On July 19, 2008, the final episode of Avatar: the Last Airbender was aired on Nickelodeon.

Like many other families, I’m sure, mine breathed a sigh of relief that that show was over, and I’d soon forget about it and return to normal.

Oh, how wrong they were.


All over AvatarSpirit, livejournal, fanfiction.net and here on dA, fans of the show vowed never to forget it and the lessons it taught. The value of friendship. That the path to redemption is a long and difficult journey. That things don’t always turn out as you expect. That especially in the darkest times, a man needs his rest.

To never give up without a fight.

So, we continue to pay tribute through art, literature, cosplay, videos. Clubs and groups. Debates and chats about next year’s movie release. Now, as we approach the first anniversary of the finale, here’s a look at what some deviants have been up to to keep the spirit of Avatar: the Last Airbender alive.

Who knows? Maybe, like us, you’ll come to realize that no. It never was “just a cartoon”.

GROUP/ CLUB EVENTS:

There's going to be a signing by Mike and Bryan at this year's San Diego Comic Con on July 25th! Many of our deviants are planning on attending- but perhaps the most well-known group of these is the *Avatar-Crew. They're currently contemplating hiring a professional photographer for their photos…


~arasam22 has designated July as Avatar reappreciation month over on avatarspirit.com. Check out the thread where they’re re-watching the entire series- and remembering why they fell in love with it in the first place! [link]


~bluetarako is still working hard with her team on the Zutara finale rewrite. They’ve just had a challenge for those who’d like to have their art involved in the project. Keep your ears out for more news on this!


~Terrafan4242 will be launching “Irko week” on July 13th. Sign up to commemorate the unique relationship between Zuko and the man who could have been a father to him, Iroh. [link]


=ZUTARA-ETERNITY has started the countdown to their next contest! And don’t forget the weekly prompts, Zutarians.


And speaking of Zutara, the duo of =trishna87 and *GreenifyME are once more gearing up for Zutara week! This year, it starts on August 10th and last until August 16th. Check Erica’s journal for details- and the opportunity to suggest new prompts! [link]


*Tokka-Fans-United is planning the next Tokka Week! Scheduled for August 2-8, prompts for the event will be released at the chat event held on July 17th. Check the club’s journal for continued updates.


~SLIgurl is hosting CAPSTAANG WEEK both on the livejournal club and here on dA. And guess what? It starts TODAY! So head on over to sign up and get to work, all you Taang shippers! Livejournal: [link] dA: [link]

PERSONAL PROJECTS:

Of course, I cannot list every ongoing project by every Avatar fan. These are just a few that I’ve come across by those fans that I watch. Still, I KNOW that I’m missing some people.


*Capt-BA and =daughterofthestars have pooled their considerable talents for a modern AU Avatar comic. Instead of benders, the gaang are all commandos! And from what I’ve seen of it, it’s going to be excellent.
Of course, not to be forgotten are the Capt’s “Book 4: Air” and Dots’ “Love Enlightened”. Give ‘em both a poke so they don’t forget!


=Leona629 will not complain if you remind her that she’s left Sokka and Toph in rather a tough spot in her multichapter fic, “Heart of a Warrior”. She doesn’t bite…

Much.


Keep an eye on *SkyWarrior108 and her tale, “What it is to burn”. In fact, the entire account’s chock full of Avatar fanfic goodness. A word of warning: watch out for the Manic Mob.


=river-bird is back to work on her fancomic, ~Within-the-circuit. Take a look at the cross she’s developing with technology and the Avatar.


For you older fans who reminisce about =Kira73’s Water Tribe Romance…. Did you know that she’s started Part 2? You loved Hakoda’s story… but Bato has his own tale to tell. [link]



And what about me? Well. Any of you Avatar fans with a dA subscription can pay a visit to my account to get a custom Avatar journal skin. I’ll be creating one for every element- for now, air is the only one available. I’m working on Water and Fire now. [link]


If you know of any other events, please post a link in your comment so that others will know!


And always remember...

Life is like this dark tunnel. You may not always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you keep moving, you will come to a better place.