Monday, January 10, 2022

Avatar's Most Political Theory Calls for 'All Hail Fire Lord Katara'

The latest in ATLA theories suggest that Katara should have rightfully been crowned Fire Lord instead of Zuko.


The final Agni Kai between Azula and Zuko is arguably one of the most iconic moments in Avatar: The Last Airbender. This cathartic battle between brother and sister was the culmination of a deadly sibling rivalry and spending a lifetime suppressing the innate need for familial love from each other. Per Uncle Iroh's advice, Zuko needed backup when facing the powerfully unhinged Azula, so Katara joins him to face the Fire Nation Princess together.

After Zuko is struck by Azula's lightning and is left incapacitated, Katara captures Azula herself. Since she overpowers the reigning Fire Lord, does that technically mean Katara should have been Fire Lord instead of Zuko? u/yeaitsmeluigi6079 raises the question in a recent Reddit thread.

In Season 3 Episode 19, Katara is at Zuko's side after he helps locate her mother's killer. At the request of Uncle Iroh, she goes with Zuko to Azula's coronation to back him up after Iroh encourages him to become Fire Lord due to his 'unquestionable honor.' They were determined to defeat Azula, Agni Kai or not. In fact, it was Azula herself who challenged Zuko to the duel and not the other way around.


So, what is an Agni Kai? An Agni Kai is a traditional firebender duel used as a last resort to resolve personal and political conflicts. Because of its roots in tradition, the duel does have some legal deciding power. It ends when either opponent is burned, regardless of being dead or alive. Despite this, the recent regime recognizes that a fight to the death is more honorable, as remaining alive would be a huge disgrace and the loser might as well be dead.

How does Katara come into play? In the end, Zuko was incapacitated, technically losing the Agni Kai and making Azula the official Fire Lord. Despite this, Katara effectively usurps and captures Azula, overpowering the Fire Nation's official ruler. Ozai, who was busy losing to Aang, gave up the Fire Lord title to become the Phoenix King. If viewing this situation outside of the Agni Kai, it is Katara who left the battle victorious, therefore achieving the title of Fire Lord even for a brief moment before healing Zuko.

Yet, an Agni Kai doesn't exactly help choose the next Fire Lord. A new Fire Lord is chosen when a reigning Fire Lord designates one of their heirs to the succession in preparation for the future. This is seen when Azulon chooses Ozai instead of his firstborn Iroh, and again with Azula instead of Zuko.


Another argument presented by u/wrong-mon suggests that Zuko's legitimacy is in question due to his banishment. Ozai also once again strips him of his rights after he joins Team Avatar and subsequently betrays the entire country. His legitimacy was only validated by Iroh, who is not the reigning Fire Lord. Still, there is his birthright to consider, which itself cannot be changed no matter how hard Ozai tries.

Still, if Katara were to become Fire Lord, the consequences could be devastating to the world of ATLA. Fire Lords can only be powerful firebenders, and Katara is a waterbender. Rulers from different nations are possible, but this doesn't happen without a fight. Something like this could mean all-out war between the Fire Nation and the Water Tribes. Katara as Fire Lord could bring a definite end to the delicate balance between the nations Team Avatar fought so hard to achieve.


The entire purpose of the Avatar is the bring peace to the four nations, yet the Fire Nation along with the rest of the world viewed Aang with distrust. Understandably, the Avatar hasn't been around for 100 years and most people weren't alive to comprehend the Avatar's power and influence. The fact that the Avatar returned in the form of a seemingly incompetent child further proves this point. Needless to say, if Zuko lost the Agni Kai that day and Aang ordered the Fire Nation to refuse Azula the throne, he would be faced with outrage and a civil war would surely devastate the nation.

In the comics, the people of the Fire Nation didn't see Zuko as a legitimate leader because of his banishment and the shame that came with it. Still, as pointed out by Reddit user u/Sinister_Blanket, he was with the Avatar who eventually won the Fire Nation over when he spared Ozai. Combined with this newfound trust by association, Zuko's birthright and honor bestowed by Iroh, Zuko's ascension to the throne couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Since Team Avatar captured both Azula and Ozai and stripped the latter of his powers, the Fire Nation was briefly without a ruler. Zuko would have been the only right choice in order to promote and preserve the balance between the Four Nations.

Geopolitical ramifications in the world of Avatar are something viewers can now appreciate as adults, and it adds an extra layer of complexity to an already incredible series. The comics and novels explore these complicated dynamics even further, so they are an essential read in order to comprehend what really was at stake. Whether on the side of Fire Lord Katara or not, she was definitely a key factor in creating the balance that would ultimately save the Four Nations from self-destruction.

Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra on Paramount+ and Netflix! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com

Listen to the brand new podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements!




Original source: CBR.com.
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'SpongeBob' Skin Theory May Explain a 21-Year-Old Mystery

A complex theory about SpongeBob SquarePants might solve some of the show's biggest mysteries. Here's what you need to know about the "skin theory".


SpongeBob SquarePants has been the subject of many theories, some darker than others thanks to , and there’s one that has caught the attention of fans for its complexity and its conclusion: the skin theory, which might change the perspective of some viewers. Nickelodeon has seen various animated TV shows that have become very popular with viewers of all ages, but none has had the same impact as SpongeBob SquarePants. Created by Stephen Hillenburg, SpongeBob SquarePants made its debut in 1999 and has since become one of the longest-running animated series, with over 10 seasons and counting, and that has also made way for a bunch of theories and different interpretations on the show and its characters.

SpongeBob SquarePants takes viewers to the bottom of the ocean to visit the underwater city of Bikini Bottom, where the title character and many other colorful characters (both allies and enemies) live and get involved in all types of trouble. SpongeBob is often accompanied through his many adventures by his best friends Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks, his neighbor and coworker Squidward Tentacles, and his greedy boss Mr. Krabs, as well as his pet snail Gary, who joins the fun from time to time. Bikini Bottom has a bit of everything, and it has also seen some strange moments, though these are often justified by the show being an animated one, but that isn’t a good enough explanation for some viewers.

Cartoons are often at the front and center of many theories, and SpongeBob SquarePants hasn’t been safe from them. The latest in the vault of SpongeBob theories is that of “the skin theory”, which originated from a (very long and detailed) YouTube video and has been discussed in social media and online forums, becoming viral. The theory basically focuses on all those instances where characters in SpongeBob SquarePants ripped their skins off, wore costumes of other fish or characters, inserted themselves in the bodies of other characters (like that one time SpongeBob took over Mr. Krabs’ shell), transplanted body parts, etc, all of which happened more often in the first four seasons, which were written and overseen by Hillenburg himself.

The author of the theory suggests three theories on why SpongeBob SquarePants does all these skin-related things, and the first one is “The Ritual Aspect”. This theory suggests a parallel between why humans wear masks and the characters in SpongeBob, focusing on the act of wearing masks to represent and channel deities and spirits and also drive out demons, so the characters could be wearing costumes and other skins with that purpose, especially when it comes to getting rid of the Flying Dutchman, the closest there is to a supernatural entity in Bikini Bottom. Next is the “Mass Psychosis Element” theory, which is all about how people go insane at the same time in the same way and with no real physical explanation, which gives a simple reason to the skin theory: all characters in SpongeBob SquarePants are insane.

Last but not least, is “The Costumed Human Hypothesis”, which basically says that all characters in SpongeBob SquarePants aren’t sea creatures: they are just humans in disguise, meaning that Bikini Bottom isn’t real, and this also explains all those instances in the show that defy logic, such as the characters using fire, drinking water, etc. “Skin Theory” has drawn a lot of attention, and while it’s a fun theory, it does feel like a stretch to try to find a reason for something that is just meant to make the audience laugh and is intended to be nonsensical – but, like in almost all theories, fans of SpongeBob SquarePants are the ones who will decide if the theory makes sense or not.

Watch SpongeBob SquarePants and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and 200 episodes of SpongeBob, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run, Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The SpongeBob Musical on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com.


Listen to The SpongeBob Musical here!

CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! We’re serving up everything from legendary scenes to remixes of classic songs to deep dives into Bikini Bottom lore. Be sure to check back every week for Music Mondays, Wumbo Wednesdays, and Flashback Fridays! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!

Shop SpongeBob!: https://www.spongebobshop.com - SpongeBob face masks now available, with ALL proceeds going to charity!


Original source: ScreenRant.
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'Avatar Legends' RPG Delayed Due to Paper Shortage

Developer Magpie Games offers an update on Avatar Legends, confirming that the game will ship at a later date due to a paper shortage.


Avatar Legends, the crowd-funded tabletop RPG set in the universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender, will no longer ship in early 2022.

Announced via the game's official Kickstarter page, developer Magpie Games confirmed that the product will now launch in summer 2022. According to the post released by the studio, a supply chain shortage is responsible for the delay. "After a lot of digging and searching, we are sad to say that simply due to the volume of printed materials, we need to delay when you will be receiving the physical copies of the game," said Magpie Games. "It turns out that printing over 200,000 books—plus hundreds of thousands of journals, cards, and dice—will take much longer than usual due to cardboard and paper shortages. But even without those shortages, it’s just a very very high volume of books! Even if our printers manufacture ten thousand or more books a week… it would still take months to print all these books!"

While never explicitly stated, it's possible that the sheer success of Avatar Legends' crowdfunding campaign took Magpie Games by surprise. The RPG managed to raise a total of $9,535,317 USD, greatly surpassing its initial goal of $50,000 USD and going on to set the record for Kickstarter's highest funded role-playing game.

"We apologize for the shipping delay. We know it’s not ideal, and we’re so sad we can’t make magic happen," continued Magpie Games. "Sometimes journeys take longer than you planned them to, and while we know you’re all amazing, we want you to know we’re so grateful for all your patience and kindness as we’ve been figuring out how best to get you the books as quickly as we can." While the physical copies of the game will only ship in mid-2022, the complete digital version of the rulebook will be available to all backers in February 2022.


Built on the Powered by the Apocalypse system, Avatar Legends allows fans to tell and play through their own adventures set within the beloved universe. Game Masters can set their game in a variety of periods throughout the show's timeline, including Kyoshi's Era, Aang's Era and Korra's Era, while players can assume the role of daring adventures inspired by character archetypes from the TV series. The system allows fans to create element benders or focus their strengths on standard combat abilities, such as martial arts or swordplay.

Watch Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra on Paramount+ and Netflix! Try Paramount+ for FREE at ParamountPlus.com

Listen to the brand new podcast, Avatar: Braving the Elements!




Original source: CBR.com.
Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra News and Highlights!
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The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs to Host Nickelodeon SpongeBob Night on Jan. 15

Roanoke, Virginia - The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the Southern Professional Hockey League will host a Nickelodeon Night Featuring SpongeBob SquarePants on Saturday, January 15 when the professional ice hockey team takes to the ice against the Fayetteville Marksmen. The game will take place at the Dawgs' home ground of Berglund Center.

The Cincinnati Cyclones and Blackhawks wear SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star jerseys for Nickelodeon Night in March 2018.

Gates open at 6:00 pm, with the puck dropping at 7:05 pm.

The team will wear specialty jerseys during the game. Wisler Plumbing and Air Family Four Packs are available.

The event is for fans of all ages.

Ticket prices start at $13 for adults and $11 for kids. Purchase tickets here.

Parking on site is $5.00 while available or utilize the free shuttle option from the Elmwood Park Garage (201 Tazewell Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24016). No refunds or exchanges.

For more information, including the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs' full promotional schedule visit https://www.railyarddawgs.com.

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The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rumored to Be Coming to 'Fortnite'

COWABUNGA! Fresh from kicking shell in SMITE, it looks like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are set to land in Fortnite!


A major new report is claiming that Epic Games is partnering with Paramount to bring new characters, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to Fortnite!

In 2021, Epic Games rapidly expanded its partnership efforts to bring new characters and stories to Fortnite. That includes partnerships with comic book companies like DC Comic and Marvel, musicians like Nickelodeon alum Ariana Grande, continued film partnerships like with Star Wars and The Matrix, and many more. For any Fortnite fans that thought things would slow down in 2022, a new report hints at a major Epic Games partnership with Paramount that could bring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and more to the battle royale.

The report comes from reliable leaker and rumormonger Shpeshal_Nick of the XboxEra podcast. In a recent recording, Shpeshal_Nick says that he's learned Epic Games and Paramount have recently signed a contract. The partnership is to bring Paramount properties to Fortnite in the future. The only specific example that Shpeshal_Nick is able to cite, however, is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Shpeshal_Nick's sources are left unnamed, only saying that he "heard" the news, making it solidly a rumor.

While the extent of the partnership between Epic Games and Paramount is unclear, just looking at upcoming Paramount Pictures releases teases some crossover possibilities. Paramount is currently releasing a new Scream movie, Mission Impossible 7 and 8, the next Star Trek film, as well as films in the Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, GI Joe, Beavis and Butt-Head, and Top Gun franchises.

But the most likely asset of the partnership is Paramount's production of Nickelodeon movies, as Nickelodeon is also owned by Paramount's parent company ViacomCBS. The list of properties therein includes SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and dozens of other cartoons, including the aforementioned Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - of which Paramount will be releasing a new theatrical movie and VOD content on Paramount+ in 2023. Given the lack of clarity regarding the partnership with Epic Games, just how much access is being provided to Nickelodeon properties isn't clear, but even a few would be an exciting crossover opportunity for Fortnite.

Nickelodeon previously teamed up with Fortnite in fall 2019 to being The Carnival of Doom to the game to celebrate the premiere of the network's Are You Afraid of the Dark? revival.

Shepshal Nick says he was told about the news when talking to his source about Paramount+, specifically concerning the upcoming Halo show. Because of this, he believes it's also possible that another form of Master Chief, the one we'll see in the show, will be added to Fortnite too, despite the game version of the character already being there. Other franchises that could appear in the game as part of the partnership are Transformers and South Park.

This could pretty much secure Forntite's place as the ultimate battle royale, as it would cover the unique selling point of its competitors, such as SMITE and PUBG.

As for when Fortnite players can expect to see the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or any other Paramount crossover content, it's likely a season or few away. New content takes time to make, even if it's a priority for the development team. Plus, there's always the possibility that this rumor isn't true or that plans change. Stay tuned for more information later in 2022.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had a strong couple of years in the world of gaming. In 2020, Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Donatello entered the arena in SMITE. The success continued into 2021 when one half of the gang starred in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl - alongside April O'Neil and the Heroes in a Half Shell revisiting SMITE - and the success looks set to continue well into 2022 as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is set to launch this year.

While Paramount’s supposed deal with Epic Games to allow its characters to be included as guest characters hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, the fun-loving and high-flying Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would certainly be a good fit for the zany and colorful world of Fortnite. Even outside of the brothers themselves, the TMNT franchise is home to plenty of great characters Epic could mine for new playable Fortnite skins, from old fan-favorites like Splinter, Casey Jones and Shredder to contemporary faces like Alopex and Jennika. Of course, fans will have to wait for further word of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appearing in the popular game.

Fortnite recently launched Chapter 3 in December, which added the aforementioned Spider-Man to the Island alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s The Foundation and a treasure trove of new features and a completely reworked game map. Recent leaks suggest that Epic could be adding a “No Build” mode to Fortnite in 2022, which will take the game’s famous base-building mechanics out of the equation and give players a more traditional battle royale experience.  In the meantime, players have uncovered Easter Eggs that hint at more Marvel characters joining the fun in Fortnite, including the X-Men and Spider-Man’s infamous nemesis, the Green Goblin.

Fortnite is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, as well as iOS and Android devices.

Watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!


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