needed a refresh, but why attempt to mimic perfection? The only acceptable remake I still hope for would be a 1:1 remake with even higher quality animation, but I don't think the industry has any intention of staying true to the original work with all these remakes. If only they might have the original thought of telling a different story inside the avatar universe, instead of trying to re-tell perfection with Aang's story.

**SPOILERS AHEAD** **Character Overview:** The characters are well fleshed out and developed, we get to see everyone change through the show. Aang is an amazing character, we see him struggling with being the avatar. While he is the most powerful bender, he is still a kid and that causes a lot of problems. There are plenty of moments where Aang just wants to make memories of normal childhood. We also get to see some other moments where he truly shines as the avatar. Not to mention his monk up-bringing, which conflicts even more with the role of the Avatar. Which over time builds his character and his desires, and some amazing struggle points for his character to overcome. His relationship with Katara also grounds his character a lot. This is a more human side of him, he has the struggles as we all do. Trying to find the right words and moments, and it is another way we get to see Aang grow and mature as a character. Katara becomes a fantastic waterbender throughout the show, it was incredible to see her grow from just a beginner to a master. This is probably my favorite portrayal of characters skill journey. I think another aspect I liked about her character is her confidence, as the show goes she gets more confident. I would even say too confident at times, and she does a find a balance later on. Like most teens she has difficulty controlling her emotions, and overall I loved seeing her journey growing into a better person. Sokka embracing that he isn't weak as non-bender. I think through the whole show we see him underestimate himself, but in the final season we truly see him gain more confidence in himself. That he can be as strong and as helpful as a bender. His relationship with Suki specifically is my favorite one in this show. They helped each other grow and learn, and both were pushed to change something critical about their character. Sokka finally realizing that girls can be just as strong as guys, and Suki decided it was time to help people in the war. They can't be separated forever, they need to help everyone not just their island. Toph learning to not be ashamed to ask for help and in general learning to be a team player. I think Toph is just an interesting view on the Avatar world, she can't see but that has never held her back. She is, well as she says, the greatest earthbender. While I don't have a lot to say, she is very valuable to the show and to the story. Zuko does not need an introduction. His character has been discussed and dissected more times than I can count. However, seeing him change and grow as a person is always incredible, it never fails to make me cry. He isn't "pure" evil from the beginning, he is just following the wrong lead. There are so many big and small moments that change Zuko a lot. We see him be confused a lot in the show, and I really love that as it just paints him as a normal person. His relationship with his uncle Iroh is just so endearing as well. Iroh is a special character for me. Going from somebody who I wanted in my life to someone I want to be in life. He is calm, smart, and knows when the right time it is to speak up and do something. We all wish to be wise, but only few will be wise enough so that others can learn from you. **World Building:** The world of the Avatar is a beauty to be explored. It highlights the differences between each kingdoms, how their cultures differ and the strength and weaknesses they gain from it. The animals are combinations of real world animals, so they feel familiar and different at the same time. Even the geography of each region is distinct, just looking at a picture you will be able to tell where you currently are. There so many details sprinkled through the show that its a joy to learn about the world and its people. The way the world is painted through the show is also a big reason it feels so alive. We always hear about some places or cities, we might visit or not. In that way the show keeps you curious about it's world and it's people. **Animation/OST:** I am by no means a pro at either but I do believe both of these were well-executed in the show. The animation has a lot of details, when you take a look at benders of different skill levels, their body movement is different which is a really cool detail. The animation is consistent and does a really nice job at portraying the fights, you will feel those hits and punches. Overall for a show that came out in the 2000s, the animation is top-notch. The soundtrack was really good too, it carried the emotion of the show well. There are many memorable tunes, such as the fire nation track. Stuff like that, makes the soundtrack so much harder hitting. **Overall:** I recommend this show to everyone, it has everything you could ask for. The first half of season 1 might be a bit slow, but it picks up so quickly. It will be hard not to watch it one sitting, or a weekend.