The Legend of Korra 1x03 The Revelation

[oyceter]

I can't tell if the animation quality is as good as the first two eps, since I watched this streaming, but the action scenes are definitely just as well animated. And I suspect I am going to be dling all the HD versions of the episodes to be able to pause and ogle at all the scenery and clothing and etc.

I don't have much to say about the plot, since they're still setting up Amon and the Equalists. Mostly, I just love the world. The motorcycles were a bit much for me (they look too fancy for the technology), but I have really been enjoying how everything looks Westernized from a brief glance, but the details show much more. The costume geek in me is hoping there are loads and loads of extras on the DVDs talking about this. I keep wondering how you modernize without Westernizing, since the two basically went hand in hand in our history, and much of what makes Republic City remind me of Shanghai is also based on Western colonization in Shanghai.

On the other hand, I am in a way tickled by the idea that the Avatar world has achieved modernization with no Western influences in canon; it feels a bit like they are saying that Asia could have done it very well by itself, thank you very much.

But yes: mass-production, off-the-rack clothes, more crowded living spaces, all these are things I associate with modernization. I don't know how much of it is Westernization? Especially since I know there was mass production of ceramics during the Qing Dynasty, and while the shikumen in Shanghai were very much influenced by Western architectural elements, they also don't look that much like all the buildings in Republic City. And I can't really tell the difference between shikumen and Beijing's hutong, but neither of them quite look like Republic City? It feels as thought Republic City were built from ground up, not on top of an older city, which makes some sense if it's the new capital of a republic. Also, they have high rises, so there must be elevators or some sort of vertical transportation. It makes me wonder how much land Republic City has, since usually (?) high rises pop up when you have limited square meters. It makes me wonder if you get more buildings like shikumen or hutong in the more residential spaces around the city.

I also like how in my head, the clothes could plausibly have descended from what we see. Easier patterns for easier manufacturing, and little details like the collars and the way the hats look. I want lots of stills! Also a giant artbook.

Also, hi Korra/Mako! I am much less opposed to you than I was to Aang/Katara, thanks to both parties being older than twelve! And I want to pat Bolin on the head. I still have the usual complaint that despite their work, the writers tend to default to male with all the side characters, but hopefully they will eventually notice that.

Extremely random notes:

• Clearly if I get more rats, they should be named "Naga" and "Pabu."
  
• Love how Korra harrassing the Equalist in the park gets caught by the police.
  
• Am weirded out by how the Amon posters vaguely resemble the WWII Japanese rising sun flag.
  
• Totally amused by how happy the animators probably are by Amon's mask. "He's talking, but we don't have to animate anything!"

Comments

[lady_ganesh]

Pabu delights me beyond reason.

[oyceter]

Me too! The little circus tricks!

[lady_ganesh]

I loved the YEAH, DON'T MESS WITH MY HUMANS growl too.

[kate_nepveu]

Appa will always have first place in my heart but Pabu is rapidly making a strong bid for second.

[inkstone]

I loved the bit where Pabu and Naga touched noses.

[oyceter]

So cute!!

[keelieinblack]

Re: Amon, did you see this Tumblr post (non-spoilery) about his eyes? I think the animators are getting double the fun--less work to animate and the chance to totally creep out anyone who notices what they're doing.

[oyceter]

I did not, thanks for the pointer! That is so creepy!