Like the best shows for kids or adults, Avatar assumes we have the patience to get involved with its characters as human beings, not just action figures.

Brian and Spencer discuss albums by Sleigh Bells, The National, and The Black Keys, and the novels Matterhorn and A Game of Thrones (Song of Ice & Fire vol 1). Also, the shows they’re keeping busy with this summer (Avatar: The Last Airbender and Daria) and the stupid movies they’re not seeing.

Our panel of two sat down for an epic virtual discussion of our absolute favorites of 2009 — in every category we could think of — and set about explaining why each one made the list.

‘A Serious Man’ trailer, ‘I Am So Proud of You’ comes to DVD, season 3 of one of the best shows on TV approaches, and new games and comics featuring our favorite superhero.

Jody Hill’s disturbing and dangerous new comedy, the ‘Arrested Development’ creator’s new cartoon, and Taibbi’s harsh look at what we should really be protesting.

Shane Acker’s feature debut gets added to a list of animated films to see this year, ‘Objectified’ follows up from the ‘Helvetica’ team, and free best of Club Bootie tracks.

Our panel of two sat down for an epic virtual discussion of our absolute favorite things of the year, in every category we could think of, and why each one made the list.

Animation Show founder debuts his latest, ‘I Am So Proud of You’; ‘Heroes’ creator assures us it’s back with a vengeance; Ebert and Damon come up with the best VP zingers.