No, you aren't drinking cactus juice!
Despite ending in 2008, Avatar: The Last Airbender remains one of the most beloved and iconic anime cartoons to exist. Even after all these years, fans keep going back to re-watch the show. This past year, it even debuted on Netflix and skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot for the entire month.
Now, fans can return to the four lands where benders can manipulate the elements and fly on sky bison. Nickelodeon recently announced that it plans on expanding the Avatar universe, with the creation of new projects, including the continuance of Avatar Aang's journey after he defeated the Fire Lord. The news premiered during Viacom CBS' Investor Day on February 24.
The show's two co-creators, Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, will be on board.
"It's hard to believe it's been 19 years since we created Avatar: The Last Airbender. But even after all that time, there are still many stories and time periods in Aang's world that we are eager to bring to life," the pair told Entertainment Weekly of the news.
They added, "We are exceedingly grateful to [Nickelodeon president] Brian Robbins and [president of Nickelodeon Animation] Ramsey Naito for their enthusiasm and respect for the Avatar property and us as its stewards."
And so are we!
Avatar: The Last Airbender was one of Nickelodeon's top shows during its run, culminating in a four-episode series finale. Taking place in a world where people called benders could use fire, earth, water, and air, the show featured the renowned cast of Zuko, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Aang on their journey to defeat the tyrannical Fire Lord. In spite of being a cartoon, it was seen as a masterpiece, hitting all the emotional and narrative highs coupled with its top-notch characterization, creative world-building, and undeniable humor.
The show exceeded all expectations and gave rise to a sequel titled Avatar: The Legend of Korra, which has also received critical acclaim and is continued as a graphic novel.
Now, an animated film is set to be created, along with a chibi comic for younger readers. Those two projects are only hints of what's to come in the new Avatar universe.
The news comes after Netflix announced they would create a live-action version of the show. DiMartino and Konietzko will not be a part of it, citing creative differences.
Are you as excited about this new universe as we are? Let us know in the comments.