Just because something is more popular, it does not mean it is better. Look at pokemon. That's proof enough. Personally I prefer a show where a 5 minute battle isn't dragged out for 10 episodes.

As far as vs. goes, Aang would pwn Goku and here's why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE41IC0Q1Ms

Let's use music for an example. I won't give any specifics because that would offend people and I love everyone! I hear X band everytime I turn on the radio. They have tons of fanboys/girls yet I think they're awful musicians with a whiny singer that somehow made it big.

However, Y band's musicians are much more technically proficient at their instruments. Their vocalist isn't crying about how his girlfriend left him either instead he writes well-thought out lyrics and has an amazing voice.. Yet, Y has never made it onto mainstream radio nor are they popular in the mainstream. Hell, most people have never heard of them.

So, who's the better band? Well it's all opinion really. See how biased the above post was?

TLDR version: Popularity doesn't make something good, lol. It always comes down to personal opinion.

/endthread.