Rewatching ATLA
After watching the first season of Legend of Korra (which has its flaws, but I definitely enjoyed it), I decided to rewatch Avatar. I used to think that Aang didn't go through character development, but upon watching again I've seen that I was wrong. He started out as a kid who had his heart in the right place but who was also immature, irresponsible, and a bit selfish. He made mistakes. I think for a protagonist in a kids' show, he's definitely interesting in how spiritual and kind he is. Of course, I love Zuko, Katara, and Sokka as much as ever. After seeing the problems that LOK had with Bolin's development (aka. none at all), I'm appreciate how Sokka's rationality and strategic thinking balance out his comic relief qualities.
I wonder how unusual it is that I ship both Zutara and Kataang. My lack of interest in Kataang is mostly due to Aang's age. It's just odd for me to see anything shippy with a boy who hasn't even gone through puberty, whereas Katara is a teenager. I also think she acts a bit sisterly toward him, but I'm happy to enjoy the pairing a few years down the road. After all they went through, I can believe that their relationship would last. Having actually fallen in love with my soulmate since I first watched the show, I have a new perspective in which to view a healthy relationship.
My interest in Zutara is mostly because I tend to like interesting pairings, regardless of whether they're healthy or not. As characters, Zuko and Katara play off each others' personalities and have a complex dynamic. Does it have tons of baggage? Yes. I think their fights would be brutal. But from a writer's perspective, it intrigues me. I understand that it might not be desirable in real life, but I like to imagine the situations that would need to occur for them to grow closer. I also just don't like Mai...
It sounds like Zutarans have a really bad reputation in fandom, though from what I gather, the shipping wars in ATLA and LOK fandom are insane. I just read whatever seems interesting and let others enjoy what they like.
As for LOK, I don't hate Makorra but like Korra with Bolin better. However, it's Amorra and Amon/Lieutenant that most caught my attention. You can see the pattern here...
I wonder how unusual it is that I ship both Zutara and Kataang. My lack of interest in Kataang is mostly due to Aang's age. It's just odd for me to see anything shippy with a boy who hasn't even gone through puberty, whereas Katara is a teenager. I also think she acts a bit sisterly toward him, but I'm happy to enjoy the pairing a few years down the road. After all they went through, I can believe that their relationship would last. Having actually fallen in love with my soulmate since I first watched the show, I have a new perspective in which to view a healthy relationship.
My interest in Zutara is mostly because I tend to like interesting pairings, regardless of whether they're healthy or not. As characters, Zuko and Katara play off each others' personalities and have a complex dynamic. Does it have tons of baggage? Yes. I think their fights would be brutal. But from a writer's perspective, it intrigues me. I understand that it might not be desirable in real life, but I like to imagine the situations that would need to occur for them to grow closer. I also just don't like Mai...
It sounds like Zutarans have a really bad reputation in fandom, though from what I gather, the shipping wars in ATLA and LOK fandom are insane. I just read whatever seems interesting and let others enjoy what they like.
As for LOK, I don't hate Makorra but like Korra with Bolin better. However, it's Amorra and Amon/Lieutenant that most caught my attention. You can see the pattern here...