Hello Avatar Fans Airspeed Prime here again with the Second Community Opinion, the first one was very successful so it will definitely continue.
So lets get right this months Topic.
Avatar The Last Airbender- Which Book Is Best ? Water, Earth or Fire.
Book 1 is the least best to me..because it was the introduction and it dealt with just the simple, black & white aspects of good guys vs bad guys..which is fine..but to me that has become a bit overly cliche and dull..but there were parts that were good about Book 1, no doubt..just the least appealing to me.
So to recap, Book 3 is the best, Book 2 is#2 loland Book 1 is last.
Steve
Of all the seasons of Avatar The Last Airbender, Book 3 is the best.It introduces many new and unique charecters as well as bringing back some old ones.The story of book 3 is very unique with many plot twists and it lets us see more about the Katara and Sokka's story, and a few things we never knew(like Roku's and Sozin's friendship). But before you say that book 3 is superior to the other books in every way let me tell you this - book 1 was the intro to the Avatar world. It showed us some very importent things (like the main charecters and bending) and book 2 gave us a big plot twist (Aang getting killed) and introduces Toph, Azula and metalbending.
However, book 1 was a bit predictable (hero wins all the time) and book 2 didnt have the happy ending of book 3 (in book 2 Aang dies, how is that happy? but in book 3 it ended with Aang and Katara kissing)
All 3 books may have been good, but book 3 was the best of the 3 books.
Donna
Which Book of Avatar The Last Airbender is Best hmmmm a huge question, I'm avid fan of all the books, - Book one the building of our story and journey with our hero's and villains, showing us a little of the backgrounds of the main characters but getting us onto the journey with the humor and also glimpses of the enormous scale of work the Gaang have set out for them. The devisation that Aang discovers that he truly is the Last Airbender alive what lead him to run away, meeting Zuko's alto ego and being sooo close to catching Aang. Leading into the epic battle for the North, exposing the Avatar's raw power as bridge between the worlds and become the Spirit of the Ocean to save the Northern Water Tribe from the Firenationjust some of the highlights that I love about Book 1.
In Book 2, getting to see the Gaang grow deeper into their roles and finally meet Toph, who brings a completely new and vibrant energy to the group showing how nothing comes easy and that by facing the challenges head on, you can do anything With wonderful splatterings of Uncle Iroh's gentle wisdom along the way Again the writers did an amazing job on the Desert episode mixing humor with the overweighting seriousness of being lost in the desert and possibly will end up dying if they don't get out of there, with Sokka and Momo's drinking of the catcus juice and the repercussions of this happening made great laughing fits underpinning this all with the trauma and grief that Aang has lost Appa and not knowing if we would ever see Appa again Seeing the team slowly fall apart and coming back together in the Drill episode, finally getting to see the legendary Ba Sing Sae and all the hidden agendas that run the city and it's illusions I loved the Guru episode as it delves deeper into the spiritual aspect of ATLA and prepares Aang, well, not quiet to the epic bending battle in Crossroads of Destiny I was gobsmocked when Azula shot Aang filled with Lightening! Didn't see that coming for sure!
However for me as an older "aged" fan of ATLA I'd have to choose book 3 as the best book for me - it dealt with the more gritty issues and the coming of age to adult type themes, mixed perfectly with enough humor/comical moments to keep the story moving forward. It also dealt with the pressing need and the magnitude of the challenge that faced Aang but the whole the Gaang - to bring and end to the war and restore balance to the world. It offered me as an Adult who loves this show the opportunity to see just how human these characters are and that we all face or deal with similar emotions/shadows. Ok, so we don't get to bend with the elements or facing total annihilation via a Evil (well surely misguided or totally deranged or all the above, LOL) Firelord, however we all have shadows or experiences where we can related to each of these characters at some point within book 3.
I appreciated that the ATLA writers brought more depth to the characters and we got to see more background of the main characters' journey and having to deal with their own weaknesses, flaws, anxieties and negativities to move into being a stronger characters. Dealing with their shadows and their openness to have them exposed and move forward with this We got to see the characters not only as villains or hero's but as human beings, struggling with their emotions, desires and needs.
From the moment Aang regains consciousness and discovers that all is not what it seems, and acknowledges he failed, that he feels he need to redeem himself and regain his honor, seeing the flip side of Aang becoming Zuko on a level and Zuko finally having his father's approval welcoming him home
I loved the epic fight scenes both in Day of Black Sun and of course the final 2 chapters of the book and series. In Day of Black Sun we got to see the fire Nation finally vulnerable, yet due to Azula discovering the invasion plan remain still resilient enough to reply to the attack The moment Zuko faced his dad and finally stood his ground and redirected Ozai's lightning, long enough to vanish and escape and fulfill his own destiny
I also loved the bending battle between Katara and Hama in The Puppetmaster. The moment when Katara discovered that she was just as strong if not a stronger bender than Hama and broke free of Hama's bloodbending control over her, and show her awesome waterbending skills, only to have to finally resort to Bloodbending to save Aang and Sokka from hurting each other under Hama's control showed for me that sometimes there just isn't a choice I wept with Katara when Hama congratulated her in becoming a bloodbender then seeing how anger and hatred fueled Katara to seek revenge and use bloodbending in the Southern Raiders episode to subdue the Southern Raider Captain only to discover he was not Yon Rha - That when she finally got to face her target, she used waterbending to show her ability and had enough control to not extract revenge in the end
Seeing the huge struggle Zuko has to convince the Gang that he isn't the person he use to be and that he really understands that as a firebender he needs to be more careful and control his bending so he doesn't hurt people unintentionally. and finding a deeper level of appreciation of fire bending with the Firebending masters Ran and Shao who show him the true meaning of firebending, and getting to see him be able to fight Azula in both The Southern Raiders and the Into the Inferno and Avatar Aang episodes on her level rather than being the weaker opponent was another epic moment for me.
I loved the comedy in The Beach, The Runaway, Nightmares and Daydreams and of course who will ever forget the Ember Island Players! Throughout the whole book the writers did a great job to bring balance to the storylines with enough seriousness, but not over the top by breaking it with comic relief
I can go on for ever about book 3 and all the highlights, but over them all - for me, the ultimate moment in Book 3 is Avatar Aang's return as the Avatar, and the epic bending battle with Ozai before Avatar Aang Energy Bends and takes away Ozai's ability to firebend ever again. The coronation of FireLord Zuko and seeing the four nations celebrate the war is finally over. Acknowledging that it isn't going to be easy, but working together and with the Avatars help Peace, Love and prosperity will be with them all
So now, I look forward to reading others thoughts on this Blessings! Donna
Indigo/Lola/Zoeeeee/Ana-Banana/Anastasia/Who knows how many more ?
Which ATLA Book is THE best???!!! Good question! The best Book is Book 1: Water!
Why?
Book 1: Water is the best cuz it states the whole story and plot-line of ATLA! It introduces everyone, explains what the whole series is about and it begins the showdown between the Fire Nation, the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribe.
Bonus: Favorite episode: the very first one.
Favorite quote: Sokka: Great! So Aang can just do his Avatar Spirit state thing and we can take Ozai down and BOOM! We win and all live happily ever after!
Book 3: Fire is almost a tie to Book 1 cuz it shows Aang and the final showdown between him and Ozai but I don't like how it mainly focuses on Zuko and Aang instead of the whole gAang.
Bonus: Favorite episode: Ember Island
Favorite quote: Azula: Yes! We can be the greatest couple there ever was and take over the world! Mwahahahaha!
Book 2: Earth is not as good cuz as the other 2 almost half of the Book just shows Sokka, Katara and Aang goofing around or trying to find an earthbending teacher. Less action. Although they do find Toph { }, it's still a 'lil boring.
Bonus: Favorite Episode: Avatar Day and The Blind Bandit.
Favorite quote: Toph: What do they call ya? Fancy Dancer?!
Rocky
This was a hard topic to write about because all of the books were incredible, but if I had to choose the best book, it would have to be book three. Book three was the conclusion to the series, you finally got to see the epic battle between Firelord Ozai (Phoenix King) and Aang which in the end Aang becomes a fully realized avatar after defeating him. Aang defeats the firelord by taking his ability to bend away by using energybending which was taught to him by a lion-turtle. During the battle you get to some bending moves that were never seen before throughout the series. There was the awesome Agni Kai between Zuko and Azula to decide who would become the new firelord. Zuko finally sees the light and realizes his destiny to restore balance to the world so he finally decides to joins team avatar to help them defeat his father by teaching Aang firebending as well as how to redirect lightning which Aang uses in his battle with Firelord Ozai. Azula finally loses her cool and control after her so thought friends went against her when Mai helped Zuko escape from the boiling rock and when Ty Lee blocked her chi path before she attacked Mai. We were able to see a unique form of waterbending called blood-bending for the first time. Katara confronts the man who killed her mother, Yon Rha. We learned more about The Order of the White Lotus and what they stood for. We saw a beefed up Iroh as he worked out while in prison during the first half of the season. Sokka trains under Piando the way of the sword and Piando helps make a sword made out of a meteorite. Katara and Sokka are finally reunited with their father. Sokka and Suki meet again when Sokka rescues her from the boiling rock. Aang finally confesses his feelings for Katara to her to which later leads to a very passionate kiss as the closing moments of the series.
Coming in at a very close second is Book 1. Book 1 was important because it introduced us to the avatar world and most of the main characters. We learned about the bending of the four elements and about the great war that has risen between the fire nation and the other nations soon after Aang disappeared. Avatar Roku reveals himself to Aang to help him along his journey. We meet Suki and the other Kyoshi Warriors. We realize that Aang is in love with Katara. Avatar Roku tells Aang about the firelord's plan to use Sozin's Comet to end the war once and for all which would come by summer's end meaning Aang would have to master the four elements by then which normally takes years to master a single element, but Avatar Roku tells him that if he doesn't defeat the firelord before the comet arrives then even the Avatar won't be able to restore balance to the world. We learn that Aang ran away from home and why Zuko is obsessed over capturing the Avatar so he can regain his honor and throne back to the Fire Nation. We meet Princess Yue, Sokka's first love interest, and later she becomes the moon spirit. Aang enters the spirit world for the first time and we learn that the Avatar is the great bridge between the spirit world and the Avatar world. We meet Commander Zhao who later on became Admiral Zhao and tried to conquer the Northern Water Tribe where he planned on eliminating the moon spirit and succeeded at first until Princess Yue gave back her life to the moon spirit. We saw Aang merge with the ocean spirit to beat the Fire Nation siege.
Last but not least is Book 2. Book 2 showed us what the avatar state was. We got to meet Toph a.k.a. the blind bandit who taught Aang how to earth bend who taught him to use earth as an extension of his senses. We saw Azula for the first time. We learned that she controls people by making them fear her. We watched Iroh teach Zuko how to redirect lightning. The gang takes a trip to the library and meets the knowledge spirit and finds out about a solar eclipse that would block all firebenders from being able to firebend. We sadly watched Appa get dragged away by some sandbenders while Toph was keeping the library from sinking. Sokka and Suki begin to fall in love. We meet the swamp guys. The gang stops a fire nation drill from breaking into the great wall of Ba Sing Se. We watch Toph and Katara go to a spa, Iroh celebrates his son's birthday, Sokka gets into a poetry-off with a teacher, Aang goes to the zoo, Zuko goes on a date, and Momo finds an imprint of Appa's foot in Ba Sing Se. We meet the corrupt Dai Li lead by Long Fang. Azula takes over Ba Sing Se while dressed as Kyoshi Warriors. Jet died trying to help Aang find Appa. Aang almost masters the avatar state but couldn't because he couldn't let go of his feelings for Katara. Azula almost killed the avatar by hitting Aang with lightning while he was entering the avatar state but Katara saved him with the water from the spirit oasis in the Northern Water Tribe.
Tracy
Of the three books, hands down, I'd have to say Fire is the absolute best. It's not to say that Water and Earth aren't as good, because both are excellent, it's a difficult choice.
Water sets down the foundation of the characters.
Aang, a 112 year old, fun loving kid burdened with the responsibility of saving the world.
Katara, the spunky but loving Waterbender whom Aang falls in love with the minute he sees those hair loopies float in the breeze.
Sokka, the sarcastic warrior who fights to keep his promise to his father by protecting his sister. He's smart, a great planner, he has a wicked sense of humor, but he can also be very caring.
Then there's Iroh, who seems to be lazy and a bit of a pacifist. But you get glimpses that there is more to him than meets the eye. Especially when he gets captured in -Winter Solstice Part 1".
Finally, there is the most complicated character of all. Prince Zuko. At first glance, you see an angry hotheaded young man heck bent for election on finding the Avatar. You see he's scarred, but you don't find out why until -The Storm".
He's so concerned about his honor, yet, doesn't realize that he has more honor than he thinks he does. When Iroh was kidnapped by the Earthbender soldiers and he saw Appa, there was that split decision of go after the Avatar or go after his uncle. He chooses Iroh.
There was also the Agni Kai with Zhao. Zuko could have killed him, instead he showed mercy, which only kindled Zhao's hatred for him.
You could see that under the surface, Zuko wasn't a typical bad guy. He was just a young man desperate to gain his father's love and respect as well as loving his country, which he did. He proved that when he stood up to the men at the war meeting, that led to his banishment.
Earth had some very fine points, too.
We were introduced to some very eccentric characters in the -The Cave of The Two Lovers". The Singing Nomads were hilarious. Sokka's frustration with Chong was understandable, but comical. But, Aang botches his chances at getting a kiss from Katara because when that moment came, he clutched.
The fact that Omashu was taken over by the Fire Nation was tragic, that King Bumi was trapped in a metal cage was heartbreaking.
And we were introduced to some new characters and bending.
We meet the mistress of manipulation, Zuko's little sister Azula, who is not only a Firebender, but she can also create lightning. Along with Azula, we meet Ty Lee, and Mai. Neither are Firebenders, but both are skilled in fighting. Ty Lee has the ability to block a person's Chi, except when it comes to Sokka's thick head. Mai is lethal with her blades.
Best of all, we get to meet Toph. She looks delicate, fragile, and happens to be blind, but truly proves to be the best Earthbender in the world when she is able to bend metal. She's sweet, but she also is very much like Sokka, whom she appeared to have a slight crush on, she had a sense of humor. But she was also very blunt and called it as she saw it. She was a very strong, endearing character that got on Katara's nerves, but of course, Katara being Katara, she treated Toph like a younger sister. They argued, but they made up.
In -Crossroads of Destiny", Zuko is actually happy he and Iroh are getting along, and then Azula and the Dai Li toss him in jail with Katara who hates him. But then, he grew gentle with her when she was so willing to heal him. She was the only person who touched his scar, and he let her.
Aang and Iroh came to their rescue, and then came -The Crossroads of Destiny". The true meaning of the episode.
Azula.
Had Azula not manipulated Zuko, said the things she did, bringing up his need to please his father, etc., I don't think he would have sided with her, but she knew what buttons to push, and he made the decision to fight with her.
It's a pivotal episode because it brings us to Fire.
Now, why is Fire best?
Every single episode is filled with action. There are no mediocre episodes.
You find out Azula is vulnerable and actually akward when it comes to being a regular teenager. She gets all crazy and power hungry when they play what should have been a friendly game. She gets a kiss from a handsome guy and gets all crazy again. You can't help but feel a little sorry for her. To me, she was the perfect character to love to hate.
Zuko's struggle is quite intense. He knew he betrayed his uncle. He was struggling with the right and wrong of things. His turmoil was apparent at -The Beach". But that inner turmoil is explained in -The Avatar and the Firelord" He's got the good and evil working in him. After that, when it comes to the war meeting, you can see there is a definite change in him.
You also get the sense even in -The Avatar and The Firelord" the parallels between Zuko and Aang. Zuko is a part of Roku, as is Aang. The groundwork is laid that they are destined to work together, of course that doesn't happen until later.
Sokka's growth comes as well. When he learns the way of the sword from Master Piandao. Through the whole series, you see he's learning to be a better fighter, but this was a pivotal point for Sokka because he isn't a bender like the rest of the gaang. He's the -Normal" one of the group. He's even told that he may end up a better master than Piandao, and I believe that he will be because Sokka, even with his goofball ways, gives 100% in anything he does. He strives to be like his father, who is a fine example of a man.
Aang has to face the fact that he'll have to kill the Fire Lord, something I don't think he ever thought about before. I don't think he was sure as to what he was going to do when he was going to face him during the eclipse.
The battle with the warriors and the benders was amazing. It was also the very first episode I'd ever seen, so I hold -The Day of Black Sun" as something special.
We also learn that Uncle Iroh isn't just a tea loving kook. The way he buffs up in prison and tricks the guard into thinking he's gone crazy is genius.
To me, it really started to get good when Zuko joined the gaang and wanted to teach Aang Firebending. It played out really well, it wasn't all hugs and kisses at first, he had to prove himself, which he did beautifully.
Katara who is usually the compassionate motherly type learns to -blood bend". And though she was horrified by it, she ended up using it when she was on her -Field Trip" with Zuko. But when she came to face the man who murdered her mother, she showed a great deal of mercy and walked away from him. Because of this, she was able to forgive Zuko.
We were also able to get a laugh with -The Ember Island Players". It was the calm before the storm of the final four episodes. I loved Aang's reaction when he was played by a bald lady. And Toph releasing that sonic wave (aside from the fact that he was a big buff dude) to see was a riot. Of course Toph was able to take it all with a grain of salt because she has a good sense of humor.
I did love how she told Zuko he had redeemed himself to Iroh, and then did her usual tough affectionate punch.
The fight scenes are amazing, especially in Sozin's Comet 3 & 4. The artwork is dazzling, especially with all the different Firebending, the artists outdid themselves, and the CGI was pretty fantastic, too. The music was astounding, it fit each scene pefectly, it made you feel like you were a part of the show.
The final battles were brilliant. Zuko's Firebending was equally as good as Azula's, the battle between the two, coupled with the music was perfect. Then, when he takes the lightning meant for Katara, it's very gripping. And Katara was the one who took Azula down, and she didn't use violence to do it. She could have hurt Azula with ice darts, but all she did was chain her up and rush to Zuko's aid. And then the two thanking each other gave a special kind of closure.
It was especially moving when Sokka loses his sword and boomerang and is holding onto Toph. I admit, I was going to lose it until Suki showed up, especially after Toph's, -Aye, aye, Captain." And then you see her cry.
Watching the Order of The White Lotus kick butt was really cool, too. I mean, those men weren't young, but they really put on a good show.
Of course there was the battle between Ozai and Aang. The first time you watch, you wonder, -Is Aang going to kill the bugger?" It's edge of the seat when Aang is covered with rock and Ozai is shooting fire at him, but then BAM his back strikes a sharp rock, and he is no longer cut off from his cosmic energy. He's downright fierce when he goes into the Avatar State and takes after The Fire Lord.
Aang gains control of himself before he strikes Ozai down, and even though he was shown mercy The Loser Lord tries to strike at him again. Then we get to see a whole new kind of bending. The way they showed the good energy vs. evil was amazing! Rather than take a life, The Avatar took away Ozai's bending. And who taught him? A giant Lion Turtle.
Seeing Zuko and Aang right before Zuko becomes Fire Lord is very touching. They came full circle, they were enemies, but now they became friends. It wasn't a huge surprise in one way, because they worked really well together in -The Blue Spirit."
Zuko gets crowned Fire Lord, but even still, he serves tea at the Jasmine Dragon to his friends while Sokka works on his painting.
Finally, much to the dismay to the Zutara fans out there, Aang finally gets what he's wanted from the time he saw Katara's hair loopies float in the breeze. A REAL kiss.
Rebelbender
It is very hard to choose which book is the "best" of ATLA. Each one of the books has some great values and purpose. Let's take a look at all three of them in order, then I'll try and pick out which one I think is the "best".
Book 1: Water
This is the introductory book. I notice that the animation and stories in the first few espisodes are much more simple than the subsequent episodes and books. Once the book gets going though, it turns into the wonderfully complex and awsome series we all came to love.
The whole first season is about introductions and goes in depth to set up the other two books. We meet some awsome characters and learn about the struggles of the main characters. Aang has to come to terms with his 100 year absence. Zuko is relentless in his quest of regaining his honor. We learn just how powerful the Fire Nation military is and what the rest of the world has been doing to survive the war. Season one is an awsome set up. My favorite episodes are "The King of Omashu" and " The seige of the North 1 and 2". It ends on a good note and we were all left HOPING for more.
Book 2:Earth
I loved season two. I think it had awsome substance and character developement. We met most of our characters in season one, but we get to know and fall in love with them in season 2. The episodes I love the most are the ones that delve into Avatar history. I like it that the writers took the time to explain why things are the way they are and in an interesting way. We learn about the Avatar State,meet Toph,go to a spirit library,loose Appa, travel to Ba Sing Se, learn it's secrets,find Appa,plan an invasion, unlock some chakkras, get betrayed, shot by lightning, and barely escape. Wheeew what a season! You can say what you want, but season two is probably what I would recommend to newcomers who want to get hooked on ATLA.My favorite episodes are Zuko Alone, The Blind Bandit,The Spirit Library, Appas Lost Days, Tales of Ba Sing Se, and The Guru. Book 2 ends on a bad note and leaves us BEGGING for more. I remember waiting through what I thought was torture for Book 3 to debut.
Book 3: Fire
Ahh season three, you are the freshest in our minds. So many great things happen in season three. I liked pretty much every episode. This season really got into the history of the world and rounded out our characters on the final leg of the journey. Aang wakes up and then dances with a headband, Katarra becomes a painted lady, Sokka gets a master and a space sword, Aang has some freaky and funny nightmares and daydreams, the much anticipated invasion happens and then fails. Zuko finally switches sides and teaches Aang firebending, with the help of the last two dragons. Sokka and Zuko break outta prison, with a little help. Katarra and Zuko go ninja on the Southern Raiders. The gaang hides out on Ember Island and enjoy a play there. Then a giant lion turtle picks up Aang to go kick the Firelord's butt in the ultimate final showdown. Azula finally loses it in the best bending battle of the series with Zuko, Iroh and the OWL take back Ba Sing Se,and Aang becomes a fully realized Avatar complete with energy bending capabilites. Then to top it off a Zuko's mom cliffhanger and Kataang.
If season two got you hooked then season three got you obsessed. I get excited just thinking about all the fun I have watching it. Every time it is freakin' awsomeevery time. My favorite episodes are The Avatar and the Firelord, Sokkas Master, Day of Black Sun pt. 2, The Firebending Masters, The Ember Island Players, The Old Masters, Into the Inferno, and Avatar Aang. Don't get me wrong, I like all the episodes. These are just my all time favs.
So if I were to pick out a "favorite" I would have to say season three is probably the winner, with season two coming in a close second. However, I only say that because I've watched every episode of the series at least five times. I don't know if season three would be my favorite if I didn't have the other seasons to set it up and understand it. I don't think you can fully appreciate what happens with some of the characters in season three unless you watch seasons one and two. For exampleCan one really know how huge Zuko's switch to the good side is unless you've watched his "evil" self in season one and his struggle in season two? I dont think so. I'm a guy who enjoys the end of a journey, so for me season three is my favorite.
It ends on a good note and I'm definately craving more. Come on Korra hurry up!
Admin / Jordash (Site Administrator)
If I were forced to choose I would have to go with Book 2 Earth although like many others mentioned I love them all." The reason I chose Book 2 is because this is where most of everyone's favorite characters were introduced." Toph, Azula and crew, etc.. Zuko goes out on his own and starts his transformation." The other big thing about Book 2 is that it seems like the series hit it's stride and took on a bit of a more serious and freaking cool tone while still being hilarious in a way that wasn't cheesy or childish." Avatar The Last Airbender Season 2 also stayed on track with the storyline a lot better and really nailed down some great story elements.
My second choice would be Book 3 Fire, primarily because of the action sequences and the Agni Kais, the Agni Kai between Zuko and Azula especially was amazing." The only bad part about Book 3 was that it was when the series ended haha." But it was a way good ending and I can't wait for Korra!
Can't add too much to whats already been said but the books that made up Avatar The Last Airbender are certainly something everyone should watch.
Our Communities Thoughts
This was a very difficult topic for everyone to write about, Since all three books of Avatar are so excellent so people choosing one over the other is not a slight on the others. Another problem was some people condensing their thoughts so they were not writing a Book.
The main general thoughts are that Book 3 Fire is the best followed Closely by Book 2 Earth with Book 1 Water lagging back a bit. The main thing to note here is that everyone loves each Season but overall people thought that Book 3 was the best Avatar, with all 3 Books up there with the best of any animation out there.
Book 3 was best because it had all the set up of Book 1 and 2 to work off to make some amazing Avatar, but it also had more Epic stuff happening compared to the other 2, with tonnes of extremely moving and emotional moments including Katara looking for revenge in "The Southern Raiders" and of course the Amazing Event that was THE FINALE with Aang finally becoming the fully realized Avatar we always wanted him to become, and of course KATAANG HAPPENED (take that zutarians !)
Look out next month for the next Community Opinion, to get your Opinion in the next post just be active on the forums and have some great discussions, Look at your Private Messages around the 13th of January as that is when I will be sending out requests for your opinion.
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See you next Month
This Topic is a very interesting one as many people have different things they like about Avatar, this combined with some of the amazing discussion that this topic brings up should lead to a brilliant post.
Here are the opinions of our Community.
Airspeed Prime(Moderator/Popular Post Writer/Facebook Administrator)
This is a topic I always love to discuss, that said it is very difficult to condense all my thoughts into a few paragraphs. So I will get straight into it, Book 3 Fire is my favorite followed extremely closely by Book 2 Earth and Book 1 is a clear third Place.I will now do a paragraph to discuss why each is placed like this.
Book 1 Water is a clear third place, but not because I don't like it, I Love it the reason it is third is because I like Book 2 and 3 much more. The Things I like about Book 1 are that is is a great introduction to the show, it does a near perfect job of introducing all our favorite Characters and bringing in the overarching story to the series. The problems (Minor because Avatar is such a great show) are caused in a way by it being an introduction, Book 1 seems a bit slow and too disjointed compared to the other 2 Books, this may be due to the whole plot of this book, simply put what happens is Team Avatar must travel to the Northern Water Tribe so Aang and Katara can Learn Waterbending and Zuko and Zhao compete to out do each other and capture the Avatar, the problem is that it takes a whole season to get there and much of the season is "Here is a new place, what must we do here" , and while these episodes are brilliant character development many don't advance the story at all. In terms of episodes, Book 1 has most of the bottom of my top 61 List. Jet, The Deserter, The Great Divide and the Spirit World part 1 are 4 of the Lowest on my list, many of the other episodes are mid to low on the List, On the other hand it does have some brilliant episodes: The King Of Omashu, The Storm, The Blue Spirit and the Two part finale are some of my favorites. To sum up Book 1 is a great introduction that is brought down (still amazing, Zuko and Zhao relationship is great, but compared to the other books) by many episodes that don't advance the plot and seem random. It lacks the "Epicness" for the most part of the other 2 books.
Book 2 Earth is a very close second for me, the only thing stopping it from being number 1 is again "Epicness", while in my Opinion it is the most consistent in terms of number of good episodes per Book, Book 3 has more superb episodes. Plus points for Book 2 are: The Introduction of Toph, bringing in more deep/meaningful themes, some great minor characters, Azula and most of all The Story of Zuko. We saw signs of Zuko becoming disheartened with the Fire Nation and doubting things in book 1, but in Book 2 he actually pretty gives up on capturing Aang and is set to settle down in Ba Sing Se with the help of his Uncle, Azula another great introduction changes that and you really feel for Zuko when he is so confused and has to make such an important decision: Good or Bad. In terms of episodes, Book 2 has no bad episodes with only Appa's lost days slightly below par, It has many great episodes including: The Blind Bandit, The Drill, City Of Walls and Secrets, Lake Laogai, The Guru and the finale. The Ba Sing Se conspiracy plot is an excellent storyline that is creepy and intriguing and then The depth that The Guru goes into Aang's Character is one of the standout moments of the series. Aang's death and revival in the finale and the impact that the fall of Ba Sing Se has on the world is A truly shocking moment and it floored me. Book 2 has a disadvantage in that it is the middle of a story while Book 3 is the end and this in a way is the only reason Book 2 is second to Book 3.
And finally we come to my Number 1, Book 3 Fire. Book 3 Fire wins by a tiny amount over Book 2 simply because it is More Epic than Book 2.It is more mature that the other 2 Books and deals with deeper themes, Katara is The Southern Raiders is a brilliant spotlight on Katara's issue, The death of her mother. We have our characters nearly fully developed and to me anyway they are much all much more interesting characters in Book 3. We get the payoff to many plot threads, KATAANG happened and it was Beautiful, Aang finally became the Avatar everyone wanted him to be and it was "again" Epic, Zuko at last found his own destiny became Fire Lord and is in a good relationship with Mai. The only bad things IMHO about Book 3 are that Team Avatar spent a bit too much time going through the Fire Nation and Toph got almost Zero development. In terms of Episodes, Book 3 has alot of the top episodes on my top 61 list With nearly all of the Book within the top of the list, The Four Part Finale, The Ember Island Players, The Headband and The Boiling Rock 1 and 2 some of My favorites. The only "bad" episode being The Painted Lady. The Finale is just One of the Best if Not the Best Pieces of Television ever, it is just brilliant in every way and a perfect way to end such a sensational series, The different characters relationships have developed so much up to this Book that they are so great in this Book, Sokka and Aang seem so much like brothers every scene they have. Book 3 is the most exciting Book and has such brilliant action, which is aided by the development of the Animation from Book 1. You could say that Book 3 takes everything developed in Book 1 and 2 and uses is to make itself The best Avatar ever, If Korra can live up in any way to this it will be amazing.
Coyote01
Ahhh..it's always hard to decide which book is the best loleach one has a central pivotal moment that is awesome and changes the dynamic of things. Ok so..if I HAD to sayto me..Book 3 is the best. In my opinion, what Book 3 has that the other books don't have..is 1.) A theme that connects all the characters beyond what is shown in the previous 2 books; and 2.) a truly EPIC series of events that changed each character forever. Book 2 is the 2nd best to me..it introduced new elements of philosophy that really made u think..and I love moments like those. Book 2 also introduced the only metal-bender and all so awesome Toph lol"
Book 1 is the least best to me..because it was the introduction and it dealt with just the simple, black & white aspects of good guys vs bad guys..which is fine..but to me that has become a bit overly cliche and dull..but there were parts that were good about Book 1, no doubt..just the least appealing to me.
So to recap, Book 3 is the best, Book 2 is#2 loland Book 1 is last.
Steve
Of all the seasons of Avatar The Last Airbender, Book 3 is the best.It introduces many new and unique charecters as well as bringing back some old ones.The story of book 3 is very unique with many plot twists and it lets us see more about the Katara and Sokka's story, and a few things we never knew(like Roku's and Sozin's friendship). But before you say that book 3 is superior to the other books in every way let me tell you this - book 1 was the intro to the Avatar world. It showed us some very importent things (like the main charecters and bending) and book 2 gave us a big plot twist (Aang getting killed) and introduces Toph, Azula and metalbending.
However, book 1 was a bit predictable (hero wins all the time) and book 2 didnt have the happy ending of book 3 (in book 2 Aang dies, how is that happy? but in book 3 it ended with Aang and Katara kissing)
All 3 books may have been good, but book 3 was the best of the 3 books.
Donna
Which Book of Avatar The Last Airbender is Best hmmmm a huge question, I'm avid fan of all the books, - Book one the building of our story and journey with our hero's and villains, showing us a little of the backgrounds of the main characters but getting us onto the journey with the humor and also glimpses of the enormous scale of work the Gaang have set out for them. The devisation that Aang discovers that he truly is the Last Airbender alive what lead him to run away, meeting Zuko's alto ego and being sooo close to catching Aang. Leading into the epic battle for the North, exposing the Avatar's raw power as bridge between the worlds and become the Spirit of the Ocean to save the Northern Water Tribe from the Firenationjust some of the highlights that I love about Book 1.
In Book 2, getting to see the Gaang grow deeper into their roles and finally meet Toph, who brings a completely new and vibrant energy to the group showing how nothing comes easy and that by facing the challenges head on, you can do anything With wonderful splatterings of Uncle Iroh's gentle wisdom along the way Again the writers did an amazing job on the Desert episode mixing humor with the overweighting seriousness of being lost in the desert and possibly will end up dying if they don't get out of there, with Sokka and Momo's drinking of the catcus juice and the repercussions of this happening made great laughing fits underpinning this all with the trauma and grief that Aang has lost Appa and not knowing if we would ever see Appa again Seeing the team slowly fall apart and coming back together in the Drill episode, finally getting to see the legendary Ba Sing Sae and all the hidden agendas that run the city and it's illusions I loved the Guru episode as it delves deeper into the spiritual aspect of ATLA and prepares Aang, well, not quiet to the epic bending battle in Crossroads of Destiny I was gobsmocked when Azula shot Aang filled with Lightening! Didn't see that coming for sure!
However for me as an older "aged" fan of ATLA I'd have to choose book 3 as the best book for me - it dealt with the more gritty issues and the coming of age to adult type themes, mixed perfectly with enough humor/comical moments to keep the story moving forward. It also dealt with the pressing need and the magnitude of the challenge that faced Aang but the whole the Gaang - to bring and end to the war and restore balance to the world. It offered me as an Adult who loves this show the opportunity to see just how human these characters are and that we all face or deal with similar emotions/shadows. Ok, so we don't get to bend with the elements or facing total annihilation via a Evil (well surely misguided or totally deranged or all the above, LOL) Firelord, however we all have shadows or experiences where we can related to each of these characters at some point within book 3.
I appreciated that the ATLA writers brought more depth to the characters and we got to see more background of the main characters' journey and having to deal with their own weaknesses, flaws, anxieties and negativities to move into being a stronger characters. Dealing with their shadows and their openness to have them exposed and move forward with this We got to see the characters not only as villains or hero's but as human beings, struggling with their emotions, desires and needs.
From the moment Aang regains consciousness and discovers that all is not what it seems, and acknowledges he failed, that he feels he need to redeem himself and regain his honor, seeing the flip side of Aang becoming Zuko on a level and Zuko finally having his father's approval welcoming him home
I loved the epic fight scenes both in Day of Black Sun and of course the final 2 chapters of the book and series. In Day of Black Sun we got to see the fire Nation finally vulnerable, yet due to Azula discovering the invasion plan remain still resilient enough to reply to the attack The moment Zuko faced his dad and finally stood his ground and redirected Ozai's lightning, long enough to vanish and escape and fulfill his own destiny
I also loved the bending battle between Katara and Hama in The Puppetmaster. The moment when Katara discovered that she was just as strong if not a stronger bender than Hama and broke free of Hama's bloodbending control over her, and show her awesome waterbending skills, only to have to finally resort to Bloodbending to save Aang and Sokka from hurting each other under Hama's control showed for me that sometimes there just isn't a choice I wept with Katara when Hama congratulated her in becoming a bloodbender then seeing how anger and hatred fueled Katara to seek revenge and use bloodbending in the Southern Raiders episode to subdue the Southern Raider Captain only to discover he was not Yon Rha - That when she finally got to face her target, she used waterbending to show her ability and had enough control to not extract revenge in the end
Seeing the huge struggle Zuko has to convince the Gang that he isn't the person he use to be and that he really understands that as a firebender he needs to be more careful and control his bending so he doesn't hurt people unintentionally. and finding a deeper level of appreciation of fire bending with the Firebending masters Ran and Shao who show him the true meaning of firebending, and getting to see him be able to fight Azula in both The Southern Raiders and the Into the Inferno and Avatar Aang episodes on her level rather than being the weaker opponent was another epic moment for me.
I loved the comedy in The Beach, The Runaway, Nightmares and Daydreams and of course who will ever forget the Ember Island Players! Throughout the whole book the writers did a great job to bring balance to the storylines with enough seriousness, but not over the top by breaking it with comic relief
I can go on for ever about book 3 and all the highlights, but over them all - for me, the ultimate moment in Book 3 is Avatar Aang's return as the Avatar, and the epic bending battle with Ozai before Avatar Aang Energy Bends and takes away Ozai's ability to firebend ever again. The coronation of FireLord Zuko and seeing the four nations celebrate the war is finally over. Acknowledging that it isn't going to be easy, but working together and with the Avatars help Peace, Love and prosperity will be with them all
So now, I look forward to reading others thoughts on this Blessings! Donna
Indigo/Lola/Zoeeeee/Ana-Banana/Anastasia/Who knows how many more ?
Which ATLA Book is THE best???!!! Good question! The best Book is Book 1: Water!
Why?
Book 1: Water is the best cuz it states the whole story and plot-line of ATLA! It introduces everyone, explains what the whole series is about and it begins the showdown between the Fire Nation, the Earth Kingdom and the Water Tribe.
Bonus: Favorite episode: the very first one.
Favorite quote: Sokka: Great! So Aang can just do his Avatar Spirit state thing and we can take Ozai down and BOOM! We win and all live happily ever after!
Book 3: Fire is almost a tie to Book 1 cuz it shows Aang and the final showdown between him and Ozai but I don't like how it mainly focuses on Zuko and Aang instead of the whole gAang.
Bonus: Favorite episode: Ember Island
Favorite quote: Azula: Yes! We can be the greatest couple there ever was and take over the world! Mwahahahaha!
Book 2: Earth is not as good cuz as the other 2 almost half of the Book just shows Sokka, Katara and Aang goofing around or trying to find an earthbending teacher. Less action. Although they do find Toph { }, it's still a 'lil boring.
Bonus: Favorite Episode: Avatar Day and The Blind Bandit.
Favorite quote: Toph: What do they call ya? Fancy Dancer?!
Rocky
This was a hard topic to write about because all of the books were incredible, but if I had to choose the best book, it would have to be book three. Book three was the conclusion to the series, you finally got to see the epic battle between Firelord Ozai (Phoenix King) and Aang which in the end Aang becomes a fully realized avatar after defeating him. Aang defeats the firelord by taking his ability to bend away by using energybending which was taught to him by a lion-turtle. During the battle you get to some bending moves that were never seen before throughout the series. There was the awesome Agni Kai between Zuko and Azula to decide who would become the new firelord. Zuko finally sees the light and realizes his destiny to restore balance to the world so he finally decides to joins team avatar to help them defeat his father by teaching Aang firebending as well as how to redirect lightning which Aang uses in his battle with Firelord Ozai. Azula finally loses her cool and control after her so thought friends went against her when Mai helped Zuko escape from the boiling rock and when Ty Lee blocked her chi path before she attacked Mai. We were able to see a unique form of waterbending called blood-bending for the first time. Katara confronts the man who killed her mother, Yon Rha. We learned more about The Order of the White Lotus and what they stood for. We saw a beefed up Iroh as he worked out while in prison during the first half of the season. Sokka trains under Piando the way of the sword and Piando helps make a sword made out of a meteorite. Katara and Sokka are finally reunited with their father. Sokka and Suki meet again when Sokka rescues her from the boiling rock. Aang finally confesses his feelings for Katara to her to which later leads to a very passionate kiss as the closing moments of the series.
Coming in at a very close second is Book 1. Book 1 was important because it introduced us to the avatar world and most of the main characters. We learned about the bending of the four elements and about the great war that has risen between the fire nation and the other nations soon after Aang disappeared. Avatar Roku reveals himself to Aang to help him along his journey. We meet Suki and the other Kyoshi Warriors. We realize that Aang is in love with Katara. Avatar Roku tells Aang about the firelord's plan to use Sozin's Comet to end the war once and for all which would come by summer's end meaning Aang would have to master the four elements by then which normally takes years to master a single element, but Avatar Roku tells him that if he doesn't defeat the firelord before the comet arrives then even the Avatar won't be able to restore balance to the world. We learn that Aang ran away from home and why Zuko is obsessed over capturing the Avatar so he can regain his honor and throne back to the Fire Nation. We meet Princess Yue, Sokka's first love interest, and later she becomes the moon spirit. Aang enters the spirit world for the first time and we learn that the Avatar is the great bridge between the spirit world and the Avatar world. We meet Commander Zhao who later on became Admiral Zhao and tried to conquer the Northern Water Tribe where he planned on eliminating the moon spirit and succeeded at first until Princess Yue gave back her life to the moon spirit. We saw Aang merge with the ocean spirit to beat the Fire Nation siege.
Last but not least is Book 2. Book 2 showed us what the avatar state was. We got to meet Toph a.k.a. the blind bandit who taught Aang how to earth bend who taught him to use earth as an extension of his senses. We saw Azula for the first time. We learned that she controls people by making them fear her. We watched Iroh teach Zuko how to redirect lightning. The gang takes a trip to the library and meets the knowledge spirit and finds out about a solar eclipse that would block all firebenders from being able to firebend. We sadly watched Appa get dragged away by some sandbenders while Toph was keeping the library from sinking. Sokka and Suki begin to fall in love. We meet the swamp guys. The gang stops a fire nation drill from breaking into the great wall of Ba Sing Se. We watch Toph and Katara go to a spa, Iroh celebrates his son's birthday, Sokka gets into a poetry-off with a teacher, Aang goes to the zoo, Zuko goes on a date, and Momo finds an imprint of Appa's foot in Ba Sing Se. We meet the corrupt Dai Li lead by Long Fang. Azula takes over Ba Sing Se while dressed as Kyoshi Warriors. Jet died trying to help Aang find Appa. Aang almost masters the avatar state but couldn't because he couldn't let go of his feelings for Katara. Azula almost killed the avatar by hitting Aang with lightning while he was entering the avatar state but Katara saved him with the water from the spirit oasis in the Northern Water Tribe.
Tracy
Of the three books, hands down, I'd have to say Fire is the absolute best. It's not to say that Water and Earth aren't as good, because both are excellent, it's a difficult choice.
Water sets down the foundation of the characters.
Aang, a 112 year old, fun loving kid burdened with the responsibility of saving the world.
Katara, the spunky but loving Waterbender whom Aang falls in love with the minute he sees those hair loopies float in the breeze.
Sokka, the sarcastic warrior who fights to keep his promise to his father by protecting his sister. He's smart, a great planner, he has a wicked sense of humor, but he can also be very caring.
Then there's Iroh, who seems to be lazy and a bit of a pacifist. But you get glimpses that there is more to him than meets the eye. Especially when he gets captured in -Winter Solstice Part 1".
Finally, there is the most complicated character of all. Prince Zuko. At first glance, you see an angry hotheaded young man heck bent for election on finding the Avatar. You see he's scarred, but you don't find out why until -The Storm".
He's so concerned about his honor, yet, doesn't realize that he has more honor than he thinks he does. When Iroh was kidnapped by the Earthbender soldiers and he saw Appa, there was that split decision of go after the Avatar or go after his uncle. He chooses Iroh.
There was also the Agni Kai with Zhao. Zuko could have killed him, instead he showed mercy, which only kindled Zhao's hatred for him.
You could see that under the surface, Zuko wasn't a typical bad guy. He was just a young man desperate to gain his father's love and respect as well as loving his country, which he did. He proved that when he stood up to the men at the war meeting, that led to his banishment.
Earth had some very fine points, too.
We were introduced to some very eccentric characters in the -The Cave of The Two Lovers". The Singing Nomads were hilarious. Sokka's frustration with Chong was understandable, but comical. But, Aang botches his chances at getting a kiss from Katara because when that moment came, he clutched.
The fact that Omashu was taken over by the Fire Nation was tragic, that King Bumi was trapped in a metal cage was heartbreaking.
And we were introduced to some new characters and bending.
We meet the mistress of manipulation, Zuko's little sister Azula, who is not only a Firebender, but she can also create lightning. Along with Azula, we meet Ty Lee, and Mai. Neither are Firebenders, but both are skilled in fighting. Ty Lee has the ability to block a person's Chi, except when it comes to Sokka's thick head. Mai is lethal with her blades.
Best of all, we get to meet Toph. She looks delicate, fragile, and happens to be blind, but truly proves to be the best Earthbender in the world when she is able to bend metal. She's sweet, but she also is very much like Sokka, whom she appeared to have a slight crush on, she had a sense of humor. But she was also very blunt and called it as she saw it. She was a very strong, endearing character that got on Katara's nerves, but of course, Katara being Katara, she treated Toph like a younger sister. They argued, but they made up.
In -Crossroads of Destiny", Zuko is actually happy he and Iroh are getting along, and then Azula and the Dai Li toss him in jail with Katara who hates him. But then, he grew gentle with her when she was so willing to heal him. She was the only person who touched his scar, and he let her.
Aang and Iroh came to their rescue, and then came -The Crossroads of Destiny". The true meaning of the episode.
Azula.
Had Azula not manipulated Zuko, said the things she did, bringing up his need to please his father, etc., I don't think he would have sided with her, but she knew what buttons to push, and he made the decision to fight with her.
It's a pivotal episode because it brings us to Fire.
Now, why is Fire best?
Every single episode is filled with action. There are no mediocre episodes.
You find out Azula is vulnerable and actually akward when it comes to being a regular teenager. She gets all crazy and power hungry when they play what should have been a friendly game. She gets a kiss from a handsome guy and gets all crazy again. You can't help but feel a little sorry for her. To me, she was the perfect character to love to hate.
Zuko's struggle is quite intense. He knew he betrayed his uncle. He was struggling with the right and wrong of things. His turmoil was apparent at -The Beach". But that inner turmoil is explained in -The Avatar and the Firelord" He's got the good and evil working in him. After that, when it comes to the war meeting, you can see there is a definite change in him.
You also get the sense even in -The Avatar and The Firelord" the parallels between Zuko and Aang. Zuko is a part of Roku, as is Aang. The groundwork is laid that they are destined to work together, of course that doesn't happen until later.
Sokka's growth comes as well. When he learns the way of the sword from Master Piandao. Through the whole series, you see he's learning to be a better fighter, but this was a pivotal point for Sokka because he isn't a bender like the rest of the gaang. He's the -Normal" one of the group. He's even told that he may end up a better master than Piandao, and I believe that he will be because Sokka, even with his goofball ways, gives 100% in anything he does. He strives to be like his father, who is a fine example of a man.
Aang has to face the fact that he'll have to kill the Fire Lord, something I don't think he ever thought about before. I don't think he was sure as to what he was going to do when he was going to face him during the eclipse.
The battle with the warriors and the benders was amazing. It was also the very first episode I'd ever seen, so I hold -The Day of Black Sun" as something special.
We also learn that Uncle Iroh isn't just a tea loving kook. The way he buffs up in prison and tricks the guard into thinking he's gone crazy is genius.
To me, it really started to get good when Zuko joined the gaang and wanted to teach Aang Firebending. It played out really well, it wasn't all hugs and kisses at first, he had to prove himself, which he did beautifully.
Katara who is usually the compassionate motherly type learns to -blood bend". And though she was horrified by it, she ended up using it when she was on her -Field Trip" with Zuko. But when she came to face the man who murdered her mother, she showed a great deal of mercy and walked away from him. Because of this, she was able to forgive Zuko.
We were also able to get a laugh with -The Ember Island Players". It was the calm before the storm of the final four episodes. I loved Aang's reaction when he was played by a bald lady. And Toph releasing that sonic wave (aside from the fact that he was a big buff dude) to see was a riot. Of course Toph was able to take it all with a grain of salt because she has a good sense of humor.
I did love how she told Zuko he had redeemed himself to Iroh, and then did her usual tough affectionate punch.
The fight scenes are amazing, especially in Sozin's Comet 3 & 4. The artwork is dazzling, especially with all the different Firebending, the artists outdid themselves, and the CGI was pretty fantastic, too. The music was astounding, it fit each scene pefectly, it made you feel like you were a part of the show.
The final battles were brilliant. Zuko's Firebending was equally as good as Azula's, the battle between the two, coupled with the music was perfect. Then, when he takes the lightning meant for Katara, it's very gripping. And Katara was the one who took Azula down, and she didn't use violence to do it. She could have hurt Azula with ice darts, but all she did was chain her up and rush to Zuko's aid. And then the two thanking each other gave a special kind of closure.
It was especially moving when Sokka loses his sword and boomerang and is holding onto Toph. I admit, I was going to lose it until Suki showed up, especially after Toph's, -Aye, aye, Captain." And then you see her cry.
Watching the Order of The White Lotus kick butt was really cool, too. I mean, those men weren't young, but they really put on a good show.
Of course there was the battle between Ozai and Aang. The first time you watch, you wonder, -Is Aang going to kill the bugger?" It's edge of the seat when Aang is covered with rock and Ozai is shooting fire at him, but then BAM his back strikes a sharp rock, and he is no longer cut off from his cosmic energy. He's downright fierce when he goes into the Avatar State and takes after The Fire Lord.
Aang gains control of himself before he strikes Ozai down, and even though he was shown mercy The Loser Lord tries to strike at him again. Then we get to see a whole new kind of bending. The way they showed the good energy vs. evil was amazing! Rather than take a life, The Avatar took away Ozai's bending. And who taught him? A giant Lion Turtle.
Seeing Zuko and Aang right before Zuko becomes Fire Lord is very touching. They came full circle, they were enemies, but now they became friends. It wasn't a huge surprise in one way, because they worked really well together in -The Blue Spirit."
Zuko gets crowned Fire Lord, but even still, he serves tea at the Jasmine Dragon to his friends while Sokka works on his painting.
Finally, much to the dismay to the Zutara fans out there, Aang finally gets what he's wanted from the time he saw Katara's hair loopies float in the breeze. A REAL kiss.
Rebelbender
It is very hard to choose which book is the "best" of ATLA. Each one of the books has some great values and purpose. Let's take a look at all three of them in order, then I'll try and pick out which one I think is the "best".
Book 1: Water
This is the introductory book. I notice that the animation and stories in the first few espisodes are much more simple than the subsequent episodes and books. Once the book gets going though, it turns into the wonderfully complex and awsome series we all came to love.
The whole first season is about introductions and goes in depth to set up the other two books. We meet some awsome characters and learn about the struggles of the main characters. Aang has to come to terms with his 100 year absence. Zuko is relentless in his quest of regaining his honor. We learn just how powerful the Fire Nation military is and what the rest of the world has been doing to survive the war. Season one is an awsome set up. My favorite episodes are "The King of Omashu" and " The seige of the North 1 and 2". It ends on a good note and we were all left HOPING for more.
Book 2:Earth
I loved season two. I think it had awsome substance and character developement. We met most of our characters in season one, but we get to know and fall in love with them in season 2. The episodes I love the most are the ones that delve into Avatar history. I like it that the writers took the time to explain why things are the way they are and in an interesting way. We learn about the Avatar State,meet Toph,go to a spirit library,loose Appa, travel to Ba Sing Se, learn it's secrets,find Appa,plan an invasion, unlock some chakkras, get betrayed, shot by lightning, and barely escape. Wheeew what a season! You can say what you want, but season two is probably what I would recommend to newcomers who want to get hooked on ATLA.My favorite episodes are Zuko Alone, The Blind Bandit,The Spirit Library, Appas Lost Days, Tales of Ba Sing Se, and The Guru. Book 2 ends on a bad note and leaves us BEGGING for more. I remember waiting through what I thought was torture for Book 3 to debut.
Book 3: Fire
Ahh season three, you are the freshest in our minds. So many great things happen in season three. I liked pretty much every episode. This season really got into the history of the world and rounded out our characters on the final leg of the journey. Aang wakes up and then dances with a headband, Katarra becomes a painted lady, Sokka gets a master and a space sword, Aang has some freaky and funny nightmares and daydreams, the much anticipated invasion happens and then fails. Zuko finally switches sides and teaches Aang firebending, with the help of the last two dragons. Sokka and Zuko break outta prison, with a little help. Katarra and Zuko go ninja on the Southern Raiders. The gaang hides out on Ember Island and enjoy a play there. Then a giant lion turtle picks up Aang to go kick the Firelord's butt in the ultimate final showdown. Azula finally loses it in the best bending battle of the series with Zuko, Iroh and the OWL take back Ba Sing Se,and Aang becomes a fully realized Avatar complete with energy bending capabilites. Then to top it off a Zuko's mom cliffhanger and Kataang.
If season two got you hooked then season three got you obsessed. I get excited just thinking about all the fun I have watching it. Every time it is freakin' awsomeevery time. My favorite episodes are The Avatar and the Firelord, Sokkas Master, Day of Black Sun pt. 2, The Firebending Masters, The Ember Island Players, The Old Masters, Into the Inferno, and Avatar Aang. Don't get me wrong, I like all the episodes. These are just my all time favs.
So if I were to pick out a "favorite" I would have to say season three is probably the winner, with season two coming in a close second. However, I only say that because I've watched every episode of the series at least five times. I don't know if season three would be my favorite if I didn't have the other seasons to set it up and understand it. I don't think you can fully appreciate what happens with some of the characters in season three unless you watch seasons one and two. For exampleCan one really know how huge Zuko's switch to the good side is unless you've watched his "evil" self in season one and his struggle in season two? I dont think so. I'm a guy who enjoys the end of a journey, so for me season three is my favorite.
It ends on a good note and I'm definately craving more. Come on Korra hurry up!
Admin / Jordash (Site Administrator)
If I were forced to choose I would have to go with Book 2 Earth although like many others mentioned I love them all." The reason I chose Book 2 is because this is where most of everyone's favorite characters were introduced." Toph, Azula and crew, etc.. Zuko goes out on his own and starts his transformation." The other big thing about Book 2 is that it seems like the series hit it's stride and took on a bit of a more serious and freaking cool tone while still being hilarious in a way that wasn't cheesy or childish." Avatar The Last Airbender Season 2 also stayed on track with the storyline a lot better and really nailed down some great story elements.
My second choice would be Book 3 Fire, primarily because of the action sequences and the Agni Kais, the Agni Kai between Zuko and Azula especially was amazing." The only bad part about Book 3 was that it was when the series ended haha." But it was a way good ending and I can't wait for Korra!
Can't add too much to whats already been said but the books that made up Avatar The Last Airbender are certainly something everyone should watch.
Our Communities Thoughts
This was a very difficult topic for everyone to write about, Since all three books of Avatar are so excellent so people choosing one over the other is not a slight on the others. Another problem was some people condensing their thoughts so they were not writing a Book.
The main general thoughts are that Book 3 Fire is the best followed Closely by Book 2 Earth with Book 1 Water lagging back a bit. The main thing to note here is that everyone loves each Season but overall people thought that Book 3 was the best Avatar, with all 3 Books up there with the best of any animation out there.
Book 3 was best because it had all the set up of Book 1 and 2 to work off to make some amazing Avatar, but it also had more Epic stuff happening compared to the other 2, with tonnes of extremely moving and emotional moments including Katara looking for revenge in "The Southern Raiders" and of course the Amazing Event that was THE FINALE with Aang finally becoming the fully realized Avatar we always wanted him to become, and of course KATAANG HAPPENED (take that zutarians !)
Look out next month for the next Community Opinion, to get your Opinion in the next post just be active on the forums and have some great discussions, Look at your Private Messages around the 13th of January as that is when I will be sending out requests for your opinion.
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See you next Month
