6 epic Avatar: The Last Airbender cosplays to celebrate 15th anniversary
Nickelodeon / Instagram: @aara.lee / @amiephotos Avatar: The Last Airbender reached its 15th anniversary on February 21, and we’ve found six of the most mind bending cosplays to celebrate the groundbreaking animation.
Avatar originally debuted on Nickelodeon in 2005 before airing its final episode three years later. The series went on to become a cultural phenomena as viewers connected with its story of a monk named Aang who can bend the elements of water, earth, air, and fire.
What at first seemed like just another kids show quickly proved to be a soaring epic with incredible characters and mature themes. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, we’ve found six of the most stunning cosplay that bring the animation to life.
Azula vs Katara
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8TtXm_Hb3B/
Azula is one of the most ruthless characters in the entire series. Relentlessly hunting down Avatar Aang and his friends, the Fire Nation princess shows no mercy with her ferocious bending skills.
Re-creating a fight sequence from the show, cosplayer ‘aigera_dunamis‘ collaborated with ‘madina_karassayeva’ and photographer ‘aerlis_photos’ to pull off this epic feat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6SylLqnBGa/
In another photo posted on her social media, Aigera proves she has the perfect outfit for the villain. Using special effects, she shoots lighting from out of her fingertips.
Toph
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0wIzg1D5lI/?igshid=n72j4c9s6deo
One of the most beloved characters in the show is Toph Beifong AKA ‘Melon Lord.’ The rough around the edges earth bender is blind, but uses other senses to feel the ground beneath her.
Talented artist ‘aara.lee‘ has one of the best cosplays we’ve ever seen of the popular Avatar character. So much so, we even wrote an entire article on her outfit before.
Teaming up with photographer Felix Wong, Aara struck a pose by re-creating Toph’s signature bending stance. Her costume is so insanely accurate, it has us seeing double.
Avatar Aang
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Z4Wp5H9m0/
The show focuses on a child monk named Aang who is the Avatar – the only person who can bend all four elements. Despite being just a kid, the fate of everyone depends on him mastering his powers so that he can bring balance to the world.
Cosplay artist Micky ‘kuinsuta‘ shared her stunning take on the series’ protagonist. Working with photographer ‘apowsphotography,’ the airbender is brought to life as she poses as him meditating.
From his blue arrow tattoos that run down to his hands, to his yellow and orange air nomad attire, the artist nailed his signature look. The costume itself was created by ‘jjpyropi.’
Ty Lee
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One of the most popular antagonists on the show is Azula’s friend Ty Lee. The acrobatic fighter is deadly the second she touches her enemies, as her chi blocking style leaves them paralyzed.
Artist ‘Raine Emery‘ shared her insanely detailed Avatar costume on Instagram, and looks exactly like the character in the show. Perfectly recreating her pink and red outfit, the cosplayer transforms into the flexible warrior.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjm58GLgLMC/
Taking it to the next level, Raine teamed up with ‘ssnwwc‘ and ‘mapucosplay‘ to pull off a jaw dropping photoshoot at the Salt Flats in Utah. The cosplayer takes off sprinting in the same style as Ty Lee, truly bringing her to life.
Katara
https://www.instagram.com/p/By4nWxNIQEq/?igshid=13qdtuo5fvo24
The Last Airbender opens up with Sokka and Katara of the Southern Water tribe discovering the Avatar. The waterbending heroine is a pivotal character in the story, and even ends up becoming Aang’s teacher.
Prolific cosplay photographer Tarasenko Evgenia captured artist Jay Aberford posing as Katara, and used eye-popping special effects to make her bending a stunning reality.
Jay completely nails the characters look as well, by recreating her signature hair loops and Water-Tribe attire. The faithful depiction is full of intricate details, such as her choker necklace.
Zuko
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ZyeI8I0HB/
Zuko has perhaps the most interesting arc in the series. Banished from the Fire Nation, he initially sets out to capture the Avatar so he can “restore his honor.” However, the complex character struggles with his inner demons.
Cosplayer Christina ‘nishi.artist‘ shared her faithful portrayal of the troubled prince on her social media. Recreating a scene from Book 2, the artist holds up a “Missing Appa” poster while burning with rage.
Christina accurately depicts the character’s iconic burn scar under his left eye, which he receives from Lord Ozai after speaking out against him.