The Legend of Korra takes place in the decades following the death of Avatar Aang who as we know, changed the world and united the nations.The show follows Korra, the new Avatar, in her adventures in Republic City, a vast steam-punk-esque metropolis. She is there under the guidance of Tenzin, the son of Aang and Katara, and the only master airbender in the world.
The Legend of Korra is a very different show than Avatar: The Last Airbender was, which is a good thing. Something that never happens, especially in animation, is changing the tone and mood of a show. This show is not an epic journey to save the entire planet. Instead it focuses on the city life and the struggle between the rich and the poor. The non-benders of the city feel that they are a lower class and are planning a revolution, led by their mysterious leader Amon who possesses a secret power given to him by the spirits, against the benders of the city.
Korra: Seeing the show from the perspective of a girl is different, Korra is a little more temperamental than Aang was. She is a spunky teenager and she kinda does what she wants. She doesn’t like to listen to authority and thinks that adults and there rules are dumb. But at the same time, she is much older than Aang was and because of that she is able to handle serious situations with more ease.
Art: This show has incredible animation. Every frame is a work of art that never seems to waver in its intricacy. That is something I have always appreciated about Avatar, is its unwillingness to create bland places that are just vehicles for the story. Even the smallest scene in a square metal room is just as magnificent as a shot overlooking the city.
Story: Like I said, it is not the epic sprawling adventure like that of its predecessor. It focuses on the dark side of cities almost in a vigilante justice sort of way. I think that they did a fantastic job at predicting where bending would go in the future, and how it may change. People now practice more modern styles of bending instead of the classic way from ATLA. As well as the concept of professional bending as a sport.
I don’t want to say that The Legend of Korra is a darker show than ATLA, but I will say that it has so far started out from a more mature angle. I think I really like where the show is headed. We have a great main character and supporting cast, and a main villain. Korra has a plan, a drive, and its going to be a fun and action-packed 24 episodes!!
THE LEGEND OF KORRA and all related titles, logos and characters are ™ and © of Viacom International Inc. 2012. All Rights Reserved. Original Presentation 2012 Nickelodeon.
