MUST READ Interview with series Creators, Things are Looking up for A LOT more from the Avatar / Airbender / Korra universe!
Lot’s of Awesome news here, so read through the entire thing!
We just got some seriously Way exciting news for Avatar The Last Airbender Fans, Series Creators have said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that they would like to “tap into the Avatar world”, Bryan Konietzko had this to say about the series.
-We have a lot of ideas for the ‘Avatar’ universe and who knows? We could be tapping into them for years to come,” – Bryan Konietzko
Other Great News It Appears that Korra is certainly not going to be the end of stories in the Avatar universe!
Nickelodeon had picked up -Korra” for 12 episodes but recently decided to order 14 more shows. – Wall Street Journal Reports
So 14 more shows! I would say that’s pretty awesome for sure, i’m not 100% sure if this will be set in the Korra timeline or not because Bryan Konietzko said this about plans for the universe:
-When we first starting talking to Nickelodeon about doing a new series in the ‘Avatar’ world, they asked if we could do shorter arcs—more like a show like ‘24′ where there’s a specific villain or challenge for that particular season,” Konietzko says. -We’re really happy with that number. It allows us to focus much more closely on each episode and get a lot more craft into it.”
Things are looking up for a lot more stories from the Avatar Universe in the future!
So sounds like they haven’t fully finalized plans but things are certainly looking up for a lot more avatar seasons
Progress on the new series
Things are progressing well for Korra now set for a 2012 release date (changed from late 2011), Michael DiMartino had this to say about progress on Korra:
The Wall Street Journal: How far along are you on the new series?
“We are in the midst of the first twelve episodes. We’ve written all the episodes. Episodes have shipped to the overseas animations studios and they’re animating away as we speak. So we’re kind of in the middle of things right nowAll the vocal cast has been picked and recorded and all the scripts have been recorded.” – Michael DiMartino
Future Avatar Episodes will be more sophisticated, appeal to a broader range of viewers, the tone is a little older. But Still maintains the tone from the original series that everyone loves:
Series creators had alot to say about the Tone of Korra listed below:
Are you looking to win new viewers with the series or just satisfy fans of the old series who have grown up?
DiMartino: We want everyone to watch. Definitely fans of the first series will not be disappointed in this one. The tone is a little older, the characters are a little older than the first series—they’re teenagers. Korra is 16 so she’s older than Aang was. So I think maybe some people who weren’t into the first show might find this one and be into it.
Since the main characters are older, will there be more romance?
Bryan Konietzko: I thought Korra was 17 so Mike and I have to get our stories straight. The main characters are in their late teens, we’ve always loved those kind of teen love triangle type stories and there was plenty of that in the original series. We’re definitely getting into it in this series. The difference is these people have cars and motorcycles and things. There’s definitely a different dynamic. I’d say the show is more sophisticated than the original series but it has the same balance of tones we’ve always liked with humor, action, drama, scary stuff and romance.
How did you change the look of the -Airbender” world?
Konietzko: In every way we’re trying to improve it. We’re not trying to change it so much that it’s unrecognizable and doesn’t feel like the same universe, but we are trying to update it, improve it, make everything just more sophisticated and appealing.It’s kind of like the show has grown up. A lot of the viewers have grown up since the show was last on.
I love the direction that the series creators are taking this, hopefully the series becomes even more huge world-wide as they try and appeal to a wider demographic, and with ATLA already appealing to such a wide group of people i’m sure they have a good shot at that.
Aang and Gang Showing up in Korra?
Mike and Bryan say there will be a definite link to Avatar The Last Airbender:
Will characters from the first series show up in -Korra”?
Konietzko: Again it’s 70 years later so they’ll appear in various ways perhaps.
DiMartino: There is definitely a link to the old series and the old characters.
More information about Korras Personality
Tell me about the heroine of the story, Korra. What’s she like?
DiMartino: Korra, we kind of describe her as a fiery waterbender. She’s very pugnacious. Kind of in your face. We wanted to create a new Avatar that was completely the opposite of Aang. So, whereas Aang was the peaceful, nomadic Airbender guy, she’s very tough, very headstrong, not scared to get into a fight, and kind of picks fights with people too sometimes. So she’s definitely totally the opposite of Aang so it has been kind of fun to write her character and put her in situations that Aang never would have gotten into.
Konietzko: It’s refreshing it’s totally different from Aang. But she’s also funny and has a lot of charm and vulnerability because she’s still growing up and trying to figure things out. We worked on that first series for more than six years and we love those characters but it’s great to be working with fresh ones with a new spin on the world.
More info on the Main Villian in Korra
Cool new info on the main villian in Avatar The Legend of Korra
Who is the main villain in Korra?
DiMartino: We have a great villain. He’s kind of an anti-bending revolutionary guy. Very scary dude. And definitely is quite a challenge for Korra.
On The Last Airbender (Movie) Sequel, Zuko’s Mom, and Animated Feature Film
Will you ever make a feature animated film?
Konietzko: On the original series we did our best to make it cinematic with a big immersive world. And on this series because it’s a tighter stretch of episodes-just 12 episodes-but Mike and I wrote all of them, there’s really no filler. We told almost as much story as the first series packed into these 12. So it’s getting even closer to something cinematic. So yeah, we would love to. We feel like we’re kind of movie guys working in TV. So we’re looking forward to that day when we get to work in that medium.
Have you heard anything about whether there will be a sequel to the -Last Airbender” live-action feature film?
DiMartino: Uh, no. It’s definitely not up to us, so.
Will we find out what happened to Zuko’s mom?
DiMartino: That question will be answered in some way, but not necessarily in the show. That’s all I’ll say.
See the original interview with Avatar The Last Airbender Series Creators by The Wall Street Journal by Christopher John Farley
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I hate that we have to wait til 2012, but it’s worth it if there are going to be more episodes. Already, this sounds like it’s going to be a winner! Hopeful Spirit Aang will help balance her hotheadedness. LOL This is really exciting news. And being that I am shooting for comic con 2012, maybe Nicky’s dream of meeting the magic behind ATLA and ATLK will come true!
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Airspeed Prime Reply:March 8th, 2011 at 2:02 pm
I think that pretty much is confirmation that we will find out about Zuko’s mom in the upcoming graphic novels.
Exactly what I was expecting from Korra in terms of her character.
And 14 more episodes already I am quite shocked, I though the reason it was only 12 was because they wanted to see how it does first, they must be confident.
So much info
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Starbender Reply:May 1st, 2011 at 6:43 pm
They should be confident with the amount of fans they still have.
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Kelly Reply:May 3rd, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Think of it this way guys. Were the ones who drive them to their confidence. So in a way i think us fans contribute Amazingly to the production, wether the show on or not!
llamagal Reply:March 10th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
i don’t wanna wait til next year but they might air one episode in December to get ppl pumped up then air the rest later… sumetimes they do that… just a thought
can’t wait to find out what happens to Zuko’s mom
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Oh I just saw, Motorcycles and Cars included, That is the only thing I am not sure about, Cars and Motorcycles seem way to modern despite the 70 years.
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Tracy Reply:March 8th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
I caught that and was hoping it meant something else. I like the oldness of the Avatar World. It bums me out a bit but not enough that my eyes won’t be glued to the television!
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 8th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Yeah I thought that was kind of interesting as well.
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Arthan Reply:March 8th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Well, if you remember on episode 303 “The Painted Lady” we were able to see a “jet ski”, may be 70 years later their technology have evolved enough to make those vehicles. Who knows…
BTW: Very interesting news!!!
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 9th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Yeah there were tanks / jet skis, many of them powered by Bending. So i’m thinking the Steam Punk technology will play a huge role in the vehicles that Mike and Bryan mentioned.
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Airspeed Prime Reply:March 9th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Yeah With the Earth Tanks, And submarines along with the War Baloons and Airships I suppose Civilian Cars and Motorbikes are not too farfetched
I just really hope they fit in well in terms of design and look Crude and just about practical. Too modern designs and it may not be believable.
I look forward to our first look at the cars
*Joke* Does this mean Korra’s animal is her MotorBike ? */Joke*
LOL
llamagal Reply:March 10th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Yes, I really liked how Avatar was oldish and how they walked or rode animals.
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Luca Reply:August 7th, 2012 at 3:21 am
I agree with you there IIamagal
more animals would be cool like Turtle Ducks
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im unsure about vehicles on the series as well it makes me uncomfortable i love how they would bending to always get around this is a shocker and its ironic
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Even with the big changes to atlok from atla I am still extremely excited for the new series, the plot sounds awesome and nick ordered 14 more episodes! I am still worried about the whole vehicles thing because I agree with tracy, I liked the oldness of the first series but the fire nation was very technologicaly advanced than the other nations so when all the nations combined their brains to invent new technology I’m sure they were able to make cars and such, I mean they already had tanks, drills, submarines, and giant airships.
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So, from what I’m taking in, it sounds like they might make a movie/sequel about finding Zuko’s mom? Ahh! I’m so excited for the new series! >:D
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 9th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Yeah I can’t wait, we’re thinking the answer to the question about Zukos mom will be answered in the Graphic Novels, (see our news report on the subject): http://avatarthelastairbenderonline.com/avatarthelastairbender-thelostadventures-earlyreport/
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Awesome news that there will be more episodes. I really hope they aren’t changing the Avatar Universe too much, though. That would alienate a lot of the fanbase.
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llamagal Reply:March 9th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Yes, I love the whole aspect of the original Avatar universe!
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I got this right off the Nickelodeon Twitter.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/03/06/the-last-airbender-legend-of-korra-exclusive-first-look/
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aww, 2012, thats 2 years away… oh well, patience IS a importent trait to have, so i guess we’ll have to wait, but on the other hand, a longer time with no spammers, trolls, and arguements! Always look on the bright side of things!
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 10th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Not really a full 2 years away new They said mid 2012 so it’s closer to 1 year and a month or two is the current estimate.
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I wish that the interviewer guy would have asked about a trailer…. but surprises r always awesome!!!
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Thinking about the new “steam punk” technology. i found this online http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/09/11/i-got-steam/ it’s kinda a “steam-punk tpye technology that I’d imagine in Korra.
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OMG now I can’t wait for Korra!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again @admin!
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Cars? Motorcycles? When I read that I had to double-check, but after reading all the comments I realized “They DO have a lot of vehicles already!”. I’m sure most of the Avatar world will still be very primitive and quiet like the surrounding villages and towns… But if they already put vehicles in the story, I do hope they look steampunk like the tanks and other machinery.
And who else is stoked for a bender/motorcycle chase scene?!? XD
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 25th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Haha, yeah a Bender Motorcycle Chase scene would be freaking Awesome!
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Donna Reply:March 30th, 2011 at 4:58 am
hell yes!!!! can already picture it in me minds eye… and hope that there will be heaps of martial art bending type scenes too
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ths be great news.,u also gat major followers of the last airbender down here in africa,I LOVE IT..i awz watched the ten episods ovr and over anticipatin for atlist a fourth season..bt ths be great news i hv jst read 20twelve sims rather 2far tho..bt hey patience pays,jst dnt liv ot th old characters much thy mek avatar what it is…
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 25th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Yeah Avatar is loved Worldwide!
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If you look back 100 years here in our world the cars were very primitive, so if
You add 75 years to the avatar world, that had blimps and steam ships and tanks
There can be all sorts of interesting vehicles!! Can’t wait!!
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 28th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Yeah it’s going to be way interesting to see what they come up with that’s for sure!
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I’ve seen a few boards who are trying to say that this will be better than ATLA or that it will be worse. I won’t make a snap judgment like that. One prediction I will make is that it will be somewhat different, there will be endearing characters, and I think it will be equal to the original. The snippets I’ve seen, they really are enjoying making it, and when you put love into something, you get a good product.
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Atry Reply:March 27th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
They’ve said that the soundtrack is going to be like the original show but with a 1920s feel, or something like that.
That sounds very interesting, and they’ve also said that there will be cars and motorcycles. The anti-bender protest does also sound a bit modern. Then there is also the steampunk technology. Does this mean that “Legend of Korra” is going to be like Avatar’s version of the 1920s, or will that just be Republic City?
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Admin / Jordash Reply:March 28th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Yeah that’s one thing I’m way excited for is the Music, it sounds like the Track Team has some exciting stuff up and coming.
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Airspeed Prime Reply:March 27th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Yeah I agree, there were always and will always be people who will like the original no matter what and not give Korra a good chance.
But I think as you said it will have a different feel to it because of new characters, but it will be the same universe and we may see some familiar locations, I think the only thing that will be superior in Korra will be the overall series Animation because there are not as many episodes to animate and JM Animation will be doing every episode and they did the best animated episodes in ATLA.
Obviously we are all sad that the ATLA crew won’t be present at all except maybe some flashbacks or mentions (and maybe spirit Aang)
I will wait until after Korra is over to judge which is the better series if there is even a difference in quality.
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Tracy Reply:March 27th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
I plan on giving it the full benefit of the doubt, not sure I like “Bud Bundy” doing a voice, but hey, he could do great. I want to give it a fair chance. We have good writers and actors.
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Tracy Reply:March 30th, 2011 at 9:07 am
You know, I agree completely. I think it will be good though. I love the concept of Bender vs. Non-Benders. And to me, it’s not a matter of better, there is no reason we can’t like both, right?
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llamagal Reply:March 27th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
What snippets?
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Airspeed Prime Reply:April 2nd, 2011 at 4:50 am
Just the interviews and the 2 picture and teh Test animation video
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i want more newz =s
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I really want to know what happened to Zuko’s mom!!!! Ugh… I can’t wait, though.
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Admin / Jordash Reply:April 19th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Yeah We’ll probably find out around when Korra comes out, either in Korra, or in the Avatar Graphic Novels.
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I have to ask this question… Is it possible for a new director to redo “the last airbender” movie. I was so disappointed with the out come of that movie. I was hoping the creator of “transformers” would remake it the right way plus take it to a whole other level. M.Knight just isn’t the great “story teller/director” he thinks he is.. Please guys, lets get a good director on this…
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Admin / Jordash Reply:April 27th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
It’s possible, it’s happened on other movies like The Hulk. The Last Airbender is a good candidate as the movie itself was financially successful but not critically successful (most people didn’t like it.) So a new Director is definitely a possibility although who knows what will happen.
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*Note*
This has very little/no relationship to this article
So one time…I had to watch my little brother for a while….and we had Cartoon Network on -_-….a show called “Generator Rex” came on….and he screamed at me if I changed the channel….so we ended up watching it.
After a few episodes, he got bored and left, and I nearly changed the channel until I heard a familar voice….which was Zuko’s(I don’t know his real name).This just popped into my head as I was reading through the comments…
But anyways…I’m psyched to watch it…..and I really do hope the show lasts longer than 12 episodes…since the original show only had 13 planed episodes…..but as we all can tell…got extended(to 61 episodes)
Well….anyone against the new series should give it a chance…just saying…it could be interesting!!!!!!!
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Admin / Jordash Reply:April 27th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I’ve got good news for you, the series is planned to have 21 episodes now!
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Airspeed Prime Reply:April 27th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
You of Course mean 26 episodes didn’t you *saves day*
Nick ordered a further 14 to add to the original 12.
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Admin / Jordash Reply:April 27th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Oh yeah meant to say 26 total episodes thanks!
You know i really love this site
You guys have really intresting and information conversations about my fave show!
I know that was random just showing my apreciation (cnt spell)
Anyway I was shocked about the cars and motorcycle thing too. It seemed almost unreal at first but i can kind of accept it a bit now, realizing that the Avatar Universe in ATLA DID actually have basic vehicle tecnology.
Even though with the ups and downs of what to expect from Avatar the legend of Korra. im giving this show my 110% support!
One more thing though. If you guys were unaware, the show is actually officially called “The Last Airbender: The Legend of Korra” Now i know this doesnt make sense but let me explain. James Cameron’s “Avatar” has the name Avatar now, so It would be copyright to take the name. Stupid right? especially since Korra is NOT the last airbendder.
Your thoughts? Sorry t get out of topic
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Starbender Reply:May 3rd, 2011 at 8:18 pm
I think it’s stupid that James Camerons Avatar got the copyright since ATLA has had the name since 2006.
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Steve Reply:May 3rd, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Agreed, the movie should have been named the battle for pandora
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Starbender Reply:May 3rd, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Or it could be called Na’vi or million other things.
Steve Reply:May 3rd, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Yep, but he HAD to call it avatar, jerk lol
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I’m very happy to hear that after Korra..it won’t be over
I was expecting that as Avatar has so much more to offer and there are still many areas to explore storywise.
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I am 56 years old and I just wanted to say that Avatar the last airbender is one of the if not the best tv series animated or done with real people ive ever seen.
the charector development,interaction and growth is astonishing.the story and the avatar univerce is a brillant combination of fantacy,drama,comedy,and tragady,add to this some science fiction and mythology and you have a recipie for either a diaster or a epic accomplishment.If it would go on for the next 30 years I dont think id ever tire of it.The work of Micheal Dimartino and his co creator is geniues.The series moves at rocket speed,the continuity and interpersonal relationships are so real you feel their joys and pain.the art work and voice actors are pro,s and put their heart and soul into the charectors they voice .The combination of talent that was assenbled for this production is somthing that occurs only a few times in the history of tv.As a writter I can appreaciate the work and passion that went into making this show the success that it is.Spot on in every way.I look forward to the next installment with great anticapation.
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Admin / Jordash Reply:June 6th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Yeah the series as absolutely incredible. I was checking out your site too, looks like you are a pretty talented composer!
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I am 40 something years old and my coworker is 20 something and we are huge fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender. This just shows how this series has made such an impact on people of all ages. My daugther and I are constantly discussing on a weekly basis some of the lessons we’ve learned.Everyone can relate because the characters have gone through something that each one of us has experienced at one point or another in life. The chararters are so in depth and you cannot help but to fall in love with each one of them. We cannot wait for the next Avatar series and hope there will be sequel to the movie as well. With TV programs becoming more and more shallow, lacking depth, and increasing inappropriate behavior, this show is one of the best programs I’ve seen on TV in years! My daughter bought the entire series on DVD for me for Christmas and I never get tired of watching it. I learn something new everytime I watch it. I hope that you will incorporate the old gand with the new series. Thank you for giving us a quality program to watch again and I hope you know that this series has impacted generations of all ages everywhere. I hope to pass this on to my baby grandson and he will enjoy it as much as I do. Bless you all!
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Admin / Jordash Reply:June 21st, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Yeah it’s certainly show for all ages, I’ve seen people over all ages and all walks of life relate to the show and love it.
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I say they should release the first 12 episodes as soon as possible, because I can’t wait any longer o_o and they should release the other 12 later on. It’s like waiting for new seasons. I CAN’T WAIT ANY LONGER. I miss it so much. ;’(
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Admin / Jordash Reply:July 25th, 2011 at 11:43 am
Yeah I can’t wait until they announce the official date, the new series looks way awesome.
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