While growing up, I was very happy with the cartoon selection playing on my T.V. I couldn't wait to get off school to sit and watch my favorite shows: ThurnderCats, Dragon Ball Z, Knights of the Zodiac were one of my favorites. The mid 90's to me was the start of the Anime Revolution for many of us; I've never seen cartoons being drawn so good, so detailed, with powerful dialogue and true meaning to them, but as the years went by, a poor selection of cartoons, bad drawing and dialogue started emerging. Whether it was from T.V. Radio or Movies.
I felt sad for the new generation, because I thought their childhood is lacking fantasy and hope; its lacking honor, originality.
But then, I met an 8 year old boy named Ka'saun, and he couldn't wait to watch The Avatar everyday.
While babysitting he said "Tiana, please lets watch The Avatar, you would like it" a little skeptical I said ok.
As the cartoon started I was blown away. This is how the introduction goes:
"Water... Earth... Fire... Air. Long ago, the 4 nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all 4 elements, could stop them, but when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. And although his airbending skills are great, he still has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone. But I believe Aang can save the world."
I was hooked to the T.V. after this. I felt hope and happiness for the children growing up in our world now. I like the fact that it's based out of the 4 elements that make up our world. I believe it keeps kids and also adults focus on what's really important. Even as a children's anime, it has great dialogue for adults too. Martial Arts is a big part of it, since The Avatar must master Water Bending, Fire Bending, Earth Bending to fight the Fire Lord and save the world. It's such a moving story and it's the perfect cartoon for kids.
Avatar: The Last Airbender takes place in a fantasy world that is home to humans, fantastic animals, and spirits. Human civilization is divided into four nations: the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Air Nomads, and the Fire Nation. Each nation has its own natural element, on which it bases its society. Within each nation exists an order called "Benders" who have the ability to manipulate the eponymous element of their nation.
The series was created and produced by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who served as executive producers along with Aaron Ehasz.
I'm so excited The Avatar Movie is coming out next year July 2nd, 2010. I'm planning to make this a birthday gift for my friend Ka'saun.
