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Post by mahatista on Jun 15, 2007 2:14:41 GMT -5
I think Zuko's a good character but a little is enough where he's concerned. He says almost nothing, like during Zuko Alone, and when he does talk it's usually to complain. But with just a sprinkling here and there, he's a lot more likeable. You can pull for him because you don't have to deal with him all the time.
Aang's had a very interesting character arc in season 2 and I think he'll only get more and more complex. His jealousy over Katara leading up to his having to choose to let her go was enough to make his story interesting.
But I agree that Zuko sometimes overshadows Aang. I think because he seems so isolated and alone and Aang's always got these people around him supporting him. You just feel he's definitely going to be okay and Zuko's the one who's in real peril.
That's why the season finale was so upsetting to me. Aang wasn't okay.
I don't know what they'll do with Zuko's character next season. It seems fairly clear that he's going to hook up with Mai which doesn't bode well IMO. But I'll see what they come up with and try to keep an open mind.
I'm actually hoping the focus shifts back to Aang though. Even if it leaves the rest of the gAang in the dust a little. Maybe a Zuko Alone style epi where he's kind of an anti-hero, which face it is really Zuko's draw, would be good.
I'm rambling 'cuz it's late. But this is an interesting thread. I agree and disagree with all of you.
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Post by aangryjerk on Jun 15, 2007 8:38:36 GMT -5
Here's a little food for thought everyone. If Zuko had Iroh's bodytype(chubby, undefined stomach and chest) but still had the same personality, can you honestly say he'd have as many fans as he does? No. That sounds very shallow perhaps, but it's true. A character's looks are a huge part of their overall impression, especially in a cartoon. If Zuko were a tubby kid, his bratty fits would not have the same impact because the viewer would have the impression that he's lived a soft life. But since Zuko has appeared either fit and healthy, or on the verge of starvation, his crabbiness has a bit more merit. I do contest the implication that Zuko has so many fans solely because of his looks though. There are plenty of good looking males in ATLA--Haru, Jet, Bato to name a few, but I doubt they have nearly as much of a fan following.
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Post by luthien on Jun 15, 2007 10:36:59 GMT -5
I have to admit I'd like Zuko regardless of his looks (though I will admit he's a little cutie, but who among the main characters of this show isn't? Sokka's a hottie, too!). But I think Zuko's looks are kind of important to his character, because I think his physical condition is sort of a manifestation of his struggle to prove himself. He's in that kind of shape because he's pushing himself so hard - I can imagine many music nights where the rest of his ship was out singing, and he's somewhere drilling firebending moves until he's sore. That seems kind of Zuko's way. By the way, is it just me, or does Zuko never eat? I think we've actually seen him consume food only once in 40 episodes!
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Post by psylum on Jun 15, 2007 11:03:57 GMT -5
Here's a little food for thought everyone. If Zuko had Iroh's bodytype(chubby, undefined stomach and chest) but still had the same personality, can you honestly say he'd have as many fans as he does? No. That sounds very shallow perhaps, but it's true. A character's looks are a huge part of their overall impression, especially in a cartoon. If Zuko were a tubby kid, his bratty fits would not have the same impact because the viewer would have the impression that he's lived a soft life. But since Zuko has appeared either fit and healthy, or on the verge of starvation, his crabbiness has a bit more merit. I do contest the implication that Zuko has so many fans solely because of his looks though. There are plenty of good looking males in ATLA--Haru, Jet, Bato to name a few, but I doubt they have nearly as much of a fan following. What I'm trying to imply is that his looks allow people to tolerate his antisocial behavior more so than if he was chubby and undefined. Also, bare in mind that physical appearance and fitness do not go hand and hand. I was more physically active than the average boy my age growing up, I lifted weights, played sports, etc and at my peak I still looked like Iroh, chubby and undefined.
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Post by aangryjerk on Jun 15, 2007 11:04:19 GMT -5
^^Well, in season 1, he must have eaten that fish he snatched from Uncle because he was "saving it for later". And he almost took a sip of tea but something made the ship rock and the tea splashed into his face And I agree, his physique is a manifestaion of his driven personality. If he had a soft physique, all that self-denial and striving would seem false. That may be so for a lot of fans. But like I said, there are other attractive males in the show who arent' antisocial, yet they don't have such a fan following. So there's something else about Zuko that people like. Me, I like him precisely for his antisocial behavior, because teenage boys often are liek that. It makes him feel real, and it's kinda funny. Not that I wouldn't want him grow up and stop being a jerk eventually. I like him because in his own story, he's an underdog and an anti hero who occasionally does the right thing. He's a flawed person, a work in progress, and I just naturally root more for that kind of character. That's true in real life, but in TV a character's appearance usually matches their personality unless it's for an ironic effect. Iroh's very laid back and loves luxury, so he's the chubby one. Other characters underestimate him, and he wisely uses that to his advantage. That's why it's so cool when he pwns, because not only do other characters on the show not expect it, but most viewers don't either. But with Zuko there's no irony. He's a driven personality, so his physique is hard to match. (I've edited this lot I know. It takes me a while to get my thoughts together sometimes. )
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Post by luthien on Jun 15, 2007 11:07:11 GMT -5
What I'm trying to imply is that his looks allow people to tolerate his antisocial behavior more so than if he was chubby and undefined. This is probably very true, but it could also be applied to the other characters. If they were all less attractive, people might be a lot less willing to put up with Katara's bossiness/crabiness, Sokka's sexist or goofy ways, and Toph's snarky behavior. I think it holds true for all the characters.
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Post by Kosuke on Jun 15, 2007 11:21:41 GMT -5
Here's a little food for thought everyone. If Zuko had Iroh's bodytype(chubby, undefined stomach and chest) but still had the same personality, can you honestly say he'd have as many fans as he does? Of course no! This reflects the reality of our society -we see things because the main characters are sexy or so, we label people because of the way they look. It goes without saying that Zuko's scar helps us explain the reason why he's so isolated and alone. But, if Zuko looked like Iroh, he would be hated. A LOT. That's the typical steriotype. Sad but true. Now, as far as I'm concerned, if Zuko looked like that I would still like him, maybe even more. After all, the only main reason I like Zuko without looking as his looks is his personality.
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Post by rocio on Jun 15, 2007 12:52:31 GMT -5
Well.GUys...........
Callm down........
The look is part of a charatcer; the way that is dressed, their hair, their shape, the way in which it speakes.... ......all..........
But that is only for to make their personality to have sense..........
Aside of that; what calls the public to the personage; you can say that the show is bad but the personage can be interesting...........
Or, the show can have a great plot, but the personage is bad, is stupid.......
About which personage you like more; Aang or Zuko. Is a personal qustion, Is a question of tastes and personalities.........
So, Is not wht this conversation is asking for........
The question is If Zuko is stealing the show......... And he always was one of the main character........ Just that end up being more deep and confusing than the others personages. And that need a lot of attention by part of the creators If they wantus to believe what Zuko is doing and his desitions..........
So, in this book can be that he was stealing a lot of space. But maybe only for this book......
There have been cases where the creators have decided to change to the main personage, since they ended up putting more attention in another personage. Usually it happens. ,…
But in other cases, the most normal, the creators divide the series in narrative programs; perhaps they single dedicated book two to develop more Zuko, and for that reason he robbed more time in screen.
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Post by Kosuke on Jun 15, 2007 12:58:56 GMT -5
^ Absolutely right, Rocio
(Rocio!!! Me encanta tu nombre!)
Zuko might being stealing the show because of the way his personality's being transformed. And you can see that in the way he has evolved from season 1 to The Crossroads of Destiny in season 2. For me, Zuko might being "stealing the show" because of the constant swings his character has taken.
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Post by rocio on Jun 15, 2007 15:43:17 GMT -5
The next season is going to have greater viewer than ever, everybody is going to want to know what is thinks Zuko now, and how is going to go out of this one XD.
And everybody want to see if Aang finally will be able to control his emotions or no.
And of all. the face of Ozai............
(gracias...hablas español?)
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KuroOkami
Appa
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Posts: 229
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Post by KuroOkami on Jun 15, 2007 17:05:14 GMT -5
Well, this is just a personal observation, but I find that it's usually the Zutarians who perceive Zuko as an "UBER AWESOME!!1one11" character and project all kinds of bashing and hate on Aang. But you don't need to take my word for it. A lot of you probably know these people better than I do.
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Post by rocio on Jun 15, 2007 17:18:34 GMT -5
Well, this is just a personal observation, but I find that it's usually the Zutarians who perceive Zuko as an "UBER AWESOME!!1one11" character and project all kinds of bashing and hate on Aang. But you don't need to take my word for it. A lot of you probably know these people better than I do. ................ Well.........Im not a great Zuko fan........... But I know what Im watching............ And what I said before is just the analisis taht I made about tha topic. Aside, the last year, when season two was being displayed, I asked to my teeacher of analysis of narrative estructures about that detail of Zuko. I was a ware of the detail of him having a lot of importance. And he said to me what I posted before........ So, is not a question that I like Zuko or nothing of that; I used ATLA for that clase............. I passed it XD..........
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Growly
DOBS Katara
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The Mod behind the Myth
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Post by Growly on Jun 15, 2007 18:42:35 GMT -5
People like b***** characters. I have no earthly clue why, but it seems to be a common theme running through all the anime and many of the movies and comics I've seen. Nice characters get no quarter - except perhaps as comic relief (if they're lucky), but the bad boys run rampant.
I've even seen it in my own works - one of my characters, Crow, is very much the angry, angsty, scarred character (although his injuries are far more extensive and limiting than Zuko's paltry burn - Crow is pretty much blind and deaf on one side and has to expend effort not to walk with a limp). People love him. Every single person who has become familiar with the continuity loves the h*** out of that selfish, self-centered b******. The other two main male cast members are pushed to the back - especially the central character of the story who is the one with the heroic destiny (although the other male in the trio fares a bit better because he's considered 'cute', but in the same way a small fuzzy animal is cute, if my interpretations of the reactions are at all accurate).
I don't think it's particularly fair that things work out that way - but that's how it happens. If you don't have a tragic past, an angry outlook on life and perhaps a few scars for good measure, you're not going to be a very popular character among the masses.
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Post by luthien on Jun 15, 2007 18:50:44 GMT -5
Which is another interesting question - I wonder why that is? Is it that most people see themselves that way, or that they sympathize with that character more? I must admit part of my affection for Zuko is that I see a bit of myself in him (not the extremely moody part, dear Lord I hope that's not the way I am to other people!) - but y'know, I have a physical trait that I've been made fun of for all my life (not an unattractive one, I feel, but one that people made fun of regardless), felt like an outsider, felt I've had to prove my worth to others - so I feel for Zuko. I just want him to do right by himself and Iroh. I want to see him give the ol' finger to those who've tried to put him down. I do like Zuko because I do identify with him a bit.
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nandireya
Zuko's Path to Redemption Mod
...tickled pink...
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Post by nandireya on Jun 15, 2007 18:56:30 GMT -5
Yeah...I've been picked on because of my physical appearance...I'm social awkward as a result and mostly avoid interacting with others...I can be pig-headed when it comes to meeting certain goals...I've had to work pretty hard for everything I've got...so yeah...it's a relating to the character thing...
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