RETRO | 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Animated Series
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ follows the story of a 12 year-old named Aang – a boy who is able to bend all four elements: fire, air, water and earth. His ultimate destiny is to defeat the Fire Nation – the cause of the war-ravaged world in which the story is set.
It is an animated comedy series sewn together with fantasy and romance for good balance. First airing on Nickelodeon in February 2005, the show predominately targeted school-aged children; however, it quickly became a show that families could enjoy together.
Often mistaken as anime, ‘Avatar’ is an international hit spoken in English throughout. Though hugely popular, the show concluded after three seasons (Water, Earth and Fire) in July of 2008, much to the dismay of its wide and adoring fanbase. Fans were delighted though with the two-hour finale episode, which was widely praised at the time.
Arguably, the series did not last nearly as long as it could have, with only 61 episodes to its name. That said, it is without a doubt one of the best animated series of our time, and one that has proven its longevity.
‘Avatar’ produced a brilliant storyline, engaging its fans and compelling them to tune into each and every episode. The cliffhangers and suspense left viewers ultimately dying to know what would happen to Aang and the gang next.
Although it did not generate a reboot, there was an enjoyable spinoff to come of the program’s finale: ‘Avatar: the Legend of Korra’.
The series is now considered a classic, with a live action movie now to its name, and an ‘Avatar’ rollercoaster at the Mall of America in Nickelodeon Universe!
‘Avatar: the Last Airbender’ expectantly inspired a great amount of merchandise over the years, much of which can still be found in stores and is widely available online.
But before you go in search of a new ‘Avatar’ branded gadget, tune into ‘Avatar: the Last Airbender’ on Nickelodeon, or pick up a copy on DVD at JB Hi-Fi (Australia) or HMV (U.K.) today.
