I've heard a quote that I love and think is true: "We came in at the beginning for Aang, but we stayed until the very end for Zuko." Honestly, Zuko is probably the character with the strongest story arc of the all.
i myself think that avatar does not have 1 protagonist, but 2! i think zuko is as much as a protagonist of this show, as aang is, because we follow the history of those 2 characters, not only aang. and i find this awsome, zuko is as important as aang is for the world, and i love how they made sure to give him the character development to express that!
I always saw Zuko & Aang's character journeys as kind of mirror images of each other. Aang has a pretty solid grasp of himself as a person from the beginning, and he has to struggle to stay true to that *despite* what life throws at him. In contrast, Zuko doesn't really know who he is at the beginning, and he has to struggle to figure that out *because of* what life throws at him. And in the end, they both end up in the same place. :-)
It's pretty much Goku and Vegeta's arcs. Aang would be described as a flat arc character, although his personality becomes less child-like and more responsable by the end, even when he gets out of the iceberg he already knows his destiny and what he has to do, who he is. He doesn't change in the story but the people around him do change. Zuko is of course a positive arc character, he believes the lie that his pride and happiness will be restored as long as he does what his father says, and catches the avatar. But it doesn't, and when he realizes the lie he's living in he changes for the better.
They both had destinies forced on them that they never wanted. Aang never wanted to be the Avatar and Zuko never wanted to be evil and "honourable" like his father. Iroh calls him Prince Zuko throughout the story because he thought the reason he was banished and detitled was unjust. He didn't think Zuko was a coward like the Fire Lord did. Iroh knew Zuko was compassionate and kind hearted.
Head writer Aaron Ehasz actually wrote most of this show and came up with the most brilliant ideas and the 'creators' Bryan Koniezko and Michael Dante DiMartino got all the glory. But I believe we will be hearing from Ehasz in the next few years. He formed 'Wonderstorm' because he wanted to be independent. By the way : He also would have loved to make book4 air but it got scratched for the movie deal.
:| yes, their names are Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino... There are books by michael: Rebel Genius and Warrior Genius. Write after Avatar. (not about Avatar)
Sunny · Waifu I’ve rewatched it over and over. Re read the comics over and over and I’m only 13 lol. The series ended when I️ was 3 but I️ remember watching the last few episodes then ordering on Netflix to be delivered to our door a few years later. Ever since I️ watch it online just about every day
I think how his hair grows out over the series is a good indicator of his gradual development. Like he’s still trying to find his perfect fit before settling on the idea of fighting for peace.
@@speccothy I think that was like a second reason to Iroh and Zuko but the main reason was to start all over again and find their path, most needed for Zuko.
Honestly, what I would give to forget watching this show and to experience that magic the first time all over again. Because this show, these characters, Zuko and Iron themselves, there is something so so special about this.
I feel the same way. There is indeed something very special about this show and the characters. And I had that same exact thought many times. I'd love to experience it all over again, as if it was new!
I would not want to forget it. I've watched it three times at this point, separated by about 2 years each. Every single time I enjoy it in a new, deeper way. As I change myself, Zuko's story and Iroh's wise words touch me differently. Other characters too; in my last viewing, I connected with Katara in a way I never had before. This show only gains from each viewing, in my opinion.
I agree! I recently rewatched Avatar, and the last time I watched it I was a lot younger, maybe 10 or 11. But now, as a 15 year old, I'm more mature, and the deeper messages actually mean something to me. Zuko's whole character is amazing to me, and I actually teared up in a few scenes rewatching it. He is by far my favourite character, and while he was still a preferred one years ago, I can appreciate him a lot more now and truly understand him. Also, Iroh's quotes are actually really deep for a kids show, if you think about it. His proverbs and inspirational speeches to Zuko have made me realise somethings about life that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. Truly a great work of art, and I agree that it gets better with each viewing!
Caramelzip5 This is exactly why I love this show so much. I’ve been watching it since I was about 6 with my dad and rewatch it practically every year and each time I take something away from it. When I was 6 I didn’t really understand anything lol I don’t even remember watching it all I have is my dad telling me we started when it started but growing up it taught me so many things. Each time I can look at it with more “mature” eyes and it never gets old. An absolute masterpiece imo.
For Zuko, the Avatar is a metaphor for the pursuit of happiness. A person chooses a great goal for their life (getting rich, perfect job, perfect spouse, killing the Avatar), hoping that by achieving said goal, their life will be perfect forever. Then, when they reach that goal, they realize life is more complex than that and remain incomplete (many rich celebrities are depressed, addicted to drugs, suicidal). In the end, our character may find their peace by changing themselves and their lives. They understand that a perfect life is impossible, and what they are actually searching for is Purpose, not Happiness. Then, they may finally be complete.
I think it is almost universally accepted that Zuko is one of the best written characters of all time, in any medium. Great video, made me feel really proud of our boy Zuzu :)
I’ve seen this show around 6-7 times. It will never get old. I’m tempted to have kids just so I can show it to them. And I’m not the biggest fan of kiddos.
love your mindset, and totally agree, i want to do the same thing. but if you do go through with it, be prepared that your kids might not exactly enjoy the avatar or accept it at first.
Zuko had the opportunity to kill his father by redirecting the lightning at him after the solar eclipse, but he chose not to. The reason being the same as his Uncle Iroh when he was asked to fight Ozai when Aang went missing on the Lion Turtle. "Even if I defeat my brother, and I don't know that I could, it would only be another act of violence...it has to be the Avatar."
I relate to Zuko so so soooooo much the line that hit me so hard is "who are you? And what do you want!?" Cause I always am speaking approval from others I know I shouldn't but I do and that one line and that one character kind of feels like it was made for me...made for people like me...it's just so crazy...
It's funny you say that, cause that line where Iroh asks Zuko who he is and what he wants hit me super hard as well. One of the most memorable moments form the show.
I love the part where he's in the beach with Azula, Mai and Tai Lee and they keep asking who he's angry at and he says Zuko: IM ANGRY AT MYSELF! Azula: Why? Zuko: Because I'm confused. Cause I'm not sure I know the difference between right and wrong anymore.
Zuko is definitely one of my favorite character ever. It's such and amazing subtle character development and always managed to create anticipation even though I've watch the show hundres of times . . . . Also Azula and Ozai are disliking the video.
This is a small detail which I really like. When zuko is talking, the camera shows off only one side of the face, and relevant to the context. The scar represents the mark of the fire nation, when zuko talks to his uncle on how things are changing for the better, the camera shows his non scar side. When he was apologising to his uncle iroh, the camera also shows his non scar side, representing his change. Each time when he is having a dialog with his sister or his father, it shows his scarred side of his face.
Everytime I watch the scene where Iroh pulls Zuko in for that hug...it always brings tears. It’s such a beautiful scene for one of, if not, THE best character turn around ever. ATLA will always be my favorite cartoon. Nothing can even compare.
one part that always made my heart swell was during the eclipse when zuko goes to confront ozai, there is one part where zuko says that what is needed in the world is an era of peace and kindness. ozai laughs and sneers "your uncle has gotten to you, hasn't he?" and zuko replies with a small smile, "yes, he has"
So much of Zuko's character development touches me so deeply, but one of my favorite messages is that one can come from a toxic place and put it behind them. I love when Toph mentions that he could have turned out much worse, but the show doesn't use that to excuse his actions. He still has to face the consequences and atone for his mistakes, but he is ultimately able to grow from them and find his own path away from the toxicity that was forced upon him by his father.
In a way, it was about reclaiming for Zuko and also accepting who he was. It was just discovering that the only way to achieve both was to tear down the lies and illusions he was fed growing up.
Zuko has to be one of the best written characters in television history, and I'm not just talking cartoons or even anime here. Zuko taught us a lot of lessons and has probably inspired a lot of people out there. It always brings a smile to my face to know that in the end it was Zuko that won because he got everything he ever hoped for, even if he still does struggle. He's got friends, family, he's a much beloved fire lord and beloved in other areas now as well. He's no longer the exiled and hated prince who pretty much everyone saw as weak. No now he's one of the strongest characters ever and I'm not just talking about his firebending here but his character in general. He's always been a pretty strong character but once he basically said f it to his father, to his sister and to anyone else who wanted him to be something he wasn't, he became even stronger. Everyone needs an Uncle Iroh.
Zuko is, was, and will always be one of my all-time favorite animated characters. His character development is truly one of, if not the best in cartoon history.
Zuko is my favorite character of all time. He's so relatable to anyone who wants a better life for themselves. He starts off as a typical villain but we find out that he's hurting deep inside. I love Zuko so much.
Every time I've messed up and need to deal with my mistakes I always think of Zuko and how he overcame his flaws. I mean, this guy is an inspiration for redemption if there ever was one!
It's making me tear up scrolling through the comments and liking every single one because of how much atla touched the hearts of EVERY single person who watched it. Pure beauty 😭😭💖
I've always seeked approval from my family, sometimes they care and sometimes they don't, making me feel like an outcast from my own family, I've been bullied for having noticeable mark on the left side of my face and spent years wishing it away, I spent all my energy and patience into pleasing them, and now I see this character on this screen and immediately resonate with him. This video made me cry because you made me realize this, thank you so much
A little bit of a nitpick but zuko’s dad didn’t start the Hundred Year war. Firelord Sozin started it, then his son azulon kept fighting, then azulon’s kid firelord Ozai tried to take down the earth kingdom and failed.
I can’t stress enough how beautifully well said this all was; especially the ending. Sorry to hear about ur Grandpa. 😞 But Zuko really is an inspiration to others about accepting yourself and forging your own path. Zuko has always been my fav character from the show cuz of his relatable nature. I really wanted to cry during this video tho.
A running joke between me and my sister whenever we're watching Avatar, just because she knows that getting the words 'redeemed hero' stamped on your forehead is enough to put you above most people in my eyes, is that she always asks me which I like more, Zuko or Jet. The joke part is that I always answer that she's asking the teenage girl to choose between two cute boys. The serious as is possible part is that it's Zuko. Every. Single. Time. Zuko is the best character in Avatar by far.
I keep telling that to Zuko. He's hot. Both, literally and figuratively. Yet he was still so shy when he went on that date in earth kingdom. Maybe your comment will convince him.
I think for me Day of the Black Sun pt.2 is my favorite episode, Zuko standing up to his father, and choosing his own path and destiny. Plus the payoff of him learning lightning redirection from his uncle in season 2 finally being applied was a great touch.
As an adult Uncle Iro has become one of my favorite characters. As a kid I thought him as just the funny guy. But his character is 100× more amazing in my eyes. The scenes between him and Zuko especially in season 3 and the final episodes of season is unbelievably amazing.
Absolutely beautiful! although Zuko was never my favorite character, his uncle was. I loved his teachings and his gentle spirit, his very demeanor worked its way into my own to where i had began to emulate that at every chance I could. Iroh is the type of man I hope to become like when I grow older so that I mentor others who may be suffering much like how Zuko was.
HI colorless, Ehm I am rarely the one to comment on any video section. But this video just reminded me that there is still hope out there, that this life is worth living even if it's inflicted with mistakes and hatred and pain. Thanks so much for saving my life with this video. I will watch it again to remind myself, that a person might not be perfect and might not be forgiven for mistakes, but he can grow and find his redemption. Thank you... sorry IF this comment is maybe too emotional, but thank you ...
I just finished rewatching atlab since they put it on netflix, and I’ve been searching hard for videos on zuko, cause I love him and his story so much. I can’t find many like this. even tho he is greatly loved and popular, I feel like the best things about him and his story are overlooked. the trauma he endured being hated by his father, and the constant strain he felt every waking moment that he wasn’t where he thought he was supposed to be (at his fathers side) is so very moving. all he wanted was his fathers love, and being from the fire nation, a proud and rigid people, (not to mention being royalty) the only way he knew how to get that was to regain his honor as the fire prince. as you follow him through the story, you can’t help but root for him. it’s evident from the flashes of his childhood life that we got to see from episodes like zuko alone, that the fire lord never and would never love zuko. he was going to kill him for gods sakes. and as you watch zuko struggle and fight and be so obsessed with regaining his old life, you realize he’s in a state of denial. believing that if he could capture the avatar, it would make his father accept him is all that he had. and for him to be able to learn that he was better than his father could ever be, and that he could BE better all around is amazing and I love him so much.
After just finishing doing a nonstop rewatch(which I’ve always wanted to do but never had time to since when I first watched it my parents cut off the cable and I only remembered pieces of the story). I couldn’t believe how much I ignored or forgot zuko’s story especially in seasons 2-3. In season 1 I thought he’d be a generic villain “I need to restore my honor blah blah blah” but when he gives himself self reflection that is when his character blossoms. his relationship with his uncle was beautiful, especially when zuko meets him again when iroh was with the white lotus. out of all character’s life his hit me the hardest
This made tears in my eyes. Zuko is definitely one of my favorite characters in the entire series. Even though I'm a girl I still feel a lot like him as I seek approval from my own father, but I'm still learning to accept myself for who I am. This video really spoke to me, thank you.
Zuko has the greatest redemption arc in TV history. An incredibly complex character that finds his way in the end of the series. You grow to love Zuko even through his faults and mistakes. You recognize the good in him and want him to fight to fully achieve his potential within himself. And when he finally reaches it, you feel so proud. As if he’s your lost friend or brother and he’s found his way. I love Zuko so much and when rewatching the show, found him to also be relatable as his struggles are very brutal and realistic.
"I was never angry with you. I was sad because I was afraid you had lost your way." I bawl every time. What an expression of love. If everyone in the world had an Uncle Iroh, we would have world peace.
Even when I was young, I never thought Zuko was a bad person... At 7, surprisingly, I understood how he felt, and how you try so hard not to disappoint your parents, and be the child they want 💔
I just finished the complete series. IMO Zuko had the most character growth on the show. My favorite scenes was when he confronted his father towards the end AND when he finally found his Uncle Iroh.
I'm happy Zuko exists in the show, not only because I love him very much, it's also because the way he was written, I wish more people will succeed characters like him, especially if the characters need to be redeemed in the end.
as someone who went through trauma/abuse as a kid, zuko is such an important character to me. i always feel like my trauma turned me into an angry, defensive person, and its hard to move past that, but seeing zuko be able to find peace and let go of his anger was extremely impactful for me and gave me hope. i wonder if bryan and mike know just how much theyve helped people with their show
Zuko inspired me as well, it showed strength that he could admit to himself,that he’s done all of these mistakes and that he has only been mad at himself ,his development from season one to season three is really admirable....
I rewatched this whole show this summer and I hadn’t watched for a couple of years and i cried multiple times. I was like: this is a kids cartoon WHY AM I CRYING. And the moment when Zuko finally went to his uncle and they made up IS THE MOST HEART BREAKING/WARMING MOMENT.
I postponed watching this video because I thought it'd made me cry. Bad move, it was worth it. Thank you for dedicating the video to your grandpa. May his soul rest in peace. Admittedly, I never really appreciated much of Zuko's story and as a teen thought he was annoying at times, that folks just liked him because he was older, darker, cooler, conflicted and more mysterious. I did learn to appreciate his relationship with his uncle and how, despite his character, he really tried to do the right thing and form bonds with Team Avatar that eventually lent to saving the Nations, that is what settled with me, and thereafter. And as I just finished watching ATLAB a week ago, I see that his need for seeking approval, which is a difficult thing to surrender especially as a young person, he let fall by the wayside in place of choosing the right. I look at decisive moments in my life and that choice is really hard and almost feels like physical friction deep inside. It's a wonderful lesson to learn. Wonderful job, man. Thanks for the vid!
I've seen this show, and Zuko's arc at least 5 times, and yet this video still almost brought me to tears. It says a lot about the brilliance of this show that you can tell it from beginning to end entirely from a "side" character's perspective, and still have it be just as detailed and deep (and even more so) than the main character's story. Zuko is truly one of the best characters of all time with the most satisfying arc in storytelling history.
Zukos story is one I need right now. There is stories upon stories of people finding their own path but what makes zukos unique is that his is really about overcoming who you once were first and the real lessons they show while he is struggling. His story says it's okay to be ashamed, make mistakes and forget everything you thought you knew in order to grow. That you still deserve to be loved and a have better future. I need an Iroh in my life.
Sokka was my favourite but watching Zuko and Iroh was always a thing to behold. Conversations don't get better than this🥺 Iroh: Is it your own destiny or is it a destiny someone else has tried to force on you? Zuko: Stop it Uncle, I have to do this Iroh: I'm begging you Prince Zuko, it is time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big question - Who are you and what do you want?
I feel like I was meant to see this at this specific time of my life. I’ve just recently made a huge decision that alienated or at least disappointed several key current and past authority figures in my life, including family, but I did it because I was sure it was the right choice for me. Not having approval or support from my parent hurts, and I’m trying to process it and not let myself doubt my decision. It’s just like what you said at the end of the video. Thank you, Colorless, and thank you, RU-vid algorithm.
Amazing. Doubt if anyone didnt say they weren't emotional watching this. Every single character was important. This show gave so much hope and joy to all of us.
This is why I have a Zuko poster in my room. HE IS SO WELL WRITTEN! As a writer, I am striving to make characters with lots of development because those tend to be my favorites.
As a kid such a great show, as a young adult a true inspiration. Avatar: The Last Airbender is my foundation of philosophy. This show made me feel happy when I wasn't. I can watch it 10 times more and I would still learn so much from the show. It's about what life is about. Not fighting the big firelord, but fighting for everything what we believe in and do the things where our heart is at.
I finished this show recently and I have to say ...Zuko and Iroh's story and their interactions won me over and made me watch throughout the end. Zuko's journey moved me in so many ways *tears*.Great video!
This is and will always be the best show I’ve ever watched. There’s not one episode I forgot. This entire show teaches you so many things. In every episode there is a lesson to learn. It helped me become the person I am today. Every character had a story. Each and every one. It sounds sill but I can’t thank Nickelodeon enough. . . . . . MY CABBAGES!!!!!!
"much like me back then, zuko is just a teenager but he is also the son and heir to the Fire Lord Ozai on of the most powerful men in the world" Yeah I really relate to that too
This show brought some concepts to light that usually are never even hinted at in Western animation. Watching this show at a young age sparked in me a love for diference and the curiosity that led me to countless stories that did the same. I appreciate that and I'm so glad I got to enjoy it :)
I am sorry about your grandfather, My Grandfather was who i looked up to and was practically a second father to me. I miss him dearly but I remember the lessons he taught me. My Grandfather 1930-2015
I actually cried while watching this video because like many others before me, and many others after, I will always feel like I'm chasing someone else's dreams rather than my own, just like Zuko. I relate to Zuko in a sense where he lost a lot of himself trying to please his father and regain his honor in the fire nation. He was obsessed with finding the Avatar to the point of frustration. This is similar to how most people go to their friends instead of family. Some of us came from broken homes, abusive parents, or even lack of parent or parents, and thus, we obsess over other things to make us feel something (in my case, it's the approval from my peers) Of course we're always going to want approval from others but what I got this from video is that no one can control your destiny, only yourself. I'm really late in watching Avatar, heck I just finished it last March but honestly, Zuko is my favorite character and Dante Basco did a phenomenal job voicing him. I'm thankful for this video and for the series, it's truly remarkable :)
I love it your take on zuko might be useful for me I know I don't want to do the things i'm expected too thing like school I want to learn on my own I want to be alone I want to face struggle and hardship because I believe it makes you humble over all i've never been normal and I believe my life is my own and I want to be able to do what I want without judgment that's why I want to be alone. also RIP to your grandpa i'm sorry for your loss.
I'm glad you're learning from Zukos story, but I don't think anyone needs to be alone. You can do all the things you wish to do, but you don't have to be alone. Everyone needs a helping hand every now and then.
Think of me as a young bird who is who is almost old enough to start learning how to fly and that's how I feel I feel like it's time for me to be on my own to be independent to learn and grow to make mistakes and learn from them, but sadly most people don't feel this way most people follow the path that was layed out for them and I don't want to do that zukos story differs in the fact that he thought following this path would bring him honor and to compare his to mine I never did well at least that's how I feel. Maybe it would be better to talk about this to a therapist instead of some guy named colorless on the internet but I am enjoying it also I don't think there is a problem with wanting to be alone I won't be lonely if that's what your worried about.
Didn't expect the therapist part, but that was comedy gold. Anyway, it sounds like you know what you want to do and that's cool! I definitely agree that the traditional path approved by society isn't for everyone and it sure as hell isn't the ONLY path, which a lot of people seem to think that it is. So you go do you and make your own. I never finished school myself and at the time of me quitting, everyone was telling me how I'm ruining my life. That was many years ago. But it turns out that it was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself. It may not be for everyone, but it was right for me.
I needed this. I’m lost, alone and am stuck in a sense of shame and rejection. This video has given me hope to get help for myself. I’ve learned like you said to stop seeking approval from other people even if that means going against the people you look up to. I will find my way to a better place. Thank you.
Vegeta is very similar to Zuko. He's also an exiled prince who holds his pride above than anything else. Though one difference is that it was Vegeta's ego that was guiding him and Zuko's was his quest that he's forced to undertake. But both of them realise that these values aren't that important and become better characters.
i relate so much to zuko, im 22 years old and when i was 4 years old my father left. We stayed in touch and contacted once a year or so.. and the last month i confronted my father and told him i don't want to keep being in touch anymore. i decided to leave him to where he belongs - the past. I always feel that i have to struggle so muchhh in everything i do, and im really trying to find my way. even though alot of people like me im kind of a lone wolf and most of the time id rather be on my own. zuko gives me so much power because he reminds me of myself.
