In the world of visual media, there is an on-going debate as to what constitutes as Anime. Most would simply describe it as an animation project from Japan. However, this quickly falls flat when you consider the number of Western studios that have adopted Anime styles for their own visuals. Even pointing out specific visual trademarks, characters with more enormous eyes, for example, is not a practical distinction. Mainly because the Anime style was heavily influenced by Western cartoons from the 1930s such as Betty Boop. While there may never be an absolute definition, I have my own idea as to what constitutes Anime. To me, Anime refers to an animated project that is driven by predominantly Eastern themes, settings, and philosophies. Such is the case with the Western animated masterpiece, Avatar: The Last Airbender. A three-season television series which is not only one of my favorite shows, it may very well be the most universally appreciated show ever. Make no mistake: this may have aired on a kids-oriented network, but it is not strictly for children. Yes, they are the target audience, but the show is much more mature and intelligent than you might think.
The story is set in a world divided into four nations: Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. Not to mention the Spirit world. Which, as the name implies, is home to all kinds of mystical and spiritual entities. In this world, some people are born with the ability to telekinetically control and manipulate one of these four elements through various techniques of martial arts, known within the show as Bending. To maintain peace and balance between them all, there is one with the power to control all four, known as the Avatar, who is regularly reincarnated into a different nation in order.
When we begin our story, the Avatar has been missing for almost a hundred years. In that time, the Fire Nation has embraced Godwin's Law and started trying to conquer the entire world. Colonizing all other nations and enforcing their idea of a perfect world. Our heroes are two young siblings named Katara and Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe. They stumble upon a young Air Nomad named Aang, who turns out to be the long lost Avatar. Unfortunately, not only is he merely a child, he has not yet learned how to master all four elements. He is a master of Air Bending, but the other three...not so much. Realizing his responsibility, Aang and his new friends must set forth on a journey to find masters of the other elements who can train Aang and guide him to become the Avatar and restore balance. That is, right after they make a couple of fun and silly stops along the way.
There are many aspects of this show I could talk at great lengths about. I could discuss the animation style and how it pays homage not only to Anime but also to Eastern art in general, but I'd rather not. I could talk about how they incorporated four actual techniques of martial arts, such as Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu, into the four forms of elemental Bending, but I'd rather not. I could even mention how this show became so popular and fascinating that it spawned a sequel series titled The Legend of Korra, which is equally excellent in quality, but I'd rather not. What I want to talk about in regards to Avatar: The Last Airbender, is its writing and characters. Both of which are the key elements that make this show the masterpiece that it is.
At its core, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a show about growth. All the essential characters have journies (both external and internal), which causes them to grow and change as people. Some may have a dark and unfortunate past, which they must confront, while others have to come to terms with their responsibilities, which they must accept. All the while, reinforcing what is arguably the most central message of the entire show: never lose your sense of childlike joy. While the plot of a fantastical world starring kids taking on a massive empire for justice and peace succeeds in drawing your initial attention, it only serves as a means of motivating the characters into their individual growth. Best of all, it is all delivered with the perfect balance of intelligence, weight, and levity. Something rarely found in any other kind of series.
I have only scratched the surface of what makes this show so incredible. There is so much more texture and entertainment value to be found here, which I haven't even mentioned. If you haven't seen this show yet, I implore you, please get started on it right this second. Whatever other show you happen to be in the middle of right now, stop and get started on Avatar: The Last Airbender. Not only is it one of my favorite Animes, but it is also, quite simply, a beautiful story that deserves to be seen.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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