There’s another big reason, though: the characters.
They can be complex, simple, likable, unsympathetic, mysterious, funny, and tragic.
For achildren’s show,Avatarimpressively and empathically runs the gamut of human experience.
He’s smooth, and Katara quickly develops a crush on him.
The Avatar before Aang, Roku is one of those characters who get a very dramatic set-up.
About half-way through season one, Aang enters the spirit world and gets visited by Roku’s dragon.
Roku himself is very composed, but he doesn’t beat around the bush.
His mother was killed by the Fire Nation and his father went away to fight many years ago.
Sokka’s arc is compelling, andAvataris all the better for it.
Along with her speed and technique, she eventually invents metal bendingwhich is pretty badass.
Her story is just as interesting as her skills.
Her conflict with her parents is sad, but she’s also a very blunt and tough person.
She’s particularly good at getting Aang to calm down and open up.
She also butts heads with Master Pakku when he tells her he won’t teach girls.
Along with her budding romance with Aang, she helps ensure thatthis Nicktoon will remain beloved indefinitely.
This man is old, wise, and obsessed with tea.
Worse, his son was killed in that war, and he now sees Zuko as a son.
Along the way, she also earned the fear of everyone she talks to.
Even her best friends Mai and Ty Lee are afraid of her, and they’re very dangerous themselves.
As goofy as he is, he also has enormous demons.
To make it worse, reaching a certain level of emotional intensity can trigger the Avatar State.
When he’s finally supposed to, the conflict is philosophically and emotionally rewarding for all involved.
A hero for the ages.
Daddy issues not enough for you?
Zuko’s got sister issues as well; envious and hateful of his more competent sibling: Azula.
Keep Reading:‘13 Western Shows That Feel Like Anime’
