Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: 2 April 2013
Genre: Children, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Format: e-ARC
Page Count: 80
Source: Netgalley
Rating:
Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend of Aang was a massive hit for Nickelodeon TV in the mid-noughties, and was followed by a graphic novel The Promise detailing life after the three season TV show, and the followed by a spin-off series, The Legend of Korra. There is also a live action film, but it’s directed by M Night Shyamalan and is pretty fucking terrible – the actors don’t even pronounce the character names correctly.
I’ve read the first part of The Search, watched the entire Legend of Aang show multiple times and am currently in my second viewing of Korra. I am a massive fan of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.I love Gene Luen Yang’s artwork. It really makes me feel immersed in the novel, like I’m watching the TV shows all over again. The use of background action really adds to the immersion experience, and the character voices are spot on to the way the characters speak in the TV show.
Well, except for Katara and Aang calling each other ‘sweetie’ but let’s face it, their relationship is mostly in our heads. We only got to see the very beginning, the awkward kisses, in Aang’s show, and by Korra’s he was (necessarily) dead. Seeing Katara and Aang in an established relationship on the page will always be a little strange – also considering they’re so young yet mature. I estimate by the changes in the character models that Aang might be around fourteen or fifteen in The Search.
I also love the relationship between the softer Zuko (I have a thing for reformed bad guys) and his certified insane sister Azula, whom I love to hate. It was really cool seeing cameos from Suki and Tai Lee, although I wonder if Zuko and Mai are still together (I was never a Zutara shipper). Toph isn’t in the novel because she’s establishing her metalbending school, but Sokka is and come on, he’s my favourite character. YAY SOKKA!
Overall this novel is fantastic for fans of Avatar. I can’t wait to read the next part! I am dying to know what really happened to Ursa, and if the hints dropped in this novel are really true.
An advance reader copy was kindly provided by the publisher.
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About Nemo
A lover of kittens and all things sparkly, Nemo has a degree in English Literature and specialises in reviewing contemporary, paranormal, mystery/thriller, historical, sci-fi and fantasy Young Adult fiction. She is especially drawn to novels about princesses, strong female friendships, magical powers, and assassins.
Katja Weinert @ YA's the Word
I love the Avatar sereies, I’ve only seen the three season of Legend of Aang and made the mistake of convincing my friends to go to the cinema to see the awful movie. They now refuse to try the nickelodeon dvds I offer them – ‘face-palm’.
Nemo
I made the mistake of introducing my husband to The Legend of Aang by using the live action film. It took a LOT of convincing to get him to watch the TV show – but luckily he does love it.
2013 End of Year Book Survey | The Moonlight Library
[…] See review. […]
L.E. Ellis
Very nice review. I love the Avatar series and I’ve been enjoying the spinoffs. I thought the Promise was very good, but the Search was even better. Equally as outstanding as any of the major ATLA episodes, in my opinion. There is another series called “The Rift” coming out next month. I’m hoping it will be just as great as the first two.
Nemo
The comics really do continue the feel of the TV show and they’re so easy to read. The voices are all spot on and the action is amazing. I’m sure the Rift will be just as great.