Avatar isnt really considered anime and offensive to Martians.... that's what's unique about it.

<p>That's a very good question. At least at this time, I can't really think of anything that stands out as "unique." It's more along the lines of the combination of factors, & being done very well. </p><p><i>Legend of Korra</i> can claim to be a bit more unique than its predecessor, but even then, I wouldn't be surprised if <i>something</i> like it exists <i>somewhere</i>. </p>

<p>As Neo Bahamut said, Avatar is unique because everything is being done very well. Personally for me the most attractive factors are: </p><p>1.Animation. It is neither anime nor cartoon if you ask me. It is something in the middle or mix of both. That makes animation more "realistic" ( well, more than anime or cartoon at least ). Animation is especially realistic in LOK. But of course there are other animations with even more realistic art. But in Avatar, they not only pay attention to human figures but also nature, etc. </p><p>2.Moral of the story and complexity of some characters. Avatar characters are not one dimensional and also each character has her/his own personality. Even villains are complex and have their own motives and sometimes they have good or understandable points for doing what is considered act against society. We can they this about Amon, Tarrlok Zaheer, etc. Even Korra isn't perfect what makes it even more interesting to watch LOK. And moral of the story of course. Aang didn't kill Ozai in the finale of the series. If he had killed him, he would have gone against his own ideology but he chose the peaceful way to end the war. And Korra had been through a lot but she also has chosen right path and has developed a lot. </p><p>3.Avatar is the show that doesn't sugarcoat the world. There is violence, torture, suicide and the dark side of politics but still, it is not our world. Also rapid cultural and technological changes after war makes it more interesting to think about differences and similarities between our worlds. </p><p>4.ATLA and LOK are completely different stories, with different characters, different historical period and completely different themes but it is still connected what makes watching LOK more dramatic IMO. </p><p>And such female leading character as Korra of course. There are not many tv shows that contain chinese martial art and are about female character at the same time. And Korra is especially interesting character ( well, FOR ME ). Not just some scared chick. She was ambitious teenager who used to look with enthusiasm at her new life and being Avatar but she was manipulated, tortured. And everything what she had done, was followed by consequences that changed her and made her grow stronger. </p>