On the final day of New York Comic Con (NYCC), thousands of fans rushed to secure their spots for one of the convention’s biggest events – the 20th anniversary celebration of Avatar: The Last Airbender, featuring special guests from the show. The series has achieved legendary status for introducing a world inspired by martial arts, blending elemental powers of air, water, earth, and fire into each nation’s unique fighting style. As a result, fans have formed lasting connections with its heartfelt stories, from powerful episodes like “Zuko Alone” and “The Tales of Ba Sing Se” to Iroh’s timeless wisdom and the series’ cultural world-building.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the fun moments from the panel, including live table reads with illustrations drawn by Bryan Konietzko (co-creator and executive producer of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra), reflections on favorite past memories, and exciting new projects on the horizon, along with plenty of other things!
Portions of this coverage has been lightly edited for clarity, as there will also be major spoilers ahead
Special Guests Opening Start
The first guest to take the stage was Janet Varney, the MC of the panel and the voice of Avatar Korra from The Legend of Korra. The energy in the room continued to build as each additional guest was introduced, including Zach Tyler Eisen (Aang), Jack De Sena (Sokka), Mae Whitman (Katara), Dante Basco (Zuko), Michaela Jill Murphy (Toph), and Bryan Konietzko (co-creator and executive producer of the Avatar universe).
During the introductions, Varney commented on the seating arrangements, leading to a lighthearted moment about popular fan pairings (ships) such as Zutara, Taang, Toph and the Foaming Mouth Guy (suggested at the event by an attendee), and Zukaang. The moment was later shared on Avatar Legends’ official Instagram account.
Each guest then shared a favorite line from the series that you can also view on Avatar Legends’ Instagram Post.
- Jack De Sena (Sokka) – Boomerang! You do always come back!
- Mae Whitman (Katara) – Water, Earth, Fire, Air.
- Dante Basco (Zuko) – Hello, Zuko here.
- Zach Tyler Eisen (Aang) – Flamey-o, Hotman!
- Michaela Jill Murphy (Toph) – I am not Toph. I am Melon Lord! Muahahahaha
- Bryan Konietzko (Foaming Mouth Guy) – Gargling Sounds
Team Avatar’s Favorite Past Moments
Dante Basco reflected on how influential the series has been to fans around the world, praising its symbolic representations of hope and determination. He also spoke fondly about the late Makoto Iwamatsu (Mako), the original voice actor for Uncle Iroh, noting how both his performance and his real-life wisdom inspired and changed the perspectives of many. Basco shared that the relationship between Zuko and Uncle Iroh remains one of the aspects of the series he cherishes most.
Michaela shared that “The Library” was one of her favorite episodes, as it highlights the dangers and temptations that come with the pursuit of knowledge, regardless of who seeks it. In the episode, Team Avatar discovers a hidden library containing valuable information about the Fire Nation, which they plan to use to strike during its most vulnerable day. However, the Spirit of Knowledge, Wan Shi Tong, has grown weary of visitors who have misused the library’s resources in the name of their own “justice,” and attempts to bury both the team and the library itself.
Dante and Michaela also shared that they would have loved to see Toph and Zuko embark on their own adventures together, possibly even attending therapy. They feel that therapy would have been meaningful for both characters, given their similar upbringings in high-status families that often neglected their need for attention and love.
Zach shared that his favorite moments were in the episode “Appa’s Lost Days” because of the emotional depth portrayed through Aang and Appa’s time apart. As the last of the Airbenders, the two have been inseparable since emerging from the iceberg, which made their time apart especially painful. Zach explained that the episode resonated with him because it captured the profound sense of loss the characters felt after being separated from their final connection to their cultural identity and family.
Mae shared that her favorite moment was when Katara finally reunites with her father, Hakoda, in “The Awakening.” However, she noted that the scene was much more than a simple emotional reunion, which the fans knew as well. Katara’s reaction is layered with bitterness rather than affection, a nuance Mae carefully considered while recording the scene in a single take. Bryan and the production team were so moved by the depth of emotion in her performance that the room briefly filled with laughter when Mae asked if they wanted her to do another take.
Mae’s portrayal of Katara continues to inspire fans through her representation as an independent leader who always faced complex challenges, such as her determination to learn waterbending, coping with the loss of her mother, and providing hope to the imprisoned Earthbenders.
Jack shared that his favorite moment was from “Sozin’s Comet,” when Sokka, Suki, and Toph infiltrate the airships to sabotage them. The sequence was especially intense as Suki becomes separated from the group, her fate uncertain, while Sokka and Toph are surrounded by Firebenders with no apparent escape. Jack explained that these moments perfectly conveyed the gravity of the situation and the sense that their journey could end at any moment.
Bryan shared that his favorite moment was seeing Aang standing on the cliff in the opening title of Avatar: The Last Airbender. He explained that the image is deeply symbolic, as Aang isn’t looking down on anyone, but instead gazing toward the endless sky, representing his determination to bring peace and balance to the world.
Live Table Reads – First Scene
Before the live demonstration began, the cast needed someone to fill in for Jennie Kwan’s role as Suki, and the opportunity was given to the attendee with the best cosplay that very morning! Superfan Cynthia Chau was selected and joined the cast on stage, contributing to several lighthearted moments and sharing her own favorite memories from Avatar. Cynthia expressed her admiration for Toph, appreciating both her humor and strength, and named “Bitter Work” as her favorite episode for the way it depicts Aang’s journey in learning to earthbend.
The first reenactment featured the scene from “The Serpent’s Pass,” in which Team Avatar attempts to obtain tickets to Ba Sing Se at the ferry terminal. Sokka is confronted by a female security officer who seems to know him quite well and hints at her identity with a quick kiss. The audience responded enthusiastically to the lively reunion between the two characters, as Sokka proudly showed off his physique to a clearly amused and interested Suki.
The cast continued reenacting the episode with the scene where Toph struggles to cross the icy path as Sokka shouts, “Just follow the sound of my voice!” Cynthia and Michaela shared a comedic exchange as Toph mistakenly kisses Suki, believing she was Sokka, before realizing her error and humorously asking to be drowned.
The reenactment concluded with Suki saying goodbye to Sokka with a heartfelt kiss, leaving the audience both touched and energized by Cynthia and Jack’s lively performances.
Second Scene
The second reenactment featured the scene from “The Western Air Temple” in which Zuko approaches Team Avatar to explain his change of heart and offer to teach Aang firebending. Although the original scene is quite serious, Dante’s laid-back and sarcastic delivery had the audience in tears of laughter as Zuko awkwardly tried to justify his intentions. After being rejected by the group, Zuko walks off, questioning why he admitted to sending Combustion Man instead of simply saying Azula did it to a frog.
The reenactment concluded with the gang evaluating the situation, delivering even funnier reactions to lines such as “At least he didn’t add animal cruelty to the list,” and “Not as much of a jerk as you could’ve been award.” However, it was Michaela’s delivery of “I’m beginning to wonder who’s really the blind one around here” that left the audience stunned and eager for more.
Final Scene
The final reenactment revisited the moment when Aang reunites with his friends after his triumphant battle against Fire Lord Ozai in “Sozin’s Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang.” The scene was just as humorous as fans remembered, filled with playful jabs about the “Loser Lord” and recognition of Aang’s choice to find a peaceful solution rather than resorting to violence. The performance highlighted the central message of the series, the importance of discovering your own path and answers instead of relying solely on the collective expectations of others.
Afterward, the cast performed the scene where Zuko is crowned Fire Lord, creating an incredible moment as the audience joined in, acting as the cheering crowd celebrating his coronation. In that moment, fans of every nation came together to honor the 20th anniversary in perfect harmony, standing not only for a well-deserved ovation but also in celebration of the series’ message of hope and unity.
Future Projects
The Team Avatar fanbase continues to grow, with excitement building for upcoming animated projects such as Avatar: Seven Havens (featuring the newest Avatar after Korra), The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, and a series of new Avatar chibi shorts coming soon to YouTube.
We were then presented with an entire list of merchandise such as Book 2: Earth – Music Album from Jeremy Zukerman, Magic The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender Collaboration – (November 21, 2025), Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game – (Summer 2026) and more down below!
Avatar: The Last Airbender, In Concert, The 20th Anniversary Tour
- Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Official Baking Book – (Available)
- Avatar Legends Bending Academy: Fire #1 – LIGHT IT UP! – (November 18, 2025)
- Beasts of the Four Nations: Creatures from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra – (Available)
- Avatar Legends: City of Echoes – (Available)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Awakening of Roku – (December 30, 2025)
- Hatsune Miku x Avatar Mash up Collection with YouTooz – (Pre-order soon on Youtooz.com)
- Original Squishmallows of Momo – (Coming Soon)
Conclusion
What were some of your favorite moments and lessons from Avatar: The Last Airbender? Which element would you choose to bend, and why? The series is currently streaming on Netflix, with more updates on future projects and merchandise available through Avatar Legends’ official Instagram.
A heartfelt thank-you to Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino for creating a world that continues to hold such deep meaning for so many.
Special thanks to Jack De Sena, Mae Whitman, Dante Basco, Michaela Jill Murphy, and Zach Tyler Eisen for joining fans at New York Comic Con, and to Janet Varney for serving as the engaging MC and for her work as Avatar Korra.
We look forward to seeing how the Avatar universe continues to grow in the years ahead.
Images: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Avatar: Seven Havens, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
© Bryan Joseph Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, Avatar: The Last Airbender Project, Avatar Studios, Viacom International Inc
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