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{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox Avatar: The Last Airbender episode|
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
| image = [[Image:Avatar_the_invasion_titlecard.png|250px]]

| caption = Title card for episode.
{{Infobox television episode
| name = The Day of Black Sun
| series = [[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]
| book = Three
| image = DayoftheBlackSun.jpg
| chapter = Ten and Eleven <!-- as fyre stated 312 proves it was intended to be two chapters -->
| image_size =
| episode_num = Fifty and Fifty One
| caption = Promotional image for the event showing the characters (L-R) [[Toph Beifong]], [[Aang]], [[Sokka]], and [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]]
| prod_num = 310 & 311
| season = 3
| date = [[November 30]], [[2007]]
| episode = 10/11
| dateuk = Has not aired yet
| airdate = {{Start date|2007|11|30}}
| writer = ''Part 1'': Michael Dante DiMartino<br> ''Part 2'': Aaron Ehasz
| production = 310/311
| director = ''Part 1'': Giancarlo Volpe<br> ''Part 2'': Joaquim Dos Santos
| writer = {{Plainlist|
| guest =
* [[Michael Dante DiMartino]] {{small|(Part One)}}
| prev = [[Nightmares and Daydreams (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Nightmares and Daydreams]]
* [[Aaron Ehasz]] {{small|(Part Two)}}
| next = [[The Western Air Temple]]<!--avatarspirit.net has an EXTREMELY reliable source-->
}}
| director = {{Plainlist|
* [[Giancarlo Volpe]] {{small|(Part One)}}
* [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] {{small|(Part Two)}}
}}
| music = {{Plainlist|
* [[Benjamin Wynn|Ben Wynn]]
* [[Jeremy Zuckerman]]
}}
| photographer =
| guests =
* [[Richard McGonagle]] as Bato
* [[René Auberjonois]] as the mechanist
* [[Daniel Samonas]] as Teo
* [[Serena Williams]] as Ming
* [[Wayne Duvall]] as Warden Poon
* Michael Dow as Haru
* [[William H. Bassett]] as Huu
* [[Mick Foley]] as the Boulder
* Sterling Young as Pipsqueak
* Nick Swoboda as The Duke
* [[Kristoffer Tabori]] as war minister
| season_article = Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3
| episode_list = List of Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes
| prev = [[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3#ep49|Nightmares and Daydreams]]
| next = [[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3#ep52|The Western Air Temple]]
}}
}}


"'''The Day of Black Sun'''" is the tenth and eleventh episodes of the [[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3|third season]] of the American [[animated cartoon|animated]] [[television series]] ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', and the 50th and the 51st episode overall. The show follows [[Aang]] ([[Zach Tyler Eisen]]), the last airbender and the “Avatar”, on his journey to bring balance to a war-torn world by mastering all [[Classical element|four elements]]: air, water, earth, and fire. On his quest, he is joined by companions [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]] ([[Mae Whitman]]), [[Sokka]] ([[Jack DeSena]]), and [[Toph Beifong]] ([[Michaela Jill Murphy|Jessie Flower]]). The season also follows [[Zuko]] ([[Dante Basco]]) as he returns to the Fire Nation only to face his conflicting feelings about his part in the war. The episodes have the sub-titles "'''The Invasion'''" and "'''The Eclipse'''" respectively.
"'''The Day of Black Sun'''" is a two-part [[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes|episode]] from the animated television series ''[[Avatar: The Last Airbender]]'', which airs on [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]. These are the tenth and eleventh episodes of the third season of the series. When originally aired, both episodes were labelled as Book Three, Chapter 10, but subsequent episodes have continued numbering as if they were Chapters 10 and 11.


The first part of the episode was directed by [[Giancarlo Volpe]] and written by co-creator [[Michael Dante DiMartino]], and follows [[Aang]], Sokka and Hakoda leading an invasion on the Fire Nation, on "The Day of Black Sun" where the firebenders will lose their bending due to a [[solar eclipse]]. The second part was directed by [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] and written by head writer [[Aaron Ehasz]], following the beginning of the eclipse, and [[Zuko]] standing up to his father Fire Lord Ozai ([[Mark Hamill]]). The episodes premiered on November 23 and 26, 2007 respectively in the Netherlands and Belgium,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.avatarspirit.net/news.php?id=501 |title="Day of Black Sun" Airs First in The Netherlands & Belgium |website=AvatarSpirit |last=Acastus |date=November 24, 2007 |accessdate=April 11, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629003237/https://www.avatarspirit.net/news.php?id=501 |archivedate=June 29, 2020}}</ref> before releasing on [[Nickelodeon]] in the United States on November 30 of that year. They were watched by 3.77 million viewers,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2007/12/04/top-cable-nov-26-dec-2-nfl-tin-man/2002/ |title=Top Cable Nov 26-Dec 2, NFL & Tin Man |publisher=TVByTheNumbers |access-date=2012-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103001952/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2007/12/04/top-cable-nov-26-dec-2-nfl-tin-man/2002/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012}}</ref> and received critical acclaim.
Both episodes were leaked to the internet weeks before they were supposed to be aired, through their own website. Viacom took swift action to remove these leaked videos, but was unsuccessful in reclaiming all the videos due to numerous copies having been distributed by that point. {{Fact|date=December 2007}}

The Netherlands and Belgium aired these episodes first with part 1 on [[November 23]], [[2007]] and part 2 on [[November 26]], [[2007]] dubbed in Dutch.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
The day of the invasion arrives, but [[Aang]] reveals he cannot enter the Avatar State, as his final chakra was blocked when [[Azula]] shot him with lightning.{{efn|As depicted in "[[The Crossroads of Destiny]]"}} Meanwhile in the Fire Nation, [[Zuko]] flees from home, promising to a painting of his mother, Ursa, that he will amend for his mistakes. Shedding their Fire Nation disguises, the fleet sneak into the capital with submarines, but are attacked by enemy troops; Aang kisses [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]] and confesses his feelings in case he doesn't survive before flying away. The fleet reach land and battle Fire Nation troops. Hakoda is injured in battle, forcing Sokka to lead the invasion instead. Aang enters Fire Lord Ozai's palace, only to find it empty; Sokka concludes that Ozai expected the attack and is hiding in an underground bunker. Bato takes the reins of the fleet while Aang, Sokka, and [[Toph Beifong]] search for Ozai.
===Part 1: The Invasion===
On the day of the invasion, [[Toph]] asks [[Aang]] about [[the Avatar State]], he says he cannot use it because his seventh chakra was locked when [[Azula]] struck him with [[lightning]]. When [[Water Tribe]] boats emerge from a mist Aang, together with Toph, creates some makeshift docks in the cove.

[[Sokka]] asks about the people he requested and [[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_secondary_recurring_characters#Hakoda|Hakoda]] says he brought them. [[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_secondary_recurring_characters#Teo|Teo]] and the [[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_secondary_recurring_characters#The_Mechanist|Mechanist]] give Aang a new glider that can double as a staff. As [[Iroh|Iroh's]] warden continues to berate and insult him; Ming, a young female guard, appears with his breakfast. After the other guard leaves, Iroh expresses his gratitude for Ming's kindness.

Hakoda explains the plan to storm the beach and reach the palace before the eclipse. That way, when the eclipse begins, they can take on the firebenders that guard the palace, and Aang can confront the Fire Lord.

As the invasion force heads to the Great Gates of Azulon, an alarm goes off and a large net rises from both sides of the gate, blocking the path. As the net catches fire, groups of firebenders infiltrate the ships and discover that they are empty. The invasion force uses underwater crafts, which use water bending to move, in order to avoid the flaming gates and soldiers.

Ming once again visits Iroh, this time with his supper. Iroh reveals to Ming that her moments of kindness have made his imprisonment bearable. He also comments that she looks ill and insists that she should go home. When she insists that she is fine, Iroh simply explains that it would be better if she were not present that afternoon, at which Ming appears to understand.

After resurfacing, the gang gets together one final time to wish each other good luck before parting ways. As Aang and [[Katara]] say goodbye in private, she says she is proud of how much he has grown since they first met. Aang, realizing how big this day is and that there's a chance that he may not survive, kisses Katara, then confidently snaps out his glider and flies away to face the Fire Lord, leaving Katara blushing. She hops on Appa and creates a water bubble around his head so that he can breathe while they are underwater.

[[Zuko]], shown sitting in front of a painting of his mother, promises aloud that he will do what is right. After mentally apologizing to [[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_major_secondary_characters#Mai|Mai]] and leaving her a note in her bedroom, he gets ready to leave. After the subs evade capture at a gate armed with harpoon gun type weapons, they finally arrive at the beach near the capital. Caterpillar-like tanks emerge from the subs and face off against Fire Nation tanks.

After noticing a threat from some towers shooting missiles, Katara, Sokka, and Hakoda attack them with Appa. While Katara and Sokka take out one tower, Hakoda destroys another, and suffers an injury in the process. After Katara and Sokka have taken their father a short distance from the battle, Katara attempts to heal Hakoda. Sokka pledges to his father and sister that he will lead the battle in his father's place and flies off on Appa. He lands among the troops, which organizes into a wedge formation and orders them to charge up to the palace.

As the invasion breaches the wall of the capital city, things are looking well. However, when Aang enters the capital city, he finds it deserted; when he reaches the Fire Lord's throne room in the palace, he finds it empty.

===Part 2: The Eclipse===
Aang rejoins the invasion force and reveals that the whole city has been abandoned. Sokka concludes that the Fire Lord must have expected the invasion and is hiding somewhere nearby. After some deliberation, they agree to continue with the invasion: the invasion force will continue towards the palace while Aang, Toph, and Sokka search for the Firelord.

With the help of Toph's ability to see underground, the group locates a secret bunker inside a nearby volcano. However, instead of finding Ozai, they come face-to-face with [[Azula]]. Azula reveals she has known about the invasion for months and is not surprised to find Aang alive. Meanwhile, Zuko enters the chamber where his father is hiding.

Zuko approaches Ozai and explains he is there to "tell the truth." In amusement that Zuko chose the moment of an eclipse to face him, Ozai dismisses his guards. Zuko explains that it had been Azula who supposedly killed the Avatar in Ba Sing Se, and that the Avatar is probably leading the invasion. Outraged upon hearing this news, Ozai orders his son to leave. However, Zuko refuses and says that he will no longer take orders from his father. Ozai threatens to kill Zuko for his disobedience, but Zuko pulls out his swords and forces Ozai to listen to him.

Azula refuses to tell Aang, Sokka, and Toph her father's location; Toph's lie-detecting ability proves ineffective on Azula. Two Dai Li agents form a series of barricades to protect Azula as Aang and Toph attack. Meanwhile, the invasion force infiltrates the capital city as all the firebenders are surrendering at the loss of their power.

In the Firelord's chamber, Zuko berates his father for the cruel punishments he received just for speaking out of turn. He also reveals his belief that the Fire Nation's war is unjust: they deceive themselves into thinking they are sharing their prosperity with the world when, in actuality, the world hates the Fire Nation. Zuko further explains that the Fire Nation has a responsibility to restore peace if the world is to survive. Although Ozai mockingly says that Iroh has apparently influenced Zuko, Zuko proudly agrees.

Aang, Sokka, and Toph continue to fight Azula and her Dai Li agents, both of whom they eventually incapacitate. Though powerless, Azula proves far too agile for Aang to pin down. Sokka stops Aang and Toph from pursuing Azula any further, as she is just baiting them into wasting all their time. As they attempt to leave, Azula taunts Sokka by hinting that she has captured, imprisoned, and possibly tortured [[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender major secondary characters#Suki|Suki]] who she claims has given up on Sokka, which enrages him into rushing at her. Azula prepares to harm him with a concealed weapon of [[Mai]]'s, which Toph senses and promptly disarms her of. Sokka seizes Azula by her shoulder and orders her to tell him Suki's location; she simply smiles.

Zuko now realizes that his uncle Iroh was more of a father to him than Ozai had ever been, and he tells Ozai that he plans to free Iroh from his prison and beg for his forgiveness. After Ozai continues to mock him, Zuko openly states that he is going to fulfill his destiny and join the Avatar, helping him to defeat Ozai. Ozai calls Zuko a coward for telling the truth during the eclipse, challenging Zuko to strike him down now, while he is powerless. Zuko replies that defeating Ozai is Aang's destiny, and not his. As he heads for the exit, Ozai baits Zuko back again with the knowledge of what happened to his mother.

Ozai reveals the circumstances regarding the disappearance of Zuko's mother, [[Princess Ursa]]. When Ozai mocked the death of Iroh's son, Fire Lord Azulon ordered Ozai to kill Zuko as punishment so that Ozai would feel the loss of a child. However, Ursa swore to protect Zuko at any cost, and came up with a plan to which Ozai agreed. Ozai hints that Ursa arranged Azulon's death so Zuko would be spared and Ozai would become Fire Lord. As a result, Princess Ursa was banished for her treason.

Ozai then states that banishment is a far too merciful punishment for treason and that Zuko's punishment for betraying the Fire Nation will be far worse. Sensing the end of the eclipse, Ozai lashes out and shoots a powerful bolt of lightning at Zuko. Zuko then redirects the lightning back towards Ozai (a technique taught to him by Iroh) blasting him into the back wall. Zuko quickly escapes the chamber before Ozai can recover. Meanwhile, Azula also realizes she has regained her firebending and escapes from Sokka and the others. She reveals her father's location and claims that he is more than willing to confront them now that the eclipse is over. Sokka feels ashamed for wasting their time, but Aang insists he can still face the Fire Lord. However, Sokka and Toph disagree with Aang and convinced him to withdraw and help their friends instead.

Aang, Sokka, and Toph return to the battle site, as fleets of hot air balloons and zeppelins emerge from behind the palace and attempt to attack the invasion force. Zuko attempts to free Iroh from prison, but discovers that Iroh has already busted out from his cell and is long gone, leaving behind dazed and unconscious guards, who under interrogation from Zuko, call him "A One-Man Army."

The airships obliterate the submarines, thus making the invasion team's escape impossible. Hakoda tells Aang and the younger fighters to flee while the adults remain behind to be taken as prisoners. After saying their good-byes, the rest of the gang, along with Haru, Teo, and the Duke, get onto Appa; as they rise into the air, Aang states that the Western Air Temple will be a safe place for them to stay for a while and also it is closest to the fire nation. Azula watches from one of the airships as the group escapes, but she chooses not to pursue them, confident that they will return someday. At the episode's closing, Zuko is seen following Appa on a hot air balloon.


Toph finds the bunker inside a nearby volcano, and the three enter as the eclipse starts. The fleet captures much of the capital, while Aang and his friends find Azula in Ozai's place. She reveals she knew about the invasion for months and is unsurprised that Aang survived. Although the heroes corner Azula in a fight, they realize that she was simply stalling until the eclipse ends. Azula taunts Sokka by revealing Suki's imprisonment, and Sokka unsuccessfully attempts to make Azula reveal where she is. Meanwhile, Zuko enters Ozai's chamber, explaining that Azula was the one who "killed" Aang, who is actually still alive. Zuko defies and denounces his father, condemning his abusive treatment of him and vowing to help Aang. Ozai reveals that he nearly killed Zuko on Azulon's orders,{{efn|As depicted in "[[Zuko Alone]]"}} only for Ursa to kill Azulon instead to protect her son, for which she was banished. The eclipse ends and a fight breaks out between the pair.
==Episode production==
=== Translations ===
* Sokka's maps read as follows:
: 第壼國皇家地圖 - Sequence of Maps Leading to the Royal Palace
: 世界地圖 - Map of the World
: 全國領土海圖 - Chart of the Entire Nation's Territory
: 首都島地圖 - Map of the Capital Island
: 皇家首都地圖 - Map of the Royal Capital City
===Series continuity===
* Toph is referred to as "The Blind Bandit" by Earthbenders The Hippo and The Boulder. This was a pseudonym she assumed while competing in an underground Earthbending tournament in the [[The Blind Bandit|episode of the same name]].
*The hot-air balloon that the Fire Nation utilizes was originally developed by the Mechanist in "[[The Northern Air Temple]]."


Realizing what is happening, Azula escapes with firebending. Aang evacuates, realizing he isn't ready to face Ozai. The fleet attempt to retreat, but are cornered by airships. Zuko rushes to free his uncle, [[Iroh]], only to find that he already escaped after furtive and intense training.{{efn|As depicted in "[[Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3#ep44|Sokka's Master]]"}} On Hakoda's orders, Aang flees to the Western Air Temple on [[Appa (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Appa]] with Katara, Sokka, Toph, Haru, Teo, and the Duke while the rest surrender. Zuko follows closely behind.


== Credits ==
Main cast members [[Zach Tyler Eisen]], [[Mae Whitman]], [[Jack DeSena]], [[Michaela Jill Murphy|Jessie Flower]], [[Dante Basco]] and [[Dee Bradley Baker]] appear as the voices of [[Aang]], [[Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Katara]], [[Sokka]], [[Toph Beifong]], [[Zuko]], and [[Appa (Avatar: The Last Airbender)|Appa]] respectively.<ref name="TV Guide Cast">{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/avatar-airbender/cast/194673 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast and Details |publisher=[[TV Guide (magazine)|TVGuide.com]] |access-date=November 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216072355/http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/avatar-airbender/cast/194673 |archive-date=16 December 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Appearing as guests in both parts are [[André Sogliuzzo]] as Hakoda, [[Richard McGonagle]] as Bato, [[René Auberjonois]] as the mechanist, [[Daniel Samonas]] as Teo, [[Wayne Duvall]] as Warden Poon, Michael Dow as Haru, [[Kevin Michael Richardson]] as both Tyro and the Hippo, [[Carlos Alazraqui]] as Due and Tho, [[William H. Bassett]] as Huu, Sterling Young as Pipsqueak, and Nick Swoboda as The Duke. Appearing as guests in only the first part are [[Greg Baldwin]] as [[Iroh]], [[Serena Williams]] as Ming,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-which-character-did-serena-williams-voice-in-avatar-the-last-airbender/ |title=Which Character Did Serena Williams Voice in 'Avatar The Last Airbender'? |publisher=Essentially Sports |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> and [[Mick Foley]] as the Boulder.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/boulder-voice-actor-avatar-last-airbender/ |title=Who The Boulder Voice Actor Is In Avatar: The Last Airbender |date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=[[Screen Rant]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> Appearing as guests in only the second part are [[Mark Hamill]] as Fire Lord Ozai, [[Grey DeLisle]] as [[Azula]], and [[Kristoffer Tabori]] as a war minister.


The first part of the episode was directed by [[Giancarlo Volpe]] and written by co-creator [[Michael Dante DiMartino]], while the second part was directed by [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] and written by head writer [[Aaron Ehasz]].<ref name="TV Guide Cast" />
==Cast==
{| class="wikitable"
!Character
!Actor
!Character
!Actor
|-
![[Aang]]
|[[Zach Tyler Eisen]]


== Production ==
![[Katara]]
The animation was done by JM Animation for the first part, and MOI Animation for the second part.
|[[Mae Whitman]]
|-
![[Sokka]]
|Jack Desena


When promoting the episode, just as they had done for "[[The Secret of the Fire Nation]]", [[Nickelodeon]] promoted the episode greatly by creating a website with links to a tournament and wallpaper downloads. The website even included an online game called ''Black Sun Siege'' which released on November 29, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1077954 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105074603/https://www.viacom.com/NEWS/NewsText.aspx?RID=1077954 |title="Aang Is Ready to Strike Down the Fire Nation on the Darkest Day of the Year in Avatar's 'Day of Black Sun' Premiering Friday, Nov. 30 on Nickelodeon" |accessdate=November 6, 2011 |date=November 14, 2007 |archivedate=January 5, 2008 |publisher=Viacom International}}</ref> The episode also introduces submarines into the [[World of Avatar: The Last Airbender|world of ''Avatar'']], inspired by pre-Cold War and World War II submarines in that they have limited air supply, or the [[LCVP (United States)|Higgins boat]] used in World War II. The idea of Ozai hiding in a secret bunker bears similaraties to how [[Adolf Hitler]] used his bunker during World War II.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-fire-nation-attack-real-world-history/ |title=The Last Airbender: How the Fire Nation's Attacks Mirror Real-World History |date=February 7, 2022 |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources]] |access-date=April 11, 2024 }}</ref> When the invasion force soldiers march up the volcano towards the Fire Nation, parallels can be drawn in regards to how they hold their shields above their heads in a formation reminiscent of the Roman [[Testudo formation]].
![[Toph]]
|[[Jessie Flower]]
|-
![[Zuko]]
|[[Dante Basco]]


== Reception ==
![[Appa]]/[[Momo]]
The episode received critical acclaim from fans and critics, with many considering it one of the best of the show.
|[[Dee Bradley Baker]]
|-
![[Iroh]]
|[[Greg Baldwin]]


Hayden Childs of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' praised Zuko's speech in the episode, calling it "the emotional heart of these episodes" and commenting: "He lays out carefully how Ozai wronged him with the banishment and Agni Kai, which shows just how far he has come since the beginning. He points out that Sozin's idea that the Fire Nation's war is for the good of the world is still being taught to the people, but that it is a lie. This is not just a talking point to help out the young people watching, but another sign of how Zuko has outgrown his brainwashing. Ozai is too monstrous to understand any of this, of course, but it is only right that Zuko, who has the most compelling arc of any character on the show, should have a chance to say his piece to his father."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Childs |first1=Hayden |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender: "The Day Of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion"/"The Day Of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" |url=https://www.avclub.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-the-day-of-black-sun-part-1798172060 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Max Nicholson of ''[[IGN]]'' gave the episodes ratings of 8.5 and 8.8 out of 10 respectively, writing that Part 1 "delivered a great half-hour of invasion antics, as Team Avatar launched their attack on the Fire Nation. Not only did this episode feature tons of returning allies, but it also included great moments for them" and that Part 2 "offered a solid conclusion to the "Day of Black Sun" two-parter and set the final events of the series in motion."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nicholson |first1=Max |date=September 4, 2015 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion" Flashback Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/04/avatar-the-last-airbender-day-of-the-black-sun-part-1-the-invasion-flashback-review |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nicholson |first1=Max |date=September 11, 2015 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" Flashback Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/08/avatar-the-last-airbender-the-day-of-black-sun-part-2-the-eclipse-flashback-review |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_major_secondary_characters#Fire_Lord_Ozai|Fire Lord Ozai]]
|[[Mark Hamill]]
|-
![[Azula]]
|[[Grey Delisle]]


Chris Harkin of ''Game Rant'' placed the second part of the episode as the eighth best episode of the show with a score of 9.4 / 10, writing "The heartbreak for fans as the team suffered major losses and defeats paved the way for their underdog victory when Sozin's Comet arrived later in the season. In the meantime, Team Avatar found Azula and fought her agents, while Zuko found his father and learned the truth about his mother's fate."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Harkin |first1=Chris |date=December 26, 2023 |title=Avatar: The Last Airbender – 10 Best Episodes |url=https://gamerant.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-best-episodes/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=GameRant |language=en-US}}</ref> Sam Cheeda of [[Screen Rant]] placed the episode as it the fifth-best of the show, stating that "The episode is notable for showcasing the heroes on the backfoot when the invasion starts to slip through their grasp and the advantage goes to the Fire Nation. With Ozai making an appearance, the two-parter was by no means playing around and the conflict came across as a big-time event."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cheeda |first1=Sam |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Avatar The Last Airbender: Top 10 Episodes, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/avatar-the-last-airbender-best-episodes-ranked/ |access-date=April 8, 2024 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#Hue, Due, and_Tho|Tho, Due]]
|[[Carlos Alazraqui]]
|-
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#Mechanist|The Mechanist]]
|[[Rene Auberjonois]]


In 2020, Millie Mae Mealy of ''[[The Harvard Crimson]]'' ranked the first and second parts of the episode as the 15th and 3rd best episodes of the show respectively, praising Sokka's competence and ability to design a submarine, the heroes losing and the repercussions of it, and the climax of Zuko's character arc, writing that "Zuko's confrontation with his father is epic. Lightning represents the abuse of his father and his family — with his Uncle's love and support, Zuko learns to let that lightning pass through him without hurting him and chooses not to take vengeance on his father. Zuko stands up to his father and tells him that he was abusive and wrong. He knows his worth, and now he is going to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Zuko's redemption arc is exceptional and this is a brilliant moment that shows just how far he has come."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mae Healy |first=Millie |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Every Episode of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' Ranked |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2020/12/21/artsrank-ATLA/ |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=[[The Harvard Crimson]] |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824104029/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2020/12/21/artsrank-ATLA/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#Hue, Due, and_Tho|Huu]]
|William H. Bassett
|-
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#Haru|Haru]]
|Michael Dow


For his work directing the second part of the episode, [[Joaquim Dos Santos]] was nominated at [[Annecy International Animated Film Festival|Annecy]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.annecy.org/home/index.php?Page_ID=1875&code_categfilm=C8&titre=&realisateur= |title=Annecy 2008 - Official Selection |year=2008 |publisher=Annecy 2008 |access-date=May 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302145119/http://www.annecy.org/home/index.php?Page_ID=1875&code_categfilm=C8&titre=&realisateur= |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#The Boulder|The Boulder]]
|Mick Foley
|-
!Ming
|[[Serena Williams]]


The episode has caused topics like the show or 'Fire Nation' to trend whenever there is a [[solar eclipse]], such as during the "[[Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017|Great American Eclipse]]" on August 21, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plante |first=Corey |date=August 22, 2017 |title=ECLIPSE HAS EVERYONE THINKING ABOUT 'AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER' |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/35733-avatar-last-airbender-fire-nation-trending-twitter-total-solar-eclipse |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]] }}</ref>
!Tyro, The Hippo
|[[Kevin Michael Richardson]]
|-
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#Hakoda|Hakoda]]
|[[André Sogliuzzo]]


== Notes ==
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#The_Duke|The Duke]]
{{Notelist}}
|[[Mitch Holleman]]
|-
![[List_of_Avatar:_The_Last_Airbender_minor_recurring_characters#Pipsqueak|Pipsqueak]]
|[[Sterling Young]]


== References ==
![[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender minor recurring characters#Bato|Bato]]
{{Reflist}}
|[[Richard McGonagle]]
|-
![[List of Avatar: The Last Airbender minor recurring characters#Teo|Teo]]
|Daniel Samonas


{{Avatar: The Last Airbender}}
!Warden Poon
|[[Wayne Duvall]]
|}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Day of Black Sun, The}}
==References==
{{wikiquote|Avatar: The Last Airbender#Chapter 10: Day of Black Sun|The Day of Black Sun}}
*[http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=194673&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=7248446 TVGuide.com information on this episode]
[[Category:Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes]]
[[Category:Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes]]
[[Category:2007 American television episodes]]
{{Avatar episode}}

Latest revision as of 21:41, 4 January 2025

"The Day of Black Sun"
Avatar: The Last Airbender episodes
Promotional image for the event showing the characters (L-R) Toph Beifong, Aang, Sokka, and Katara
Episode nos.Season 3
Episodes 10/11
Directed by
Written by
Featured music
Production code310/311
Original air dateNovember 30, 2007 (2007-11-30)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Nightmares and Daydreams" 		Next →
"The Western Air Temple"
Avatar: The Last Airbender season 3
List of episodes

"The Day of Black Sun" is the tenth and eleventh episodes of the third season of the American animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the 50th and the 51st episode overall. The show follows Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), the last airbender and the “Avatar”, on his journey to bring balance to a war-torn world by mastering all four elements: air, water, earth, and fire. On his quest, he is joined by companions Katara (Mae Whitman), Sokka (Jack DeSena), and Toph Beifong (Jessie Flower). The season also follows Zuko (Dante Basco) as he returns to the Fire Nation only to face his conflicting feelings about his part in the war. The episodes have the sub-titles "The Invasion" and "The Eclipse" respectively.

The first part of the episode was directed by Giancarlo Volpe and written by co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino, and follows Aang, Sokka and Hakoda leading an invasion on the Fire Nation, on "The Day of Black Sun" where the firebenders will lose their bending due to a solar eclipse. The second part was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos and written by head writer Aaron Ehasz, following the beginning of the eclipse, and Zuko standing up to his father Fire Lord Ozai (Mark Hamill). The episodes premiered on November 23 and 26, 2007 respectively in the Netherlands and Belgium,[1] before releasing on Nickelodeon in the United States on November 30 of that year. They were watched by 3.77 million viewers,[2] and received critical acclaim.

Plot

[edit]

The day of the invasion arrives, but Aang reveals he cannot enter the Avatar State, as his final chakra was blocked when Azula shot him with lightning.[a] Meanwhile in the Fire Nation, Zuko flees from home, promising to a painting of his mother, Ursa, that he will amend for his mistakes. Shedding their Fire Nation disguises, the fleet sneak into the capital with submarines, but are attacked by enemy troops; Aang kisses Katara and confesses his feelings in case he doesn't survive before flying away. The fleet reach land and battle Fire Nation troops. Hakoda is injured in battle, forcing Sokka to lead the invasion instead. Aang enters Fire Lord Ozai's palace, only to find it empty; Sokka concludes that Ozai expected the attack and is hiding in an underground bunker. Bato takes the reins of the fleet while Aang, Sokka, and Toph Beifong search for Ozai.

Toph finds the bunker inside a nearby volcano, and the three enter as the eclipse starts. The fleet captures much of the capital, while Aang and his friends find Azula in Ozai's place. She reveals she knew about the invasion for months and is unsurprised that Aang survived. Although the heroes corner Azula in a fight, they realize that she was simply stalling until the eclipse ends. Azula taunts Sokka by revealing Suki's imprisonment, and Sokka unsuccessfully attempts to make Azula reveal where she is. Meanwhile, Zuko enters Ozai's chamber, explaining that Azula was the one who "killed" Aang, who is actually still alive. Zuko defies and denounces his father, condemning his abusive treatment of him and vowing to help Aang. Ozai reveals that he nearly killed Zuko on Azulon's orders,[b] only for Ursa to kill Azulon instead to protect her son, for which she was banished. The eclipse ends and a fight breaks out between the pair.

Realizing what is happening, Azula escapes with firebending. Aang evacuates, realizing he isn't ready to face Ozai. The fleet attempt to retreat, but are cornered by airships. Zuko rushes to free his uncle, Iroh, only to find that he already escaped after furtive and intense training.[c] On Hakoda's orders, Aang flees to the Western Air Temple on Appa with Katara, Sokka, Toph, Haru, Teo, and the Duke while the rest surrender. Zuko follows closely behind.

Credits

[edit]

Main cast members Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Jessie Flower, Dante Basco and Dee Bradley Baker appear as the voices of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph Beifong, Zuko, and Appa respectively.[3] Appearing as guests in both parts are André Sogliuzzo as Hakoda, Richard McGonagle as Bato, René Auberjonois as the mechanist, Daniel Samonas as Teo, Wayne Duvall as Warden Poon, Michael Dow as Haru, Kevin Michael Richardson as both Tyro and the Hippo, Carlos Alazraqui as Due and Tho, William H. Bassett as Huu, Sterling Young as Pipsqueak, and Nick Swoboda as The Duke. Appearing as guests in only the first part are Greg Baldwin as Iroh, Serena Williams as Ming,[4] and Mick Foley as the Boulder.[5] Appearing as guests in only the second part are Mark Hamill as Fire Lord Ozai, Grey DeLisle as Azula, and Kristoffer Tabori as a war minister.

The first part of the episode was directed by Giancarlo Volpe and written by co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino, while the second part was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos and written by head writer Aaron Ehasz.[3]

Production

[edit]

The animation was done by JM Animation for the first part, and MOI Animation for the second part.

When promoting the episode, just as they had done for "The Secret of the Fire Nation", Nickelodeon promoted the episode greatly by creating a website with links to a tournament and wallpaper downloads. The website even included an online game called Black Sun Siege which released on November 29, 2007.[6] The episode also introduces submarines into the world of Avatar, inspired by pre-Cold War and World War II submarines in that they have limited air supply, or the Higgins boat used in World War II. The idea of Ozai hiding in a secret bunker bears similaraties to how Adolf Hitler used his bunker during World War II.[7] When the invasion force soldiers march up the volcano towards the Fire Nation, parallels can be drawn in regards to how they hold their shields above their heads in a formation reminiscent of the Roman Testudo formation.

Reception

[edit]

The episode received critical acclaim from fans and critics, with many considering it one of the best of the show.

Hayden Childs of The A.V. Club praised Zuko's speech in the episode, calling it "the emotional heart of these episodes" and commenting: "He lays out carefully how Ozai wronged him with the banishment and Agni Kai, which shows just how far he has come since the beginning. He points out that Sozin's idea that the Fire Nation's war is for the good of the world is still being taught to the people, but that it is a lie. This is not just a talking point to help out the young people watching, but another sign of how Zuko has outgrown his brainwashing. Ozai is too monstrous to understand any of this, of course, but it is only right that Zuko, who has the most compelling arc of any character on the show, should have a chance to say his piece to his father."[8] Max Nicholson of IGN gave the episodes ratings of 8.5 and 8.8 out of 10 respectively, writing that Part 1 "delivered a great half-hour of invasion antics, as Team Avatar launched their attack on the Fire Nation. Not only did this episode feature tons of returning allies, but it also included great moments for them" and that Part 2 "offered a solid conclusion to the "Day of Black Sun" two-parter and set the final events of the series in motion."[9][10]

Chris Harkin of Game Rant placed the second part of the episode as the eighth best episode of the show with a score of 9.4 / 10, writing "The heartbreak for fans as the team suffered major losses and defeats paved the way for their underdog victory when Sozin's Comet arrived later in the season. In the meantime, Team Avatar found Azula and fought her agents, while Zuko found his father and learned the truth about his mother's fate."[11] Sam Cheeda of Screen Rant placed the episode as it the fifth-best of the show, stating that "The episode is notable for showcasing the heroes on the backfoot when the invasion starts to slip through their grasp and the advantage goes to the Fire Nation. With Ozai making an appearance, the two-parter was by no means playing around and the conflict came across as a big-time event."[12]

In 2020, Millie Mae Mealy of The Harvard Crimson ranked the first and second parts of the episode as the 15th and 3rd best episodes of the show respectively, praising Sokka's competence and ability to design a submarine, the heroes losing and the repercussions of it, and the climax of Zuko's character arc, writing that "Zuko's confrontation with his father is epic. Lightning represents the abuse of his father and his family — with his Uncle's love and support, Zuko learns to let that lightning pass through him without hurting him and chooses not to take vengeance on his father. Zuko stands up to his father and tells him that he was abusive and wrong. He knows his worth, and now he is going to do the right thing no matter the consequences. Zuko's redemption arc is exceptional and this is a brilliant moment that shows just how far he has come."[13]

For his work directing the second part of the episode, Joaquim Dos Santos was nominated at Annecy in 2008.[14]

The episode has caused topics like the show or 'Fire Nation' to trend whenever there is a solar eclipse, such as during the "Great American Eclipse" on August 21, 2017.[15]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ As depicted in "The Crossroads of Destiny"
  2. ^ As depicted in "Zuko Alone"
  3. ^ As depicted in "Sokka's Master"

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Acastus (November 24, 2007). ""Day of Black Sun" Airs First in The Netherlands & Belgium". AvatarSpirit. Archived from the original on June 29, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  2. ^ "Top Cable Nov 26-Dec 2, NFL & Tin Man". TVByTheNumbers. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast and Details". TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
  4. ^ "Which Character Did Serena Williams Voice in 'Avatar The Last Airbender'?". Essentially Sports. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  5. ^ "Who The Boulder Voice Actor Is In Avatar: The Last Airbender". Screen Rant. May 23, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  6. ^ ""Aang Is Ready to Strike Down the Fire Nation on the Darkest Day of the Year in Avatar's 'Day of Black Sun' Premiering Friday, Nov. 30 on Nickelodeon"". Viacom International. November 14, 2007. Archived from the original on January 5, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  7. ^ "The Last Airbender: How the Fire Nation's Attacks Mirror Real-World History". Comic Book Resources. February 7, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  8. ^ Childs, Hayden (March 21, 2012). "Avatar: The Last Airbender: "The Day Of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion"/"The Day Of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  9. ^ Nicholson, Max (September 4, 2015). "Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 1: The Invasion" Flashback Review". IGN. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  10. ^ Nicholson, Max (September 11, 2015). "Avatar: The Last Airbender - "The Day of Black Sun, Part 2: The Eclipse" Flashback Review". IGN. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  11. ^ Harkin, Chris (December 26, 2023). "Avatar: The Last Airbender – 10 Best Episodes". GameRant. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  12. ^ Cheeda, Sam (March 1, 2022). "Avatar The Last Airbender: Top 10 Episodes, Ranked". Screen Rant. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  13. ^ Mae Healy, Millie (December 21, 2020). "Every Episode of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' Ranked". The Harvard Crimson. Archived from the original on August 24, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
  14. ^ "Annecy 2008 - Official Selection". Annecy 2008. 2008. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2008.
  15. ^ Plante, Corey (August 22, 2017). "ECLIPSE HAS EVERYONE THINKING ABOUT 'AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER'". Inverse. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
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