The Legend of Korra (also known as Avatar: The Legend of Korra in Latin America) is an American animated television series set in the Avatar universe and is the sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender. The series officially premiered April 14, 2012 on the Nickelodeon television network and June 9, 2012 on YTV. The first two episodes unofficially premiered online on March 24-25, 2012 and were available in high-definition on iTunes.

The series takes place seventy years after the end of the Avatar: The Last Airbender plot arc and follows Korra, the current incarnation of the Avatar, as she journeys to Republic City. However, she faces an anti-bender revolutionary group, the Equalists and is determined, alongside her friends to put a stop to the revolt.

The series is currently under production and is expected to air for two seasons, compassing four books and 52 episodes with each book telling a stand-alone story. Many producers and voice actors, including Dante Basco (Zuko) and designer Joaquim Dos Santos from the original series also worked on The Legend of Korra.

The first twelve episodes of Book One: Air generated positive reviews for its animation, setting, mature themes and portrayal of romantic relationships. However, the show’s pacing, character development and quick resolution of conflicts were criticized. The series garnered an average audience of 3.7 million viewers when the first half-season aired from April to June 2012.

Book One: Air

After the Hundred Year War, Aang and Zuko gathered people from the four nations together and founded the United Republic of Nations, the capital city being Republic City. Republic City described as “what if Manhattan had happened in Asia” and "metropolis powered by steampunk-type technology"  is a large city made up of people from all nations and bending abilities. Avatar Aang and Katara had three children, the youngest of which was Tenzin and the only Airbender of the three siblings. During this time, Toph Beifong travelled widely to teach Metalbending.

Avatar Korra was born in the Southern Water Tribe after Aang’s death in 153 ASC.

Seventy years after the end of the Hundred Year War, Korra is set on completing her training and fulfill her role as the Avatar. She has already mastered Waterbending, Earthbending and Firebending. However, has yet to grasp the concept of Airbending.

At the beginning of Book One: Air, Korra collides with police Chief Lin Beifong after allocating vigilante justice to the Triple Threat Triad. Shortly after the first few episodes, the two main antagonists are officially introduced: the Equalists, an underground activist movement led by Amon and Tarrlok an endeavouring politician. The goal of the Equalists was to bring about equality among benders and non-benders and create a world where bending no longer exists.

In her journey through Republic City, Korra discovers the pro-bending brothers, Mako and Bolin. She later joins their pro-bending team, the Fire Ferrets and despite their success in the league, romantic tensions among the three and Mako’s girlfriend introduce complications.

As the story continues, Korra discovers that Amon has the power to take away someone’s ability to bend. Tarrlok persuades Korra to join his anti-Equalist task force and the Equalists begin to use terrorist tactics to achieve their goals. Korra leaves Tarlokk’s task force when he begins to repress innocent non-benders. Tarrlok imprisons Korra’s friends to blackmail her, and after Korra is overpowered by Tarlokk’s Bloodbending, he kidnaps her. Amon discovers the place where Korra is being imprisoned and removes Tarlokk’s bending. Korra escapes to find Republic City facing an Equalist military coup.

During the two-part finale, Zuko’s grandson General Iroh leads the United Forces to aid in protecting Republic City. However, the naval reinforcements are defeated by Equalist sea mines and biplanes. In search of Amon, Korra discovers that Tarrlok and Amon are both siblings and the children of gang leader Yakone, who was defeated 40 years ago by Avatar Aang. Eventually, Mako and Korra are able to unmask Amon and publicly reveal his true nature to the anti-bending revolt supports. Amon flees with Tarrlok, who later bombs their boat on the open sea.

At her lowest point, Korra finally manages to establish a spiritual connection with Aang, and she enters the Avatar State for the first time.

Broadcast

Production

Legend of Korra production was announced at San Diego Comic Con on July 22, 2010. Originally the show was intended to be a twelve-episode miniseries released in October 2011 and tentatively titled Avatar: Legend of Korra. However, the show’s premiere was delayed to April 14, 2012 to allow the addition of 14 episodes and the series was officially titled The Legend of Korra. At San Diego Comic Con 2011, the creators confirmed that the first 12 episodes would constitute the first book and the additional 14 episodes would make up the second book. The show is darker and more mature than the original series, but the sense of adventure and fun is still a part of The Legend of Korra. Early in production it was announced that the creators would write all the episodes themselves and the fillers would be omitted, allowing for a tighter story. However, when the series was extended from 12 episodes to 26 episodes, and now 52 episodes, more writers were hired so the creators could focus on the series' design.

Music

With the return of the original composers, The Track Team stated that the music for Legend of Korra will sound like "the Roaring '20s with an Asian twist”. At San Diego Comic Con 2011, the team described the score as “1920s New Orleans jazz but if it were invented in China".