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Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rictor on November 26, 2007, 06:56:06 am

Title: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Rictor on November 26, 2007, 06:56:06 am
I'm not usually one to go around singing the praises of anime, but has anyone heard of Avatar? Now, it isn't technically anime, it's created in the US for US audiences and reflects that throughout, but that's just semantics because what we're talking about is an all-round amazing show. It's now about half-way into Season 3 (the last one) and is airing on Nickelodeon or, if like me you don't get Nickelodeon, the Internets.

I haven't liked a cartoon, or hell, a TV show in general, this much since BSG came along. The writing is really quite smart, dramatic yet still humourous, the characters are all well developed and likeable and the art direction is great as well.

If you've seen it, let's hear your thoughts. If you haven't, I urge you to give it a shot.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on November 26, 2007, 07:44:19 am
Agreed..
waiting for the Book Three: Fire. Dying to find out how it's gonna end.
I love Suko's charachter. My money is that's he's gonna end up as a good guy, probably with Katara (fire and water...classic )

Loved the Book Three trailer.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Falcon on November 26, 2007, 08:18:06 am
Favorite is Toph, uses her blindness as an advantage and kicks ass in the process.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Sarafan on November 26, 2007, 01:01:31 pm
I saw some episodes and was quite surprised when it turned out to be a interesting show, would watch more if they aired it here again.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on November 26, 2007, 01:54:46 pm
they air it on Nickelodian and I can get it here, but they constantly show re-runs of Book 2: Earth.... Anyone knows if book3 is airing at all somehwere?
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: redsniper on November 26, 2007, 01:59:18 pm
I watched it once with my little step-brother. It seemed pretty good, though obviously aimed at a younger audience.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Rictor on November 26, 2007, 02:45:43 pm
I watched it once with my little step-brother. It seemed pretty good, though obviously aimed at a younger audience.
See, I'm not so sure. That would be my first impression, but after watching it the level of maturity that some of the plot-lines, situations and dialogue demonstrate seems to point to a slightly older audience.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Dark RevenantX on November 26, 2007, 05:16:42 pm
www . watch - avatar . com
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Unknown Target on November 26, 2007, 05:23:54 pm
It's a great show, but I fear Nickelodeon's going to pull one of it's retard moves and make ten episodes of a series, leave it languishing for two years, then make three more episodes and be done with it, never completing the whole thing. That's been my experience with them and all of their animated shows to date.


EDIT: And Revenant, I'm not too sure about that link. Granted, I'm sure everyone here knows about sites to view it, but and it's kind of dubious legally. I'll let other mods chime in about it.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Dark RevenantX on November 26, 2007, 05:32:10 pm
If you missed a season 3 episode, you CAN'T see it unless you use the internet.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: IceFire on November 26, 2007, 05:51:58 pm
Watched all of it back last year about this time.  Sort of nice to just watch episode after episode...at first I thought that it was just another kids show and it'd languish at Pokemon level where its really successful as a kids show with relatively simple and ultimately friendly plot lines.  But I gave it a chance and I'm glad I did because it really draws you in...the plot is serial so there aren't reset buttons at the end of every episode, the characters are enjoyable and have depth...even the antagonists who are normally flat one dimensional "bad guys" are not in Avatar.  After a while you start to empathize with most of the characters regardless of what side they are on which is a good sign.  There are many TV shows that are not written to this level and this is supposed to be a kids show.

I'm also not convinced that it is a kids show at all...the plot is really mature and complicated especially as the seasons progress.  On the other hand its nice that a show like this is catering to a sophisticated audience regardless of age and I suspect they are doing well with it.  The quality of animation is also superb...its very anime like (If I remember its done in South Korea) but its definitely made for the North American audience so not all of the traditional anime styles are present so its kind of a hybrid.

Really impressed with the show and I've been slowly finding out that allot of people are watching it either with their kids if they have them or who are a younger folk that would normally consider such a show to be beneath them.  They seem to have a good thing going for them...I hope they don't screw it up.

Also...last episode of season 3 that I saw...pretty epic!
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Rictor on November 26, 2007, 07:03:12 pm
You mean The Invasion: Part 2? Yeah, epic.

And that's another thing I love about it: the good guys don't always win. There isn't always a happy ending and sometimes the people you're cheering for just flat out lose and that's it. Very mature of them (the creators) to do that, and it adds tons of depth.

Does anyone know if Avatar is affected by the WGA strike?
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Hazaanko on November 26, 2007, 07:11:53 pm
I find it quite entertaining as well.  Great writing.  Something to be enjoyed by all ages.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Jbman on November 26, 2007, 07:51:36 pm
One of the few shows I look forward to watching with my kids.  I'm looking forward to how they will weave in Iro, Ko and Boomy.  I thought the blood bending episode was kinda creepy.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on November 27, 2007, 05:04:16 am
I jsut saw some slips on YouTube made from sEason 3 materials..

WTF? Since when do Appa and Momo talk? Somebody PLASE tell me it's from a dream/halucination sequence!

And what's with the Naruto wannabe getup? I fear now...I fear they are butchering it.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Dark RevenantX on November 27, 2007, 08:21:20 am
Those are, in fact, dream and hallucination sequences.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on November 27, 2007, 08:23:36 am
Thank God! *phew* I already feared the worst :P
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Agent_Koopa on November 27, 2007, 08:11:27 pm
I haven't watched more than an episode or so, having dismissed it out of hand as being non-interesting and not watching much or any TV in general, but if the HLPers can like it, I'm sure I would too if I ever decide to give it a chance.

But seriously, how can you have a nation of evil people who all know how to manipulate fire? Every time the leader makes a faux pas or goes with unpopular decisions, *phht* and he's a pile of ash. Seriously.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Dark RevenantX on November 27, 2007, 08:43:45 pm
Not everyone in the nation can shoot fire.  Even if they could, the fire lord guy is a pretty badass warrior.  Not the kinda guy you want to **** with, for sure.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: IceFire on November 27, 2007, 10:28:45 pm
I jsut saw some slips on YouTube made from sEason 3 materials..

WTF? Since when do Appa and Momo talk? Somebody PLASE tell me it's from a dream/halucination sequence!

And what's with the Naruto wannabe getup? I fear now...I fear they are butchering it.
As mentioned...dream/halucination sequence and its an absolute riot when you watch it.  Had a good laugh from it!

Also the garb is explained in one of the early episodes of the season as they are trying to blend in with the garb worn by Fire Nation people.  So I would say not ruined...you need to watch and see whats going on.  Pretty much everything has a reason.

Also...Sokka and his new sword FTW!
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on December 12, 2007, 12:50:53 pm
Oh.My.GOd....does the English dubbing sucks...SUCKs..

Egad, where did they find those voice actors - the bargain bin?

I used to watch it on Nick Gernamy and I have to say the germans found perfect voices. PERFECT. Especially for Hiro and Zuko.
the english voices I heard are so childish and whiney.. :no:
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Bobboau on December 12, 2007, 01:02:38 pm
you do know that A) the english version is the original so it's not a dub, and B) they _are_ all children, Aang is like 12.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on December 12, 2007, 02:39:01 pm
But they sound like they are 9...

In this case, dubbing pwns the original. Trust me on this.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Hippo on December 12, 2007, 03:33:59 pm
why would you complain about English dubbing when it was done in English the first time around?
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on December 12, 2007, 04:22:27 pm
Becoause the charachter and voice don't match really good. They should have found better voice actors.

Really, from my experience germans have one of the best voice-acting machine I've ever seen. They not only get "into" it more, the voices fit the charachters so well you'd swear it's the original. For most series I've seen in german and english I prefer the german voices.

Especially Zuko and Hiro.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: IceFire on December 12, 2007, 06:12:49 pm
Its good that they have some good dubbing going on there but to be honest the voices in The Avatar are well done in the English version. Better than most productions.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on December 12, 2007, 07:00:53 pm
Ture..I've heard some HORRENDUS dubbing. The kind that makes you wish you could stuck your head in the tub of acid just to erase those memories.

For instance, my own country has terrible, TERRIBLE dubbing in 95% of all cases.

I don't expect you to take my word for it. If you can find some episode of Avatar with german dubbing (and Zuko & Hiro in it) I'd suggest you listen. ;)
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Rictor on December 12, 2007, 08:10:19 pm
For instance, my own country has terrible, TERRIBLE dubbing in 95% of all cases.
Okolotrbusni pantalodrzac?
;);)

Most dubbing is horrible. It is only in rare cases that they get it right.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Hazaanko on December 12, 2007, 08:27:32 pm
Quote
Most dubbing is horrible. It is only in rare cases that they get it right.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Dark RevenantX on December 12, 2007, 08:33:08 pm
Iroh had an excellent English voice before the voice actor died...  His old voice cuts off after season two ends.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Hazaanko on December 13, 2007, 05:33:26 am
I thought Ghost in the Shell had excellent english dubbing.  I actually liked it better than the original Japanese.... which NEVER HAPPENS
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Unknown Target on December 13, 2007, 05:40:32 am
Cowboy Bebop and Macross Plus had excellent dubbing. In fact with M+ I like the dubbed more than the original (so sue me).
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: TrashMan on December 13, 2007, 06:00:35 am
What I most often find lacking in dubbing (in general) is that the actors just don't seem into it..They really don't show emotion...they lack intensity.

For instance, Van's scream in Escaflowne the move was..so intense..so raw..you think they were skinning the actor alive..it actually sent shivers down my spine! The english dubbing there is good, but it lacks the intensity.

That said I havn't heard the original Iroh voice in english (heard the season 3), but I guess it was better than the current one (which imho sucks). Aank, Katara and Sokka voices are ok, but IMHO german voices are better..Zukos voice is the worst I've heard so far in the series.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Colonol Dekker on December 13, 2007, 12:20:52 pm
It's got a giant six legged dog bear thing. Thats all any show needs to be a winner in my book. (Book 26- whisky if anyone's interested ;))
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Rictor on December 20, 2007, 09:25:59 pm
It's a flying bison, actually. And one of my favourite characters.

A new episode is up on the Internets, if anyone is interested. And it contains quite an interesting plot twist. I hope that the release of a new ep means they're back in production and un-affected by the WGA strike.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Mr. Vega on December 20, 2007, 09:56:17 pm
Is there anyone actually supporting the writers here? Or is this a case of "I sympathize with them, but dammit, where are those new episodes."
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Rictor on December 20, 2007, 11:24:31 pm
I'm pretty ambivalent. Actually, the most surprising thing is that Americans have been able to survive this long without their lifeblood - entertainment. Food, water and freedom are all optional, but I had the impression that no true American can survive without Tee Vee.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Hazaanko on December 20, 2007, 11:52:20 pm
Wouldn't know enough about the whole situation to make a judgement call anyways.  The writers in question could be totally justified or complete idiots.  I've been in complex situations enough to know that the full story rarely ever gets told.  Devil's in the details.

I'm pretty ambivalent. Actually, the most surprising thing is that Americans have been able to survive this long without their lifeblood - entertainment. Food, water and freedom are all optional, but I had the impression that no true American can survive without Tee Vee.

I know you're just joking around but.... sounds like you get your information and assumptions from....... the Tee Vee.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: IceFire on December 21, 2007, 06:33:30 pm
I don't know the specific demands but generally speaking they have been absolutely ripped a new one as far as writing stuff for online episodes and DVD royalties go.  The writers get nothing or next to nothing for any of the new media releases.  The big companies are, as usual, making record profits generally speaking with only a few exceptions while the writers are being ignored.  That seems to be the situation...as you say the devil is in the details so what exactly the writers are asking for in compensation may be also over the top but this seems like its a situation that has been building and came to a head this year.

TV has been supplanted by the internet so the destruction to the entertainment world has been less significant I think.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Bobboau on December 24, 2007, 02:54:45 am
A new episode is up on the Internets, if anyone is interested. And it contains quite an interesting plot twist.

it was a nice, if somewhat predictable twist, unfortunately I thought the episode could have been better implemented, in particular Zuko's lines seemed a little... off. on the plus side Katara was awesome, particularly that last scene.
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: mrduckman on December 27, 2007, 09:52:28 am
heh yeah. I thought she was going to shove water up his arse  :lol:
Title: Re: Avatar: The Last Airbender
Post by: Dark RevenantX on December 27, 2007, 04:38:21 pm
Somehow, the phrase "shove water up his arse" makes me uneasy and cracks me up at the same time.  Seriously, would you ever say to someone, "Hey, *****, get out of my car or I'm going to shove some water up your ass!"?