Avatar: The Last Airbender

At Comic-Con International I got a few minutes for a photo op and questions with Bryan Konietzko, co-creator and executive producer of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Bryan has also worked as a character designer for Family Guy, as Assistant Director for Mission Hill and King of the Hill; and was a Storyboard Artist and then Art Director for Invader Zim.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a Nickelodeon animated series going on its third season. Its market demographic is supposed to be 6 – 11 year olds, and it does reign supreme there. However, I first watched it with fans who were 16 and 38. I’ve since become a fan and I’m in between those ages so to say the show has gone beyond its “target market” is pretty accurate and accounts for its 4.1 million viewership figure for one of its extended episodes.

So what’s the show about? Wikipedia sums it up thusly: “Avatar is set in an Asian-influenced world of martial arts and elemental magic, the series follows the adventures of the latest of a long line of Avatars, Aang, and his friends in their quest to save the world from the ruthless Fire Nation.”

What do I like about it? The freshness of the characters and world, the martial arts integration with magic and the overall themes and story line of the series make the show fun and compelling. The series also has a great sense of humor and is supported by wonderful artwork, quality voice acting and music.

Since I only had a few minutes with Bryan I asked him the following questions:

Bryan Konietzko

Avatar’s market is billed as being 6 – 11 year olds but it’s expanded since then. Was this expansion your goal?

We wanted to write a good story, make sure “we’re” interested. Our goal was always to have wider layers in the story.

I like how you have the different elements tied with specific martial arts disciplines and actual martial arts moves.

We had to have every move have its root in martial arts. It was a rule for us.

What are some of Avatar’s influences?

Hideo Miyazaki, anime epics in general, trilogy type animes, Cowboy Beebop. Live action as well, a travel show inspiration: Kung Fu.

Bryan had another interview to do but was kind enough to sign a poster for me.  After putting my name down, he asked who my favorite character was. “Kitara,” I said. He drew a sketch of her on the poster. Considering that earlier in the day I had seen the autograph line curling around the Nickeoldeon booth containing fans of all ages, some dressed as their favorite Avatar characters, I knew I was a lucky fan. Hard core anime it may not be, and I’m certainly out of its intended demographic, but there’s something so charming about Avatar that I'm eagerly awaiting its return.

Avatar Season 3 Premieres 8 PM EST September 21^st on Nickeolodeon.

~ Fricka

Fricka and Bryan Konietzko