Massive mega-armies to oppose the heroes. A rich, ever-expanding lore. A warm, delightfully silly sense of humor rooted in character. A forward-thinking approach to inclusion and equality. Meaty, progressive themes. A strong message of love. Avatar: The Last Airbender ran just three seasons from 2005 to 2008 on Nickelodeon, but the DNA of its storytelling and heart effortlessly wove these qualities together to create something that, for the kids and adults alike who absorbed it, became a saga worthy of standing next to Star Wars and Harry Potter.
Less than two weeks out from the ten-year anniversary of The Last Airbender’s series finale (the epic “Sozin’s Comet” aired July 19, 2008), another animated series that’s just as talented at weaving those qualities together broke boundaries with a collection of episodes that will surely go on to define the series. Not only did last week’s group of Steven Universe episodes change the direction of its epic, sprawling saga, it aired both same-sex proposal and wedding episodes, something unheard of in animated television. Bursting with dynamic action and raw emotion, it’s become clear that Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe has filled the space that Avatar: The Last Airbender left vacant a decade ago.
Source: IGN.com How Steven Universe Became This Decade's Avatar: The Last Airbender