Wednesday, September 16, 2020

'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Creators Made Korra an Angsty Teenager on Purpose

Avatar: The Last Airbender creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino say that it was a deliberate decision to make Korra an angsty, brash teenager.


Korra from The Legend of Korra won over viewers with her spunk, her spirit - and, in part, her angst; now, showrunners are revealing that the angst was a deliberate decision. The Legend of Korra debuted on Nickelodeon as a follow-up show to the critically acclaimed Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The events of The Legend of Korra take place 70 years after the first Avatar series, in a new Earth Kingdom established by Avatar Aang. Korra is depicted as the reincarnation of Raava's Avatar, although she is seen as the complete opposite of Aang; whereas Aang was somewhat reluctant to become the Avatar, Korra is brash, driven, and extremely eager to accept her role. Throughout the series, Korra masters control over all four elements - fire, water, earth, and air - in order to fully embrace her legacy.

Speaking with Polygon, The Legend of Korra creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino say that Korra's rash, angsty nature was created to directly contrast Aang's. Konietzko highlights that the creators knew Korra would be "more challenging for audiences" to embrace at first, especially considering Avatar's immense popularity and success. As a result, he and DiMartino wanted to ensure Korra was her own person and take her in the complete opposite direction of Aang, in order to explore new character stories, growth, and dynamics.

While Konietzko says there were many people who were frustrated with Korra's oftentimes flippant attitude, there were many who felt a strong connection to her as well. He emphasizes that Korra's "personal struggles and growth" were two particularly resounding points with fans, who felt they could better relate to her journey. Konietzko also draws an interesting parallel, saying that the viewers who reacted most strongly in support of Korra's character arc were often the same ones who connected with that of Zuko's as well. In many ways, this speaks volumes about the characters Konietzko and DiMartino helped create: although they may be deeply flawed and undeniably imperfect, it's that sense of uncertainty that makes them so compelling and relatable.

While The Legend of Korra went off air in 2014, fans of the series still remember Korra for her fiery personality and spirit. For viewers who want to step back into the magical world of Avatar, the live-action series is currently in the works, although both Konietzko and DiMartino have stepped down from the project. Although it's disappointing to know that the series' original creators won't be working on what's next for Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, fans will keep their fingers crossed that the live-action lives up to the legacy of both animated shows. Both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra have continued their stories in the form of graphic novels.

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Original source: ScreenRant.
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