Avatar: The Last Airbender TCG Due in February

A trading card game based on Avatar: The Last Airbender, a hit animated series on Nickelodeon, is scheduled to be released in February by Upper Deck Entertainment. The Avatar TCG will be the first game to use UDE's new QuickStrike game engine, according to a company press release, which features "lightning-fast one-on-one card combat moves." The Avatar TCG will be compatible with future releases on the QuickStrike system.

The following information comes from a company press release:

Combining the amazing world of Waterbenders, Earthbenders, Firebenders, and Airbenders, the Avatar Trading Card Game centers on the adventures of Aang -- a reluctant hero who must lead the fight against the evil Fire Nation to restore balance in his war-torn world.

Avatar fans can execute all the signature bending moves of Aang and the entire cast with UDE's new foil Zenemental cards, and slide-open Chamber Cards, which allows players to reveal hidden moves, and simulate all the action seen on the hit television series.

The launch of the Avatar Trading Card Game will include Master of Elements Starter Sets, which features two 30-card decks, two Chamber Cards, one rulebook, and two game mats, packaged in the new UDECK plastic storage case. UDE will also release Master of Elements Booster Packs, which includes nine cards and one Chamber Card per pack.

"We are thrilled to introduce Avatar fans to the exciting world of trading card games," said Cory Jones, director of Upper Deck Entertainment Brand and New Product Development. "Through easy-to-learn game mechanics, lightning-fast game play, and brand new card technologies, fans will have the chance to get the ultimate Avatar Trading Card Game experience."

"Avatar has emerged as one of the most popular new shows for kids today with a deeply loyal and growing fan base that has been clamoring for Avatar merchandise ever since the show debuted," said Joan Grasso, Senior Director-Toys, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "Avatar translates perfectly into trading cards because of its rich story and diverse collection of characters. The trading card game from Upper Deck will create a whole new level of excitement with a product that's both fun to play and collect."

The series -- created by Michael DiMartino (King of the Hill) and Bryan Konietzko (Invader Zim) -- premiered in February 2005, and is currently the #1 regularly scheduled television program in its timeslot among all children ages 2-11.

The second season of Avatar will debut on Nickelodeon on March 17, 2006. The first of five DVDs of the first season of Avatar will be available beginning January 31. There are 50 licensees on board for Avatar. In addition to the trading cards, other categories include action figures, construction sets, videogames and books, with product launching in the fall.