Water. Earth. Fire. Air.
The world of Avatar the Last Airbender is one that many wish they could be a part of, considering themselves as different benders from the Avatar universe. With the series becoming increasingly well-known after its release on Netflix in May, viewers can revisit their favorite childhood show or discover the cultural phenomenon for the first time.
Following the exciting release of Avatar the Last Airbender, Netflix also added The Legend of Korra to its streaming service as well. The additional series follows the aftermath of Avatar the Last Airbender and the adventures of the next Avatar, Korra, reincarnated after the life of Aang, the previous Avatar.
Although both series are tremendous, many are conflicted between deciding which series is the better of the two. They may both take place within the same universe, but they also have important differences. Avatar the Last Airbender (ATLA) follows younger characters and focuses on a singular issue, which is the fact that the Fire Lord is hoping to overrule all of the Avatar nations. Each episode has smaller, individual issues that the characters must face, but viewers understand that the entire series is leading up to the solution to one problem. The Legend of Korra (LOK), in contrast, follows older characters with, in my opinion, more difficult and mature challenges that are very relevant to the modern world. Each season of LOK follows a new difficulty that the Avatar must overcome, including protests, corrupt leaders, racism, dictators, new technology, and more. These differences cause the shows to have their own distinctions, which some approve of more than others.
One of the most prominent differences between ATLA and LOK includes the types of violence that can be found within both series. The animated fight scenes are done incredibly well in each show; however, LOK takes a more mature approach to its violence. Characters are killed on-screen, and there are a few intense scenes that resemble torture scenes. However, in ATLA, Aang is especially against violence as an Avatar raised by monks. Character deaths are never shown on-screen, nor are overly intense or traumatic scenes. In addition, ATLA seems to have a more lighthearted approach to it with more comical moments than LOK. The reasoning for this is most likely due to the fact that the fans of ATLA had grown older by the time LOK was released. The writers of the series may have also felt inclined to make the show more action-packed in order to hold viewers’ attention and top creating the groundbreaking story that is ATLA. Nonetheless, some appreciate the fact that ATLA is able to capture viewers’ attention without such violence while others enjoy the action and maturity that can be found in LOK.
An additional difference stems from the idea of maturity. Due to the fact that ATLA does not include as much violence and action as LOK, the series has more time for character development. Many characters within ATLA undergo great development internally with themselves and externally with other characters. Many heartfelt conversations and moments in ATLA bring the characters together and allow them to feel real as if they truly exist and are befriending viewers while on their adventures. On the other hand, LOK includes such action that it lacks the time needed for that level of character development. This is not to say that LOK lacks interesting characters or development, but it does not focus solely on a group of characters in the way that ATLA does. For example, ATLA focuses solely on a smaller group of characters and rarely introduces new ones, developing the small group. LOK introduces new characters constantly, and it can feel as though the more important characters don’t receive the same amount of attention as they would have in ATLA. One can view LOK as more or less interesting for this reason, depending on a viewer’s preferences.
LOK builds off of ATLA by answering many questions that fans had after finishing the first series. LOK also introduces new ideas such as how the first Avatar was born, what new technology in the Avatar universe looks like, and what happened to the original characters of ATLA that are known and loved. However, ATLA always holds nostalgic, heartfelt moments in it that LOK can not replace. Even with these differences, both series include very diverse and personable characters. This is one of the reasons why the Avatar universe is so special to fans. Most characters are given layers and backstories, allowing viewers to connect to them and love them. Each series also addresses different situations that viewers can relate to, whether it be a relationship, personal, or political issues. No matter one’s preference, each series can be valued for the fact that they allow us to explore the world of Avatar.