#avatar the last air bender is also a must

[piedpiperart]

About to go to the Peace Corp and I am struggling to decide which books and movies to download to keep me entertained for the next TWO years

[prickly-paprikash]

Since the discourse has reared its ugly head once more, the simple answer is no.

Aang was not a deadbeat, unsupportive, absentee father.

He loved all three of his children and was supportive of them. When Kya came out in the comics, she mentioned straight up that Aang was nothing but supportive of her and who she was. Aang made mistakes in parenting, but he was also stuck in one of the worst situations possible for him.

For one thing, it's been stated that Airbending culture has different views when it comes to family dynamics. Never once does Aang mention his parents, and it's clear that Air Nomads did not put emphasis on the standard nuclear family organization that other nations did. From context clues alone, and many have inferred in the past that Air Nomads were communal, so it stands to reason that their parenting was communal. Monks, Nuns, Masters—all of them were most likely parents to every single child. The responsibility of raising and educating a child was shared amongst the nomads, and that there was no real difference between biological and adoptive parents. Airbenders shared nearly everything, and that meant family as well.

Imagine you're Aang, spending twelve years of life being raised by every adult in the temple. Sure, he was exposed to nuclear family dynamics when visiting other nations and befriending Bumi and Kuzon, but his exposure to their culture was most likely limited. Now, not only is he a father to three beautiful children, but he must raise them in a way foreign to him. There are no other Monks to raise his children—it's just him and Katara. I've no doubt that Sokka and Toph chipped in whenever they could to ease the burden of parenthood, but they were leaders and figures of great importance as well. Not to mention that Toph had her own daughters to take care of.

Aang is also the Avatar, the central spiritual figure amongst the four nations. His presence would always be demanded in other nations. Peace Summits. Negotiations. Ceremony. Dealing with splintered Fire Nation cells and loyalists. Aang had to lead the people of all four nations back into balance, and he was in the unique and unenviable position to heal the scars of a 100 year war due to the absence of the Avatar.

Finally, the dude is also the Very Last Airbender. Of course he'd show favoritism to Tenzin. Bumi was a non-bender and Kya was a waterbender already taking after her mother. Aang was a war hero, a political figure, a man out of time and history, the Avatar, and the Only Living Airbender. The weight of his culture and people all rested on his shoulders, and so he passed on that responsibility and hope to the only other living Airbender at the time. Aang needed to spend time with Tenzin because only through Tenzin could the practices of the Air Nomads survive.

Aang was basically having to transition from a communal family mindset to a nuclear family's; he had to balance romance, fatherhood, and being the Avatar in a Wartorn World; and he had an obligation to every Airbender in history—millions of souls and their memories, passed on from one very flawed father to his newborn son. Every part of Aang's life as a father was met with trials and tribulations, and his family still came out loving him, albeit with some resentment underneath.

No parent is perfect, and Aang could have done so much better when it came to communicating with his children.

But none of his mistakes ever meant he was an abusive, cold, distant father.

He was overworked, acclimating to a style of family not his own, and desperately reviving a century-long dead culture all by himself. The fact that every single one of his kids still loved him and cherished him only solidified the fact that Aang was a father who did his very best.

Being the child of the Avatar would always mean living in his shadow. That resentment, of Aang being needed by the world while his children sought him out, would always be there. Doubly so for Tenzin, who grew up with the Avatar as his father and continued his life-long work of breathing life back into the Air Nomads. Say what you will, but at least Bumi and Kya had the freedom to choose who they wanted to be. Tenzin, no matter what, would always grow up to be the Airbending Master because no one else could.

Aang loved his children. Aang loved his wife. And they in turn loved him. But just like every family, complications rose up and planted the seeds of bitterness and resentment. The only thing that stopped these from blossoming into actual dislike of their family was that Aang's love and respect for his children was always genuine, and that Katara stood firm in making sure their children knew they were beloved.

Aang and Katara's family would never have been ideal in the first place, but they did their best.

And their best was certainly enough.

[zutarasbuff]

I watched the Netflix adaptation of ATLA today and being a hardcore fan of the OG series who knows every nook and cranny of the ATLA world, here’s my unbiased and truly honest review (It contains both the negatives and positives of the series, so dear reader please enter to read at your own risk).

Firstly, let’s talk about the wonderful additions to the already magical world of ATLA.

1. The depth of the genocide

Well, I always wanted to know how the air nomads were suddenly wiped out and how it would have been for them? Why didn’t they resist? I got my answers in the first episode where we explore how the unhinged power of the comet was “actually” used to create a genocide on a massive level. Before that, I had only heard about it in the OG series. Those few scenes were so powerful that they had left me sobbing uncontrollably and Gyatso’s concern regarding Aang had me bawling.

2. Suki’s Characterization

In the OG series, we do find our Suki the fiercest warrior, but here in the live action, she’s an absolute goddess. She is perfect in every sense. She understands the responsibilities she has being a non-bender and is fearless. Her character is what I believe to be was the strongest one of all.

3. Graphics & Music

We never talk about a film by M.Night (that didn’t happen), but this one is really a visual treat for you can readily set yourself up for some mind-blowing bending scenes, plus the fight scenes are quite impressive. It seems that the VFX team had really done their homework this time. Plus, both Momo and Appa are so freaking cute. I loved the fluffy Appa. Good work over there. The revival of the OG theme is also a highlight plus the sun warriors’ chanting in the end is given a new but intriguing twist. The background music especially in scenes where Aang unravels his Avatar powers is mystical in every aspect.

4. Life in motion

I don’t know about others, but I have always been a sucker for animation as well as live-action where characters are operating even in the direst of the circumstances. Life is there and even after they know what happened a hundred years ago, they are still trying to believe and regain their past confidence. This is beautifully portrayed and I was very much impressed by the way people are continuing their day-to-day activities even in the middle of a crisis.

Overall, the series serves the purpose of an adaptation carrying its unique colors (at least better than the previous live-action disaster that didn’t happen).

Now let’s move to the bad side, and when I say it’s honestly what I felt, you need to take my word on it being a hardcore Atla fan.

1. Weak writing & lots of exposition

ATLA remains at a 9.2 IMDB rating even after years because of its writing, strong plot, and very few plot holes. This time, the writers are the real amateur ones. Despite addicting more to the already flourishing universe of ATLA, sadly, they killed the quest of the viewer to find answers. There is too much exposition. It seems that every character just wants to see the end of the war and keeps on revealing things after things. Plus, some of the OG moments that were the soul of the series are not even included. The way Aang finds Momo and then decides to keep it with him as a last remnant of their bygone air nomad civilization is nowhere to be found. In fact, the replacement of Roku with Kyoshi is the biggest disappointment. I love Kyoshi like no one else but that was unnecessary as per the cycle.

2. Bland acting

Even the worst writing shots can be digested only if the acting appears real good. Sadly, this is another issue that I found with the NETFLIXED version. No doubt the characters must have done a lot of hard work for this, yet, they lack the expressive power. Gordon as Aang is super cute but the goofiness is not even there. Katara seems a nerd who doesn’t like to talk much even when it’s necessary and Sokka’s jokes are forced. Meanwhile, Dallas seems to save the day at one point, but again his over-the-top angry young man attitude ruins it for me. Maybe the actors will learn from the criticism in the upcoming season (if Netflix plans to go with it).

3. Major changes

Yes, it’s okay to change the narrative while you are working on an adaptation, but targeting the loyal viewers who are OG fans of ATLA means that you have to be very careful when you are trying to implement your changes in scenes that are the real soul of the OG. You can’t change the Omashu myth as if it’s nothing when we actually see even the cute animated version of the folklore. You cannot portray Roku more as a perpetrator of the genocide and Bumi as the evil king when in truth he’s the mad king who’s known for his genius ways of teaching. I hated that. Plus, reducing Zhao’s authority and taking Uncle Iroh’s sarcastic attitude is just meh. Mai again doesn’t even seem perfect as a cast. Jet is good as far as the aesthetics are concerned but Jet being in Omashu doesn’t even sit right with me. The amalgamation of multiple storylines creates so much confusion and this persists till the end.

4. Bending at convenience

We all know how Katara’s bending progressed throughout the first season and it’s little effort each day. However, in series, one day she’s unable to bend even a droplet of water and the next day she is capable of producing ice crystals. This was unacceptable for me because I was anticipating her learning strategies. Besides, Aang doesn’t learn much water bending throughout this season and in the end, it’s him being the savior in Avatar state. Thoughtless bending sucks despite the great VFX and that’s one thing at which you can’t convince me otherwise.

5. Forced friendships

We all know how it took some time for Sokka to embrace Aang as a chum. However, here Sokka keeps on calling him “the kid” and remains mostly alienated from Aang. Talking to Katara, then she also seems more interested in helping Avatar fulfill his goal than being with a friend. I hated the scene where Aang comes into the Avatar state and instead of hugging him just like in the OG series, Katara runs along Sokka and keeps on calling his name. How is that going to build any organic friendship? I think the first mistake began right from the very moment when Aang was taken back to Wolf Cove on a boat in his unconscious state. Upon opening his eyes, the first person he finds near him is neither Katara nor Sokka but a tribesman who’s playing guessing games. Writers were really high when they wrote that.

6. Lack of the four nations’ biodiversity

Maybe in live action, it’s difficult to create all the marvels of the four nations when we talk about their natural biodiversity. In the OG series, it is indicated by Aang that even after 112 years, he has still not forgotten the animals that define different regions in the four kingdoms and that’s exactly why he wants to finish those “important tasks” alongside saving the world. His important tasks included keeping a check on the natural biodiversity of the lands and exploring whether the Hundred Years’ War had not damaged the majestic animals. Actually, his first dialogue right after regaining consciousness is to go for an otter penguin’s ride with Katara. When I thought about that I felt that somewhere in Aang’s mind he was always connected to nature and that’s why he wanted to regain that connection by being an avatar. Sadly we never see much of the biodiversity but I hoped that maybe they will.

Also, how come Aang had that silent whistle for one hundred years when in the series he only discovers that accidentally? I missed the OG Yip Yip for our Appa. There are lots and lots of problems with the Netflix version, and no I am not being a nitpicker. I appreciate how the current creators credited the original ones, but now I know why Bryan and Michael bade farewell to this project. On a scale of 10, it’s a 4 for me or 4.5 if I am being too generous.

If I am asked to review the live action in a single line, I would only say this:

“The Netflixed ATLA makes you go back to the OG series and you end up watching the animation to give your mind a much-needed respite from a carefully crafted artistic disaster aimed at the sensationalized generation.”

[the-ninjago-historian]

Ninjago: Into The Deep (Master Post, Summary, and Q and A!)

Hello everyone! Thanks for stopping by! If you've been on my blog, you probably know about this upcoming project. But for those of you who don't, what is Ninjago: Into The Deep? I'll tell you! Ninjago: Into The Deep is a fully fleshed out Ninjago fan season inspired by legendary fantasy works such as Narnia, Lord of The Rings, and even classic Disney films and more modern adventure stories like Avatar: The Last Air Bender. Here's the summary!

Things are looking up for the Ninja since their battle with the Crystal King! Jay and Nya have gotten married, Lloyd is now training to become a sensei, and Ninjago City hasn't had a major disaster in over a month! (A new record!) Everything seems to be going well, until the team receives a mysterious letter from Queen Vania, requesting their presence.

Once they arrive, they discover an evil plot, orchestrated by former king Vangelis, to overthrow Vania and take the throne again! And having a taste of conquest while on the Crystal Council, the disgraced monarch has his sights set on the rest of Ninjago as well! Powered by a new energy source, Vangelis is now far too powerful for the Ninja to defeat with their current abilities. They must find a new way to defeat him!

This takes the Ninja on a quest to a new world! The magical and beautiful subterranean kingdom of The Deep Lands! There, they must find the Elemental Beasts. Seven creatures created by the FSM and imbued with elemental powers, to teach the first Elemental Masters how to use their abilities. And who control the very balance of nature itself! From these magical beings, the Ninja will learn new powers and skills that are beyond their wildest dreams, and take down Vangelis once and for all! So join us, as we meet new friends, experience new powers, and journey Into The Deep.🍃🌊🔥🪨❄️🐲⚡

So that's it! I also have some cool concept art that should be finished soon!

Now here's some Q and A to answer all your questions! Some are from one of followers, and others I added in just to give general information. 😁 If you don't see a question being answered that you would like to see answered, please feel free to send it in!

(Under the cut because this is LOOOOOONG.)

First some general info.

Q: How will the episodes be released?

A: Each episode is three chapters long. Therefore, split into three parts. (Kinda like how you would have two commercial breaks in a real episode of Ninjago!) One episode will be released every week! Via a released chapter every Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Q: How many episodes will there be?

A: 16-20. About as many a regular season of Ninjago would have!

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Q: What is this series rating?

A: G - PG! I don't do adult humor or gore. So it will be about as kid friendly as a usual Ninjago Season!

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Q: Will there be exclusive characters?

A: Yes! Several! Some including the Elemental Beasts, and even Cole's Grandfather Rocky! More will be released as the series goes on.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Q: Will the season ever be animated?

A: If I aquire the time, resources, and skills, absolutely!

Now, let's answer some questions from one of my followers and awesome friend @dexter-the-dog!

A: Probably the only thing that makes it an Alternate Universe is that Dragons Rising isn't canon to this story. Other than that, it should fit nicely with the canon.

A: YES! The Elemental Beasts! They are so cool! I can't even put it into words! Currently, there are six Elemental Beasts. One for Fire, Water, Earth, Ice, Lightning, and Air. The Air Beast will have a very important role to play in this story! I'm also partial to Cole's Grandfather Rocky, who will also be making an appearance! He's a very interesting guy. And super powerful too! After all, he fought the Serpentine and the Time Twins! So he has quite a few tricks up his sleeve!

A: As Doc would say, #NoSpoilers! Lol! But there is a really cool scene were Nya uses her powers in a new way! It should be EPIC. So cool in fact, I just might animate it!

A: Ah! I can answer both of these! Since Into The Deep is a fan season, it will try to fit into the canon as closely as possible. That being said, the characters are exactly as you would see them in the canon show. No backgrounds or roles changed. But whether they will gain new abilities or new roles? Well that I can't say without spoiling things.

A: It's definitely the Cole x Vania story I have planned. Lol. Yeah, I ship them. I think they're cute. And they'll have plenty of cute moments in this story!

A: Into The Deep happens about a month or two after Crystalized. :)

A: I've been waiting to answer this one! The Elemental Beasts take on a mentor role for each of their appointed ninja. They will help them learn new abilities and fight their inner demons to truly become their most powerful selves. They're also are basically Nature Spirits. Each one controls a certain element in nature from their base kingdoms in the Deep Lands. Because of this, they can never leave to go up to the surface, or the balance would be offset. This factor is important, so make sure you remember it while reading.

And that's all the questions I got! That was fun!

Before I end this post, I'm gonna tag a few people I remember being interested in this thing! (@rinkunokoisuru @shatteredhope123 @miraculous-stud @nocturnal-nexu @dexter-the-dog) Hope you guys enjoy all this info! And thank you for all your love and support. It's really kept me going.😁🫶

Well, that's all for now! Keep an eye out for updates! And I'll see you around! Bye! - ✒️🐉

[rosemarydisaster]

It's been said before how Sokka kinda learns a lot of different combat styles from different regions. I just think it would be neat if after the war he set out to be the Non Bender Avatar.

At first Katara was a bit confused, but by now she's learned that her brother just has ideas sometimes. She's willing to see this through. Aang is of course super supportive even if he doesn't get it. And thus, the journey begins.

First, he finally finishes his father's fighting lessons. He's a master of the boomerang and a fearsome Southern Warrior...but that's not all. With Aang's help they visit the Northern Water tribe. While the Avatar deals with some diplomatic business, Sokka asks to train with their warriors. Now he's a master of both southern and northern water tribe fighting style.

Next is Kyoshi island. Suki is really happy to see him there and more than gladly agrees to continue his training. He's no longer a silly little boy with narrow minded ideas. He's a man of the world, and he puts the work to learn their techniques. By the end of his training he's gifted his own fans and new friends, the rest of the warriors impressed by his dedication and amused by his humor.

On the mainland he finds different teachers, and a variety of styles. From Lucha libre-esque to more martial arts focused. He also learns how to handle quite a few weapons, the Bo staff becomes one of his favorites for its versatility.

The fire kingdom is home to so many great fighters he almost gives up. Obviously a culture so focused on war would nurture a talent for violence. The first one is both the easiest and the hardest. Zuko is his friend, so he's easy to convince. Tragically he also has many obligations and little time. Sokka makes it work, training under the blue spirit when the Fire Lord has some free time and continuing his lessons with Piandao. Even better Ty-Lee and Mai both visit the palace frequently so they're next. Ty-Lee's is probably the hardest one yet, the acrobatics a little too much. But with enough practice he finally obtains the flexibility and balance to pull it off.

The last one is the most difficult one. Not only are the Air nomads ostensibly pacifists but, well, there's only one left. Aang is sure that there must have been some fighting style of his people. No culture is a monolith and although everyone he knew was a pacifist, there must have been someone out there kicking ass air nomad style. After some studying and many dead ends they realize that the calm and meditative Tai chi the monks did at the temple was originally a martial art. Mixed in with some air bending moves and promising to only use it defensively, Sokka becomes the first air nomad martial artist in a very long time. It brings him and Aang even closer, being able to share his culture with someone else. Feeling like maybe it's not gonna end with him or his line.

At the end of the journey Katara just smiles, joining her brother and boyfriend in their taichi demonstration for the earth Kingdom and Fire Nation delegates. You truly did it she thinks to herself the Non bender Avatar.

Just, Sokka learning every fighting style and becoming a menace who just so happens to be best friends with the most powerful non benders in the world.

[oneatlatime]

The Northern Air Temple

Some thoughts before we get into the episode:

-I feel like Sokka got more lines in the first half of the season. Don't know if that's true, but that's what it feels like.

-I feel like Katara and Zuko have evened out a bit compared to the first half of the season. Certainly Katara hasn't done anything too annoying in a few episodes, and Zuko at least makes (a very small amount of) sense now, thanks to The Storm.

-I need more Appa.

Episode Time!

Wait

This episode apparently has the option of commentary. I'll save that for a rewatch.

Now it's episode time

A surprisingly ominous musical sting for the opening title card. Kind of reminiscent of Jet's musical sting.

We must be getting pretty close to the north pole because the parkas are back.

Oh my god actual airbenders? Is this show's title a lie? Avatar: Upon Further Investigation, One of Several Airbenders.

Also did that storytelling guy just charge his own great-grandfather for listening to his own story told back to him? Who's the real cheapskate?

Sokka whittles! That's a nice touch. Gotta have something to occupy your time on long polar nights. I think it's a beaver with a hat? How does Sokka know what a beaver is? There are no trees at the south pole. Unless it's a chipmunk. But those don't exist at the south pole either.

optimist = liar is an underrated take. And very Sokka.

The southern Air Temple was much more colourful than this. Maybe sunsets suck up north? Also those are live people. Living breathing non-corpses. Doing airbendy things. I am confused.

ok paragliders! Not airbenders. You know Aang must have been crushed by that bait and switch. He copes with it better than I would.

They may not be airbenders but this is still some pretty fancy flying. Obviously these glider people have been at this for a while. Do you think, in the absence of airbenders, non-benders were like "welp, somebody's gotta do it"?

Nailed it. Meng's right. He does have big ears.

My god I hope this kid does regular maintenance on his brakes. He came in hot.

This kid (Tayo?) is really sweet actually. He's got that same sort of sincere joy that Aang does when he's happy. Like when he was laughing at Pipsqueak's name. An ersatz airbender having an airbender's joy is cleverly done.

You couldn't have moved that pipe six inches up? Tayo may call his dad a mastermind, but this reeks of sloppy planning and building on the fly. This is the kind of plumbing dead end I'd plumb myself into, because I don't know how to plumb. What's the plumbing equivalent of cable management? Because these people need it.

I get it. This episode is going to be a commentary on the world moving on during the last century.

There was a deliberate conscious choice made here. You couldn't accidentally decapitate the monks every time you installed a pipe. Even if there wasn't a conscious choice to be destructive, there had to have been a conscious choice to be callous. Poor Aang's day is just getting worse and worse.

How does piping hot air everywhere result in goop?

Now moved on to literally decapitating monks. Come on guys, I was being facetious.

"This whole place stinks!" Buddy I could not agree more.

Then again: "Who said you could be here?" Can't agree with this one. How could they have asked for permission to move in? The only airbender around was frozen. This conflict is going to have to find a middle ground. Obviously these new guys are taking it way too far, but Aang has no right to expect the world to have been left unchanged for a century. Honestly I'm surprised that no one had moved in to the Southern Air Temple. It didn't occur to me when I watched that episode, but we've seen enough war-torn villages since that I'm surprised the air temples haven't been claimed by refugees.

"We're just in the process of improving upon what's already here" would be a much more convincing justification if it wasn't being spouted by someone standing in a giant hole created by a wrecking ball. Although kudos to this guy for seeing an opportunity to help his son and his people. Heart's in the right place, but I'm kind of questioning the execution.

"Progress has a way of getting away from us" another underrated take!

Tayo's dad's mannerisms are strange. He's giving me Willy Wonka vibes (Gene Wilder, not Johnny Depp).

Four o'Candle. I won't lie, that's funny. Gotta wonder how the rest of the world tells the time, if this guy invented timekeeping.

I regret taking this screenshot.

That's sweet, showing Aang the one untouched room. This Tayo is quite empathetic and perceptive, unlike his father. Also a good point about the animals. They never left.

I'm sorry, but the Southern Air Temple is just so much prettier.

Interesting storage choice. Do you think that was an airbender thing or a later addition?

Aren't fireflies a warm weather thing? Maybe someone at the temple has a pet firefly colony?

A natural gas PSA. Was not expecting that. Huh.

Pretty neat that Tayo has intuitively figured out what airbenders need to fly, even if he doesn't have the vocabulary to express it. Once again Aang recovering from disappointments way faster than I could. He said he wouldn't open the door maybe three minutes ago? And now he will. Truly too pure for this world.

This episode is going all over the place but the bug jokes are good.

What do you want to bet that the airbending door opening is footage reused from the Southern Air Temple?

I'm enjoying Sokka having someone to vibe with intellectually (who respects him as an equal - yay!) but I also feel like I'm seeing thirty years into Sokka's future if for some reason Katara stops with the occasional smacks upside the head.

Do you think Tayo's dad is so loopy because his head's in the clouds?

Did not see that coming. Also how many times is poor Aang going to get kicked around this episode? The airbenders that weren't, the temple that was modified to high hell, now the temple sanctum as a fire nation weapons vault. Ouch.

It does track though. Imprisoned shows that the Fire Nation has no qualms about exploitation - in that case, prison labour to build their fleet, and earth kingdom coal to power it. Makes sense that they would strong arm the mechanically minded into helping them as soon as an opportunity presented. Is that how the Fire Nation has gotten so far, shamelessly using anything and anyone that can be exploited? How many Fire Nation innovations are originally someone else's? Hot take: the Fire Nation is Thomas Edison.

Aang can do Bitchslaps!!!! This is wonderful! I demand more of these in future.

"We control the sky. That's something the Fire Nation can't do." So that fire nation hot air balloon I saw in the sanctum was for exploring the sea floor?

Ever seen that thing where two incredibly smart people get together and somehow manage to completely cancel out each others' intellects?

Ever-vigilant to roasting opportunities, Katara lands a perfect burn.

I guess actual murder bombs don't fly in a kids' show. But why not? Flaming fire ball catapults, crack archery squads, and actual past genocide are ok, but bombs aren't?

Aang, squadrons aren't very pacifist of you.

All those guys Aang buried with the air scooter are dead. Also not very pacifist.

Winchable tanks. Very clever. Wanna bet they stole that idea too?

This made me laugh. I was expecting some sort of advanced flamethrower technology but it's actually the bending equivalent of leaning out a hole in the wall to throw rocks. This is Flintstones Technology.

Since when are Katara's pants white?

Winchable, self-righting tanks? That's far too cool for the bad guys to have.

Told you it wasn't Fire Nation tech. Although Tayo's pride in his dad's counterbalancing system is maybe a tad misplaced, saying as that system is being used to attack his home. Oops?

YEEESSS! GLORY TO THE BEAST!!!!!

Upon being informed that the tanks run on a water counterbalance system, Katara, instead of exploiting this, decides that now is the time to remember that she is a waterbender (something she forgot despite spending the last few days (?) surrounded by snow), and uses ice to take the wheels off, what - two tanks? - and then decides to retreat and wait for her brother to save the day. See, this is what happens when Sokka isn't there to do her thinking for her.

Isn't wearing the enemy' insignia a big nono? Then again, a century of war is a big nono too, so I doubt anyone's going to quibble it.

Why are they dropping slime on tanks? How does slime stop them?

In a rare moment of Katara-thought, Sokka loses his mind and throws the whole furnace out of the balloon, rather than just opening it and scooping out some burning fuel. Sokka is so used to doing Katara's thinking for her that he's out of practice at doing his own thinking.

And the temple is still standing, how? Sokka just killed like hundreds of fire nation guys.

Note to self: always pack a spare firebender when travelling by hot air balloon.

Sigh. Saw it coming. Do you think Tayo's dad got the inspiration for the balloon's shape from those guys' hats?

Final thoughts

This episode was a bit of a mess, wasn't it? How many plot threads are they trying to juggle here? -preservation v. innovation -the spirit of airbending living on in Tayo -collaborating with the enemy -the plight of refugees -Natural gas PSA -Sokka the genius -Disability opening up alternate abilities -Guess who now has the ability to meet Aang on his own playing field?

These are all worth talking about, but maybe over the course of two episodes, maybe even three. Cramming this all into one episode means at best that your characters are going to be doing 180s at record speed (Aang and the airbending door), at worst that your characters are going to be nonsensical pastiches that serve the plot rather than act as humans (Tayo's dad is disturbingly all over the place).

The ever-present tensions between the preservation of the past and the needs of the present - in other words - honouring the ancestors v. supporting the descendants, is a very real, very ongoing conflict inherent to humanity as a whole. It's a whole industry: Cultural Resource Management. It's definitely worth talking about. But this was so ham-fisted. Avatar doesn't usually do ham-fisted; they've set a high standard for themselves in other episodes and I will hold them to that. I think sticking this theme into an episode that included so much else was what caused the less-than-subtle handling. There simply wasn't time to do it justice.

I would have liked if Aang and the temple dwellers reached a compromise at the end, rather than Aang completely giving over. Keep Aang's dialogue about Hermit Crabs (why are they black and white?) but then add a couple of lines about how now that the fire nation are gone, the sanctum can be returned to how it ought to be, or promise to decapitate no more monks. Just a couple of lines. Ultimately the temple dwellers are right that they need a place to live, but you can be right in a wrong way. A wrecking ball way. And you can preserve while innovating. It's possible. Wouldn't it have been on-brand if the episode ended with a compromise - you know, balance?

That being said, there was a lot that was good this episode. Tayo is a sweetheart. I loved the fact that he's in a wheelchair and it's not even really mentioned. His wheelchair doesn't even figure in the plot - it's just part of his character design. It's given the same weight as a character wearing glasses would have. I would love it if all physical differences could be treated with the same level of 'I don't care' as a character having glasses. So often in fiction, disabled characters are written with a disability rather than a personality, so it's nice to see it done properly here.

The unwilling Fire Nation collaborator thing definitely feels like a situation that could happen, but I don't like that Tayo's dad was so intent on not being blamed for it. He's an adult, and sometimes being an adult means owning up to stuff. Obviously he's in a rock and a hard place situation, and it's not his fault that he's stuck there (not like he had a choice) but he seemed more intent on getting Tayo to absolve him of blame than to actually explain. His first line upon being confronted being "you don't understand!" rankled.

There's no way that every adult in the temple didn't know it was happening, right? But they agreed to keep it from the kids? We see that Tayo's dad works with a crew when he's wrecking stuff for a bathouse (!!!), and I sincerely doubt that the stuff he built in the air sanctum was the work of only one person. That would have been a cool angle to explore, not that this episode needed yet more angles: The lies we tell our children.

The natural gas PSA didn't bother me at all. It did feel ham-fisted, but if this episode taught even one kid to look out for the smell of rotten eggs, then it's a win. Natural gas is serious stuff and not to be messed with. Anything that teaches kids that is good, no matter how ham-fisted.

Regarding the natural gas, I guess it came from the slime? But I don't know where the slime came from? It could also be unrelated to the slime, in which case the original airbenders would have kept it under control by airbending it away? It's a shoehorned-in PSA, I'm probably giving it too much thought.

Sokka collaborating with an equally intellectual adult that actively seeks his input is lovely to see, although I personally found Tayo's dad to be off-putting. Must have been a confidence boost for Sokka though.

Sokka and Katara both having brainfarts this episode was some rare sibling solidarity.

Poor Aang this episode just kept getting stomped on. This has been a rough few episodes for Aang. He majorly goofs up in Bato of the Water Tribe, he majorly goofs up (this time with consequences) in the Deserter, and now he gets to see that there is truly nothing the fire nation hasn't gotten their grubby hands on - and if there is, others have ruined it anyway. Can this poor guy have a break next episode? Maybe ride some giant animals? Giant hybrid animals?

I do like Tayo as kind of the next generation of airbenders. Iroh and the Deserter (not spelling that guy's name) both give me the impression that bending is as much philosophy as it is physical thing. It's neat to see that, while airbending is gone, airbending philosophy can remain. Can in fact pretty much spontaneously regenerate under the right conditions. I wonder, after enough generations of nonbenders thinking like airbenders, could airbending reappear?

The word I keep coming back to is ham-fisted. We're nearing the end of the season; maybe the writers had a bunch of leftover ideas they really wanted to use that they couldn't fit elsewhere? I'll rewatch this one just to listen to the commentary, but otherwise I think it's pretty meh.

Appa unleashing beast mode on a couple of tanks may well be the highlight of this episode.

[angelosearch]

My initial screaming thoughts on the Avatar the Last Air Bender live action remake on Netflix. Spoilers for eps 1-4 below, will watch 5-8 later today probably.

I want to hug this casting director and also ask them how they pulled the chacters straight out of the cartoon and made them real.

IROH IS SO GOOD OMG

Lol wow the dialogue is really leaving nothing up to the imagination. Exposition exposition exposition. Get why they are doing it this way but it gets reeeeeally clunky sometimes.

We must say the exact number of years that everything has happened and everyone's age

hope line in ep 1 is straight out of Ember Island Players

WOW THE BENDING

WOW THE FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY

The ostrich horses are chocobos and I am not taking any questions

😭 The airbender genocide is horrifying (as it should be)

Animals are a tad uncanny valley but I am okay with it

I appreciate that they kept so much of the original music even though it feels a little out of place for something live action

The tone is much more mature. The themes are different in a good way - they haven't changed much of what exists in the canon, just shifted focus. Adult side characters are getting more story. Stakes feel higher. Violence! Grittiness!

Firebenders are really fucking evil so they need to balance it with more morally gray/evil earthbenders and more upfront sympathy/development for Iroh and Zuko

This show could be enjoyable to someone who has never seen the cartoon before but it is definitely written for us, those who had our hearts broken by the movie

Sokka is not overtly sexist and honestly I'm okay with it. I like that arc for him in the animated tv show but with the tone of the live action, he couldn't just be funny sexist, he would have to be dark sexist and that just wouldn't be Sokka. Plus I like how they focus more on Sokka's sense of duty because it creates a good foil for Aang.

I was never really a big Sokka/Suki shipper but DAMN.

KYOSHI PLEASE STEP ON ME ALL I REALLY WANNA BE A GIANT WOMAN OMG THEY TOOK STUFF FROM THE BOOKS

I am getting more Zutara vibes rn than Katara/Aang idk

Okay they are condensing the plot but in really smart ways. We aren't losing much.

The set design. The costuming. SO PERFECT. Ohmashu looked great.

DANIEL PUDI AAAAHHHHHHHH

THE. CABBAGE. MERCHANT. 10/10 IT'S THE VOICEACTOR THEY CAST HIM IN THE LIVE ACTION

they mention secret tunnels. Are they gonna do it? Are they gonna keep it in?? YEEEESSSS FUCK YES OKAY THIS REMAKE IS AMAZING

I really like how they made the tunnels about sibling love tbh

Utkarsh Ambudkar disappears into the role of Bumi and it is SO GOOD

Me: *cries as Zuko comforts Iroh at Lu Ten's funeral* My husband: "Wait, listen to the music" Me: *listens* *lays down* *CRIES A LOT*

This show is very focused on showing what a 100 year war does to people and I think that was a good direction to take

Overall I am VERY happy with it. They understood the assignment, there is a ton of love for the show weaved into it, and I am excited to see more.

[bestworstcase]

This might be out there but speaking of storylines that aren't too compelling from avatar, what are your thoughts on spiritbending? Personally I do not get observations that treat it as a triumph of Aang's culture when it's existence is completely unrelated. Also, implication wise it's kind of messed up right? Killing is wrong but reaching in and altering someone's soul is better.

so.

the removal of ozai’s firebending is sort of the pin holding the whole narrative together because the fire nation’s imperialism, historical genocide of the air nomads and southern water tribe, and ongoing genocide of the earth kingdom, is a perversion of the balance between the four elements and explicitly the direct cause of the fissure between the material and spiritual planes. the fire nation’s century of war is ultimately a campaign to eradicate spirituality itself: imperial fire benders hunted their own tutelaries into near extinction, and iroh’s spiritual reawakening when he met the last two dragons is the sole reason dragons still exist at all. this is to say, the fire nation went down a path whose terminus is no more bending and no more magic in the world, period.

aang is 1. the sole survivor of the first genocide—the only air bender still living and thus in a position directly comparable to those last two dragons iroh refused to kill, and 2. the avatar, whose foremost responsibility is to safeguard the spiritual balance of the world by mediating between not only the four elements but also with the spirit world itself.

thus, aang’s responsibility with regards to the fire nation conquest does not end with deposing ozai and restoring peace between what remains of the four major polities; he has to also heal that fissure between the material and spiritual planes. the fire nation’s genocide of its own tutelaries and desecration of its own spirituality demands redress. zuko’s arc of spiritual renewal over the course of the story goes hand in hand with his reclamation of his birthright as the heir apparent to the throne for exactly this reason—the healing of the fire nation has to come from within—but aang is the one who must till the soil, so to speak, that has been baked down by a century of spiritual deprivation.

aang has his own reasons for not wanting to do so by killing ozai—he’s thirteen or so by this point and a dedicated pacifist whose pacifism is rooted in a culture that no longer exists except in him, naturally he does not want to sacrifice that for the sake of expediency if he can find any other option—but the spirits also have good reason for providing aang with the alternate solution he pleads for. the fire nation tried to eradicate their own tutelaries. dragons taught fire bending to their chosen people and the ruling dynasty of the past century presided over a cultural era which saw killing dragons become a rite of passage and a proving for master fire benders.

aang seeks guidance from the spirits and one of the oldest and wisest of them answers: if he chooses to sever himself from the spiritual realm, let it be so. if he will not see the true value of what he has been given, let him be blinded by it. if the fire nation has forgotten that it must live in harmony with the rest of the world, let it be reminded.

and then zuko, who lost his fire bending and then learned it anew from the dragons his uncle would not kill, assumes the throne. it is directly a restoration of what was desecrated when the fire nation began to hunt dragons.

the issue with all of this, insofar as there’s a narrative issue with how the spirit bending resolution is executed, is that ATLA tends to flinch whenever it gets too close to the idea of spiritual reawakening and consequently treats communion with the spirit world as a highly individualistic and somewhat abstracted endeavor. aang’s profound spirituality is constantly devalued and even belittled by his friends, and zuko’s spiritual deprivation and struggle with fire bending is largely framed in terms of the emotional struggle to heal from his father’s abuse. toph learnt earth bending from the badger moles and zhao rips the moon from the sky and enrages the ocean by killing the moon spirit, but the narrative does very little to build from these ideas to make the fire nation’s desecration of the spirit world the centerpiece it needed to be in order for spirit bending to stick the landing. acts of spiritual desecration are consistently treated like isolated incidents with only the feeblest effort made to bring out and really showcase the pattern that leads to loss of fire bending as the inevitable ending for ozai and everything ozai represents.

it’s a story about how the natural consequence of rejecting spirituality is spiritual death, hamstrung by also being a story that is tangibly self-conscious and a bit embarrassed of its spiritual themes. LOK is in large part an attempt to correct for this by examining the longer term consequences of the fire nation’s devaluation of spirituality but i would need to rewatch it before i could speak to whether it’s successful or not, because it’s been a long time and i don’t remember LOK as well as i do ATLA.

[teecupangel]

Hi. I'm one of your greatest fans.

Sooo... I was watching avatar the last air bander and I was just wondering which clan desmond and his ancestors ( or whoever you want) whould be from.

Or were there still a kind of assassin's order like them in avatar world?

Hello! It’s always fun to hear from you guys!

Oooohhh, then may I interest you in this Avatar AU ask that has both “what if Desmond and his ancestors were the next line of Avatars?” and “Okay, but what if, they were like… Pro-bending pros?”

So, for this ask, I think we can just go and use the Pro-bending AU as our basis.

In that AU, I suggested the following:

Altaïr - Fire Nation, born and raised to be a soldier but left because he grew tired of being told “If only you’d have been born as the Avatar…” and became a Pro-Bender to show that, even if he isn’t the Avatar, he was still the strongest Firebender. (can also Lightningbend)

Ezio - Born in Republic City, his family was surprised to learn he could Airbend. They had Air Nomad ancestors but they haven’t had an Airbender for generations. Instead of joining the Air Nomads in Air Temple Island, he learned from old texts left by his ancestors and decided to be a pro-Bender to get the attention of a woman named Cristina who is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist from the Republic City. Well, that was the reason why he joined but he stayed because he enjoys pro-Bending and he likes to joke that his teammates would be lost without him.

Ratonhnhaké:ton - He said once he was from the southern part of Earth Kingdom (actual location is unknown), he appeared in Republic City when he was fourteen to find his father. He doesn’t talk about why he was looking for his father but his team knows it didn’t end well and he began to live with his grandfather instead who was an ex-Pro-Bender and their manager.

Desmond - Doesn’t like to talk about where he’s from but he did admit that he was born in ‘one of the smaller islands of Fire Nation’ and that’s as far as he was willing to say. He came to Republic City to start his life (his words) and ends up being Edward’s assistant. It pays the bills and he lives with the rest of the team in the apartment Edward set up for them for cheaper rent and living expenses in general. Other hints he gave about his birthplace: shaped like a moon and has a volcano. Altaïr immediately thought of Crescent Island and Desmond just laughed but he never confirmed nor denied it.

Edward Kenway - Born in Southern Water Tribe and he likes to say he was a descendant of one of the most feared pirates of the Southern Water Tribe but there’s no real proof of it. He left his tribe and came to Republic City to become a Pro-Bender, leaving his wife with a promise he would get enough money to buy her a house in Republic City and send for her once everything is ready. Edward doesn’t talk about what happened to him during his latter years as a Pro-Bender (although there were rumors with some talking about how one of his team members died or something) but his wife died back home and his daughter was escorted to him. He later remarried a woman from a wealthy family from Earth Kingdom that was staying in Republic City and had a son (Ratonhnhaké:ton’s father) although they’re divorced now.

I think the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order would be… well… quite different in an Avatar AU. Less Assassin-y, more on the side of shadowy organizations using their ‘power’ to influence the world with the Brotherhood more on the side of ‘everyone should have the right to use their power as they wish but within reason’ and the Templar Order more on the side of “humans are unreasonable creatures that must be controlled to keep the peace.” (So it’s still Free Will and Absolute Order but less stabby-stab-stab and ancient alien BS and more fire-water-earth-air power with a bit of stabbing as a treat) Hidden Blades are still a thing but they’re mostly an old tradition kind of thing (Altaïr did learn how to use them and one of his techniques is to create a thin blast of fire from his wrist at close range. Desmond seemed unsurprised by Altaïr’s ‘signature move’.)

Okay, so other characters time!

Also known as… Unorganized Notes:

Haytham is a Water Bender but he was born and raised in Republic City. He travels a lot as he inherited his mother’s family’s company. He says he has no interest in Pro-Bending but Shay had seen him watch matches of his son once or twice.

Speaking of Shay, he’s from the coldest parts of the Northern Water Tribe. He can be a Water Bender or a non bender. If he is a Water Bender, he’s in his element in icy locations and liked to use ice as part of his moves.

Arno Dorian is a rival Pro-Bending Team with Jacob and Jayadeep. He was born and raised in Republic City (and sorta childhood friends with Ezio… distantly). He’s a Water Bender and acts as the leader of his team “The Rooks”.

Jacob Frye is a Fire Bender born in the United Republic of Nations (although he wasn’t born in the capital). Together with his twin, they ran away from home and went to Republic City without the approval of their guardian after their father’s death. He became friends with Arno and helped him create a Pro-Bending Team because it looked fun.

Evie Frye, Jacob Frye’s all-time suffering older twin and a Fire Bender as well. She’s also officially a backup member of the Rooks (there was one time that Jacob got an injury that made him unable to play for a few months and she 'helped out') and where Jacob’s fire is all-consuming and full of flair, her fire is more precise and quicker (and with enough training, stubbornness and actually stalking Altaïr which embarrasses Jacob so much until Altaïr finally agreed to teach her, she learns how to Lightningbend). She’s currently studying at a university in Republic City and has a part-time job in the public library where she met Jayadeep.

Jayadeep is from Earth Kingdom and is an Earth Bender. A certain incident made him and his family leave their hometown when he was young and he’s been living in Republic City ever since. Has been roped by Jacob into joining the Rooks but he’s enjoying it… also… Evie always comes to cheer him on when they have a match. (“I’m here for Jayadeep, not for you.” “Love you too, my dear sweet sister.”)

I like to imagine Bayek as a non-bender who became the president of the United Republic of Nations. If a fic was to be written about this AU, the characters would usually just hear his name from the news like “President Bayek has signed the…” or “Today, President Bayek was seen in…”

Aya is a Fire Bender who disappeared after the death of her son. It’s not that well known but she had been President Bayek’s wife as well. No one knows her current location or if she was even still alive.

Kassandra is a Fire Bender and she’s a Pro-Bender as well. Born in Fire Nation in a family known for having lots of military achievements, she left her family and started to wander around, ending up in Republic City and getting roped into joining the Pro-Bender team composed of Eivor and Tahira. She has a younger brother named Alexios who she regularly spars with. Alexios always jokes about making his own Pro-Bending team so he can show everyone who the hotter sibling is.

Eivor is part of a small clan in the Northern Water Tribe. She left with her half-brother for Republic City to make a name for themselves. Her brother, Sigurd, is a rising politician and she’s using her popularity in Pro-Bending to support her brother. Pictures of Sigurd cheering loudly and always supporting Eivor’s matches endears him to the people because it’s clear that he’s being earnest in supporting his sister.

Basim is Sigurd’s personal assistant of unknown origin and unknown Bending capabilities. He has a son (adopted? Biological? Eivor isn’t sure) named Hytham who is an Earth Bender and always watches Eivor’s matches.

Tahira is from the Earth Kingdom and is an Earth Bender. She actually came to Republic City to come live with her cousin’s family. She’s a big supporter of President Bayek.

Rebecca and Shaun are the main commentators of Pro-Bending matches. Shaun is a Water Bender born and raised in Republic City. Rebecca was born in one of the small villages that lie on the border between Earth Kingdom and United Republic. She’s an Earth Bender but her skills actually lie in Metal Bending.

Clay is an Air Nomad who sorta slips in and out of the Air Temple and Republic City. He’s friends with Ezio and Ezio introduced him to Desmond. He’s a bit strange but Desmond believes his strangeness is deliberate to make people underestimate him.

The name of the landlord of Desmond and the other’s apartment is Edward Thatch. He looks a lot like the Fire-Bender Blackbeard who was Edward’s old team member and the one rumored to have died. They call him Uncle Eddie and he just laughs whenever anyone tells him he looks like Blackbeard.

Mary Read (Earth Bender) and Anne Bonny (non Bender) own the bar that Edward likes to frequent. Mary was the other member of Edward’s team and she used her savings and retirement fund to build the bar called Bad Weather. Desmond part times there for extra cash and to help up whenever it gets busy and he didn’t have anything to do anyway.

[impossiblycolorfulpanda]

Alternate ending of ATLA if there was a book 4: air, and Ozai was actually Vaatu, the dark avatar, a one-man team avatar, and the true instigator of Sozin's war:

Aang: Azula’s plan worked. Raava is now the spirit of darkness/chaos/yin as well as light/peace/yang, the spirit of balance itself. She can now also embody and control the sources of any/all bending.

Zuko: I don’t even know what to say.

Katara: You were incredible!

Toph: You pull off the craziest stunts.

Ty Lee: The way you turned all gigantic like that, wow! Just when we were losing, a miracle happened!

Mai: There’s never gonna be a dull moment with you, is there?

Sokka: Are the elemental spirits ok? Appa? Yue? My dad?

Aang: Yes. All souls that were absorbed, including Yue, Appa, and your dad, are now free and are going in peace. But I no longer draw power from the lion turtle spirits or elemental spirits, they all draw power from me.

Sokka: OK. Good. As long as they’re ok.

Suki holds onto Sokka’s arm and rests her head on his shoulder. Cut to Aang and Azula at the northern portal.

Azula: Now that you’ve reconnected with Raava, have you also regained your past lives?

Aang: No. That link is gone forever. I am now the first Avatar in a new line of Avatars.

Azula: You don’t say. Let’s just close the portals and call it a day.

Aang: (Reaches for the portal but stops and hesitates) Maybe I shouldn’t.

Azula: What makes you say that?

Aang: I think with the spirit portals opened, it’ll restore the ancient balance between our world and that of the spirits and it’ll help eliminate the illusion of separation that divided us for so long. Appa’s physical body may be dead but I can still sense his spirit. Iroh’s spirit is here too. Everyone we’ve ever loved and lost. What do you think?

Azula: You’re the avatar, this is your type of situation, whatever your decision is, I’ll support you.

Aang looks at the portal and smiles. Cut to the rest of the gang gathering together in front of the third middle portal. They all collapse in exhaustion. Zuko and Katara held on to each other, Sokka and Suki did the same thing as well as Aang and Azula.

Zuko: I can’t believe a year ago me and my sister’s purposes in life were competing against each other and hunting you down. And now…

Aang: And now we’re all getting along.

Zuko: Yeah…we are.

Aang: I can’t believe a year ago I was still frozen in a block of ice. The world’s so different now.

Zuko: Yeah…

Katara: The fight is finally over. But how long will this peace last? So much chaos and death have happened. I can’t help but feel like we’re the only ones left.

Azula: (To Aang) Hippie, what do you think? Are we the last ones alive?

Aang entered the avatar state and put his hand on the ground. After a few moments, he went back out of the avatar state.

Aang: No. Less than 50% of all living creatures in the physical world manage to survive but they’re all headless. All of their homes and establishments have been destroyed. No nations to govern them. No rulers to lead them. Every member of the white lotus and the original benders are all still dead.

Azula: That’s where we come in. We’re the only ones left alive who know the goals of the white lotus, so it’s up to us to complete them. The white lotus and the original benders shall be reborn through us. (To Aang) Any bright plans that you would like to share regarding that?

Aang: Even though we should learn from those who came before us, we must also forge our own path. So, as we rebuild, we should announce that we are bringing back the era of energybending and give everyone a choice to bend more than one element like me, I'll continue to be the avatar only because of my avatar spirit. This may blur up the avatar cycle but the avatar being able to reincarnate at all is good enough for me. The portals will also remain open, which means I will no longer be the bridge between the two worlds. Humans, spirits, benders, non-benders, nations, and elements will all learn to live together as one, with all of us leading them. Things will never be the same again, we are entering a new age.

Everyone nods and stands back up. They all look at the third portal. Pan to the sky, which is filled with spirits. All are flying and dancing in the sky.

[fangirlshrewt97]

Story Summary - RRR x ATLA AU

Hey guys, another story summary. I have a lot of ideas I want to write, but I am also feeling slightly frustrated with lack of responses. Like I’m screaming into the void. I know that in the last few months we have been lucky to have so many new people join the fandom, but because of the increased number of works, I am also seeing this almost apathy/works getting taken for granted. Real life takes priority, but if anyone else has noticed many previously active people in the fandom have gone quiet, I do wonder if this is one reason. I am definitely feeling it. 

Anyways, that’s just my opinion. Here is the ATLA AU story summary I had written way back when. It’s not very detailed and I did stick close to the plot of the movie, but it’s just food for thought. 

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For context about the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe, the population is divided into four nations that each have an affinity over one of the elements (Air, Water, Earth, Fire). Of the general population, a smaller subset have the ability to "bend" or manipulate their element of affinity, and can train to strengthen their skills. In addition to control over the "raw" elements, each element also has a special ability associated with it (Air -> Oxygenbending; Water -> Bloodbending; Earth -> Metalbending; Fire -> Lightingbending). While each individual only has affinity for one element, every generation an "Avatar" is born who is capable of learning mastery over all four elements. The "nation" of birth for the avatar also cycles, so if in one generation they are born an Airbender, then in the next they are a Waterbender, and so on. The "Avatar" is typically the strongest bender alive for this reason, and discovers their ability to bend other elements in late childhood.

Ok onto the story. Let's modify these rules just a bit, so that while there are people who can bend who have an affinity to a single element, the strongest also have an affinity for a second element. And the Avatar is not one individual per generation, but there are a handful.

Let's keep the movie's plot the same, but now we have a Bheem who grew up as an extremely powerful and natural waterbender, with a strong affinity for earthbending as well. He never tries to bend either of the other two elements, because in the forests, Water and Earth are the most important elements anyways. And none of the tribespeople think about the possibility Bheem might be an "Avatar" because the last time an "Avatar" was born among them was a couple centuries ago.

Let's also have a Ram who is a very talented Firebender, but who downplays his abilities in front of the British. True that if she showed his power he could have a better chance of getting a promotion. But the British are not total idiots, and are very wary of the Indian benders, not hesitating to lock away any bender who shows even the slightest threat against them. So Ram keeps his abilities hidden, never doing more than the occasional fireball or providing light during night time escorts.

When the child is in danger after the train explosion, the men still stage their rescue, with a little subtle aid from their elements. Ram concentrates on the flames that surround Bheem to make sure he is not burned. He doesn't realize that the fire couldn't burn Bheem anymore than him. In the water, Bheem propels them to land without Ram the wiser. Their friendship remains the same, though Bheem only reveals his Earthbending to Ram, who in turn shows his simplest Firebending tricks.

Good things with so many secrets involved can never last, and the Interval fight has to happen eventually. The battle is a true fight with both of them showing all their prowess for bending. Ultimately the outcome is the same. Even if there is one moment when Ram is walking towards an injured Bheem on the ground, and the flames seem to listen to Bheem instead of him. He must have been imagining things.

During the whipping scene, the leaf blowing directly onto Bheem's cheek when he was thinking so hard of his tribe is not a result of coincidence, but accidental bending. The platform seems to shake as the Earth quakes with each strike of the whip upon her child's flesh.

When Ram revists the platform that night, the earth beneath his feet seems to still burn with the heat of the sun where Bheem's blood has soaked the soil. Deciding to help Bheem escape, making his survival Ram's new mission is the easiest choice he has made in a long time.

As Malli runs from them all, Ram pursues her, wanting to make sure she reaches Bheem safely. As he runs out of bullets, he creates a fireball for the Britisher aiming his gun at her. From Bheem's perspective, he sees Ram with fire in his hands running straight at Malli. He redirects the fireball, so that it blasts back onto Ram's face. His anger takes over as he starts to create fireballs and throw them at Ram till he gets to him. He is still unable to stab him, instead pinning him to the ground with shackles buried in the soil. He picks up Malli and runs as fast as he can, feeling the air beneath his feet nearly letting him fly. He does not look back.

Ram realizes Bheem is not just an above average bender, but one of those legendary Benders with the ability to control all four elements. A kind of weapon the Britishers could never properly defeat.

Ram then gets imprisoned, and Bheem goes into hiding. He meets Sita (an Airbender), and gets to know Ram's backstory. For Ram's side, the prison cell they throw him in an ice-box style cell that is specifically meant to surpress the bending ability of Firebenders by keeping them on the verge of hypothermia. The rescue and the subsequent fight are twice as badass as before as both boys unleash their full bending abilities on the soldiers. The climax fight features fire bending Ram, but in that final scene where he confronts Scott, he teaches Bheem not just how to fire the gun, but to do Firebending.

The movie ends with them reuniting with their compatriots with the weapons. But instead of Bheem asking Ram to teach him how to read, it had Ram asking Bheem if he would be willing to join the fight. That he knows it is not fair to ask of Bheem, but with his powers, he cannot not ask either. Bheem has a minute of hesitation, because he still has his mission to fulfill, but looking at Malli, he also knows he never wants another child to go through what she has gone through. He tells Ram that once he has returned Malli to her family, he will come to Ram's village and train with him (and Sita) to learn about Firebending and Airbending, as well as bring a few other benders from his tribe who can help them.

Then they go on to train and become even more badass. Plus they kick a lot of Britishers's asses, and really what more could you ask for?

///

@rambheem-is-real @budugu @bromance-minus-the-b @hissterical-nyaan @obsessedtoafault @hufhkbgg @yehsahihai @rorapostsbl @fangirl-from-discord @fadedscarlets @alikokinav @chaotic-moonlight @rambheemisgoated @rambheemlove @jaganmaya @burningsheepcrown @lovingperfectionwonderland @rosayounan @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @thewinchestergirl1208 @dumdaradumdaradum @ronaldofandom @jjwolfesworld @jrntrtitties @kashpaymentsonly @jeonmahi1864  @stanleykubricks @m3gs1mps4a @tulodiscord @teddybat24 @sally-for-sally @ssabriel @jadebomani @stuckyandlarrystuff @veteran-fanperson @ohfuckoffpls @bheemaxrama @chaidrivenwhore @gifseafins @keyhunter04 @umbrulla

[itsaventingmachine]

My shipmate, @saranilssonbooks haggled me! I’m caught!

Book stack! Oh god. I am halfway through Melville’s the confidence man, (i might never finish that trip) Pierre (I’ve given up) Kierkegaards’ fear and trembling (god its so good but dude what the hell are you saying right now) David abrams the spell of the sensuous (its bonkers. It’s so good. Yes. I can’t wait to read it but also i have not touched it in a month) poison for breakfast by Lemony Snicket (never read snicket before but ohhhhh i will be doing more in the future. This is how philosophy should be. READABLE. This is one I’m actually reading because it’s so light and airy like a lemon meringue pie. Good) Nietzsche’s uhhh the antichrist (hate it. Shut the hell up you fucking emo pissed off skater boy. Find the beauty in life and touch some grass) Albert Camus’s THE PLAUGE (AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH RAHHHHH I WRITHE BENEATH HIS PROSE I SINK AND SLITHER, I CRY OUT NOISELESSLY INTO A WORLD WHICH KNOWS THAT GOODNESS MUST NOT BE PRAISED TO THE DETRIMENT OF MAKING US BELEIVE THAT EVIL IS A NATURAL PART OF MAN) yeah and ummm i just started interview with a vampire by Anne rice. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) gorl is horny. I thought i could listen to that glass of rat blood while at work. I was wrong. I got so worked up and was so startled when my boss inturrupted me. I’ll be finishing this within the next week. Hehe sexy evil vampires >:)

Last song: impressions by wild painting. Mmmmmmmm yes

Last film: across the spider verse! I watched it with a complete spider person nerd who paused it every five seconds and told us about the cameos. Good stuff.

Last show: avatar the last air bender live action. Costumes? YES sets? UAAAAH SO GOOD storyline? A FRESH DIFFERENT SIDE OF THE OG! COOL! Acting? …uh. Well. At least they’re not white and everyone’s names are pronounced correctly.

Current obsession: “my boyfriend” i am going to assume is not a valid answer here so i will go with phenomenology (the philosophical discipline) as a whole. My love, the oar with which I strike through the waves of life.

With my harpoon i strike @spaceacebreakface because i dont know anyone else :)

[northerngoshawk]

My Fanfiction

**NOTE: As of 05/31/2023, I will NO LONGER be posting to FFN, and any future fics after this date will be under archive lock**

Masterpost also will NOT include drabble series.

[ATLA]

An Honest Conversation -  In which Aang has a chat with Princess Katara of the Water Nation. Based off of Ogro's/Baithin's fanfic Distorted Reality.

Opposing Elements (and Their Relationships) - a study of the relationships between the four benders of Team Avatar, as told through their elements.

phoenix tears - canon divergence AU in which Aang doesn’t survive the final battle, leaving his friends to pick up the pieces left behind.

the avatar's fear - five fears that Aang has, and how he overcomes them.

dragon blood - canon divergence AU in which Aang doesn’t survive the final battle; a look at his death, through Suki’s perspective. Prequel to phoenix tears.

No Air - in which Aang is captured by Azula. Written for Whumptober 2021, Day 2: Talking is Overrated.

never one (without the other) - canon divergence AU in which Aang and Katara don’t get together after the final battle.

i see them - a study of Aang’s grief for the Air Nomads.

meeting you (for the first time) - in which Aang takes Katara to meet family.

teach me how to live my life (because I can't remember how) - in which Katara’s culture is lost during the war, over and over again.

letting go - in which Katara learns to let go.

no tears left to cry - in which the war breaks Aang. Rated M for themes of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal attempt

i lost it all again (can you help me find it once more?) - in which Katara struggles to remember who she is in a culture that had everything taken from it. Sequel to teach me how to live my life (because I can’t remember how).

tell me (every moment was worth it to be alive) - in which Aang writes a letter to Gyatso.

life is a burden (and the choice to bear it) - in which Aang ponders upon life.

gods don't bleed (except you do) -  in which Katara always thought that being the Avatar meant being a god. She learns from Aang that she is wrong.

where we're meant to be -  in which Katara and Aang were captured. They escape, and this is how they did it.

leaves let go (to fall from the vine) - in which Iroh sees Lu Ten one last time and learns to let go.

a war to win (at all cost) - in which Katara begs Aang not to go fight the Fire Lord alone.

never letting go - in which Aang gets hurt in battle, and Katara would rather die than give up on him.

protecting you - in which Aang and Katara are captured, and they endure torture. Prequel to where we’re meant to be.

grazing among the stars - in which Aang and Katara set down for the night after a long flight, and Aang learns to appreciate the slowness of life.

everything - in which Aang meditates upon his people.

going back, moving forward - in which Aang finds himself speaking to Gyatso once more.

dreamless dreams - in which Zuko is plagued with nightmares about the Air Nomad Genocide, and Aang helps him out.

these sleepless nights we spend (waiting to come home) - in which Aang and Hakoda learn what it means to live. A Hakoda Adopts Aang fic.

bleeding out (with you to carry me home) - in which Aang is grievously injured during a peaceful mission gone wrong. Kataang, feat. platonic Zukaang.

a love worth fighting for - in which the world told Katara and Aang to stay away from each other. Kataang Forbidden Lovers AU.

a thousand and one lifetimes - in which Aang is a part of the cycle of life and death. Rated M for themes of death and dying.

Pangu - in which being the Avatar is a burden as heavy as the weight of the world, but as long as Katara is alive, she swears that Aang will never have to carry it alone. Written for Kataang Week 2023 Day 2: Injured.

[Spiderverse]

a thin thread of trust, broken - a study of Gwen, trust, and how it binds her to the other Spiders.

[Crossover AUs]*

The Dishonored Blade (Avatar: The Last Airbender x League of Legends) - in which Zuko must bear the sins of his past during the annual Fire Nation Spirit Festival.

The Darkened Path (Avatar: The Last Airbender x League of Legends) - in which Aang must choose to either let go of his past or be consumed by his regrets.

see the sky and sea (and remember me) (Avatar: The Last Airbender x 大鱼海棠 | Big Fish and Begonia) - in which Katara brings a mortal back to life through magic, but at costs not even she could’ve imagined.

The Last Wind-Breather (Avatar: The Last Airbender x 鬼滅の刃 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) - in which Demon Slayer siblings Katara and Sokka find a boy trapped in ice; little do they know that their lives are changed forever. First fic in my Demon Slayer AU series.

*These are not true crossovers, but niche AUs that mixes the worldbuilding + plot of two separate medias. The first media in the parantheses is always the “main” world, with the same characters. The second is the version of AU I will be using.

[the-badger-mole]

I just saw a post about all the past Avatars telling Aang he should murder Ozai, even Yangchen (just like in the show) and it made me think: Aang is just 12 when he run away, and when he wake up, he's the last Airbender and last person from his culture, but he is still a 12 year old! I think it's crazy how everything that he says about the Air Nomads philosophy and lifestyle is taken as true. No question. I don't think he had much time to fully comprehend his own culture and its point of view. We know that Monk Gyatso killed Fire Nation soldiers and even Avatar Yangchen implies that kill Ozai is an option that he must take because isn't about him, but the whole world.

How much of this "every life is sacred" is really true? Maybe it was just his interpretation based on his age. Besides, Aang as the Avatar should be loyal to the balance of the world not just his own nation. Shouldn't he, as part of each element, eat meat or at least wear some Water Tribe clothes? Korra eats meet, it doesn't make her less of an Airbender or Avatar.

I don't know, I just think that as someone who should represent all the nations and cultures and balance, Aang seems always pretty bias and unbalanced.

What do you think?

I agree. The Air Nomad culture was both a society and a philosophical (religious?) ideology. I am a Christian and American. When I think back on what I understood about either at age 12, it's insane to me that everyone just took Aang's word for it on Air Nomad teachings. When I think of how I was taught both American culture and religion at age 12, I wouldn't have been able to have complex discussions about either topic, let alone teach someone else about it. My understanding at age 12 was rudimentary at best. And having not had anything approaching a history class since I graduated (unless you count interesting YouTube videos, which considering one of my favorite history YouTubers is Oversimplified, you should absolutely not), I am only slightly more qualified to discuss American society at any length.

Also, understanding a topic doesn't mean there's not ongoing research and education that needs to happen. The best teachers and pastors I had understood that while they knew a lot, there was still a lot to learn, and they kept studying and learning even while they were teaching. Having studied a few languages and lapsing in all but one of them, I can tell you from experience that no matter how good you are at something, continued studies are important not just for learning, but for retaining the information you already 'mastered'.

Now consider Aang, who we never really see practicing any form of bending after "mastering" it. I highly doubt that despite being a 'master' of airbending at 12 that he was among the best benders in the Air Nomad society. He was absolutely a natural airbender, but being a natural at something doesn't equate to being the best. After all, a natural athlete still needs to be trained and conditioned. But Aang doesn't even really practice bending, not even airbending, after getting what has to amount to basics down. Oh sure, he uses his airbending, but we don't really see him actually practicing or putting much effort into getting better at it. There's no reason to believe that he would suddenly throw himself into becoming an expert on Air Nomad philosophy or customs. He was born into it, after all. He studied with the monks (who likely kept the lessons age-appropriate). Why should he study it?

It seems to me, and I would argue that canon supports me, that Aang is not only basing his decisions on a 12 year old's perspective of his culture and philosophy, as he gets older, he's probably not even retaining information to that level. I have to assume that by the time the Acolytes come around, the version of the Air Nomad belief system they're getting is probably mostly just Aang's own personal beliefs and very little actual Air Nomad philosophy.

[lok-repository]

From the purported lok series bible pdf:

Avatar: The Legend of Korra Created by Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino SERIES OVERVIEW 3/8/10

THE SERIES Unlike “The Last Airbender’s” predetermined 3-season story arc, “The Legend of Korra” is designed to have self-contained, 12-episode seasons. The episodes within each season are continuous and chronicle one adventure in the story of Korra’s life. Each season will have a clear, satisfying conclusion, but will be written in a way that sets up a potential subsequent season.

SEASON ONE – SYNOPSIS

The series begins in the Southern Water Tribe, where 17-year-old Avatar Korra has just completed her mastery of Waterbending. Members of the White Lotus have gathered to escort her safely to Ba Sing Se where she is supposed to begin her Earthbending training. But the headstrong and rebellious Korra dreads being cooped up for years on some remote Earth Kingdom mountaintop. She is eager to get out in the world and start performing her Avatar duties, even though she is untested and not yet spiritually ready.

During her journey to Ba Sing Se, Korra decides to take her destiny into her own hands. Late one night, she sneaks away from her guardians and heads to a place she’s always dreamed of visiting – the United Republic Capital City. Because she’s on a personal quest to become the best bender in the world, Korra is naturally drawn to the place where the best benders in the world compete in the famous arena.

But danger looms.

A mysterious, masked man named Amon targets powerful benders and takes their bending away – permanently. Amon leads a group of chi-blocking revolutionaries who threaten the stability of the city and all the benders living there. Even though she is not a fully realized Avatar, Korra feels it is her duty to remain in the city and lead the fight against this growing anti-bending menace.

But in order to do so, she must accelerate her training. Rather than train each bending art in succession, Korra decides to train them all simultaneously. After scouting potential teachers at the Bending Arena, she recruits the handsome Mako and his younger brother Bolin to be her Fire and Earthbending teachers, respectively. For Airbending, Korra turns to Aang’s son, Tenzin. The middle-aged Airbender doesn’t approve of Korra’s unorthodox training method and is reluctant to teach her. But he soon realizes that the impatient Korra needs his spiritual guidance, and that the citizens of Capital City need their Avatar. When Tenzin agrees to take her on as his student, Korra moves into the nearby Air Temple with him and his family.

But not everyone is happy to have Korra in town.

First, there’s the Chief of the Metalbending cops, Lin Beifong, who doesn’t approve of Korra doling out her own brand of justice. The two headstrong women often come in conflict over who should be the real authority in the city.

Korra also butts heads with Arrlok, the Northern Water Tribe council representative. He is a two-faced politician who sees Korra as a threat to his proNorth agenda. And then there’s Mako’s girlfriend, Asami, who becomes jealous of allmthe time Mako and Korra spend training together.

But the biggest danger comes from Amon and his chi-blockers. When Amon discovers that the Avatar is in the city, he targets her and her friends. But the fearless Korra remains committed to stopping Amon from executing his plan to take out the Republic Council of benders, and ultimately rid the world of the “impurity” of bending.

As the season culminates, Korra gains more skill in Fire and Earthbending. She also begins to uncover the truth behind Amon and his mysterious origins. When they meet in a dramatic showdown, Korra’s courage and strength will be pushed to the limit. Will Korra be able to defeat the elusive and dangerous Amon and save Capital City from being ruled by an anti-bending dictator? Or will Amon succeed in taking her bending away, thus putting an end to the era of the Avatar once and for all?

The future of Capital City, and the world, hang in the balance.

[black-velvet-lady]

"Who's scarier? Ozai, Azula, Hama, or Koh?"

I think a question like this directly ignores some legitimately terrifying characters that we were introduced to in avatar last Air bender. Such as General Fong, the earth bender Prison Warden, Zhao, Avatar Yangchen, Fire Lord Sozin, Fire Lord Azulon, Combustion Man, the dragon of the west, and Long Feng to name a few.

Now many of these characters are undercut by little screen time, narrative framing, being overshadowed, or having their information be supplemental material.

Going in order of the books the Prison Warden of the earth bender Prison is a legitimately terrifying boss with violent impulses as volatile as a grenade locked behind a hair pin trigger. This guy throws fire at a prisoner's feet and locks him in solitary confinement for a week for coughing while he was talking. Coughing. Not only that he tossed his captain overboard for asking a question, he didn’t even know it was the captain. Then later near the end of the episode Haru throws a rock at his head and he immediately went to burn the kid for the offense. Course this is undercut by the end of the episode with him meekly saying he can't swim and Taro calling him a coward.

General Fong is another character that is legitimately terrifying due to his actual power hungry nature. Fong wants to weaponize a twelve-year-old boy and brandishes guilt upon the boy to achieve these ends. When told no he uses violence to achieve his goal against not only Aang, but Katara and Sokka as well. He buries Katara alive to force Aang into the Avatar State endangering the lives of his comrades and the injured stationed at his base, and he doesn't learn his lesson. He still believes he was right in doing all of this by the end of the episode cause he wants to wield the Avatar as the ultimate weapon and carve a bloody path of vengeance through the fire nation straight to the royal palace. Still he's undercut by sharing screen time with Azula who arguably steals the show from every major villain in the series.

The Rough Rhinos are kind of undercut by the fact that they always loose to the protagonist characters, but they were instrumental in the war effort as the forward troops. Not only that but they also have a canonical body count since they were responsible for the deaths of Jets parents during the burning of his village and they did have murderous intent in the village of Chin.

Sozin. Picture is worth a thousand words and I got two.

Enough said.

Azulon. Man was responsible for 90% of the hundred year war and ordered the death of his grandson cause his second son insulted him. He's a horrible POS.

Long Feng. Controls the largest city in the world through mind control and fear and is able to kill kids with impunity cause he's controlling the King like a puppet. Even when placed in prison he is still a danger to the city and its people.

Combustion Man. I think it's very telling that the gang will fight the dangerous ladies but their go to strategy with him is run and hide.

Yangchen and Iroh seem to stick out like a sore thumb now don't they? Don't be fooled. Yangchen's original lore actually states she took her job deadly serious. Yangchen was a fully realized Avatar at 17 and terrorized the world into such a state of paralyzing fear that there was a lasting peace for an entire generation after her death cause everyone feared her wrath. The framing around her and Kyoshi kinda makes them seem like the other way around but I find it very telling that Yangchen says you must sacrifice your own needs to protect the world while Kyoshi equates not lifting a hand to save Chin from dying to be the same killing him.

Iroh is the last one cause honestly you don't need me to explain why Zhao is bad. Let's keep one thing in mind with Iroh. He met the dragons before Zuko was born. He learned that fire is life 9 years before campaigning in the Earth Kingdom and laying siege to Ba Sing Se for 600 days. He only stopped when his son died. Did nothing as his brother took the throne and burned his son. Retired to the place he laid siege to. Brought the white Lotus into power and they continued his father's inhumane prisons on the red Lotus.

And Ty Lee is the scariest and most effective member of the dangerous ladies. No I will not elaborate.