Book reviews by
Shalini

Guide To Reading Avatar: Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Reading Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra Comics! If you’re a fan of the show and are looking to dive deeper into the heroic world of Avatar, reading the comics is an excellent idea. This simple guide will provide an overview of the available Avatar comics and offer some tips on getting started reading them (We’ll provide the order).

Two Avatar Comics, North and South and The Rift

Reading in the wrong order can cause confusion. So whether you’re a seasoned comic reader or are new to this series, this blog post will provide you with everything you need to know to start reading Avatar comics.

A Brief Overview of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra

Before we get into the details and reading order, a quick briefing of the contents of the comics is in order.

The Last Airbender (also known as Avatar: The Legend of Aang in some regions) is an animated television show that aired from 2005 to 2008. The show was set in a world where certain people, known as “benders,” can manipulate the elements (water, earth, fire, and air) using martial arts-inspired techniques.

The story follows the journey of Aang, a young Airbender (with childish tendencies) who is the ‘Avatar’ – the only person who can flex all four elements and is liable for maintaining balance in the world.

Aang is joined on his journey by Katara, a Waterbender; Sokka, a non-bender; and Toph, an Earthbender. The youthful group travels the world, facing off against the malicious Fire Nation, which is trying to conquer the other nations and bring about a world ruled by Firebenders.

Along the way, they meet new friends and allies, including Prince Zuko, the exiled prince of the Fire Nation, who eventually defects to their side (Spoiler Alert!).

Legend of Korra TV Series

The show was followed by a sequel series, The Legend of Korra, which aired from 2012 to 2014. The Legend of Korra takes place 70 years after the occurrences of Avatar: The Last Airbender and follows the story of Korra, a young woman who is the Avatar after Aang.

Like Aang, Korra must master the elements and maintain balance in the world. Still, she faces new challenges, including the emergence of a group known as the Equalists, who believe that benders have too much power and seek to eliminate them.

The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra have a wide range of memorable and well-developed characters, including the main characters Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Korra.

Great Wall of China Legend of Korra

Supporting Characters Make the Stories Come to Live

Supporting characters such as Prince Zuko, General Iroh, and Asami Sato make the series come to life with their own deep philosophies and unique personalities.

These two shows are known for their rich world-building, compelling storylines, engaging action sequences, and themes of friendship, responsibility, and the power of teamwork.

Here is the reading order for the Avatar: The Last Airbender comics

  1. The Lost Adventures and Team Avatar Tales
  2. The Promise
  3. The Search
  4. The Rift
  5. Smoke and Shadow
  6. North and South
  7. Imbalance
  8. Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy
  9. Suki, Alone
  10. Katara and the Pirate’s Silver
  11. Screen Comix Volume 1
  12. Screen Comix Volume 2
  13. Chibi Vol. 1: Aang’s Unfreezing Day (Expected: January 31, 2023)

Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Promise

The Promise is set between the end of the original series and the beginning of the sequel series, The Legend of Korra. The story follows Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Earth King Kuei as they work to reconcile the nations of the world and rebuild the harmony that was destroyed during the Hundred Year War.

Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Search

The Search follows Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Earth King Kuei as they search for the truth about Zuko’s mother, Ursa. As they journey to discover the truth, they must confront secrets from the past and deal with the consequences of their actions.

Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Rift

In The Rift, Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Earth King Kuei try to maintain peace and harmony among the nations of the world. However, they are faced with challenges from within and without, as old rivalries and resentments threaten to undermine their efforts.

Avatar the last airbender the rift

Avatar: The Last Airbender – Smoke and Shadow

In Smoke and Shadow, Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Earth King Kuei deal with a rebellion in the Fire Nation led by the mysterious Princess Azula, Zuko’s sister. As the trio tries to restore peace to the nation, they must also confront their own personal demons and the consequences of their actions.

Avatar: The Last Airbender – North and South

In North and South, Avatar Aang, Fire Lord Zuko, and Earth King Kuei deal with a civil war in the Southern Water Tribe. The conflict is fueled by political tensions and a desire for independence, and it threatens to destroy the unity that Aang and Zuko have worked so hard to establish.

Avatar the last airbender North South

Make Sure To Check Out The Additional Series To Find Out More!

To avoid spoiling the story for yourself, make sure to read the comics in the order outlined above. That way you can get all of the nuances and subtle details of each individual arc.

Here is the reading order for the Legend of Korra comics

When it comes to the Legend of Korra comics, there are two main series that have been released so far. Here is the list:

  1. Legend of Korra Revolution
  2. Legend of Korra Endgame
  3. Friends for Life
  4. The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars
  5. Lost Pets
  6. The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire
  7. The Legend of Korra: Patterns in Time
Appa The Last Airbender Plush
Plush Appa

The Legend of Korra – Turf Wars

In Turf Wars, Avatar Korra has just defeated the evil dictator Kuvira and brought peace to the Earth Kingdom. However, she soon discovers that the victory came at a cost, as the spirits and the humans are now in conflict and the balance of the world is in danger of being destroyed. As she tries to maintain harmony among the nations, Korra must also deal with personal issues, including her relationship with Asami and the revelation of her own identity as an Avatar.

The Legend of Korra – Ruins of the Empire

In Ruins of the Empire, Avatar Korra and her friends must deal with the aftermath of the events of Turf Wars. The Earth Kingdom is in chaos and the nation is on the verge of collapse. As they try to restore order, they must also confront a new threat in the form of Kuvira’s former lieutenant, Prince Wu.

The Legend of Korra – Balance

Reuniting with Tenzin in Republic City, Korra joyfully returns accompanied by a host of airbenders. After informing him of what happened in Zaofu, she meets up with Asami and Mako for the first time in three years, though their reunion is crashed by Prince Wu and tension runs high among them.

Again, to avoid spoilers, we will just summarize a few of the books.

Characters

Here is a list of some of the main characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender:

  • Aang: The main protagonist of the series, Aang is a twelve-year-old boy who is the Avatar, the guardian of balance in the world. He is a kind, gentle, and playful person, but also has a strong sense of responsibility as the Avatar.
  • Katara: Aang’s best friend and love interest, Katara is a fifteen-year-old girl from the Southern Water Tribe. She is a strong and capable bender, as well as being a kind and compassionate person.
  • Sokka: Katara’s older brother, Sokka is a seventeen-year-old boy from the Southern Water Tribe. He is a non-bender but is intelligent and resourceful, and becomes a skilled warrior.
  • Toph: A blind earthbender, Toph is a twelve-year-old girl who becomes a member of Aang’s group. She is tough, independent, and has a sharp wit.
  • Zuko: The prince of the Fire Nation and the main antagonist of the series, Zuko is a seventeen-year-old boy who is searching for the Avatar to regain his honor. He is scarred and embittered, but ultimately learns to let go of his anger and seek redemption.

Here is a list of some of the main characters in The Legend of Korra:

  • Korra: The main protagonist of the series, Korra is a seventeen-year-old girl who is the Avatar, the guardian of balance in the world. She is strong, confident, and headstrong, but also has a compassionate and caring nature.
  • Mako: A firebender and member of the Republic City police force, Mako is a nineteen-year-old man who becomes a close friend and ally of Korra. He is serious and responsible but also has a sense of humor and a strong sense of loyalty.
  • Bolin: Mako’s younger brother, Bolin, is a seventeen-year-old earthbender who becomes a member of Korra’s team. He is friendly, good-natured, and always tries to see the best in people.
  • Asami: The daughter of a wealthy businessman, Asami is a seventeen-year-old non-bender who becomes a close friend and ally of Korra. She is intelligent, resourceful, independent, and has a strong sense of justice.
  • Tenzin: An Airbender and the son of Aang and Katara, Tenzin is a forty-year-old man who becomes a mentor and advisor to Korra. He is wise, calm, and patient, but he also has a strong sense of responsibility and duty.

There are many other characters in the series, including the members of the main character’s group, the leaders of the different nations, and the various villains and allies they encounter on their journey.

The Last Airbender Legend of Korra

Relationships

The relationships between the main characters are a crucial part of the series. Aang, the Avatar, has a strong bond with his friends Katara, Sokka, and Toph, and their friendship is tested as they face challenges and dangers on their journey. Aang also has a romantic relationship with Katara, which develops throughout the series.

There are also rivalries between characters in the series, such as the rivalry between Aang and Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation, who is searching for the Avatar to regain his honor.

In The Legend of Korra, the relationships between the main characters are also a key part of the series. Korra, the Avatar, has a strong bond with her friends Mako, Bolin, and Asami, and their friendship is tested as they face challenges and dangers on their journey. Some characters also have romantic relationships, such as the relationship between Mako and Asami, which develops throughout the series.

Themes

Identity is a central theme of the series. Aang, the Avatar, must come to terms with his identity as the Avatar and the responsibilities that come with it. The characters also explore their identities, how they fit into the world, and how their cultures and backgrounds shape their self-perceptions.

Friendship is also a key theme in the series, with the main characters forming strong bonds with each other and supporting each other on their journey. As touched on earlier, love is another important theme, with the series exploring romantic relationships and love between friends and family.

In The Legend of Korra, these themes are also present. Korra, the Avatar, must come to terms with her identity as the Avatar. She’s not only the Avatar, but also a seventeen-year-old girl with hopes and dreams of her own.

The series explores the friendships and romantic relationships of the main characters, and the characters must balance their desires with their duties to others and the world. The series also touches on social justice and equality issues, with the characters fighting against injustice and standing up for what is right.

World-building

The world is divided into four nations: the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation, and the Air Nomads. Each nation has its own culture, traditions, and way of life, and the series explores the diversity of these cultures. The series also delves into the world’s politics, with the different nations having their governments and leaders.

The series also explores the world’s history, including the Avatar’s history and the conflicts and events that have shaped the world.

In The Legend of Korra, the world has evolved and changed since the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The series is set in the city of Republic City, which is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. The series explores the cultures and societies of the different nations, as well as the politics and history of the world.

Art Style

The art style of The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra comics and series is animated and inspired by East Asian, Inuit, and South Asian cultures. The series features a variety of character designs, vibrant and imaginative environments, and fluid action sequences.

Bold lines, bright colors, and a wide range of visual effects and techniques, including detailed backgrounds, expressive character animation, and imaginative uses of color and lighting, characterize the art style. The art style of The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra reflects the series’ rich, diverse, and imaginative world and helps to bring the characters and stories to life in a unique and visually striking way.

Final Takeaway

When it comes to adaptations and retellings, sometimes quality doesn’t have to be sacrificed. The TV show will hopefully get a third season, and so will the comics, giving all fans another opportunity for another story in this world.

So, are you a fan of the show? We hope that you take the time to give these books a try. Happy reading!

Hi, my name is Shalini Laghari and I am a self-confessed bookworm. Since I was a young girl I have always found solace in books, surrounded by my favorite characters and fictional worlds.

My love for reading has never faltered (although I have found myself in the middle of a book slump or two over the years!) and my book collection is my pride and joy.

I’ve recently heard that you need 1000 books to consider your collection of books a ‘library’, and I’m only 100-ish away!

My favorite books to read are those with POC, LGBTQ+, and disability representation. I also love reading small and unknown authors and giving them a platform through my reviews.

Enjoy my website, pick your new favorite book to read, and who knows - maybe I’ll see you in our favorite bookstore one day!
Shalini Laghari
Shalini (1)
My name is Shalini and I love reading a lot. On this blog I review most of the books I have read. Hope you enjoy.
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