Released in the summer 2006 the Avatar: The Last Airbender LEGO theme was based on the popular Nickelodeon TV show with the same name and based on Book One of Avatar. The theme's sets were only released in the United States and Canada and with only two sets makes it one of the smallest themes. The first sets in the theme where designed to test if the theme would be commercially viable and was pitted against the other Nickelodeon theme SpongeBob. Ultimately Avatar lost in popularity and was never continued. The discontinuation of the theme is partly due to the belief that Avatar: The Last Airbender would become obsolete, as only three seasons were planned.
2006 LEGO Sets
2006 was a year of creative resurgence, adding major themes while closing older ones. LEGO Batman debuted as the first full DC Comics collaboration, joined by Avatar: The Last Airbender, Exo-Force, and SpongeBob SquarePants. LEGO Mindstorms NXT modernized the robotics platform with sensors and wireless control, and Remote Control Trains replaced the 9V system. Vikings and Clikits ended, while standout collector sets such as the Technic Tow Truck (8285) and Boeing 787 Dreamliner (10177) strengthened LEGO’s appeal among adult fans.