The new live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series on Netflix has sparked discussions among fans due to the differences and changes from the original animated show. Here are 23 notable distinctions between the two versions:
1. The live-action series opens with the assault on the Southern Air Temple, showing the extinction of the Air Nomads, unlike the animated series where events are discussed.
2. The live-action series skips the significance of Sozin's Comet, which was crucial in the animated series as a ticking clock for Aang to master all elements.
3. Aang doesn't master waterbending in the first season of the live-action series, unlike the animated series where it was a central theme.
4. Several storylines and characters are condensed in the live-action series, such as Jet and the Freedom Fighters, the Mechanist and Teo, and King Bumi all happening in Omashu during one episode.
5. Azula appears in Season 1 of the live-action series, earlier than in the animated series, with a different storyline involving her as a spy for the Fire Lord.
6. The live-action series explores a queer love story between Oma and Shu, depicted as two women, which remains consistent with the animated version.
7. Zuko and Uncle Iroh's storyline in Omashu is unique to the live-action series, where Zuko fights Aang in the city.
8. Azula conquers Omashu in the live-action series, a plot point not explicitly stated in the animated series.
9. Aang reunites with Gyatso in the Spirit World in the live-action series, emphasizing their relationship more than in the animated show.
10. Aang steals Zuko's journal in the live-action series for information about past Avatars, a departure from the animated series where he learns from the Spirit World.
11. The first past Avatar Aang connects with in the live-action series is Kyoshi, unlike the animated series where it is Roku.
12. Sokka's training with Suki in the live-action series highlights his unique warrior style and his relationship with his father.
13. Katara receives a waterbending scroll from Gran Gran in the live-action series, a generational passing, unlike the animated series where she finds it herself.
14. Flashbacks to Zuko comforting Uncle Iroh at his son's funeral are included in the live-action series, adding depth to their relationship.
15. The live-action series depicts Zuko and Fire Lord Ozai's Agni Kai and the events leading to Zuko's banishment more extensively than the animated series.
16. Both Katara and Sokka are trapped in the Spirit World in the live-action series, confronting past traumas, a departure from the animated series where only Sokka faces this challenge.
