Heroes v Villains: ATLA Edition
Author: Emily Hickmott
Heroes
Boom Train
Let's begin with the reigning champion. These former villains have rehabilitated their image and have become a team that is easy to root for (Here comes the BOOM). Boom Train embodies Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. Much like Zuko, Boom Train started out with an initial villain arc;, they had a tendency toward aggression and a need to prove themselves. However, due their hard work and great team chemistry and bonds, Boom Train has morphed into a hero that is going to step up and take down a bigger threat in the end. With a roster full of long time stalwarts of the program, as well a fresh infusion of young Midwest Talent, Boom Train is in a prime position to become the first back-to-back Heroes vs Villain champion.
Bay Area Breakers
Of the programs attending the tournament, Bay Area Breakers is one that is typically underrated and undervalued, much like Sokka. Throughout most of the series, Sokka acts as comic relief; it isn’t till the very last season where he truly steps into his own as a leader and planner. Similarly, the Bay Area Breakers are consistently underestimated; they are rarely considered the best of the West, despite wins over the Lost Boys many of the last few years. They won the Club Division II in 2023 and have a very distinct strategic system that allows them to succeed.
Twin Cities Quadball Club
Spending the last 10 years building an empire in the coldest parts of the country, TCQC is Varrick. Like Varrick, they gallivant around the country meeting new people and spreading their business acumen and strategy. While they may dream of being a villain, they have a heart of gold and can always be counted on to have a good time. They have made smart investments to develop and grow their program and it has paid off; TCQC is playing and beating the best teams in the country.
Valguard Quadball
The lovable group of Canadians and friends coming together to have a good time; Valguard Quadball is Chong and the Earth Nomads. While they may not stick around for more than a single episode (tournament), they have a big impact and are very memorable. While Valguard may not be a team that typically plays together, they do have past experience with each other as a good portion of the roster is past and present Team Canada players. This team is here to have a good time and bring out the vibes across the board, just like dear Chong and the Earth Nomads.
UCLA
Best believe one of quadball’s oldest and most historic college teams is Bumi. UCLA has a long and rich history, with multiple deep runs in Nationals just like Bumi’s long history of success in Omashu. However, much like Bumi, UCLA has a tendency for chaos! They’ll keep you on your toes with their play and their results. They may make decisions that make a person double take, but they generally always come out on top.
Columbia Quadball
On first look, Columbia College Quadball has had a rapid rise to prominence; Columbia embodies Suki. Like Suki, they have really taken time to grow and become an important part of the discussion. They have shown improvement every year and are on the cusp of being contenders. Columbia shows resilience and a belief that they will succeed, which Suki embodies throughout her character development. Also #artschool.
Villains
Bosnyan Bearsharks
Years ago, right before the pandemic, the Bosnyan Bearsharks won Heroes vs Villains as a lovable hero. Four years later, Bosny is returning, this time as a villain. Bosny embodies Jet. Like Jet, on first meeting, Bosny comes across as a hero; fighting against the biggest threat there is, a noble and just cause. However, like Jet, Bosny has a cutthroat edge to them. They are driven to win and will do so, often in ways that are slightly demoralizing. They have a chip on their shoulder for not being invited last year to defend their title and are poised to be a menace all tournament long.
Mile High Quadball
Some point over the last few years, Mile High entered the national scene for the first time. Like the Boulder, they wanted to make a big impact on their introduction but they have yet to see the full payoff of their introduction. Mile High has had solid results, but have yet to score a big win over a powerhouse team. While many of their results are close, they need to work on finishing close games, just like the Boulder needed to be better at finishing his matches.
Lost Boys Quadball
Starting the Avatar series, Commander Zhao is the big bad villain, he is the first real antagonist that Team Avatar has to deal with. However, as the series progresses, Commander Zhao is overshadowed by greater threats. Like Commander Zhao, the Lost Boys on first glance have traditionally been a big threat, with historic performances dating back to their inception. However, digging in more deeply, they are far less threatening than other villains that are encountered throughout the series. The Lost Boys are a historic program with lots of success, but in recent years have not always seen the same level of success on a national stage. Will this be the year that they finally reclaim the original Heroes vs Villains title?
Carolina Reapers
Under certain circumstances, the Carolina Reapers could be considered a hero, and thus they are like Ty Lee, our favorite Fire Nation good bad girl. Like Ty Lee, Carolina Reapers has a very positive vibe, bringing together a lot of lovable characters. However, they still have a little bit of that heat in them! If they get mad and frustrated, the Reapers can get a little bit spicy. Additionally, much like Ty Lee, they know how to hit all the right spots to disable their opponents; however, they often can be distracted easily, focusing on the wrong portion of the game.
Arizona Sun Devils
Coming fresh off a trip to Texas, the Arizona Sun Devils are Hei Bai, the Panda Spirit. Like Hei Bai, they have two sides: they can be both chaotic and destructive when they are angry, andhey can also be fiercely protective. ASU is a historic program that has seen ups and downs. They won Division II Nationals last year but lost all their games on their trip to Diamond Cup. Can the Devils show their spirit and take home their first ever Heroes vs Villains title?
Cal Bears
Keeping up with the Cal Bears, they have been very quiet thus far this season, but they are just lurking in the shadows like Amon during the first season of Legend of Korra. Cal really believes in equality, with an equal number of games lost, games won, points for, and points against (Check out their stats here) just like Amon. They are a storied program with an intricate backstory, much like Amon’s complex background. Will Cal fare better than Amon when it comes to getting their message across to the people? Time will tell.
