Avatar combines the greatest aspects of American cartoons and Japanese anime.

Avatar: The Last Airbender follows the story of Aang(an airbender and the "Avatar", or master of the 4 elements, fire, water, earth and air) and his friends Katara(a waterbender) and her brother Saaka as they travel to find waterbending, earthbending and firebending masters for Aang, so that he can learn all the elements and defeat the evil Fire Lord Ozai and his treacherous followers in the Fire Nation.

The story also focuses on the banished Fire Prince Zuko as he chases Aang and company across the globe with hopes of capturing the Avatar and regaining his honor and the love of his father. Zuko, the emotional outcast of the story, and the relationship with his family, and especially that of his Uncle Iroh(whom he travels with for the first season or so) is tear-jerkingly crafted and beautifully executed.

The story and the world it takes place in is fun and interesting, the characters, good and evil are lovable, and the animation is the most detailed and flawless I've ever seen come from an American studio.

The action and fight scenes in this show are jaw-droppingly detailed and beautifully choreographed; even though it is a Nickelodeon production and is primarily meant for kids it still has the most entertaining action of any animated show I've ever watched - but there in lies its single weakness.

Had this show been produced for Cartoon Network, the action could have been much more violent and the themes much more mature, which I personally would have preferred. However, since it is a kids show, I'll give it credit for putting together some serious entertainment without resorting to peoples arms and heads getting blown off in a bloody frenzy.

9/10