#puppetbenders

Many of you know that I'm in love (obsessed) with Avatar the Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. My AMAZING friend Kevin Coppa has been creating puppet videos of the characters for years and now has a new series to share. The series will answer questions he has received about the Puppetbenders, fandom nostalgia, and more. I’m really excited he decided to do this. There are so many new fans that will love learning about the early days of the series in a more intimate way then a bullet list put out by random websites for clicks.

Kevin Coppa invited me to reminiscence with him during his latest Avatar Merchandise video. I have a super extensive collection (not complete, by any means!), so I was happy to swap stories and geek out about old and new merchandise from the series.

Oh gosh, if you all know me, I am super self conscious about appearing on video or even as the Moderator for the awesome Avatar Legacy Fan Panel. But, this fandom fills me with determination, so I summoned all my resilience for our fan friends.

It’s really exciting to know that they are now offering the female characters in their merchandise lines (thank you Diamond Select!) as well as many more characters from the show. Like IROH TEA SETS!!!! (thank you Boxlunch!)

Pssst... Diamond Select... if you are reading this... i would throw my money at you if you created a Freedom Fighters or a Kyoshi Warrior collection. I want a Smellerbee action figure more than you could imagine!

Check out Kevin Coppa’s newest video and please forgive my awkwardness. I am just made of pure awkward <3

518 lovely people interested in attending the fan panel so far!! the above description does not include Kevin Coppa. Kevin WILL be there with Puppetbender shenanigans :)

We can FINALLY share our exciting fan panel details!

July 26th 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Avatar the Last Airbender – Legend and Legacy: For over 5 years, The Avatar Legacy Fan Panel has proudly organized this gathering. Please join our SDCC tradition. Moderator Avatar_Mom, Kevin Coppa (Puppetbenders), Elizabeth Furr (Fan Artist/Amira Ink!), Gene Luen Yang (Writer/Cartoonist), Angela Song Mueller (Character Designer), Josh Hamilton (Writer), and Jessie Flower (Voice Actor for Toph) will share stories and answer questions. We may even have a few surprise guests. Cosplayers, practice your stance for the cosplay contest! Cosplay prizes include titles by Dark Horse Comics. Room 24ABC

Alisa Christopher, Gurihiru, Gene Luen Yang, Sifu Kisu, Dee Bradley Baker,  Jack DeSena, Mae Whitman, Dante Basco, and Sifu Manuel all shared their talents and their charms with the passionate fans.

Mae, Dante, and Jack DeSena gave 110% to come out to the panel. They really love interacting with the fans, and we are so grateful they visited with us again! Plus, i just LOVE seeing them together. They are like "friends forever".

Sifu Kisu may be full of action, but he will be the first person to tell you that he is a man of little words. He did plenty of talking during our panel though :) Sifu Manuel does not make out to many fan events, it was great to hear his experiences, and see him in action.

Last year it was my hope to have famed artists Gurihiru AND Gene Luen Yang on the panel, and this year it became a reality. It was very exciting for the fans who did not make it to the panel last summer, and really wanted a chance to see Gurihiru.

Dee Bradley Baker not only joined us again, he donated an autographed copy of the first read they did for Korra. His daughter is the voice of little "You gotta deal with it" Korra! So she signed the copy, and our first place cosplayer brought it home to treasure always.

There are some great highlights, and super adorable moments. Hope you enjoy!

*For example: Gene Luen Yang reads the part of IROH! <3

I want to thank my awesome volunteers who become our extra arms and help keep everything moving:

Victor Sgroi

RC and SWD

Kimba

Alvin

and

Ryan

THEN, there are so many fans that gave up their seats for the guests to sit while we had to switch talent. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!!

**ALSO** There are the fans and volunteers that were not arranged prior to the panel, that just helped out when they saw a need. You are angels. (max... for instance!)

Last, I cannot forget our dear, unselfish contributors. Matthew Downen, Tyler "Appaman" Llewellyn, Sockai-Chan, and Amira Elizabeth. Their prize donations and extra hands help put smiles on our cosplay contestants faces :)