Previously, on Avatar…
Other than being a mouthful, Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise is a three part graphic novel series by Dark Horse Comics that helps fill in the 70 year gap and acts as a bridge between Nickelodeon’s ATLA cartoon and their new Legend of Korra series.
Continuing on from the climactic ending of the first issue, the second part of the trilogy follows the Gaang as they decide how to deal with the growing problems of the Fire Nation colonies that remain in the Earth Kingdom and how this will ultimately effect the previous issues’ Harmony Restoration Movement, as Fire Lord Zuko has just withdrawn his supremely Fire Lord-y support. Specifically, the 100 year old colony of Yu Dao, a western Earth city that was colonized by the Fire Nation. Though Zuko’s withdrawal from the Harmony act puts the Fire Nation citizens of Yu Dao in an incredibly tight spot, I can’t help but feel that he is the only one troubling himself enough to take a closer look at Yu Dao and learn what the citizens themselves want.
The issue opens on Aang and Katara being all lovey dovey on their way to see Earth King Kuei about renegotiating the terms of the Harmony Restoration Movement with Fire Lord Zuko. Which, gross.
Within the first two pages, our favorite foursome decide to split up, as the extreme overuse of the word “sweetie” between Kataang puts the readers and Sokka both on edge. To get rid of his oogies, Sokka decides to join Toph to see her new school, The Beifong Metalbending Academy. And there was much rejoicing of Tokka shippers.
Upon arrival, Toph realizes that her school has been uprooted and replaced by the return of Master Kunyo’s Firebending Dojo. Kunyo scoffs at the mention of the word ‘metalbending’ and Toph quickly demonstrates her Sifu status, much to the shock of the Firebending students. As expected, our favorite spunky Earthbender is ready to fight for her right to teach stuff, and easily accepts Sokka’s suggestion of the building going to whichever teaching method is found to be most effective. Though it was the mature thing to do, I wish that Sokka hadn’t intervened and let Toph and Kunyo battle it out. A matching scarf would look great with his newly metalbent sword hat.
Back in Ba Sing Se, Katara and Aang meet Hei-Won, co-president of the “Official Avatar Aang Fan Club.” Can I quietly drop in how deep my love is for the fact that everything, absolutely everything Hei-Won says ends in, like, a question mark? Genius. Though it acts as mostly lighthearted filler to the overall darker tone of part two, it was a welcome giggle and nice to see that Aang is still able to have fun in the midst of growing up, even if Katara’s jealousy puts a damper on the whole experience. Not so happy pairs in this part, eh? Katara is jealous of Aang, Zuko tells all the lies to Mai, even Sneers upsets his new Earthbending-yet-Fire-Nation girlfriend, Kori. At least Toph finally gets her life changing field trip, even if it wasn’t with Zuko.
While he broods and waits for news from Aang back in Fire Nation Palace City, the ever gaunt Zuko sneakily seeks guidance from his father, ex-firelord Ozai.
Ozai reminisces about young Zuko and oddly enough offers up some sage, Iroh-like wisdom about Zuko’s apparent indecisiveness. While Zuko is still conflicted and allows his emotions to get the best of him at every turn, Ozai has been in this position before and is correct in his assessment of the Earth King’s actions. This whole humanizing Ozai thing is kind of creeping me out.
Zuko is still not confident enough in himself to support the decisions he feels are necessary to make as a newly instated Fire Lord. Critics will assume this is poor character development, but arguably, when you live for sixteen years struggling to see the world in black and white, right and wrong, you’re going to come to roadblocks along the way. To think that Zuko will be able to put aside his demons so easily now that he’s a part of the Gaang is to really simplify the character. “Oh hey, Aang is my friend now, I’ll just follow suit in whatever he does!”
Zuko is starting to realize that Aang may be the Avatar, he may have done amazing things, but he is still just a boy with a boy’s view of the world. Zuko’s trust in himself is something that he needs to grow into, and he certainly will have lapses in judgment and regress back into his comfort zone. I feel that it is a good move on the writer’s part to make this a point in Zuko’s journey of self discovery and hopefully lead him on the path to trusting in his own instincts in part three.
Major WTF Moment: Suki?! Zuko?! …ZUKI!? SUZUKI!
Best Line: “Normally I’d pummel you for hitting me in the butt, but in this case, good job!” Pretty much every line Toph has is gold.
Most Interesting Character: Ozai, hands down. Moral grey areas are my favorite parts of any villain.
Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise, Part Three hits bookstores both tangible and interweb on October 3, 2012!
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Valentine’s Day is generally regarded as a time for lovers. I prefer to focus on the crap ton of caramel filled chocolates I can get the day after, but whatevs.
In the spirit of love, we compiled a list of the Best Couples in Geekery. None of this pretty sparkly shit, these girls and guys are together because they’re fuckin’ equals. In a different kind of celebration, let us drink a toast to some pics and clips from the best couples across genres we love and cherish!
Han Solo and Princess Leia
The hottest scoundrel in the universe and the sassy princess is my personal fave simply because it was passionate, bloomed in a time of crisis, and is long lasting. Han is the perfect mix of cocky and gentleman so the next time a girl says, “I love you!”, let her know you really do by replying, “I know.”
Bulma & Vegeta
The cocky prince of all Saiyans met his match by traveling back to Earth. And no, not with Kakarot.
Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley
Not all couples that start young and in the middle of a wizard war have what it takes to make it in the long run. All Ginny had to do was take Hermione’s sage advice to just be herself and it led to one of the cutest courtships this side of Hogwarts. Ginny’s fire and Harry’s good heart make for a balanced couple that lasted until well after the series ended as we saw in the prologue that made many, many Potter filled hearts sigh with happiness.
Danaerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo
Love can bloom in all sorts of places. Sometimes even in an arranged marriage by a creepy older brother who half wants to do you and half wants a crown, as a certain silvery haired Stormborn found out. After a slow start and a couple of translators, Daenerys’ fear of her new husband is replaced with respect and caring, which seems reciprocated in Drogo’s gruff way. Me nem nesa.
Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba
They may not seem like the perfect couple because, let’s be honest, early on their entire relationship is based on sexual tension masked as mutual loathing. However, time after time they keep coming back to each other and when they’re not acting like total air heads, they are always there for each other even if it means risking their own lives for each other.
The Doctor and River Song
From the first moment we meet River Song, at the end of her life, her charismatic attitude toward the Doctor is one that leaves us wondering about their future relationship for episodes on end. With the “Wedding of River Song”, most of our questions were answered and River explains it best: she and the Doctor’s timelines are moving in opposite directions. The first time he sees her is the last time she’ll see him, and vice versa, which makes for emotional moments between the two. As much of a Rose/Doctor shipper as I am, I secretly love River and the Doctor just a little more.
Aang and Katara
An epic saga of the four elements had its fair share of love stories. No matter how much some of us were pulling for Katara and Zuko, it was Aang’s honest and pure love for the powerful water-bender that won us over in the end. He saved the world, he should at least get the girl, right?
Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartily
The bubbly and intelligent Rinoa is the perfect match for the brooding, reluctant hero Squall – even if they don’t hit it off perfectly in the beginning. That first moonlit waltz set off fireworks literally and figuratively, but it wasn’t until Balamb Garden became mobile that their love truly began to grow. They team up to battle Sorceress Ultimecia and bring peace to the realm.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark
A true testament to the old saying “opposites attract,” Katniss and Peeta could not be more different. On the one hand, the Boy With The Bread is a hopeless romantic who exaggerates a kindergarten crush, whereas the Girl On Fire is solely out for survival. But Peeta’s attempt to save both their lives in the arena makes Katniss reevaluate some of her own life decisions, namely her getting attached to people. Love is literally a battlefield for these two.
Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay
My not so secret crush on Alyson Hannigan swelled to a new height when she first fell in love with Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. With their love came a new level to Willow’s powers which were detrimental to the show itself and definitely took everything to a cosmic level. Who knew that a simple ceremony with hand holding would lead to one of the best romances on television? Whedon did.
Kitty Pryde and Piotr Rasputin
These two seem to have perfected the “I want you but I can’t be with you!” trope. Age differences, religion and even some serious ninjuity have all attempted to keep Kitty and Colossus apart, yet they always seem to gravitate back towards each other. Not to mention finally giving in to their more, ah, primal urges in Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men arc. Maybe Kitty has a magnet in her pants.
Zoe and Wash
Not everyone gets Zoe and Wash at first glance. Smuggler pirates on a Firefly class ship hurtling through the galaxy with no real destination in mind other than simply living? Still manages to be a stable couple. The endgame here isn’t about the hero getting the girl. The goofy pilot already has his warrior woman, and they compliment each other perfectly.
Cory and Topanga
Don’t know about you guys but my early years were spent watching every episode of Boy Meets World I could get my hands on. In between daydreaming of Eric being my boyfriend at the tender age of 12, I fell in love with Cory and Topanga’s love story. I want to watch Boy Meets World now.
Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson
After roughly 20 years of the stars just not aligning for this pair, Peter and Mary Jane were finally able to make it work. While I prefer the Peter/Felicia pairing, Mary Jane’s trademark nickname for Spidey and place in his heart, is a mainstay in comic book love stories. Althought they are currently not together due to the events of One More Day, Brand New Day, Moment In Time, and Spider-Island, most Spidey fans are silently rooting for the duo.
Clark Kent and Lois Lane
This is probably the one true relationship that has really made sense in comics. Clark and Lois share a bond that have crossed many different alternate realities. Somehow, these two always find each other. Their relationship really gives life to Superman. Without Lois, Superman can’t really be Clark. She reminds him of what it’s like to be human, she is the link that makes Superman a likable character.
Princess Zelda and Link
Wisdom and Courage go hand in hand. In every incarnation and timeline, these two always seem to feel a pull towards the other for mutual aid in some kind of quest. Though their relationship may not be out yet, fate always brings them back together to fix the numerous problems of Hyrule. Save the Princess, save the world.
Super Mario and Princess Peach
Mario and Peach are an odd couple. One is an acid-tripping plumber and the other is a clueless princess destined to be repeatedly kidnapped. And so begins their relationship, with one being kidnapped the other must obviously rescue… Over and over again. But what drives Mario to constantly rescue Princess Peach? Love!… and she should normally be way out of his league… But still! Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
Buffy and Angel
Speaking of vampire couples that don’t give the phrase a bad name, we give you the tragic tale of the demon with soul that loved the chosen girl who was born to kill him. Sad right? He was teenage Buffy’s dream boyfriend, but after only three seasons they called it quits to serve the greater good (but mostly because they couldn’t bone). No matter who these two ended up with in subsequent seasons and spin-offs, neither ever really could let go of their true soul mate.
Wesley and Buttercup
Wesley and Buttercup are a perfect representation of what I thought of perfect love as a child. Adventure, romance, that guy who voices Rex from Toy Story, and sword fights. In fact, my view of love probably hasn’t changed too much and I rightfully expect Peter Cook to be at my wedding saying, “Mawwage. Mawwage is what bwings us hew, togewer, today.”
Why can’t these crazy kids just get along? What love is truer than that between a half-fairy Louisiana waitress and her two incredibly hot and insanely old vampire beaux? We got an instant of this sitcom potential in season 4 of True Blood, but alas our deepest fantasy was reduced to an unfulfilled dream sequence! Hopefully the powers that be felt our displeasure and will once again resurrect our favorite soft-core couple next season.
Meg Murray and Calvin O’Keefe
I recently reread A Wrinkle In Time, because it’s one of my all-time favorite books, and you know what? Meg Murray and Calvin O’Keefe are the original Ron and Hermione. And you can tell from the first moment they meet that they’re destined to be together, which is refreshing in a world with a good amount of pessimism regarding long-term relationships. Any couple who can nurture a relationship as strong as theirs when the laws of time and space and physics are sort of melting away willy nilly… well, that says true love to me.
Jack and Sally
What can be said about this couple that hasn’t been slapped on every piece of merchandise that Hot Topic thought it could convince teenagers to buy? A classic tale of the most popular boy in town finally noticing and falling for the girl who he had previously never deigned to notice. It’s like a Taylor Swift song but with skeletons and we actually love it. The Pumpkin King and his Rag Doll are a timeless couple that frequently make appearances in our DVD players well after Halloween and Christmas are over.
Susannah & Eddie Dean
He’s a heroin addict from the 1987 and she’s a legless schizophrenic from 1964, but thanks to the cracked-out mind of Stephen King, they’re able to meet and fall in love on their way to The Dark Tower. We love badass couples, and the fact that these pair of gunslingers were able to schedule sexy time with all killing and universe jumping they were doing earned them a spot on our list.
Did we miss your favorites? Who would you include or omit? Let us know in the comments below!
Colorado Anime Fest Wrap Up
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