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'''''Avatar: The Last Airbender''''' is shit. |
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'''''Avatar: The Last Airbender''''' (also known as '''''Avatar: The Legend of Aang''''' in several countries) is a multi award-winning [[Television in the United States|American]] [[animation|animated]] [[animated television series|television series]] that airs on the [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] television network and every day 7-8 PM EST on Nicktoons Network. The show is set in an [[Culture of Asia|Asian]]-influenced world.<ref name="NickMagInterview1">{{cite journal|last=DiMartino|first=Michael Dante|coauthors=Konietzko, Bryan|title=In Their Elements|journal=Nickelodeon Magazine|pages=6|year=2006|issue=Winter 2006}}</ref> of [[martial arts]] and elemental magic; the series follows the adventures of [[Aang]] and his friends, who try to save the world from war with the [[Fire Nation]].<ref name="Plot Summary">{{cite web|url=http://www.nicksplat.com/Events/200509/07000082.html|title=Watch Out For Avatar on [[September 10]]!|accessdate=2008-03-14|format=HTML|publisher=Nickelodeon Asia|language=English}}</ref> The show's [[protagonist]] Aang is trapped in an iceberg when he is found by two members of the [[Water Tribes#Southern Water Tribe|Southern Water Tribe]], [[Katara]] and [[Sokka]].<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg">{{cite episode|title=The Boy in the Iceberg|url=|airdate=2005-02-21|season=1|number=1|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Dave Filoni; Writers: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> After being freed from the iceberg, Katara and Sokka join Aang on a long journey across the globe; their ultimate goal is to help Aang acquire the skills to defeat the Fire Lord, and end the war.<ref name="DemographicandPlot">{{cite web|url=http://www.mnightfans.com/index.php?start_from=&ucat=1&subaction=showfull&id=1168325285&archive=1170306025&|title=Element of Shyamalan in 'Airbender' |
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|date=2007-01-09|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.|accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref> In the series' terminology, each episode is referred to as a "chapter", and each season as a "book." |
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Originally slated to start in November 2004, the show was postponed twice: first to [[September 10]], [[2005]],<ref name="Plot Summary" />, then to [[February 21]], [[2005]], where it finally made its debut; it is now available on [[DVD]], the [[iTunes Store]], and the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]], as well as its home on Nickelodeon.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurrent.php?filename=bit022607.htm | title= BitTorrent Launches Download Platform | accessdate = 2007-03-19 | publisher = worldscreen |date=2007-02-26}}</ref> [[Michael Dante DiMartino]] and [[Bryan Konietzko]] co-created the series, and serve as executive producers alongside [[Aaron Ehasz]]. ''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' is popular with both audiences and critics,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.tv.com/tracking/viewer.html?tid=8866&ref_id=28841&ref_type=101&tag=story_list;title;2 | title = Aang the Avatar, our kids' newest hero | accessdate= 2006-12-10 | last = Fitzgerald | first = Tony |date=2005-06-10 | work = TV.com Tracking | publisher = Media Life}}</ref> garnering 4.4 million viewers on its best-rated showing and receiving high ratings in the [[Nicktoons]] lineup, even outside its 6-11-year-old [[demographic]].<ref name="DemographicandPlot" /><ref>{{cite journal|journal=TVGuide|date=December 18 – 24, 2006|title=In Brief: Avatar's Big Finish|pages=12}}</ref> The series' success prompted Nickelodeon to order second<ref name="secondseason">{{cite web | url = http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-24-2006/0004266998&EDATE= | title = Article on Launch of Avatar Card Game | accessdate = 2006-12-03 | author = Carlsbad |date=2006-01-24 | publisher = PR Newswire}}</ref> and third<ref name="as_S3airdate">A third season consisting of twenty-one episodes began airing on September 21st, 2007</ref> seasons. Merchandise based on the series include scaled [[action figure]]s,<ref name="NickShop1">{{cite web|url=http://shop.nickjr.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2426272&cp=2060004|title=Avatar: Toys & Games|work=The Nickelodeon Shop|publisher=Nickelodeon, Inc.|accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref> a [[Avatar: The Last Airbender Trading Card Game|trading card game]],<ref name="Trading Cards">{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/avatar/en/interface.aspx|title=Avatar Trading Car Game|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=Nickelodeon}}</ref><ref name="Trading Cards 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/22469|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Trading Card Game|accessdate=2008-03-24|publisher=BoardGameGeek}}</ref> three video games based on the [[Avatar: The Last Airbender (video game)|first]],<ref name="AvatarVideoGame">{{cite web|url=http://www.nick.com/games/nick_video_games/avatar/lastAirBender/|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Video Game|accessdate=2008-03-22|work=Nick.com|publisher=Nickelodeon}}</ref> [[Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Burning Earth|second]],<ref name="The Burning Earth">{{cite web|url=http://www.avatartheburningearth.com/|title=Avatar: The Last Airbender — The Burning Earth|accessdate=2008-03-13|format=Flash|publisher=Nickelodeon|language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/objects/905/905219.html|title=IGN.com: Avatar: The Burning Earth|accessdate=2008-03-13|format=HTML|publisher=IGN|language=English}}</ref> and third seasons, [[stuffed animal]]s distributed by [[Paramount Parks]], and two [[Lego]] sets.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gaming-age.com/news/2006/8/21-44 | title = THQ Announces Games Convention | accessdate = 2006-12-03 | author = Jim Cordeira |date=2006-08-21 | publisher = Gaming Age}}</ref> |
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==Background== |
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''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' is co-created and produced by [[Michael Dante DiMartino]] and [[Bryan Konietzko]] at Nickelodeon Animation Studios in [[Burbank, California]]. According to Bryan Konietzko, the concept of the program was conceived in Spring 2001, when he took an old sketch of a balding, middle-aged man; he re-imagined the character as a child, and the show began to develop.<ref name="NickMagInterview1" /> Bryan drew the character herding bison in the sky, and showed the sketch to Mike DiMartino. At the time, Michael was studying a documentary about explorers trapped in the [[South Pole]]. Konietzko described their early development of the concept: {{quote|We thought, "There's an air guy along with these water people trapped in a snowy wasteland... and maybe some fire people are pressing down on them..."|Bryan Konietzko<ref name="NickMagInterview1">{{cite journal|last=DiMartino|first=Michael Dante|coauthors=Konietzko, Bryan|title=In Their Elements|journal=Nickelodeon Magazine|pages=6|year=2006|issue=Winter 2006}}</ref> }}The co-creators proceeded to successfully pitch the idea to Nickelodeon [[VP]] and [[executive producer]] Eric Coleman just two weeks later.<ref name="AWN1">{{cite web|url=http://mag.awn.com/index.php?ltype=pageone&article_no=3428|title=It's Elementary -- Avatar: The Last Airbender|last=Clark|first=Craig J.|date=2007-10-17|publisher=Animation World Magazine, Inc.|accessdate=2008-05-03}}</ref> |
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The show was first revealed to the public in a teaser reel at [[Comic-Con International|Comic-Con]] 2004,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/video.jhtml?show_id=ava&clip=16 | title = Avatar: The Last Airbender Sneak Peak|accessdate = 2006-12-10|publisher = Nickelodeon}}</ref> and aired [[February 21]], [[2005]]. In the United States, the first two episodes of the series were shown together in a one-hour premiere event. At the conclusion of the first season, Nickelodeon ordered a second twenty-episode season that premiered on [[March 17]], [[2006]], and concluded on [[December 1]].<ref name="secondseason"/> The series maintained its success during the second season, causing Nickelodeon to order a third and final season, which began on [[September 21]], [[2007]] and will feature twenty-one episodes rather than the usual twenty.<ref name="as_S3airdate" /> The final four episodes will be packaged as a two-hour movie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avatarspirit.net/index.php#517|title=Mike & Bryan Are Coming to New York Comic Con}}</ref> |
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===Premise=== |
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[[Image:Avatar world map.jpg|left|thumb|250px|A map of the four nations. The characters at the top, 群雄四分, mean "the heroes divide [the world or the country or the land] in four." The characters of the four lands are 水善 (Water Peaceful), 土强 (Earth Strong), 火烈 (Fire Fierce), and 气和 (Air Harmony). The phrase at the bottom, 天下一匡, reads "correct all things under heaven." The "correct things" phrase, with roots of the Confucian analect phrase 一匡天下, refers to reunification.]] |
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''Avatar: The Last Airbender'' takes place in a fantasy world, home to humans, fantastic animals, and supernatural spirits. Human civilization is divided into four nations: the [[Water Tribe]]s, the [[Earth Kingdom]], the [[Air Nomads]], and the [[Fire Nation]]. Each nation has its own natural element, on which it bases its society. The Water Tribes base their society on water, the Earth Kingdom on earth, the Air Nomads on air, and the Fire Nation on fire. Within each nation exists an order called "Benders", who have the ability to manipulate the [[classical element|element]] of their nation. The show's creators assigned each Bending art its own style of martial arts; each Bending art inherited the advantages and weaknesses of the martial arts it was assigned. The Bending types are [[Waterbender|Waterbending]], [[Earthbender|Earthbending]], [[Firebender|Firebending]], and [[Airbender|Airbending]].<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml">{{cite web | url = http://www.nick.com/shows/avatar/index.jhtml | title = Nickelodeon's Official Avatar: The Last Airbender Flash Site | accessdate = 2006-12-02 | publisher = Nick.com}}</ref> |
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Each generation yields one person who is capable of Bending all four elements. This being is referred to as the Avatar, the spirit of the planet manifested in human form. When an Avatar dies, they are [[reincarnation|reincarnated]] into the next nation in the Avatar Cycle. The Avatar Cycle parallels the seasons: winter for The Water Tribes, spring for the Earth Kingdom, summer for the Fire Nation, and autumn for the Air Nomads.<ref name="The Souther Air Temple">{{cite episode|title=The Southern Air Temple|url=|airdate=2005-02-25|season=1|number=3|transcripturl=|credits=Director: Lauren MacMullan; Writer: Michael Dante DiMartino|series=Avatar: The Last Airbender|serieslink=Avatar: The Last Airbender|network=Nickelodeon}}</ref> Legend holds the Avatar must master each bending art in order, starting with their native element. This can sometimes be compromised when the situation requires it, as Aang demonstrates in the show. For the Avatar, learning to bend the element opposite their native element can be extremely difficult. This is because opposing Bending arts are based on opposing fighting styles and disciplines. [[Firebending]] and [[Waterbending]] are opposites, as are [[Earthbending]] and [[Airbending]].<ref name="LearnEarthbending">{{cite episode | title = Bitter Work | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender| network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-02 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 9}}</ref> |
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The Avatar possesses a unique power called the [[Avatar State]]. It empowers the Avatar with the knowledge and abilities of all past Avatars, and is used as a [[defense mechanism]].<ref name="AvatarState" /> When an Avatar enters the Avatar state, their eyes and tattoos begin to glow. If an Avatar is killed in the Avatar State, the reincarnation cycle will be broken, and the Avatar cycle will end.<ref name="AvatarState">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar State | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-03-17 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 21}}</ref> |
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Through the ages, countless incarnations of Avatar have served to keep the four nations in harmony, and maintain world order.<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> The Avatar serves as the bridge between the physical world and the [[Spirit World (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Spirit World]], allowing him or her to solve problems that normal benders cannot.<ref name="SpiritWorld">{{cite episode | title = The Spirit World | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-04-08 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 7}}</ref> |
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{{Clear}} |
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===Plot synopsis=== |
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{{main|List of Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes}} |
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A century prior to the series' opening, when [[Aang]] was 12 years old, he was frozen into a state of suspended animation for 100 years.<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg" /> After being awoken by two children from the Southern Water Tribe, he finds the world at war with the Fire Nation. As the Avatar, he sets out to master the elements and ultimately defeat the Fire Lord and end the war.<ref name="The Boy In The Iceberg" /> |
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==Characters== |
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{{main|List of Avatar: The Last Airbender characters}} |
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''Avatar'' has been praised for its depth of [[characterization]], from its "marvelously flawed" heroes to its sympathetic villains.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=13115 | title = Toon Zone Description and Review on Season 1 DVD | accessdate = 2006-12-02 | author = Ed Liu |date=2006-10-28 | publisher = Toon Zone}}</ref> |
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<!-- Keep these bios brief, more detail is on each character's article. --> |
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<!-- Keep these bios brief, more detail is on each character's article. --> |
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===Main characters=== |
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'''[[Aang]]''' ([[Zach Tyler Eisen]]) is the fun-loving, 12-year-old [[protagonist]] of the series. He is the current incarnation of the Avatar, the spirit of the planet in human form. As the Avatar, Aang must bring peace to the world and bring balance to the four Nations.<ref name="TheAvatarReturns">{{cite episode | title = The Avatar Returns | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-02-21 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 2}}</ref> Being a reluctant hero, he admits his preference for adventure over saving the world and making friends over fighting the Fire Nation. Aang's energetic nature and childish naïvete render him oblivious to the world around him, as well as the feelings of others. Over the course of the series, though, Aang gradually matures into his role as the Avatar. The blue arrow on his head, hands and feet are to show he is an Airbender. |
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'''[[Katara]]''' ([[Mae Whitman]]) is a 14-year-old<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml" /> Waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe. Due to Fire Nation raids, she is the only remaining Waterbender in the South Pole. In the opening of the show, Katara discovers and frees Aang from the iceberg he was trapped in one hundred years ago. With her older brother Sokka, she accompanies Aang on his quest to defeat the Fire Lord, and bring peace to the world. Katara is kind, responsible, and particularly motherly; she developed this personality after her mother was killed in a Fire Nation attack. Though an apt leader,<ref name="TheDesert">{{cite episode | title = The Desert | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-07-14 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 11}}</ref> she can be overbearing and stubborn.<ref name="TheChase">{{cite episode | title = The Chase| series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-06-02 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 9}}</ref> In spite of her kind nature, she also has a temper. When her idealism and impressive waterbending skills are combined with this temper, she can be quite destructive. |
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'''[[Sokka]]''' ([[Jack DeSena]]) is a warrior of the Southern Water Tribe. With his sister Katara, he accompanies Aang on his quest to defeat the Fire Lord. The joker of the group, Sokka describes himself as "meat-loving" and "sarcastic".<ref name="LearnEarthbending"/> Unlike his companions, Sokka cannot bend an element, but the series frequently grants him opportunities to use his true gifts: ingenuity and use of weapons. He takes great pride in his mental and physical strength, though it is often overshadowed by others' ability to bend. He is extremely clever, relying on science where the mystical and martial arts elude him. His immature manner often causes others to underestimate his intellect. |
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'''[[Toph|Toph Bei Fong]]''' ([[Jessie Flower]]) is a 12-year-old,<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml" /> blind Earthbender. In the second season of the show, she leaves her wealthy family and home to join Aang on his quest, with a plan to teach him earthbending. Though blind, Toph "sees" with Earthbending; she feels the vibrations in the ground through her feet. Using this method, she eventually learns how to bend metal, a knowledge which may be unique to her. Due to overprotective parents, Toph has lived a largely sheltered life; this makes her somewhat selfish and sarcastic. She does not hesitate to speak her mind, and is bluntly truthful. With the presence of friends, Toph gradually becomes less abrasive, and learns what it means to be part of a team. |
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'''[[Zuko]]''' ([[Dante Basco]]) is the exiled prince of the Fire Nation, and original [[antagonist]] of the series. In the first season, Zuko is obsessed with capturing the Avatar. He reveals that the quest is to restore his honor, and redeem himself in the eyes of his father. Due to events in Zuko's past, his father, [[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender major secondary characters#Fire Lord Ozai|Fire Lord Ozai]], deems him a complete failure. The most defining aspect of his appearance is a scar over his left eye, which he received during a forced [[Firebending#Agni Kai|Agni Kai]] with his father; it was at the conclusion of this battle that he was banished from the Fire Nation.<ref name="TheStorm">{{cite episode | title = The Storm | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2005-06-03 | season = 1 (Book 1) | number = 12}}</ref> As a result of his traumatic life, Zuko is temperamental, bitter, and cold to others. However, he receives positive influence from his Uncle Iroh, and through his experiences in exile. Over time, Zuko struggles to deal with his anger, self-pity, and familial relationships; meanwhile, he grows sympathetic to the peoples his nation has terrorized. |
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'''[[Azula]]''' ([[Grey DeLisle]]) is the 14 year-old<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml" /> princess of the Fire Nation. She is Zuko's younger sister and one of the major [[antagonists]] of the series. Cruel and self-centered since youth, Azula is manipulative, sadistic and a self-admitted monster. She has no qualms about bullying and threatening her relatives, reserving any familial loyalty for her father, who favors her. As a ruthless firebending prodigy, and one of the few Firebenders shown to generate lightning, Azula is a dangerous opponent.<ref name="AvatarState"/> |
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'''[[Iroh]]''' ([[Mako (actor)|Mako]] in seasons 1 and 2, [[Greg Baldwin]] onwards) is a retired Fire Nation general and Prince Zuko's uncle. Being the older brother of Fire Lord Ozai, Iroh was the original [[heir apparent|heir to the Fire Nation throne]].<ref name="ZukoAlone">{{cite episode | title = Zuko Alone | series = Avatar: The Last Airbender | network = Nickelodeon | airdate = 2006-05-12 | season = 2 (Book 2) | number = 7}}</ref> A powerful Firebender of great renown and respect, he looks upon Zuko as a son more than as a nephew, especially after the loss of his own son, [[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender minor recurring characters#Lu Ten|Lu Ten]]. On the surface, Iroh is a cheerful and kind old man; his hobbies include drinking tea, playing Pai Sho, and singing. But underneath his exterior remains a competent warrior and a devoted surrogate parent. Much older, more powerful, and more experienced than the other [[protagonist|main characters]], Iroh chooses to take a less active role in the affairs of the series, acting as a mentor and guide to nearly everyone he meets, especially Zuko. |
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===Secondary characters=== |
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* [[Appa]] ([[Dee Bradley Baker]]) is a ten-ton flying bison, and [[Aang]]'s primary animal companion. He is shown to be protective of Aang and loving towards the group. Appa is also the primary mode of travel for the group. |
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* Momo ([[Dee Bradley Baker]]) is an intelligent and curious [[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender creatures#Winged Lemur|Winged Lemur]], who travels with the group. Momo is shown to have a strong relationship with his best friend Appa. |
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* Jet ([[Crawford Wilson]]) was a charismatic teen who held a deep grudge against the [[Fire Nation]]. He led the Freedom Fighters, but was killed by Long Feng near the end of season 2. |
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* Long Feng ([[Clancy Brown]]) is the intelligent and cunning Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se, head of the Dai Li secret police, and adviser to the Earth King. Other than Princess Azula, Long Feng was the primary antagonist of Book 2, being responsible for deceiving and manipulating Ba Sing Se and the Earth King, Jet's death, and Appa's capture. |
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* Mai ([[Cricket Leigh]]) is an impassive, apathetic, and mysterious fifteen-year-old<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml" /> girl who accompanied [[Princess Azula]] on her quest to capture the Avatar. She has a relationship with Zuko. |
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* Fire Lord Ozai ([[Mark Hamill]]) is the ruthless ruler of the Fire Nation, father of [[Zuko]] and [[Azula]], and younger brother of [[Iroh]]. When his father, Azulon, died, he took over the throne of the Fire Nation. |
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* Avatar Roku (James Garrett) was the Avatar preceding Aang, born to the Fire Nation. Naturally, in the cycle, Roku is a firebender. |
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* Suki ([[Jennie Kwan]]) is the fifteen year-old leader of the female warriors from [[Earth Kingdom#Kyoshi Island|Kyoshi Island]]. She has a relationship with Sokka,who, with Zuko, saved her from the worst Fire Nation Prison: The Boiling Rock |
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* Ty Lee ([[Olivia Hack]]) is a cheerful and energetic girl who accompanies [[Princess Azula]] on her quest to capture the Avatar. She is a gymnast whose power is to block chi flow to the bodies' extremities, essentially paralyzing them to stop them from bending. |
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* Princess Yue ([[Johanna Braddy]]) was the beautiful Princess of the Northern Water Tribe. Yue sacrifices her life to restore the Moon Spirit at the end of Book 1. As a result, she becomes the Moon Spirit herself. She had a relationship with Sokka. |
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* Admiral Zhao ([[Jason Isaacs]]) was a hot-tempered Fire Nation admiral in pursuit of the Avatar and Zuko's principal rival throughout Book One. Other than Prince Zuko, Admiral Zhao was the main antagonist of Book 1, being responsible for besieging and nearly destroying the Northern Water Tribe as well as temporarily killing the Moon Spirit and almost killing Zuko. |
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==Influences== |
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===Cultural references=== |
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''Avatar'' is notable for borrowing extensively from [[Art of East Asia|Asian art]] and mythology to create its [[fictional universe]]. The show's character designs are heavily influenced by [[anime]]; the show, however, is not considered an "anime" because of its origination in the United States. Explicitly stated influences include [[Chinese art]] and [[History of China|history]], [[Japanese anime]], [[Hinduism]](Indian), [[Taoism]](Chinese), [[Buddhism]](Indian),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nicksplat.com/Whatsup/200510/12000135.html | title = Interview With The Creators | accessdate = 2006-12-02|date=2005-10-12 | publisher = NickSplat.com}}</ref> and [[Yoga]](Indian).<ref name="nytimes">{{cite web | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/28/arts/television/28lass.html?ei=5090&en=2d9845c5b0133bb9&ex=1282881600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all | title = Article On Avatar: The Last Airbender | accessdate = 2006-12-02 | author = Mark Lasswell |date=2005-08-25 | publisher = NY Times}}</ref> The production staff employs a cultural consultant, Edwin Zane, to review scripts. |
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====Avatar==== |
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The term "[[Avatar]]" comes from the [[Sanskrit]] word ''Avatāra'', ([[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]]: {{lang|sa|अवतार}}), which means "descent." In [[Hindu mythology]], gods manifest themselves into Avatars to restore balance on earth, usually after a period of great evil. The [[Chinese character]]s that appear at the top of the show's title card mean "the divine medium who has descended upon the mortal world."<ref name="calligraphy.html">{{cite web | url = http://www.musogato.com/avatar/calligraphy.html | title = Calligraphy Writing In Avatar | accessdate = 2006-12-02 | author = KTChong | publisher = Distant Horizon}}</ref> |
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When [[Aang]] was a child, he unknowingly revealed that he was the Avatar; he chose four toys out of thousands, each of which were toys that previous Avatars had selected. In [[Tibetan Buddhism]], there is a similar test for reincarnations of a [[Tulku]] [[Lama]]. According to the book ''Magic and Mystery in Tibet'' by [[Alexandra David-Neel]], "a number of objects such as [[rosary|rosaries]], ritualistic implements, books, tea-cups, etc., are placed together, and the child must pick out those which belonged to the late ''tulku'', thus showing that he recognizes the things which were ''theirs'' in their previous life."<ref>David-Neel, Alexandra. ''Magic and Mystery in Tibet''. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1971 (ISBN 0-486-22682-4)</ref> The show's official site states "the successor is expected to show signs of continuity with the previous Avatar, such as being born within a week of the death."<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> |
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====Elements==== |
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<!-- Do not mention any specific classical ideology as the influential source unless you have verifiable proof. No "missing fifth element."--> |
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''Avatar'' draws on the four [[classical elements]] common to most [[Ancient philosophy|ancient philosophies]] (rather than the five [[Wu Xing|classical Chinese elements]]) for its bending arts: [[Water (classical element)|Water]], [[Earth (classical element)|Earth]], [[Fire (classical element)|Fire]] and [[Air (classical element)|Air]]. Although each has its own variation, most ancient philosophies incorporate these four elements in some way: examples include the classical [[Tattva|Hindu]], [[Mahābhūta|Buddhist]], [[Classical elements#Classical elements in Greece|Greek]] and [[Five elements (Japanese philosophy)|Japanese]] elemental traditions. |
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<!-- Please do not mention the 4 Classical Chinese Elements. We KNOW, they're different. Several other philosophies are too. None of them, and neither the Chinese elements, are used in the show, so mentioning any of them is of NO importance. Except to provide relevant information and greater understanding of Chinese culture.--> |
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In the show’s opening, each element is accompanied by 2 Chinese characters: an ancient Chinese [[seal script]] character on the left, and a modern Chinese character on the right: |
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* [[Water (classical element)|Water]] ({{lang|zh|水}}) is associated with "[[Image:Shan.svg|20px]]" ({{zh-cp|c=善|p=shàn}}), which means "benevolent" or "adaptive." |
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* [[Earth (classical element)|Earth]] ({{lang|zh|土}}) is associated with "[[Image:Qiang.svg|20px]]" ({{zh-tsp|t=強|s=强|p=qiáng}}), which means "strong." |
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* [[Fire (classical element)|Fire]] ({{lang|zh|火}}) is associated with "[[Image:Lie.svg|20px]]" ({{zh-cp|c=烈|p=liè}}), which means "intense" or "ferocious." |
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* [[Air (classical element)|Air]] ({{lang|zh|气}}) is associated with "[[Image:He (character).svg|20px]]" ({{zh-cp|c=和|p=hé}}), which means "peaceful" or "harmonious".<ref name="cally">{{cite web | url = http://www.musogato.com/avatar/calligraphy.html | title = Distant Horizon: Avatar Calligraphy | accessdate = 2006-12-09 }}</ref> |
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<!-- Please do not re-add information about Plantbending and Metalbending, in both cases it was specifically mentioned that the bender was not bending either the plant or the metal, but simply the water and the earth within them. --> |
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===Western culture=== |
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Films series such as ''[[Star Wars]]'', as well book series such as ''[[Harry Potter]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', were a heavy influence when it came to developing the story of ''Avatar''; the creators wanted to tell their own epic Legend & Lore story.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://tv.ign.com/articles/818/818284p1.html | title = IGN: Interview: Avatar's Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino | accessdate = 2007-09-24|date=2007-09-06 | publisher = IGN.com}}</ref> |
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===Asian culture=== |
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====Calligraphy==== |
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<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:ATLA Calligraphy.png|thumb|An example of Chinese calligraphy]] --> |
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Traditional [[East Asian calligraphy]] styles are used for nearly all the writing in the show. For each instance of calligraphy, an appropriate style is used, ranging from [[seal script]] (more archaic) to [[clerical script]].<ref name="calligraphy.html"/> The show employs calligrapher Siu-Leung Lee as a consultant and translator.<ref name="nytimes"/> |
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====Fighting styles==== |
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The fighting choreography of the show draws from martial arts; the fighting styles and weaponry are based on [[Chinese martial arts]], with each bending art corresponding to a certain real-world style. The creators use [[Tai Chi Chuan|Tai Chi]] for [[Waterbender|waterbending]], [[Hung Gar]] for [[Earthbender|earthbending]], [[Northern Shaolin]] for [[Firebender|firebending]], and [[Baguazhang|Bagua]] for [[Airbender|airbending]].<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> The only exception to this is [[Toph]], who employs a Chu Gar [[Southern Praying Mantis (martial art)|Southern Praying Mantis]] style.<ref name="con">{{cite web|url=http://flaming-june.org/videos/Audience%20Question%20&%20Answer%20Pt.%202.wmv|title=Audience Questions and Answer Part 2 at the San Diego Comi-con 2006|publisher=Flaming June|accessdate=2008-05-07|type=WMV}}</ref> The show employs [[Sifu]] Kisu of the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association as a martial arts consultant.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.harmoniousfist.com/ | title = The National Shaolin Information Resource | accessdate = 2006-12-02 | publisher = The Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association}}</ref> |
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Each fighting style was chosen to represent the element it projected: |
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* [[Tai Chi]] focus' on alignment, body structure, breath, and visualization.<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> |
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* [[Hung Gar]] was chosen for its firmly rooted stances and powerful strikes to represent the solid nature of earth.<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> |
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** Chu Gar [[Southern Praying Mantis]] has distinguishing movements and unique footwork that are employed by [[Toph Bei Fong]] to complement her blindness, giving her an anomalous style of Earthbending.<ref name="con"/> |
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* [[Northern Shaolin]] Kung Fu uses strong arm and leg movements.<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> |
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* [[Baguazhang|Bagua]] uses erratic, circular movements.<ref name="avatar2/index.jhtml"/> In Bagua, [[Centrifugal]] force plays a vital role in generating power, and the nearly constant circular movement creates angles between the fighters. This makes it easier for the practitioner to defend and attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pa-kua.com/fyi27/fyib27.htm|title=Advanced Circle Walking: Training to Fight|last=Miller|first=Dan|date=1994|work=Pa Kua Chang Journal|publisher=The Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang) Website of Sifu Park Bok-Nam|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shenwu.com/bagua.htm|title=An Introduction to Ba Gua Zhang|last=Cartmell|first=Tim|publisher=Shen Wu Martial Arts|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> |
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===Asian film=== |
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The choreographed martial art bending moves were profoundly affected by Asian cinema. ''Avatar'' creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino stated the particular influence in a magazine interview: |
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{{quote|Asian cinema is really good at action comedy. ''[[Shaolin Soccer]]'' is one of our favorite movies. It has tons of fantastic action and lots of funny moments. Some of the effects provided inspiration for how bending moves might look on the show."<ref name="NickMagInterview1" />}} |
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===Anime=== |
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''Avatar'' is not considered an [[anime]] because of its American origin; one review has commented that "''Avatar'' blurs the line between anime and (US) domestic cartoons until it becomes irrelevant."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/anime/sfw12366.html|title=SciFi Channel Anime Review|accessdate=2006-10-16|work=SciFi}}</ref> Avatar has many features of anime, such as having a different color palette from other animated shows.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://news.awn.com/index.php?ltype=top&newsitem_no=13156 | title = Avatar: The Last Airbender Article | accessdate = 2006-12-16 |date=2005-02-18 | publisher = Animation World Magazine}}</ref> |
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''Avatar'' creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino confirmed a particular anime influence in a magazine interview: |
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{{quote|The best anime balances great action sequences with humor and emotion, something we try to do on ''Avatar''. We love all the films of Hayao Miyazaki, especially Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Both movies deal with spirituality and the environment in an entertaining way. Also, there's a lot of great animation."<ref name="NickMagInterview1" />}} |
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According to an interview with the artists of ''Avatar'', Appa's design was based on the [[Catbus]] in ''[[My Neighbor Totoro]]'', due to the peculiar task of creating a mammal with six legs.<ref>{{Cite video | people = Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino | year = 2006 | title = Book 1: Water, Box Set | medium = DVD |date=2006-09-19}}</ref> |
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''Avatar'' draws inspiration from the anime works of [[Shinichiro Watanabe]]'s ''[[Cowboy Bebop]]'' and ''[[Samurai Champloo]]'', as well as ''[[FLCL]]'' (''Fooly Cooly'') of [[Gainax]]. Other various studios from which inspiration was drawn include Studio 4 °C, [[Production I.G]], and [[Studio Ghibli]].<ref>{{ cite journal | last =Mullins | first =Summer | authorlink = | coauthors = | year = | month = | title =Creation Station, an interview with Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino | journal = | volume = | issue =39 | pages = 74| id = | url = | accessdate = 2008-05-05 | quote = }}</ref> Bryan has commented that some of his most cherished Watanabe fight scenes were the fight between ''Bebop's'' [[Spike Spiegel]] and a drug smuggler in "[[List of Cowboy Bebop episodes|Asteroid Blues]]," as well as the duel between [[List of Samurai Champloo characters#Mugen|Mugen]] and a [[List of Samurai Champloo characters#Sara|blind female Jojutsu-user]] in the ''Champloo'' episode "[[List of Samurai Champloo episodes 13-26|Elegy of Entrapment (Verse 2)]]." ''Avatar'' director Giancarlo Volpe also claims the staff "were all ordered to buy ''FLCL'' and watch every single episode of it."<ref name="con" /> |
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==Response== |
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===Ratings=== |
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When the show debuted, it was rated the best animated television series in its [[demographic]],<ref name="animation">{{cite web | url = http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1066 | title = Avatar: Season 3 | accessdate = 2006-12-16 |date=2006-06-30 | author = Bynum, Aaron H. | publisher = Animation Insider}}</ref> and averaged 1.1 million viewers when new episodes premiered.<ref name="animation"/> The one-hour special showing of ''Secret of the Fire Nation'' which aired on [[September 15]], [[2006]] consisted of "The Serpent's Pass" and "The Drill", and gathered an audience of 4.1 million viewers. According to the Nielsen Media Research, the special was the best performing cable television show airing in that week.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1153 | title = Secret of the Fire Nation Ratings | accessdate = 2006-12-16 |date=2006-09-20 | author = Bynum, Aaron H. | publisher = Animation Insider}}</ref> ''Avatar'' is currently syndicated to more than 105 countries around the world, and is one of Nickelodeon's top rated programs. The series is ranked No. 1 on Nick in Germany, Indonesia, Belgium and Colombia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1077954|title=Aang Is Ready to Strike Down the Fire Nation on the Darkest Day of the Year in Avatar's 'Day of Black Sun' Premiering Friday, Nov. 30 on Nickelodeon | publisher=Viacom | date=2007-11-14 | accessdate=2008-05-06}}</ref> and has a rating of 9.2 on TV.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/avatar-the-last-airbender/show/28841/summary.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabssh&tag=tabs;summary |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender | publisher=TV.com| accessdate=2008-05-06}}</ref> |
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===Awards and Nominations=== |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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| bgcolor="#75B5F6" | '''Awards''' |
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| bgcolor="#75B5F6" | '''Outcome''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''2005 Pulcinella Awards:'''<ref name = "Pulcinella">{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/article.php?article_id=3902|title=Cartoons on the Bay Picks Winners|date=2005-05-03|author=Ryan Ball|site=Animation Magazine|accessdate=2007-12-08|Publisher=Animation Insider}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| Best Action/Adventure TV Series |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| Best TV Series |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''33rd Annual Annie Awards:'''<ref name="AnnieAward">{{cite web|url=http://annieawards.org/33rdwinners.html|title=Annie Awards: Legacy - 33rd Annual Annie Awards|date=2005-02-09|publisher=International Animated Film Society|accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| Best Animated Television Production |
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| Nominated |
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|- |
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| Storyboarding in an Animated Television Production (The Deserter) |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| Writing for an Animated Television Production (The Fortuneteller) |
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| Nominated |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''34th Annual Annie Awards:'''<ref name="AnnieAward2">{{cite web|url=http://annieawards.org/34thwinners.html|title=Annie Awards: Legacy - 34th Annual Annie Awards|date=2006-02-09|publisher=International Animated Film Society|accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> |
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|- |
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| Character Animation in a Television Production (The Blind Bandit) |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| Directing in an Animated Television Production (The Drill) |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''2007 Genesis Awards:''' |
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|- |
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| Outstanding Children's Programming (Appa's Lost Days) |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''Primetime Emmy Awards:''' |
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|- |
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| Outstanding Animated Program (City of Walls and Secrets) |
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| Nominated |
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|- |
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| Individual Achievement Award ([[Sang-Jin Kim]] for Lake Laogai) |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''Kid's Choice Awards 2008:''' |
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|- |
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| Favorite Cartoon<ref name="avatarspiritNickaward">{{cite web|url=http://bumpshack.com/2008/03/29/2008-nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-winners/|title=2008 Nickelodeon ‘Kids Choice Awards’ Winners|date=2008-03-29|publisher=BumpShack|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> |
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| '''Won''' |
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|- |
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| colspan="3" bgcolor="#F2D5A6" | '''Annecy 2008:''' |
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|- |
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| TV Series<ref name="annecy">{{cite web|url=http://www.annecy.org/home/index.php?Page_ID=1875&code_categfilm=C8&titre=&realisateur=|title=Annecy 2008 - Official Selection|date=2008|publisher=Annecy 2008|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> |
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|Nominated |
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|} |
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==Media information== |
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===Promotion and merchandising=== |
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''Avatar'''s success has led to some promotional advertising with third-party companies, such as [[Burger King]] and [[Upper Deck Company|Upper Deck Entertainment]]. Avatar-themed [[roller coasters]] at [[Kings Island]] and at [[Nickelodeon Universe]] in the [[Mall of America]] also appeared. During the show's runtime, Nickelodeon published two special issues of ''[[Nickelodeon Magazine|Nick Mag Presents]]'' dedicated entirely to the show. Various members of the ''Avatar'' staff and cast appeared at the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con International convention, while Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko appeared with Martial Arts Consultant Sifu Kisu at the Pacific Media Expo on [[October 28]], [[2006]]. ''Avatar'' also has its own line of t-shirts, [[LEGO]] playsets, toys, a [[Avatar: The Last Airbender Trading Card Game|trading card game]], a [[cine-manga]], and two video games. |
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The [[Mattel]]-produced action figure toy line generated some controversy with its exclusion of any female characters. Mattel came to release information stating that they have taken account of Katara's increased role within the program, and that she would be included in the figure assortment for a mid 2007 release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://community.livejournal.com/avatar_fans/1658088.html|title=Live Journal}}</ref> |
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Nickelodeon executives have since released highly optimistic plans for upcoming marketing strategies in regards to ''Avatar''. Nickelodeon President Cyma Zarghami openly stated his belief that the franchise "could become their ''[[Harry Potter]]''".<ref name="becomeharrypotter" /> They expect consumers to spend about $121 million in 2007, rising to $254 million by 2009.<ref name="becomeharrypotter" /> The marketing plans are to be coincided with the release of the first live-action film based on the series in 2010, which will be the first film in a trilogy.<ref name="becomeharrypotter">{{cite web | url = http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2007-09-20-avatar_N.htm | title = Nick pins hopes on Avatar | publisher = [[USA Today]] | date = [[2007-09-20]] | accessdate=2008-04-16}}</ref> |
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===Feature film adaptation=== |
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On [[January 8]], 2007, [[Paramount Pictures]]' [[MTV Films]] and [[Nickelodeon Movies]] announced that they have signed [[M. Night Shyamalan]] to write, direct and produce a trilogy of live-action films based on the series; the first of these films will encompass the main characters' adventures in Book One.<ref>{{cite interview|last=DiMartino|first=Michael Dante|subjectlink=Michael Dante DiMartino|last2=Konietzko|first2=Bryan|subjectlink2=Bryan Konietzko|interviewer=Steve Fritz|title=The Scenes of Avatar|type=JPG|url=http://i14.tinypic.com/4qqwrcn.jpg|format=Transcript|accessdate=2008-05-07}}</ref> The film was in a dispute with [[James Cameron]]'s film ''[[Avatar (film)|Avatar]]'' regarding title ownership,<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117956950.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2564 | title = Shyamalan's 'Avatar' also to bigscreen | accessdate = 2007-01-09 | author = Pamela McClintock | date= [[2007-01-08]] | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }}</ref> which resulted in the film being titled ''The Last Airbender''. It is set for release on [[July 2]], [[2010]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984091.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | title = Nickelodeon, Par team for 'Airbender' | accessdate = 2008-04-15 | author = Pamela McClintock, Tatina Siegel | date = [[2008-04-15]] | publisher = [[Variety]]}}</ref> Filming will begin in [[Philadelphia]] in May 2009,<ref>{{cite news | title = Hollywood Insider: Movies | accessdate = 2008-04-20 | author = Nicole Sperling | date = [[2008-04-20]] | publisher = [[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref> and it will be shot in [[Greenland]].<ref name="shaymalanTalksAvatar">{{cite news |first= Olly |last= Richards |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Exclusive: Shyamalan Talks Avatar |url=http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=22380 |work=[[Empire Magazine]] |publisher= [[Bauer Verlagsgruppe|Bauer Consumer Media]] |date=2008-04-15 |accessdate=2008-04-16 }}</ref> |
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Avatar co-creators [[Michael Dante DiMartino|Mike DiMartino]] and [[Bryan Konietzko]] have come forward to voice their opinion within an interview regarding M. Night Shyamalan writing, directing and producing the film.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=3&id=40610 | title = Avatar Creators Praise Night | accessdate = 2007-03-17 | author = Mike Szymanski| date = [[2007-03-17]] | publisher = [[Sci Fi Wire]]}}</ref> The two displayed much enthusiasm over Shyamalan's decision for the adaptation, stating that they admire his work and, in turn, he respects their material. |
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==References== |
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<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> |
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<references /> |
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</div> |
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==External links== |
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{{ChineseText}} |
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{{wikiquote}} |
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* [http://www.nick.com/shows/avatar/index.jhtml Official site] |
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* [http://www.nickelodeon.com.au/fullynick/tvshows/shows/index.php?show_id=56 Official site (Australia)] |
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* [http://www.nick.co.uk/#/avatar/ Official site (UK)] |
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* [http://www.nicksplat.com/avatar Offical site (Asia)] |
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* [http://avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page Avatar: The Last Airbender Wikia] |
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<!-- Please discuss any new links on the talk page. --> |
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{{featured article}} |
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{{Avatar}} |
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{{Nicktoons}} |
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[[Category:Avatar: The Last Airbender]] |
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[[Category:Animated television series]] |
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[[Category:Fantasy television series]] |
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[[Category:2005 television series debuts]] |
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[[Category:2000s American television series]] |
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[[Category:2000s American animated television series]] |
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[[Category:Nicktoons]] |
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[[Category:YTV shows]] |
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[[Category:Anime-influenced animation]] |
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[[bn:অ্যাভাটর: দ্য লাস্ট এয়ারবেন্ডার]] |
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[[bg:Аватар: Повелителят на четирите стихии]] |
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[[da:Avatar, The Last Airbender]] |
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[[de:Avatar – Der Herr der Elemente]] |
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[[dv:އެވަޓާރ - ދަ ލާސްޓް އެއަރ ބެންޑަރ]] |
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[[es:Avatar: la leyenda de Aang]] |
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[[fr:Avatar, le Dernier Maître de l'Air]] |
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[[id:Avatar: The Last Airbender]] |
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[[it:Avatar: La Leggenda di Aang]] |
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[[he:אווטאר (סדרה מצוירת)]] |
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[[lt:Avatar: The Legend of Aang]] |
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[[hu:Avatar: Az utolsó levegőidomár]] |
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[[pl:Awatar, Legenda Aanga]] |
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[[ru:Аватар — Легенда об Аанге]] |
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[[fi:Avatar (animaatiosarja)]] |
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[[tr:Avatar: Son Hava Bükücü]] |
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[[uk:Аватар — Легенда про Аанга]] |
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Revision as of 06:27, 10 June 2008
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | |
|---|---|
| File:Avatar-TLAlogo.jpg Avatar: The Last Airbender logo.
The Chinese characters 降卋(世)神通 (pinyin:Jiàngshì Shéntōng) that appear with the English logo translate to "The divine medium who has descended upon the mortal world." | |
| Genre | Adventure, Fantasy |
| Created by | Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko |
| Written by | Michael Dante DiMartino Bryan Konietzko John O'Bryan Nick Malis Matthew Hubbard Aaron Ehasz Elizabeth Welch Ehasz Josh Hamilton Ian Wilcox Tim Hedrick |
| Directed by | Lauren MacMullan Anthony Lioi Dave Filoni Giancarlo Volpe Ethan Spaulding Joaquim Dos Santos |
| Voices of | Zach Tyler Eisen Mae Whitman Jack DeSena Jessie Flower Dante Basco Mako (Season 1-2) Greg Baldwin (Season 3) Dee Bradley Baker Grey DeLisle Crawford Wilson Olivia Hack Cricket Leigh Clancy Brown Mark Hamill Jason Isaacs |
| Theme music composer | The Track Team |
| Composer | The Track Team |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 61 planned, 55 released (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Aaron Ehasz |
| Running time | 24 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Nickelodeon |
| Release | February 21, 2005 – Present |
Avatar: The Last Airbender is shit.