Three Cdrama Fantasy Series to Watch if You Like Avatar
After the release of live action of Avatar: the Last Airbender, a lot of people have been saying that it lacks the brilliance of the original. As an immense fan of the animation, and its sequel, Legend of Korra, I too, know that it would have been far better for Netflix to have just thrown all the time and resources into more animated goodness. I know that we’re supposed to be getting new animations later in the year, I just hope that the performance of this rather mechanical rehashing of the source material doesn’t jeopardise it.
I do understand there’s a certain appeal to seeing this vivid world and amazing fantasy “in the flesh” as it were, and perhaps, had they taken the bold step to produce a different story in the same world, it may have landed better. It may also have helped if they had turned an eye to some of the amazing fantasy series coming out of China these days, any number of which may scratch that live action itch of the average Avatar fan. Here are just three which I find myself reaching for to recommend when I see someone suffering the post-Avatar blues.
One of the things I loved about the original Avatar was seeing the philosophies, aesthetics and martial arts of my own, and other Asian cultures ingeniously and respectfully adapted into a fantasy world, which was still Eastern, but provided different dynamics and possibilities. This AU approach is present in all three of my recommended Cdrama series.
I also loved seeing how the main characters develop and grow. Even after so many years, I remember the pain and anguish of Aang, Zuko and Korra as they overcame the expectations and paths set for them by their birth and made their own journeys to their roles. Douluo Continent (based on the xuanhuan novels by Tangjia Sanshao) is a fast-paced fantasy set in a world in which science and magic co-exist, and those born with martial souls serve as its protectors. It’s a story that very much centres on a band of young misfits, against a backdrop of contests, interpersonal rivalries, blossoming friendships, and overarching conspiracies. Its CGI ranges into the video-gamey, but the excellent choreography, and focus on the nature of the powers keeps you engaged. The first series is available to stream now, and a second series is currently in production!
One of the positive messages of Avatar was that whether you wield cosmic powers, or just struggle to survive from day to day, everyone has value and sometimes powers may manifest in different ways, or just need a little longer to nurture. Snow Eagle Lord (based on the xuanhuan novels by I Eat Tomatoes) set in a universe in which different species co-exist and elemental powers produce knights or wizard scientists, features a “sword in the stone” story of a protagonist initially looked down on for his seemingly poor combat skills, who eventually rises to immense power, not just because of his unique nature, but his wholesome character developed during the trials of his early life. Though Xueying (Snow Eagle) wields a spear, you’ll find others using fans, magic, and even one wizard whose greatest skill is being VERY good at maths (How Chinese!)
What ultimately made Avatar so memorable was the friendship and camaraderie between the main characters, antagonism giving way to unbreakable bonds on their quest. Such is the story between the two young heroes Huzi and Qi Xiaoxuan in Tiger and Crane (based on the xianxia manhua by Huang Xiaoda）, whilst villains like Qi Yanran chew the scenery with all the edge-lord angst of Zuko, before her reform. Both Duoluo Continent and Tiger and Crane provide the gifted young heroines which Avatar was so praised for, who become not only powerful healers and supporters like Ning Rongrong, but great warriors and commanders, like Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Zhao Xintong.
These series all rely on CGI to bring the extremes of magic to the screen, but they are built on and integrated with a long history of wire-fu, camera work and choreography which should have you glued to the screen and gasping with delight in the way that we all felt when we first watched Avatar. All three mirror Avatar’s troubled world, but all bear essential messages of peace, tolerance, individual value, and friendship in the face of the tumultuous divisions. A simple message, but one we can’t stop believing in.
Douluo Continent is currently Available on Amazon Prime and Viki, as is Snow Eagle Lord and Tiger and Crane is available on IQiyi
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