Being a Japanese anime fan, I have had a general disdain of American based animation, moreover the lack of quality when it came to the Nickelodeon network, I grew up watching fun shows like Doug and Ren & Stimpy and now it just seems there has been a lack of effort to make a good show. Then quite by accident I watched a mini marathon of a show made change my mind, at least somewhat. That show is called Avatar.

Set in a fictional world where Earth, Air, Water and Fire are manipulated as weapons of war by people called 'benders', Avatar is based around a young man named Aang, frozen in ice and seclude from the world for over a hundred years, he emerges during a time of war, the Fire Nation stands poised for domination, the Water Tribe and Earth Nation scrambling and fighting for the survival of their homelands.

Aang being the last remaining member of the long dead nation of Air Nomads,he is also the powerful being known as the Avatar, the one who must master all four elements in order to keep balance within the world, realizing the war will rip the world apart Aang, along with a small band of friends & allies, he must make a long journey through the world to master the power within himself in order to face his density.

The beauty of Avatar is overwhelming at times, using the main stays of Japanese animation, the slow and yet beautiful movement of kung fu, and some deep spiritual motives, the action based series is built around a emotional story of a makeshift family trying stay together in the fires of war, it is highly dramatic all while having a lovely streak of humor as well.

If you are looking for animated series both your kids and yourself can watch then have a look at this amazing and touching series. You won't be sorry.