Avatar is Now on Netflix (It’s Time to Convince That Friend to Watch ATLAB)

There is a truth in the nerd world that lives as a secret to the wider society outside our bubble: Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Not one of the greatest cartoons, but one of the greatest TV shows period. And while its greatness is commonly accepted by anyone who has seen it, the chasm exists for those who see a “kids show,” hung up on its medium of animation. Medium-based stereotypes are powerful agents to the uninitiated… “but we are initiated, aren’t we, Bruce?” We know that simple truth, that Aang on his reluctant journey to battle Fire Lord Ozai is one of the most thoughtful, intense, funny, and iconic adventures you could ever hope for. Yet, you know someone who hasn’t seen it. We all have that friend. It’s not our fault that they haven’t met Toph, better at Earth bending than Michael Jordan was good at basketball. They don’t deserve our scorn for not knowing Zuko and Azula. They think they know heartbreak? What they know about their lover turning into the moon? We want them to know, because we love them and want the best for them. And there has never been a better day to spread that gospel since Avatar: The Last Airbender ended July 19th, 2008. This is our time. This is our moment. If you need to get hype on its action and animation before talking to your friend, see this anime music video featuring Toph, one of the best hip-hop AMVs on the internet.

First — and this is important — I encourage you to know your friend. Diffe…