I Like How When It Said Their Relationship Changed He Added A Picture Of Alfred Basically Saying "kys

Toph's Characterization, ATLA Comics - A Dissertation

Chapter One - The Rift (Part One)

I'm going to start with the third entry of the 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Comic Series because Toph's characterization isn't too off-putting in 'The Promise' (though it still had many infuriating panels that I'll get to in the future) and she isn't present in 'The Search'. So, we'll start off with 'The Rift' - the first and only Toph-centric comic, despite being a fan favorite character and one of the main characters of the show.

And, the very first panel with our favorite Earthbender is a slap to the face to Toph's character arc as well as her personality:

Toph Beifong is questioning whether or not Earth Kingdom citizens can united alongside Fire Nation citizens.

This is coming from the first member of the Gaang that warmed up to Zuko when he presents himself in the Western Air Temple (and willingly went to speak to him, despite everyone's disapproval).

This is coming from the same person who willingly sat down for a cup of tea with Uncle Iroh. And even after discovering he was a member of the Fire Nation Royal Family, she still thought and spoke highly of his character (Aang does state that Toph mentions that Iroh gives great tea and advice).

This is coming from the same person who travelled across the Fire Nation, observed how their is good in evil; fought beside the Fire Nation Prince to stop the war and even reassured him that HE WAS GOOD when he doubted himself during the Ember Island Play!

Obviously, Toph may have her doubts and concerns given they're discussing the government of a Fire Nation Colony - territory that once pertained to the Earth Kingdom. And yes, hostility and dissatisfaction may be a legitimate concern. However, it's the way she phrases her sentence that irks me. It almost seems as though Toph is doubting the possibility of genuine unanimity forging between the two different Nations. And it's really off-putting because Toph had never ONCE, during her screen time on ATLA, questioned the possibility of blossoming friendships with people of the Fire Nation.

It's also a lesson Aang teaches her in 'The Avatar and The Firelord':

Toph: It's like these people are born bad

Aang: No, that's wrong. I don't think that was the point of what Roku showed me at all (...) Roku was just as much Fire Nation as Sozin was, right? If anything, their story proves anyone's capable of great good and great evil.

And now, we commence my substantial hatred for the portrayal of Toph's manners:

Yes, in the original series Toph does have a few scenes (that I can recall, three) where she does something that is generally un-ladylike and bad-mannered. But, I cannot understand what it is with Bryke and their obsession of depicting Toph being rude and gross in almost every other scene.

In 'The Promise' we had a few other scenes and 'The Rift', not fifteen pages in, and we get these two scenes almost back-to-back. And, it no longer correlates to Toph's want to disconnect from her pompous upbringing. This is how Bryke choose to write their "tomboy" coded characters, and it's disrespectful.

We don't see any other female character do these types of actions. Not Katara, not Suki, not Ty Lee, not Mai, not Azula. Toph is exclusively the only character that acts this way. And it really leaves a bad taste in my mouth once you come to terms that Byrke associate "tomboy female characters" with unhygienic, gross and rude behavior. You can write Toph desiring to abandon her rigorous upbringing and be less traditionally feminine without portraying her this way. It's just perpetuating a very nasty stereotype that's already been constructed with this type of media.

And don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with depicting female characters doing things that are considered unladylike (example: burping, picking their teeth, etc.). But, how come no other female character acts this way? We never see none of the other traditionally feminine characters, such as Katara or Mai, act this way. Like I said, it's feeding into a very weird and harmful stereotype.

Oh boy.

So, we enter the central conflict between Aang and Toph.

To contextualize this, whilst Aang is explaining the Air Nomad Traditions to the air acolytes, he ends up saying "That's just how it's done." and it triggers Toph's past childhood trauma growing up secluded and misunderstood by emotionally neglectful parents. I actually really enjoy that we're exploring Toph's past and her own traumatic experiences; it makes her a more compelling, relatable and human character and gives her personality a lot more depth.

However, it's what comes next that infuriates me to my core (and the reason why I wanted to write this monstrosity of an analysis). Toph becomes arrogant, rude, insensitive and disrespectful to Aang and to his culture.

It's just odd we never explore this trauma beyond this. The trauma that Toph has, while interesting and a great set-up for some internal character work, it's utilized solely to progress the conflict (and once it's resolved, Toph's inner struggles are abandoned). And it's odd that this traumatic event in her childhood is the setup for her sudden and spontaneous love for the future and her avoidance of her past.

It's even odder when you remember that in the original series, Toph never wanted to flee her past. She loved her parents and felt remorse for leaving them. She just wanted them to understand that she was a capable fighter and see her beyond her blindness.

For you to understand my disappointment in this particular characterization, we first have to analyze Toph during ATLA. Throughout the two seasons where she is present, Toph had never once disrespected Aang's culture or his spirituality. On the contrary, she seemed amazed with the Western Air Temple the moment she sensed it's architecture beneath the cliffs: "Wow ... it's amazing!"

Aang reassured her that friendships carry on throughout lifetimes (and it comforts her);

When he's meditating, she's the only one remaining quiet:

Season 3, Episode 6: The Avatar and The Fire Lord

Katara: Do they have bathrooms in the Spirit World?

Sokka: As a matter of fact, they do not.

She's always showed nothing but respect for Aang, his culture and his duties as the Avatar and last airbender, yet, now, for some reason she is characterized in such an unflattering and antagonistic light. And it's crazy to me that Toph is suddenly someone who resents the past and is all about the future... since when has this been one of her defining character traits?

It just... keeps going... And it's so sad to see. This just makes Toph so unlikeable and this just isn't the same Toph we got to see in the animated series. And it what world would Toph Beifong choose a random dude she just met over her friends, especially her FIRST FRIEND (Aang)?

AND NOW SHE IS LYING TO PROTECT THIS RANDO BECAUSE HE ADMIRES HER?

In what world would Toph do this? And don't tell me this is because Toph is enamored with Satoru. Toph, canonically had a crush on Sokka, yet she never did anything stupid nor disrespectful for Sokka; she never compromised her morals or beliefs to protect Sokka.

And I cannot fathom Toph being this unbothered by the pollution. True, she was never a big environmentalist in the main series; however, I would like to believe that Toph would advocate for the protection of her element, especially given she is so in tune with nature: Badgermoles taught her how to bend, she sees through earth, her element is centered around nature... I just can't rationalize Toph being this indifferent to the lack of care for the environment.

Sigh... Here's a little montage of Aang's ability to maintain inner peace:

Season Two, Episode Eight 'The Chase': Aang lashing out on Toph despite Toph being the only one to justify how Azula, Ty Lee and Mai kept finding them.

Season Two, Episode Eleven 'The Desert': Yelling at Toph and blaming her for Appa's kidnapping, despite Toph being unable to see nor protect Appa, because she was protecting her friends.

Season Three, Episode One 'The Awakening': Aang being so frustrated that the world thinks he's dead that he flies away at sea, during a storm.

Season Three, Episode Seventeen 'The Ember Island Players': Literally get's so infuriated with an unreal depiction of his relationship with Katara that he forcibly kisses her, because immaturely possessive and quote: 'Overreacting? If I hadn't blocked my chakra, I'd probably be in the Avatar State right now!?

'The Promise' - Part One: After Katara is held by Zuko and he enters the Avatar State.

Yes, Aang sure is in tune with his inner peace.

It's also hilarious that they really think Toph is the one provoking the earthquakes when she's the best earthbender alive and is more in tune with her bending then any other bender there. I mean, I get it we have to shove the "everyone loves and defends Aang" but not even Sokka came to Toph's defense? Katara?

Another thing that really rubs me the wrong way is that Toph was literally pushed into Aang's life because she "waits and listens" - yet, here, Toph is anything but patient. She's explosive and reactive. During ATLA, whenever she fights, she always has a moment afterwards where she listens to the other person. The best examples are with Katara in 'The Runaway'. She's actually considerably patient if you actually analyze her character throughout the series and isn't as hotheaded as she's portrayed here.

Not everything in this first part is horrendous. I do enjoy that we get confirmation (that unlike a certain canon couple) Aang and Toph are able to have their squabbles and then talk things out to understand one another's perspective.

We also get to see them work together despite being at odds. And, just like in the animated series, they work in really great harmony and comprehend the other without saying many words. I really enjoy that we get to see them put their differences and disagreements aside and work like a unite when it's called for. That is something that I really enjoy about Taang and their dynamic.

We also get a lot of cute panels with Toph and Aang - and man they are a really good looking couple. In a later analysis, I'll get more into depth on their relationship in this comic (and her relationship with her friends), but for this initial part it wasn't too badly butchered.

And's that's it for the first part of this analysis.

literally why is there little to no nyotalia rusame? where did ya’ll go?? pls come back I’m starving of nyotalia content here

Ivan: Flirting with Alfred is so frustrating. Whenever I compliment him by saying "You look good" he just says "Thanks dude, you look good too!". Like, no. I'm being gay. I'm flirting with you. Dammit.

the family<3

Name: Alfred F. Jones Specialty: N/A (but likes fire, flying, and electric types) Place of Origin: Alola, Melemele Team: Growlithe, Braviary, Snorlax, Wailmer, Alolan Raichu, Charizard, Jolteon Not used for battle: Rotom, Vulpix Rank: Top 5 (Alola) Top 10 (Globally) Pokemon he hates/fears: Ghost types, Beedrill (he's allergic to bees)

Alfred is renowned globally as the cheerful President of Astral Institute and strongest Elite Four member. From childhood, Alfred had secretly been participating in underground tournaments, honing his skills despite facing inexperienced opponents. He rose up the ranks quite quickly, setting record after record. Using his knowledge from Astral to good use, he knows exactly how to beat every type of Pokemon, and speed is his game. You can't harm what you can't touch, and he ends the battles in seconds with his fiery and electrifying team. He only does enough to knock them out, as he deems it barbaric to harm the Pokemon beyond what was necessary. He's an adventurous powerhouse trainer—after a childhood of being locked away, he was eager to explore everything there was to be explored. Alfred's impressive ascent through the ranks and genuine enthusiasm for battling captivated audiences, earning him a devoted fan base. He gained his own fans among the other competitors as well with his charm, as he made a habit of befriending his opponent before every match. He is currently Ivan's battle and traveling partner, and while they are certainly growing close, they are undoubtedly still opponents, and their rivalry can be very bitter at times. While Alfred doesn't specialize in a specific type, he favors electric, flying, and fire types with his energetic nature, desire for freedom, and fiery spirit. He has also never caught a Pokemon without helping or befriending them first, which is why his Pokemon had such fierce loyalty to him. 

Alfred was formerly the son of a renowned scientist, Samuel Jones. When on the verge of creating an extraordinary machine, the laboratory was attacked by a suspicious organization in Sinnoh, fearful that it would be their doom. Alfred's father died getting him to safety, and upon hearing the news of her husband's death, his mother fell into depression and disappeared. Alfred's brain conveniently erased the memory to protect him, and to his knowledge, he simply never had parents. Alfred's father worked in the Astral Institute, and knowing that he was the only survivor and witness of that night, Astral took him in and locked him away in their Headquarters on a remote island off Melemele. He was raised meticulously, treated as a fragile and helpless little thing to be protected and handled like glass. He wasn't allowed to make friends or leave the Headquarters, or even do anything remotely dangerous or interesting. Sick of feeling trapped, Alfred would regularly sneak out to join underground tournaments and battles. At the age of fifteen, he snuck out to join the Final Test, and after passing, the Astral Institute was bound by law to begrudgingly allow him to be a trainer.

More bits of information:

Despite his confinement by Astral, Alfred harbors no resentment towards them. Instead, he channels his frustration into a fierce determination to prove his worth beyond being simply their "golden child." Yearning for freedom, he sets his sights on becoming Pokémon Champion, driven by a desire to showcase his abilities and assert his independence. For Alfred, achieving greatness is not only about personal ambition but also about reclaiming control over his own life. He could be the greatest if only they let him go. Alfred initially resented Ivan, feeling threatened by his strength as he believed it was nothing but natural talent, especially with his lack of ambition. He challenged Ivan to numerous battles to prove his own superiority but always lost, frustrating him. However, when Alfred learned of Ivan's motivations, he put aside his own pursuit of greatness to support him. He realizes the futility of seeking personal glory and shifts his focus to improving Astral, believing it to be a more meaningful endeavor that benefits everyone, Pokemon and humans alike. He had been the Pokemon Champion for a brief time before Ivan defeated him, but Alfred wasn't angry about it and had been happy that Ivan succeeded. While no longer the Champion, he was still one of the Elite Four and the President of the primary agency for anything Pokemon-related, so he still held in high regard and power.

Alfred's childhood revolved around technology, aiding Pokemon, and helping around the Astral Institute, resulting in his intelligence and dedication to Pokemon. Despite his knowledge, he struggles with social cues as his isolation has left him socially inept, unused to conversing with anyone but the Astral employees. In battle, he avoids using Rotom, Vulpix, and Wailmer, as the first two weren't for battle and Wailmer was fearful. Snorlax holds a special place in his heart, being his first Pokémon and caregiver in his infancy.

Note:

Astral Institute is a technological organization that handles the Pokemon Leagues, Gyms, Championships, Tournaments, and battles, like an agency for trainers to go on missions, take commissions, or study courses. It is not required for trainers to take missions and they are generally free to do as they please, but they are required to go through a Final Test before becoming a trainer.

The Final Test is the participants being placed in an enclosed captivity filled with violent Pokemon; if they survive, then they pass, and they receive Pokeballs that are unique to trainers.

alternatively, this is the sketch when rendered. I got bored so😭 (press pic for better quality bc it looks pixelated from afar)

Hetalia World ☆ Stars - Chapter 434 Original Translation: spaghettifelice // donamoeba Scanlation: donamoeba // loaf // jammerlea  

Headcanon? no this is canon my dude

Headcannons Hetalia and Latinhetalia

Francis is uke, and Arthur is seme

taang in the comics part 4

ladies and gentlemen, the ONLY good comic: Imbalance.

everyone is so in character i LOVE IT except Aang. But in the good way. I genuinely got whiplash when reading this cuz?? is that rlly Aang?? omg hes so good. THIS is what aang stans think show-Aang is but hes rlly not. I love Aang's personality here. Confident, calm Avatar, still with a silly side, doesn't get angry irrationally, still heard Toph out when she suggested taking away his bending even tho I just KNOW show/gly Aang would've gotten angry/preachy with her.

Also this is a good example of what I mean where Kataang would be so good if they were just handled well! I LOVE them in this comic. Theyre so good and sweet together, espcially when they visited that island. She was supportive, but not in a way that made it feel like Aang was throwing a tantrum and she was shouldering it—cuz thats honestly what it felt like in the show. No. Here, it genuinely feels like one person talking about their problems and the other being supportive of them. A natural, equal relationship. Also they didn't call each other sweetie. Not even once. I love that for them. They managed to be rlly sweet together as a couple without resorting to cringe cliche moments like in GLY's.

However, while I did think Kataang was cute here, im still a Taang truther LMAO every panel with them together i went 'thats him and his wife fr'. Look how good they are together omg, I love their canonical height difference. And Toph is so pretty here, especially in her pajamas. Imbalance is what I think Aang and Toph would be canonically had they been in a relationship in the show. He doesn't get angry here, he's stable and grounded and not preachy. He hears out her opinion even when he clearly doesn't agree (as he was stunned when she suggested taking away his bending) and didn't even refuse it. He didn't say no. He just said he'd think about it. Even to Katara, he didn't outright say that he disagreed with Toph, he js asked for her counsel. But ik damn well the Aang from the show would've gotten mad and preached his monk values to her like he did with Katara in TSR. I also like the way he always cares for her throughout the comic, asking for her opinion, asking where she is—even when he didn't take on her suggestion of taking away Liling's bending, he still asked her if she was okay with it (with him doing a different plan) which I thought was rlly sweet. Just not in-character for show-Aang. No, this Aang is way better fr. I personally think this is how he would be had he been with Toph instead. His emotions are more stable, he's more confident and realized, set on his beliefs but not to the point where it'd blind him to other people's opinions—such traits align with my hc of how Toph would've affected him. Grounding and stabilizing him through her tough but understanding nature.

Unfortunate, bc Imbalance is how good Kataang could've been. But no, imo they're more like GLY. Which is why I think their marriage wasn't all that good in the future. Imbalance Kataang would never neglect Bumi and Kya. You know who would, tho? GLY Kataang.

In North and South, she literally told Malina that Malina had a change of heart bc she fell in love with Katara's Dad and that she'd revert back once she fell out of love like?? Girl?? What kind of thinking is that? Is it not possible that Malina came to her own realizations about the southerners on her OWN?? cuz yk shes a human being with her own thoughts and feelings? She's implying that Malina's—and essentially women in general, bc the way Katara phrased it didnt seem like singling out Malina specifically—beliefs are that weak and easily swayed based on whether she's in love or not. Which is crazy to me? Its obvious Malina had her own genuine realizations about the southerners that impacted her deeply—yes, maybe Hakoda inspired her, but her beliefs aren't going to magically revert if she stops being with Hakoda. It lowkey says smth about her and Aang's relationship cuz wdym? are your beliefs rlly that reliant on ur man??

Oh kataang the potential you couldve had :((

Ivan holding the love of his life (im so normal about them)

(click for better quality)