New Avatar: The Last Airbender Video Shows How Zuko & Azula’s Fight Was Animated

A new behind-the-scenes look at Avatar: The Last Airbender shows how Zuko and Azula’s fight in the final season was animated. The beloved Nickelodeon animated series originally ran from 2005 to 2008. It quickly became Netflix’s top show for a while when Netflix released all three seasons to stream earlier this year. Although the main focus of the story is on Aang, many fans view Zuko’s character arc as a masterpiece.

The theme of Zuko’s journey was how to restore one’s honor. In a masterclass of writing, Zuko goes from Aang’s relentless pursuer to one of Aang’s greatest allies. Zuko’s relationship with his wise Uncle Iroh was what ultimately led Zuko on his eventual path to redemption, in which he vowed to help Aang defeat his father, Ozai the Fire Lord. Ozai had banished Zuko after Zuko refused to fight his father in an Agni Kai, a Firebender’s duel for honor. However, Zuko’s tumultuous relationship with his sister Azula, who Ozai clearly showed more approval for, nearly hindered his path to redemption. Zuko’s last Agni Kai was against Azula, bringing his hero’s journey full circle.

Nickelodeon Animation released a cool behind-the-scenes look at the pivotal Zuko vs. Azula face-off. The video seamlessly transitions from parts of the final version fans are familiar with to the original pencil sketches. Check out the video in its entirety below.

Zuko’s battle with Azula is iconic for several reasons and has even inspired a cool live-action fan video of the scene. Viewing the original pencil sketches for the fight is fascinating, especially when the video transitions back to the final version. Story-wise, the fight demonstrated that Zuko had gone full circle from the boy who got burned by his father to a leader who genuinely wanted to make a difference. Ironically, Azula’s character arc went in reverse from her brother’s, as she evolved from a confident and cruel villain to an almost pitiful mad shell of derangement.  What’s great about fights like Zuko and Azula’s in the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe is the fact that they serve as the culmination of the character’s journeys.

While there is an upcoming live-action Netflix adaption of Avatar: The Last Airbender in the works, the original animated series will always remain on top. Zuko’s fight with Azula is just one of the many ways Avatar: The Last Airbender demonstrated the power of good storytelling. The road to redemption is never easy, but needless to say, Zuko certainly blazed his own path, earning the title of Fire Lord and bonafide hero.

Source: Nickelodeon Animation