The Ultimate Guide to Avatar Comics You Must Read Now

It’s indisputable that “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” often affectionately abbreviated as ATLA by fans around the globe, stands out as an exceptional series. Initially designed for children, it masterfully portrayed themes of love, loyalty, and childhood camaraderie amidst war, resonating deeply with both adults and young viewers alike. A resurgence in its popularity occurred when it was added to Netflix during the pandemic. Now, the ATLA universe is set to expand significantly, offering new content such as comics, novels, live-action adaptations, and an animated sequel following the original band’s post-war adventures. Given this expansion, now might be the perfect time to dive into the growing collection of ATLA comics, all of which are canon and produced by Dark Horse Comics. Notably, the creators of the original show, Mike and Bryan, are heavily involved in creating most of these comic series. If, like many dedicated fans, you’re eager to explore the expanding universe of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” here is a comprehensive guide to help you embark on this exciting journey.

1) The Lost Adventures

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that I own the very first ATLA comic book ever published! This captivating one-shot compilation consists of brief stories nestled between different episodes or seasons of the show, collectively known as The Lost Adventures. These intriguing tales were serialized in Nickelodeon magazine during the show’s original run. The length of these narratives ranges from concise 2-page vignettes to longer, deeply moving stories, such as the one that delves into Aang and Katara’s relationship beyond what we saw on screen. Among my favorites is a riveting arc that focuses on Katara’s perspective, as Aang lies unconscious following Azula’s attack.

2) Katara and the Pirate’s Silver

The self-contained graphic novel titled “Katara and the Pirate’s Silver” tells a story of Katara, who finds herself apart from her companions following an attack by the Fire Nation. In this brief solo escapade, she relies on her intelligence and the aid of unexpected associates to endure until she reunites with Team Avatar. First published on October 13th, 2020, Faith Erin Hicks – who also wrote two other comics in this collection – is the author. The illustrations for “Katara and the Pirate’s Silver” are a collaborative effort between Peter Wartman and Adele Matera. It marks the first one-shot graphic novel based on Avatar: The Last Airbender (Team Avatar).

3) Suki, Alone

Delving into another captivating solo comic, nestled between the tales of “Appa’s Lost Days” and “The Boiling Rock”, I find myself drawn to the gripping narrative of “Suki, Alone”. This enthralling tale unfolds in the grimy depths of the prison where Suki is held before the dramatic events of “The Boiling Rock”.

In this captivating comic, the spirited character of Suki takes center stage as she bravely taps into her courage and intelligence to create a resilient community within the prison walls. Faced with the formidable forces of Fire Lord Ozai, Suki’s journey is one of unity, determination, and ultimately, survival.

Similar to “Katara and the Pirate’s Silver”, “Suki, Alone” was masterfully penned by Faith Erin Hicks. It first graced our shelves on July 27th, 2021, and the illustrations are expertly crafted by Peter Wartman.

4) The Promise

I’ve just witnessed the unfolding of “The Promise,” an enthralling comic trilogy that served as the inaugural arc. This gripping narrative jumps ahead a year following the conclusion of the series, with Aang and Zuko grappling with the emotional repercussions of the war. The story predominantly focuses on their journeys towards genuine leadership. Interestingly, Toph begins her metal-bending school in this arc. Published on January 25th, 2012, “The Promise” is a three-part tale penned by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Studio Gurihiru.

5) The Search

In the second trilogy of graphic novels titled “The Search“, the team reunites to aid Zuko in finding his mother, Ursa. This trilogy offers a deep dive into Ursa’s past and the tragic circumstances that led to her disappearance. Besides Zuko and other team members, Azula plays a significant role as well. Published by Gene Luen Yang on March 20th, 2013, “The Search” is another trilogy from him. Illustrated by Studio Gurihiru, this series tells a poignant story of loss and love, making it one of the most beloved “ATLA” comic series.

6) The Rift

In the third set of ATLA comics, the group stumbles upon a manufacturing facility built on hallowed Air Nomad terrain. Matters become more complicated when it’s revealed that this factory is owned by Toph’s father. This revelation creates tension between Toph and Aang as Toph advocates for progress, while Aang champions tradition. Additionally, the trilogy delves into the personal growth of both characters: Toph grapples with her family issues, and Aang embarks on a spiritual odyssey tailored to his own experiences.

7) Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy

Following the occurrences in “The Rift,” this independent graphic novel delves into Toph’s life following the establishment of her metalbending academy. At first, a disengaged and lethargic Toph yearns for excitement. However, her seismic abilities guide her towards new adventures and the unveiling of powers she was previously unaware of. Although it isn’t a trilogy, Hicks delves deeply into the backstory, examining Toph’s aspirations, dreams, and relationships within the confines of a few pages. The book is once more illustrated by Peter Wartman and initially hit shelves on February 16th, 2021. Similar to Hicks’ other works, Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy has garnered widespread acclaim among both fans and critics.

8) Smoke and Shadow

In this trilogy, we find Zuko adjusting to his position as ruler of the Fire Nation, which is rebellious towards him. This uprising is led by Mai’s father, who defies Zuko despite mysterious disappearances of children at night, perpetrated by unidentified, dark figures. The narrative unfolds as Zuko navigates his new role as Fire Lord. The story delves into the political landscape of the Fire Nation, taking place post-events of The Search. Additionally, the relationship between Mai and Zuko comes to the forefront. For a brief spell, characters like Ty Lee and Suki gain prominence in this installment.

9) North and South

In this three-part series, Katara and Sokka find themselves back in the Southern Water Tribe after their globe-trotting adventure to save the world. However, they soon realize that the place they once called home has been drastically altered during their absence. While Sokka manages to adapt relatively easily, Katara struggles with this new reality. The trilogy delves into the history and government of the Water Tribe, primarily focusing on the stories of Katara and her father, Hakoda. Additionally, it introduces glimpses of a more advanced society in the form of hints about the future development of Republic City.

10) Imbalance

In the “Imbalance” trilogy, I’ve witnessed a long-simmering issue from the original series come to light – the escalating strife between benders and non-benders. Once more, our familiar team unites to tackle this mounting tension and strive for equilibrium and harmony. This is the sixth graphic novel trilogy in the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, released in 2018-19. Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the original creators, penned these books along with Hicks. Wartman and Matera are responsible for the captivating illustrations.

11) Team Avatar Tales and Other Free Comics

Apart from the official series, you can also find a number of free comics that are distributed annually during Free Comic Book Day events. The compilation known as Team Avatar Tales contains these free Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) comics and some new short stories. The individual comics in this collection are titled “Rebound”, “Shells”, and “Sisters”. The storyline of “Rebound” serves as a sort of precursor to Smoke and Shadow. “Shells” delves into the blossoming romance between Sokka and Suki, while also providing some insights into Kyoshi’s past. “Sisters” focuses on Ty Lee and Toph, with Ty Lee’s sisters playing a significant role. The remaining two free ATLA comics are “Aang’s Unfreezing Day”, which narrates Aang’s predicament of forgetting his birthday after being frozen for 100 years, leading the Gaang to establish a new day for celebration. Another free comic is “Lost and Found” from 2023, set during Firelord Ozai’s reign, that tells the tale of Luumi, the sole survivor of a village destroyed by the Fire Nation.

12) Azula in the Spirit Temple

In the comic book series titled “Azula in the Spirit Temple,” penned by Faith Erin Hicks with art contributions from Peter Wartman and Adele Matera, we find ourselves delving into events that occur subsequent to the television show’s conclusion and the tales of “The Search” and “Smoke & Shadow.” The story unfolds as Azula, the mad princess, plots to disrupt Zuko’s construction of a new Fire Nation. We encounter her following the failure of one of her schemes, trapped within a secluded forest temple inhabited by a solitary monk. This narrative presents an opportunity for Azula to contemplate her past actions and potentially find redemption in the half-ruined temple nestled amidst the woods.

13) The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer

In an intriguing turn of events, I found myself witnessing the reunion between Master Iroh and his gothic admirer, June, in the latest ATLA graphic novel, “The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer.” Published last August, this fifth one-shot takes us on an adventure as they jointly pursue a missing batch of tea. As Iroh’s tea stash depletes, he senses something amiss, prompting him to embark on a quest that stirs memories of his past. Meanwhile, June ponders her future plans during their journey. Known for their exceptional storytelling, Mike and Bryan are behind this captivating tale once more, promising an engaging read. The graphic novel was brought to life by the skilled hands of illustrators Wartman and Matera.

14) Ashes of the Academy

For an optimal reading experience, it’s recommended that you complete both “The Search” and “Smoke & Shadow” trilogies before diving into “Ashes of the Academy.” Co-created by the original series creators, Mike and Bryan, this one-shot was penned by Faith Erin Hicks with artwork by Peter Wartman and Adele Matera. The story revolves around Firelord Zuko’s sister, Kiyi, who joins the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. The academy is ruled by strict authorities and follows a rigorous, if antiquated, curriculum. As doubts about the headmistress arise in Zuko, he sends Mai to the school as an instructor. However, will Mai be able to shield Kiyi from the influence of the academy and keep her from following the same destructive path as Azula?

15) Bonus: Korra Comics

Similar to The Legend of Aang (ATLA), the series Legend of Korra features a wealth of comic material written by its creators, Mike and Bryan. Examples include anthologies like “Patterns in Time” and the trilogy “The Turf Wars”. Set after the events of Legend of Korra, “The Turf Wars” focuses on Korra and Asami as they navigate revealing their relationship to the world. In addition to relationship challenges, Korra also deals with the consequences of having a spirit portal in the heart of Republic City. Another trilogy, “Ruins of the Empire”, follows events after “Turf Wars” and delves into Earth Kingdom politics, raising questions about leadership, chronicling Kuvira’s trial, and depicting an escalating conflict between the new Team Avatar that could potentially lead to another war. Additionally, Korra received free comics such as “Friends for Life”, “Lost Pets”, “Clearing the Air”, and “Beach Wars”.

2025-06-05 13:10