Comparing The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra: Which Avatar Show Reigns Supreme?

Article Overview

Avatar: The Last Airbender

has a broader appeal with clear themes and relatable characters, making it suitable for a wide audience.

The Legend of Korra

tackles more complex topics and appeals to a more mature audience, with deeper exploration of politics and relationships.

The Last Airbender

has a better overall story arc, while

Legend of Korra

Both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra are phenomenal shows, but excel in their own unique ways. Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko for Nickelodeon, these animated series have garnered devoted fanbases. Avatar: The Last Airbender aired from 2005 to 2008, spanning three seasons with a total of 62 episodes. On the other hand, The Legend of Korra, released between 2012 and 2014, comprised four seasons with 52 episodes, allowing for more expansive story arcs.

Although both shows had strong main characters — Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender and Korra in The Legend of Korra— they had distinct strengths. The Legend of Korra, being created later, benefited from advanced technology and the creators' prior experience from working on its predecessor. On the other hand, The Last Airbender had the advantage of a slightly longer runtime in which its story was developed, whereas Legend of Korra initially only had one season and had to prove itself to earn further installments.

10. The Last Airbender Appealed To A Wider Audience

Viewers Of All Ages Could Appreciate Aang's Journey

Nickelodeon broadcasted Avatar: The Last Airbender, targeting a younger demographic. The central storyline revolved around a battle between good and evil, which was portrayed with clarity. The series' wide-ranging appeal can be attributed to its simplicity and accessibility. Aang, the 11-year-old protagonist, exuded youthful dynamism as he collaborated with his slightly older comrades to safeguard the world from darkness. The characters in The Last Airbender possessed ample charm, facilitating a connection for both children and adults.

9. The Legend Of Korra Was More Mature

Korra's Story Tackled Themes Like Politics, Class, And PTSD

In contrast to The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra introduced a more mature protagonist and tackled more intricate subjects such as politics, social class, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This appealed to an older audience eager for a deeper exploration of these themes in various forms of media. The Legend of Korra presented a distinct division between individuals possessing elemental powers and those without, establishing the basis for the conflicts in the first season. Remarkably, this division was never addressed in The Last Airbender, despite its existence and clarity.

The exploration of relationships in The Legend of Korra was at a more mature level compared to The Last Airbender. The main characters in The Legend of Korra had integral romantic subplots that added depth to the story. While Aang had a crush on Katara in The Last Airbender, the show never fully delved into on-screen romances. By delving into these topics and addressing more sensitive and complex issues, The Legend of Korra presented a more mature and engaging narrative overall.

8. The Last Airbender Had A Better Story Arc Overall

Michael Dante DiMartino & Bryan Konietzko Had A Full Vision

Avatar: The Last Airbender laid the groundwork for its concepts and storylines from the beginning. The creators had a clear vision for the major themes and developments, which resulted in a well-connected story and fulfilling character arcs throughout the show's 62 episodes. Over the course of three seasons, Aang embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, discipline, and friendship.

Thanks to the creators' foresight, Zuko undergoes a change of heart and supports the Avatar. This twist was carefully built up from the beginning, adding to the richness of the storytelling. The creators' clear vision for the project, coupled with the support they received, allowed them to bring these rewarding elements to life.

7. The Legend Of Korra Had Better Story Arcs Each Season

The Show Was Originally Green-Lit For One Season

The Legend of Korra, lacking foresight with its initial green-light for only one season, managed to create a concise and compelling storyline. This decision proved fruitful, with each season of the show offering a well-developed narrative that propelled Korra's journey and maintained gripping tension until its resolution. In contrast, The Last Airbender contained filler episodes that could be overlooked without significant loss to the overall story. However, every episode of Legend of Korra held importance, making it impossible to skip any.

With each season introducing a new antagonist, Korra tackled both external conflicts within her nation and her personal quest to understand her role as the Avatar and her mastery of all four elements. These villains prompted thought-provoking discussions on morality, classism, and equality. Despite occasional weaker episodes, Korra flourished due to its approach of focusing on one season at a time.

6. The Last Airbender Had Better Supporting Characters

Katara, Sokka, Toph, & Zuko Were More Iconic Than Korra's Team Avatar

Aang's journey in Avatar: The Last Airbender was enriched by a diverse cast of characters who played crucial roles, propelling the story forward in gratifying ways. Alongside the show's protagonist, Katara and Sokka garnered immense popularity, while Toph and Zuko swiftly won over fans. Not just limited to kids, adult characters like Uncle Iroh and King Bumi were equally compelling with their storylines. Even Aang's animal companions became iconic members of Team Avatar.

5. The Legend Of Korra Had Better World-Building

The Setting Gave The Last Airbender's World New Life

The Legend of Korra took place 70 years after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender, yet it existed within the same world. Thanks to Aang's efforts, peace was restored and Republic City was established as a sanctuary for all nations. The impact of Aang and Zuko's actions in ending the war that divided the four nations allowed The Legend of Korra to thrive. It delved into a world that had evolved with advancements in technology, trade, entertainment, and political systems that were not present in The Last Airbender.

4. Aang Was A Purer Protagonist

Aang Was Always Easy To Root For

Initially a fearful young boy who fled from his responsibilities, Aang eventually embraced his calling and discovered a profound purpose in his mission to end the war between nations. This drove him to dedicate himself to intense training, tirelessly support others, and consistently strive to make ethical choices. Aang's innocence, combined with his unwavering determination to make amends for his past actions, transformed him into a protagonist who fearlessly confronted his inner demons and did whatever was necessary to restore harmony to the world. As a result, he became effortlessly deserving of our support and admiration.

3. Korra Was A More Complex Protagonist

The Legend Of Korra's Lead Was More Relatable

Korra entered a world transformed and fortified by Aang's tireless efforts. With the emergence of a new Air Nation led by his descendants, Korra enjoyed countless advantages for her growth and development as the Avatar. However, privilege alone does not shape character, and Korra grappled with acknowledging and overcoming her own vulnerabilities. When confronted with the challenges of mastering airbending, she made the reckless choice to disregard her training.

Korra's complexity made it challenging to support her completely, but it also rendered her a more captivating and relatable character compared to Aang. She grappled with the overwhelming burden of being the Avatar and strived to fulfill everyone's expectations despite her young age. Korra showed determination and possessed extraordinary bending skills, quickly mastering various elements. However, she also exhibited stubbornness and required time for personal development and acquiring knowledge.

2. The Last Airbender Was Consistent In Its Quality

The Original Series Kept Its Tone While Working Toward Its End

Avatar: The Last Airbender captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling, incorporating elements of wit, humor, and emotion to depict the protagonist's journey into adulthood. With a compelling narrative aimed at restoring harmony among nations, the show consistently ensured viewers were entertained by its consistently remarkable episodes.

1. The Legend Of Korra Was Technically Higher Quality

The Legend Of Korra Benefited From Better Animation & Sound Design

Despite its ups and downs, The Legend of Korra exhibited superior animation, sound design, and thematic elements. Though the series occasionally faltered, it ultimately presented a visually stunning production with breathtaking and intense fight scenes. Ultimately, determining whether Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra is the superior series boils down to individual viewer preference.

Both shows are currently streaming on Paramount+.

Source: Slashfilm

Editor's P/S

In the realm of animated television, two exceptional shows stand out: Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. Both series captivate audiences with their compelling story arcs, iconic characters, and stunning animation, but they cater to slightly different preferences.

Avatar: The Last Airbender boasts a broader appeal with clear themes and relatable characters, making it suitable for a wide range of viewers, including younger audiences. On the other hand, The Legend of Korra tackles more complex topics and appeals to a more mature audience, delving deeper into politics and relationships.

While The Last Airbender has a better overall story arc, The Legend of Korra explores more mature themes and presents a more intricate narrative. Both shows have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making them equally deserving of praise and admiration.