If you’re new to the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, you might be a little confused as to where to start reading. This handy guide will tell you exactly how to read the first four comics and the first three books of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series.
If you are a fan of the last airbender TV show, you are probably already familiar with the comics and books it spawned. This collection details all the books and comics in chronological reading order.
There are two different types of people who read the “Aang the Last Airbender” series of comics and books. First, there are those who are fans of the original animated TV show. Those people know that the story is about the Avatar’s struggle to master all four elements. Next, there are those who are fans of the comic book series. There are so many different stories, with numerous characters, that there is no way to read them all. This is an article designed to help you find the best way to read the comics.
Nickelodeon has long been a favorite of children and some adults due to the cartoons it has produced throughout the years. But Avatar: The Legend of Aang is one of Nick’s most famous films, and arguably the one with the greatest narrative. It’s a tale that’s made us laugh, cry, feel tension, and even become angry at some of the show’s antagonists.
The Legend of Aang tells the tale of a little child who was imprisoned on ice for many years at a time when the world needed him most. Aang’s duty as Avatar is to restore harmony to the four elements, which are ruled by the Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, Air Nomads, and Fire Nation, respectively. The Fire Nation, on the other hand, wants to rule the globe and has determined to stop the Avatar.
The Avatar is reborn via a four-element cycle. With an Airbender as the next Avatar reincarnation, Fire King Ozai began a mass slaughter of Airbenders to bring the Avatar cycle to an end. Aang, on the other hand, was compelled to hide under ice for many years in order to “disappear” from the world. The initial portions of the program clarify the description I just wrote, which piqued my interest in the show till I became a fan.
In this post, I’ll go over all you need to know about The Legend of Aang, including how to get started chronologically and a lot more information about each book and comic thus far. By the conclusion of the essay, I’ll also add a few facts regarding The Legend of Korra, which is a direct successor to Aang’s chronology. It’s also essential to remember that there’s more to the TV series than simply the novels (particularly for those who can’t get enough of the epic tale).
The comics also include more in-depth tales about some of the show’s good and evil characters, perhaps revealing more information about their history or background. So, to get started with what occurred after Aang freed everyone from the tyranny of Phoenix King Ozai, just read the following section.
What Is the Number of Avatar Comics?
Following the TV series, Avatar: The Last Airbender’s narrative was continued in a series of comic novels with the same title as the program. It’s worth noting that this is a canon continuation of the TV show, published by Dark Horse Comics. The tales started a year after the series’ last episode.
Series of “Sequel” Comic Books
The continuation of The Last Airbender series, also known as graphic novels, consists of 5 volumes split into trilogies with a total of 15 comics. Later on, if you wish to read the comics in chronological sequence, a reading order will be given. For the time being, I’ll only give you the titles and publication dates of the comic books that continued Aang’s tale one year after he defeated Ozai.
The Assurance
The Assurance was Dark Horse Comics’ debut comic book series, released in 2012, and it started Aang’s new narrative after a one-year hiatus. The Promise was released in three parts: Part 1 on January 26, 2012, Part 2 on May 30, 2012, and Part 3 on September 26, 2012.
When Aang and Zuko visited Yu Dao, a Fire Nation colony, they found themselves in a difficult position. Neighboring groups in the colony are at odds with their beliefs, which may lead to a new battle. Zuko’s lost mother is also revealed in the first installment of the comic book series.
The Lookup
The Promise’s sequel, The Lookup, continues the story. Dark Horse Comics also published The Search in 2013. Because the narrative focuses more on Zuko and Azula, Aang seems to be a supporting role. The first installment of the comic book was published on March 20, 2013, followed by the second installment on July 10, 2013, and the third installment on October 30, 2013.
Zuko’s quest for his mother, Ursa, is the center of the tale. Azula, who is imprisoned in a mental hospital in the Fire Nation, is also seen in this section of the story, after the events of her last fight in the TV series, in which she became crazy. The series explains a great deal about Ursa and why she fled Ozai. The spirit world is also discussed in this section.
The Rift
Dark Horse Comics released The Rift, the third installment in the series, in 2014. The narrative concentrates on the Air Nation, which was not shown in great depth in the TV series since Aang needed to concentrate on learning the other bending techniques in order to properly become the Avatar. On March 5, 2014, Part 1 was published, followed by Part 2 on July 29, 2014, and Part 3 on November 18, 2014.
The Rift centers on Aang, who is planning to build Republic City, which will serve as the primary location for The Legend of Korra. It also has Aang and his companions visiting the Air Nation to discover that an evil spirit is plotting to destroy the human world. Toph, who was absent in The Search, is also given greater attention in this tale.
Shadow and Smoke
Shadow and Smoke is the fourth installment in the series, and it was released in 2015 by Dark Horse Comics. The royal family is once again the center of the narrative. Part 1 of Smoke and Shadow came out on October 6, 2015, followed by Part 2 on December 26, 2015, and Part 3 on April 12, 2016.
This time, Azula is revealed to be a villain, posing as the Kemurikage, a spirit that kidnaps children, in order to wreck havoc on the Nation that Zuko now leads. Zuko is also dealing with a problem in which an organization named the New Ozai Society, headed by his ex-father, girlfriend’s is plotting to topple him.
the north and the south
This is the sixth installment of The Legend of Aang’s comic series. It was also published by Dark Horse Comics in 2016, although the two parts were only released in 2017. Part 1 was published on September 28, 2016, Part 2 was released on February 7, 2017, and Part 3 was released on April 26, 2017.
The tale of Aang, Katara, and Sokka as they visit the Southern Water Tribe is told in North and South. The tribe currently seems to be a well-developed society, similar to the Northern Water Tribe. Katara is attempting to accept the difficulties that her community is facing while fending off a gang of nationalists with the help of her pals.
Imbalance
This is the most recent installment in the sequel series. Imbalance was first published by Dark Horse Comics in December 2018 and was continued into 2019. Part One of the trilogy was released on December 18, 2018, with Part Two following a year later on May 14, 2019, and Part Three following a year later on October 1, 2019.
Imbalance delves on the Avatar world’s modernization and industrialization, similar to what we witnessed in The Legend of Korra. It also delves further into political tensions, similar to what was seen in The Legend of Korra. Imbalance depicts the struggle at Earthen Fire Industries between benders and non-benders, as the title implies. Team Avatar is confronted with a major issue in this battle, which they must once again overcome in order to restore balance to everyone.
Other Graphic Novels
There are other comic books that discuss additional canon tales that fall halfway between the TV series and certain comic book trilogies. These are optional readings that may be read before or after the comic book series. The comic book guide will go through an overview of each of the comic books listed below.
The Adventures of the Lost
The Lost Adventures has nothing to do with the main plot. It should be noted, however, that it is still canon. Dark Horse Comics released The Lost Adventures in 2011, which was a compilation of short tales from the series that ran from 2005 to 2011. The majority of the story’s artists and writers were members of the TV show’s creative team.
Like the TV show, The Lost Adventures is split into three novels. There are five tales in Book 1: Water, nine in Book 2: Earth, and twelve in Book 3: Fire. It also includes two out-of-continuity tales.
Avatar Tales Team
Dark Horse Comics released another comic book anthology in 2019 called The Team Avatar Tales. This collection includes all of the Free Comic Book Day issues from 2013 to 2015, as well as bonus tales. These are simply brief tales about Team Avatar’s experiences that weren’t included in the TV program.
Team Avatar Tales contains eight tales, three of which are from the Free Comic Book Day issues. Below, we’ll go through the specifics of the Free Comic Book Day issues. Here are the remaining five that weren’t included in Free Comic Book Day:
- The Alternate
- Poem by Sokka
- The Scarecrow is a character in the film Scarecrow.
- Origami
- The Boulder’s Toph
Katara and the Silver of the Pirate
On October 13, 2024, Katara and the Pirate’s Silver will be released. The plot of this comic book was set in Book 2 of the TV series, Earth. It was about this time that Team Avatar was preparing to visit the Earth Kingdom.
Metalbending Academy of Toph Beifong
On February 17, 2024, this comic book was released. It shows Toph establishing her metalbending school in order to teach the sophisticated earthbending method she invented. This is similar to how Republic City’s metalbender police division was originally idealized in the form of establishing a school dedicated to teaching this formidable skill. Between the comic book The Rift and Smoke and Shadow, Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy was set.
Alone, Suki
On July 28, 2024, the comic book narrative was released. This is the most recent installment in the series. The comic’s narrative takes place between the TV series’ Earth is the second book. and Fire is the third book.. Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior, and the hardships she experienced are the center of the tale.
Issues for Free Comic Book Day
Dark Horse Comics has released a total of five Free Comic Book Day issues for The Last Airbender. It began on May 7, 2011, with “Relics,” followed by “Rebound” on May 4, 2013, “Shells” on May 3, 2014, “Sisters” on May 2, 2015, and “Matcha Makers” on August 14, 2024. These are light tales for Avatar enthusiasts, and reading them is entirely optional. That is why they will not be included in the comics reading guide.
What Is the Total Number of Avatar Books?
The Last Airbender’s books are what we refer to as “Seasons” in a television series. There are 20 episodes in each of the first and second books, titled Water and Earth, respectively. There are 21 episodes in the last book, Book 3 – Fire. Because they are termed “seasons” in terms of television shows, I will give a summary of each book later in the reading sequence.
Aside from the TV show’s seasons, The Last Airbender has novels that were released many years ago. For The Last Airbender, there have been 11 books released, one of which is a tale set many years earlier. Here are several examples:
Chronicles of the Earth Kingdom
Michael Teitelbaum wrote Chronicles of the Earth Kingdom, which was published by Nickelodeon and Simon Spotlight. Season 2 of the TV series, or Book 2 – Earth, is this book. It included six of the eleven novels I listed, namely:
- The Legend of Aang — This book tells the story of Team Avatar through the eyes of Aang. On May 8, 2007, it was released.
- The Tale of Azula – This story follows Azula on her quest to find Aang and her brother, Zuko. On June 26, 2007, it was released.
- The Tale of Toph — This episode focuses on Toph’s point of view as she experiences the events of season 2 of the TV program. On October 23, 2007, it was released.
- The Adventures of Sokka, a member of Team Avatar who is both humorous and clever, is the subject of this book. On November 27, 2007, the book was published.
- The Tale of Zuko — This book depicts Zuko’s quest to redeem himself for his good deeds. On February 5, 2008, this was released.
- The Tale of Katara — The book depicts Katara’s voyage with her companions from her point of view. On April 8, 2008, the book was published.
Ready-to-Read
The author of The Earth Kingdom Chronicles also wrote this book, which was published by Nickelodeon and Simon Spotlight. The narrative includes events from Book 3 – Fire, as well as a unique plot not seen in the TV series.
- Sokka, The Sword Master — This book chronicles Sokka’s experiences in the Fire Nation, as well as his training under Master Pindao’s guidance. On July 1, 2008, this was released.
- Aang’s School Days – This episode depicts Aang’s experience as a student in a Fire Nation school. On July 1, 2008, this was released.
- On April 8, 2008, Love Potion #8 was published. It’s a unique tale that also happened in the Fire Nation, when the group drank a berry juice called after the title, which forced them to confess the truth about their love for one another.
The Final Battle of Sozin’s Comet
When Sozin’s comet went by, enhancing the capabilities of all Firebenders, this is the novelized account of Aang’s ultimate fight with Phoenix King Ozai. David Bergantino wrote this, which was once again published by Simon Spotlight and Nickelodeon.
Reading Order for Avatar: The Last Airbender Books
Now that you’re acquainted with the novels that describe Avatar Aang’s tale, here’s a reading order to keep in mind if you want to learn more about the series. Here is the chronological sequence of the whole book series (including each “book” of the TV series) to make it more engaging and well-aligned with the storyline:
The first “book” you should watch is the television series itself. Because the series is a marathon, there is a cinematic comedy adaptation if you want to see it that way. Here’s how you may read and watch the novels in order:
Water is the first book.
The first episode of the series, in which Katara and Sokka discover Aang imprisoned in an ice globe. Zuko, the son of the wicked Fire Lord who was exiled for daring to challenge his father, is also introduced in the first novel. In his journey to redeem himself by seeking down the Avatar, he is joined by General Iroh, who is also Zuko’s uncle. Aang sets off on a journey to see his former home in the Air Nation and study all of the elements.
Book 2 – Earth
Aang and his companions go to the Earth Kingdom after the events in the Northern Water Tribe to locate a master who can teach him how to Earthbend. This is where Aang will encounter Zuko and his sister Azula, who is also on the search for him. Zuko has significant character growth in this novel. This is my favorite book since it is jam-packed with exciting experiences.
The Earth Kingdom Chronicles
Once you’ve completed Book 2 – Earth in the TV series, you may begin reading The Earth Kingdom Chronicles. This will offer you an in-depth look at all of the major characters’ perspectives during their journey across the Earth Kingdom.
Book 3 – Fire
Aang and his allies infiltrate the Fire Nation in the last book of the series, ready to fight the Fire King, Ozai. This book also depicts Aang’s attempts to learn Firebending and the Avatar State in order to overthrow the tyrannical King of the Fire Nation and put a stop to his rule.
The Final Battle of Sozin’s Comet
If you like reading, you may read the novel version of the last fight after viewing it. This is a fantastic thing to do if you want to completely comprehend all of the moments from the TV series’ final episodes.
Ready-to-Read
After watching the TV series, the three novels included in Ready-to-Read put you in a relaxed atmosphere, particularly after seeing the dramatic final fight between Aang and Ozai. This is also a wonderful thing to do before diving into the first comic book I recommend.
Reading Order for Avatar: The Last Airbender Comics
If you’ve finished reading The Last Airbender novels, now is a good time to start reading the comics since you won’t be acquainted with most of the characters in the comics until they’ve been presented in the TV series. Here’s a better way to see the whole comic series in order:
Team Avatar Tales, The Lost Adventures, and so on…
Make careful to read them first, since they include additional tales that occurred within the TV series’ timeframe. It also includes several light tales to keep the narrative flowing smoothly and “light,” before you encounter all of the conflicting emotions in the comics sequels.
Katara and the Pirate’s Silver, as well as Suki, Alone, are both excellent reads before diving into the comic book sequels, since they both take place within the TV series’ chronology. Please keep in mind that this is just done to keep the narrative in chronological sequence. The Lost Adventures, Team Avatar Tales, and the other listed comics, on the other hand, may be read in any sequence.
Let us now move on to the sequels that have been released in comic books:
The Promise
Peace has only been reached in part after the lengthy conflict. Tensions are high among a Fire Nation colony and its surrounding villages, prompting Aang and Zuko to undertake their duties as the new leaders of a new generation who brought peace to the world. Ursa, Zuko’s mother, is also mentioned in the tale, but her fate is unknown.
The Search
Because of the information he received from Ozai, Zuko sets off on a journey with Aang and his companions to locate Ursa. Former princess Azula seeks answers about her mother’s whereabouts at a mental institution in the Fire Nation. Could this be a turning point in Azula’s life?
The Rift
Aang is currently planning to build Republic City, and he has enlisted Toph’s help since he needs her help the most. Avatar Yangchen also visits Aang on many occasions, leading Aang to a refinery that is accused of polluting a local river, only to find himself in a scenario with a hostile spirit that wants to destroy the whole human world.
Metalbending Academy of Toph Beifong
Toph is undoubtedly one of the most powerful characters in the series due to her incredible detecting skills, which compensate for her loss of vision, as well as metalbending, which she discovered. This skill gave her the opportunity to teach it to earthbenders, which she did via her school.
Smoke and Shadow
Zuko enlists the assistance of Aang and his ex-girlfriend Mai to combat the danger posed by the New Ozai Society. The group’s goal is to depose the new Fire King and restore Ozai’s reign. Meanwhile, another danger known as the Kemurikage is causing civil unrest in Zuko’s Nation, undermining his reign.
The North and the South
The Southern Water Tribe is visited by Aang, Sokka, and Katara. Katara and Sokka’s father is now the tribe’s chief, and the tribe seems to have flourished as much as its northern counterparts. Despite the tribe’s wealth, Katara is concerned that certain ancient customs may be lost as a result of the significant changes in her homeland.
Imbalance
Aang, Katara, and Sokka return to Toph’s father’s company, Earthen Fire Industries. Instead of a cordial greeting, they were met with chaos almost immediately due to a dispute between benders and non-benders. With the chaos intensifying, it’s up to the Avatar to demonstrate the real meaning of balance in all things.
Are There Any More Avatar Comics?
The narrative of Aang has come to a stop as of Imbalance. Keep in mind that Imbalance stopped in October of this year. However, given of the many unanswered issues in the Avatar universe, such as the background of certain characters and what happened to Azula, there is a strong possibility that a new narrative will be written.
However, if you’re looking for more comics set in the Avatar world, you should know that The Legend of Korra has its own comic series. In 2016, the Legend of Korra comic series debuted. Since 2016, it has consisted of Free Comic Book Day issues. The series is also still going strong, with two trilogies previously completed. Here are several examples:
- Turf Wars – The Legend of Korra The trilogy took place between July 26, 2017 and August 22, 2018. More about Korra and Asami’s friendship is revealed, as well as a new danger to Republic City.
- The Empire’s Ruins – The Legend of Korra From May 21, 2019, until February 26, 2024, the trilogy lasted. It depicts the events that occurred three months after the Earth Empire was dissolved.
Both Legends of Aang and Korra are anticipated to feature additional comic book trilogies in the future.
Is There Going to Be More Avatar Books?
More Avatar novels have been released. The Kiyoshi Novels is one of them. The Kiyoshi Novels, published by Amulet Books, is classified as a young adult novel. It’s a two-part tale that recounts some of Avatar Kiyoshi’s difficulties in becoming the Avatar, as well as the creation of the Kiyoshi Warriors.
Because Avatar Kiyoshi lived approximately 400 years ago, the tale takes place outside of Aang’s chronology, making it a precursor to the whole series. This is a must-read for those interested in learning more about previous Avatars, especially the Kiyoshi Warriors’ creator.
- The first installment of The Rise of Kiyoshi was published on July 16, 2019.
- On July 21, 2024, the second installment of The Shadow of Kiyoshi was published.
The live-action picture The Last Airbender was novelized for book readers to enjoy, much like several other famous films. The novelization includes all of the sequences from the film, as well as a four-part book version.
There are also art books that display details of characters and their designs, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to draw them. Some guides, like as The Lost Scrolls, which cover every country in the Avatar universe, may be considered encyclopedias for the series.
Because of the enormous success of Avatar, which some parents are now sharing with their children, there will undoubtedly be more novels and comics produced as time goes on. Avatar also has a lot of features and backdrops that must be shown.
There’s the tale of the adult versions of Team Avatar, perhaps more of their experiences as adolescents, or even the development of Republic City in its early years – these are just a few of the things that fans have yet to witness.
After all, the narrative has already disclosed a number of facts regarding Zuko’s mother and the Air Nation that were never addressed in the program. As a result, both novels and comics will undoubtedly continue to tell the tale of Aang and his companions.
The Last Airbender is the critically-acclaimed animated adventure that takes place in a mythical world of ancient Asian culture and technology called Nindra. It is a story of a young prince who must discover his destiny and save the world from an evil organization. The main villain for this series is named Zuko and he is the son of the leader of the Fire Nation, named Hakoda. The Fire Nation is a nation that is known to be very militaristic and for having a huge war-machine (called the Fire Navy) that is used for conquering and defeating others. The main character, Aang, is a young Airbender who is the last surviving member of his nation and now must train to be an Avatar, a person who must. Read more about avatar the last airbender books 1-3 and let us know what you think.
