Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated television series created by Brian Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino that aired in the late 2000s. Influenced by Asian culture, the shows set in a fantasy world where select individuals are born with the ability to control (bend) one of the four main elements; Earth, Air, Fire, or Water. The Avatar is the only person who can bend all four elements and is responsible for keeping balance among the four nations, as well as serving as the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.

The show follows the journey of twelve-year-old Aang, the current Avatar, and the last of his people, the Air Nomads. One-hundred years ago, Aang fled home, fearing his new responsibilities, but was forced into the ocean by a severe storm where he suspended himself in ice to survive. With no Avatar to maintain peace, the Firelord launched a global attack to expand the nation, starting with the eradication of Airbenders. A century later, as the Fire Nation approaches victory, siblings Sokka and Katara of the Southern Water Tribe accidentally discover and free Aang from the iceberg.

The two become Aang's close friends and remain by his side, traveling the world so he can master the elements. Although Aang's return is seemingly secret, Prince Zuko, the exiled son of the current Firelord, relentlessly hunts Aang after discovering his reemergence. Zuko's wise uncle Iroh accompanies him as he seeks to restore his honor and his father's approval by bringing the Avatar down. As Aang, Katara, and Sokka meet several aides during their travels while avoiding Zuko and other firebenders' capture, they're joined by Toph; An earthbending prodigy willing to assist them as they strive to end the Fire Nation's war and stop Firelord Ozai (Wikipedia contributors).

The most notable aspect of Avatar: The Last Airbender and what makes it such a fantastic all-around show are the universal themes it explores and the messages presented in the series. These are lessons viewers of all ages can learn from as well as substantial, relevant concepts for a work considered to be for children.

The series explores ideas rarely touched upon in youth entertainment, many of which relate to war. The show is set in a world overwhelmed by the imperialistic goals of the Fire Nation. Genocide is introduced early as the Fire Nation declared the world war by wiping out the Air Nomads with hopes of killing the Avatar. The mature concepts and effects of war are explored through the eyes of common people on either side, from the oppressed Earth Kingdom citizens to the brainwashed Fire Nation children. Many episodes demonstrate the corrupting nature of power through systematic inequality and the tyrannical grip leaders have on their own people. The show does a great job of expressing the results of violence; that good and evil aren't clear-cut, especially when innocent people are abused.

On top of themes relating to war, gender discrimination and female empowerment are also very present throughout the series. During a time where there are rigid roles for women in society, many of the strongest characters in the show are female. When first arriving on an island, Sokka is dismissive of the all-female Kyoshi Warriors there, but after seeing their skills in combat, he learns to appreciate and respect them. Katara and Toph, both young, independent teenagers, each refuse to conform to their stereotypical place in society. When the gaang arrives at the Northern Water Tribe, Katara faces systemic sexism and duels the master refusing to teach her waterbending to gain his respect. Both girls are strong-willed and reject the traditional roles of female characters. Katara and Toph show viewers that "it's more important to be yourself than to hew to the roles society expects of you" (Wikipedia contributors). This message is especially significant to female viewers and relevant to the progress in society today.

Destiny, fate, and one's ability to determine these things heavily influence the choices of each character. Both Aang and Zuko struggle to discover themselves and the roles expected of them vs. who they truly want to be. Zuko's relationship with Ozai and his Uncle Iroh demonstrates one's destiny can be changed and isn't set by others. Aang also refuses to conform to the initial path to stopping the Fire Lord, choosing his destiny for himself. Both characters emphasize that a person's life and who they choose to be is only determined by them, not others nor society (Wikipedia contributors).

While Avatar: The Last Airbender has something to offer all audiences, it remains popular partly due to today's circumstances. Recently being added to Netflix along with a new need to stay indoors, streaming services have filled in for theatres. This sparked reason for many to try (or rewatch) the renowned TV series. The surge has even pushed Netflix to begin production for a live-action reboot of ATLA!

Avatar is a show for our moment. It embraces the complexity and ethics of humanity, supplying plenty of action and humor but also demonstrating the nature of society and lessons any viewer can take away from. Aang and his friends stand on the brink of great change, visioning a better world. While we come to a turning point in our own wars against disease, racism, and inequality, our protagonist does the same, forging a path of kindness and unity (Dong). The series offers wisdom about the corruption of power and the cycle of violence that only hurts the innocent. It also teaches the heavy lesson that it's "those who are complicit in injustice who must work the hardest to end it, and the oppressed must do their best not to spread their traumas onto the next generation" (Clark). These lessons continue to be relevant today more than ever, justifying why Avatar: The Last Airbender remains such a fantastic show to not only watch but learn from.

The Legend of Korra is the animated successor of Avatar: The Last Airbender, created by the same writers/directors. The show takes place in a later version of the fantasy world, years after Aang's death. The once 12-year-old kid brought about great change after restoring balance, even creating Repulic City as the capital of the United Republic of Nations. The series follows the development of Korra, the new avatar, who faces the spiritual and political unrest of a modernizing world.

Seventy years have gone by since the events in ATLA, and a lot has changed since then. The rapid growth of technology has displaced the spiritual art of bending. What was considered a renowned martial art is now commonplace. Benders in Republic City use their abilities for sport, to work, or even to commit crimes. There is also only one family of Airbenders left in the world, Aang's son, Tenzin, and his children are responsible for teaching Korra to master airbending. Although there isn't a global war or threat of genocide looming over our protagonist throughout the show, Korra faces a multitude of threats as she does her best to fulfill her role.

The series is divided into four parts, each coming with a new danger to the state of the world. In Book One: Air, Korra finally leaves home to learn airbending in Republic City. She eventually becomes good friends with brothers Mako and Bolin, as well as Asami, heiress of a leading engineering company. The team works to stop the anti-bender uprising of the Equalists led by Amon. The masked villain can strip benders of their abilities. With the help of her friends and police chief Lin Beifong (Toph's daughter), Korra reveals Amon to be a waterbender himself and ends the Equalists' coup (Wikipedia contributors). The following chapters resemble the same pattern. A power-hungry individual seizes control, forcing Korra and her friends to take action. Each new challenge pushes Korra to grow towards becoming a better Avatar and teaches her that she can't just fight her way out of every problem.

The Legend of Korra is directly related to Avatar: The Last Airbender as it follows the series years later in the same fantasy world. Although both shows explore some of the same universal themes, they and the characters within them are unique.

Aang and Korra each possess the role of the Avatar. However, the creators do a great job of making them nothing alike, pushing Korra in a completely new direction. She's strong-willed and an untraditional protagonist like Aang, but she's isn't emotionally mature nor in touch spiritually. The two are perfect for one another's situation. Korra would excel physically in a battle with the Fire Lord, but instead makes countless mistakes as a diplomat, a field Aang was much more suited for.

From female empowerment to social/political oppression, the serious themes and concepts presented in both works separate them from other "children's shows." On top of the complex views and excellent character development of heroes and villains alike, the series' teach valuable lessons. Their connecting relationships to one another and society today makes them worth archiving.