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Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1 (The Promise #1)

by Gene Luen Yang (script), Gurihiru (Art and Cover), Bryan Konietzko (Creator), Michael Dante DiMartino (Creator)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 8,477 ratings · 283 reviews

The wait is over! Ever since the conclusion of Avatar: The Last Airbender, its millions of fans have been hungry for more--and it's finally here!

This series of digests rejoins Aang and friends for exciting new adventures, beginning with a faceoff against the Fire Nation that threatens to throw the world into another war, testing all of Aang's powers and ingenuity!

* The con...more

Paperback, 80 pages

Published January 25th 2012 by Dark Horse Comics

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May 08, 2012 Brigid *Flying Kick-a-pow!* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, childrens, graphic-novels, fantasy, adventure, middle-grade

After reading:

Oh ... whoops, I still need to review this. Heh heh.

Before reading:

Well OF COURSE I WILL READ THIS. I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AND STUFF.

So yeah, for those of you who don't know, there are going to be these two graphic novels which basically fill in the gaps between The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (which comes out ... who knows when, but sometime next year). So like, hopefully stuff will be explained. And yeah. I'm so tired I can't even think right now. But YAAAY I'M EX...more After reading:

Oh ... whoops, I still need to review this. Heh heh.

Before reading:

Well OF COURSE I WILL READ THIS. I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AND STUFF.

So yeah, for those of you who don't know, there are going to be these two graphic novels which basically fill in the gaps between The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (which comes out ... who knows when, but sometime next year). So like, hopefully stuff will be explained. And yeah. I'm so tired I can't even think right now. But YAAAY I'M EXCITED. It still won't be the same as having the TV show, and I'll still be drooling like a rabid dog waiting for TLOK, but OH WELL it's better than nothing. Or than watching the original series fifty billion times.

(JK, actually ... watching the original series fifty billion times is awesome. It never gets old.)

ANYWAY, I read a leak from this book via Tumblr. (Sorry, I had a link but it doesn't work anymore ... It was probably taken down.)

So yeah, I'm not really sure if I'm excited or pissed off. I guess it depends on how everything turns out. Basically, these are the spoilers as revealed by the leak:

(view spoiler)

Well, that's all I've got to say right now. And thus ends my nerdy little rant. (less)

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Feb 03, 2012 Jessie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, fantasy

AFTER RELEASE
WHY WAS THAT SO SHORT?!
Also, the art style is wierd, I hope they change it.
My main concern when I started reading this was that it wouldn't feel like an Avatar experience. But the author did a great job at capturing the essence of the show.

Also, I ship Kataang. I was happy to see more of them together. HOWEVER, sweetie. That's all.

Must have for any Avatar fan, and I'm extremely angry I have to wait until MAY (shit) to read the next installment.

Pre- release

Okay. So the show official...more

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Jan 31, 2012 Virginia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novel, young-adult, read-2012

I was so excited when I got this in the mail!! I totally miss the world of A:TLA and was so chuffed to delve back into this world. I know this is part of the promotional material to set up for the next Avatar series, but I don't care. All I want is MORE ZUKO!! MORE ZUKO!!

The art is beautiful and the humor asides are fun. I think in graphic novel form, the story seems a bit more juvenile than the cartoon, but I realize also that this first volume is the set up and not the climax/resolution. I ca...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 09, 2013 Ashrakat Deyab rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comics, contemporary, ebooks, favorites, fillers, kick-ass-girl, less-than-48-hrs, male-author, series, the-booooooy, why-cant-i-marry-you

All of us have something- a show, a book, a movie, an action figure- that we look with all our heart and just can't grow out of, no matter how hard we try. ATLA was one of those things in my case. I have ADORED the show ever since I was in middle school. I almost had a breakdown after watching the last episode.. I couldn't believe it had actually come to an end.. all those characters that were more like role models and all those exciting twists. The ending was definitely satisfactory YET there...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Mathias rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The comics following Aang's continued adventures are absolute perfection. Not only does each book move and unfold exactly like an episode of the show, it follows them so well I remember the events of the comics in my head as animated episodes. I hear the voices, see the action, everything. They remain that true to the show. As I've read The Promise and now The Search graphic novels, I sometimes have even displaced events from the comics as events that happened in the show. The writers and artist...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Avatar fans, graphic novel fans

Author Gene Luen Yang really delivered with this graphic novel! The story picks up right where the original 'Avatar' series ended and shows what happened to the characters a year later. I was very glad to see more of the adventures of Aang, Katara, Sokka,Zuko, and Toph again.

This three part story covers when Zuko asks Aang to make him a promise- if he ever starts to act like his father to end him. Aang is a bit reluctant to agree, but he does end up promising Zuko, thinking that Zuko would neve...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Delicious Strawberry rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gene-luen-yang, graphic-novel

First of all, I will say that I love the art. It's clean and really nice to look at though I did wish Zuko had longer hair, for some reason him having another haircut (apparently) just didn't seem right to me. Nonetheless, the artwork is beautiful, and one of the high points in this book.

The story itself could have been done better. I'm fine with Kataang and think they could be a great couple (given a few more years, as Aang is only 12/13 now) but their whole nickname thing was painful to read....more First of all, I will say that I love the art. It's clean and really nice to look at though I did wish Zuko had longer hair, for some reason him having another haircut (apparently) just didn't seem right to me. Nonetheless, the artwork is beautiful, and one of the high points in this book.

The story itself could have been done better. I'm fine with Kataang and think they could be a great couple (given a few more years, as Aang is only 12/13 now) but their whole nickname thing was painful to read. It just seemed so out of character that I found it jarring (and I completely understand Sokka's oogy feeling) What I also found bothersome was that Zuko is apparently angsting again.

Come on, folks. He dealt with this on the TV show. He struggled with it for three seasons, though he did grow and mature through the show as he dealt with it. It seemed that at the end of the show he had dealt with most of his issues, he was calmer, happier, and more confident even if he could be dorky at times. And at the end of this book, we *still* don't find out what happened to his mom.

Give me a break. I loved the show despite its flaws. However, it saddens me to see that Avatar is becoming a franchise. We have the upcoming Korra TV series, which is pretty much a big spoiler for what happens at the end of this Promise series. it is a foregone conclusion that at the end Zuko and Aang will fix their problems and the Colonies become the United Republic, so it takes some of the tension out of the story since you know exactly what will happen to said Colonies.

I would have liked for the Promise to be sold as one book, rather than being split up into parts, this is actually a fairly slim volume of less than 100 pages. Is it still worth buying? Yes, if you're a die-hard Avatar fan. I got this for just a little over seven dollars, which for me was a pretty good bargain. I do plan to buy the rest of the Promise books, if for nothing more than to complete my collection. There is one good note - this book is the same size (and some similarities in cover design) as the Lost Adventures, so you can put them side by side on your bookshelf, they go great together even if this book is considerably slimmer than the Lost Adventures.

I would absolutely hate to see Avatar go the way of Star Wars with its countless universe add-ons and various media (books, graphic novels, movies, cartoons, tv shows, etc) but unfortunately between this book and the upcoming series, it seems as if the Avatar franchise WILL go on that way... unfortunately. (less)

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Nov 13, 2012 Stargirl (Shoujo and YA Banter/Vocaloid Fanatic) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

I will always love the TV series more. Now.

This picks up after the series end, and tells us what happens before TLOK. Aang and Katara hook up (and the sweeties and oogies are all around). Seriously who didn't see this comming? The affection between our two air and water couple was a bit much for me. I know you all are in love but seriously. (Aside from that I am a Zuko x Katara fan) That's right; flame me if you must. Toph starts a metalbending school, Sokka isn't in this volume much, and Zuko t...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Janie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: movies, graphic-novels, issues, 3-stars

This follow-up to the show Avatar, the Last Airbender starts with Firelord Zuko making Aang swear to kill him if he sees him start acting like his father, which is a pretty dark notion to begin the next chapter of the show. A best thing about this book is how it takes a look at the diplomatic problems after the epic "The End" of the show. While the show ended on a newly crowned Fireloard Zuko addressing the gathered nations and talking of peace and prosperity, the book doesn't sugarcoat the di...more This follow-up to the show Avatar, the Last Airbender starts with Firelord Zuko making Aang swear to kill him if he sees him start acting like his father, which is a pretty dark notion to begin the next chapter of the show. A best thing about this book is how it takes a look at the diplomatic problems after the epic "The End" of the show. While the show ended on a newly crowned Fireloard Zuko addressing the gathered nations and talking of peace and prosperity, the book doesn't sugarcoat the difficult reality of cleaning up the aftershocks of a 100 year war.

The main and most memorable plot thread is the one regarding the struggle of diplomacy. There are several assassination attempts on Zuko's life by those in the Fire Nation who still believe that he is a cowardly traitor to his country. There are Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom, and the difficult question of either evicting or letting them stay on their now one-hundred year old ancestral land (some who have even married into the Earth Kingdom) poses a huge problem. And Zuko, (can’t he ever get a break) is having troubles coping with the stresses position as Firelord thanks to the said problems (he is only maybe 17 after all). It also looks into somehow answering the very aggravating unanswered question of the show “Where is my mother?” which if I am correct, is sort-of answered in the following books.

Regarding the other characters, Toph starts a metal-bending school, and there isn’t much success with the new trainees. Katara and Aang are officially a couple, calling each other “sweetie” much to Sokka’s disgust (ewww! Ooglies!). Sokka himself isn’t in this book much though. It has a lot of the sort-of-side characters, like Roku, Suki, Ty Lee, Mai, but they aren’t big appearances. Only popping up once or twice or so. Pretty good artwork, reminiscent to the show’s design, but as another year passes, the characters also physically grow up more

(It’s depressing when you about it, they were forced to save the world before they even had time to finish growing up. Combine this with the fact that Katara starts off the show saying “I haven’t been penguin sledding since I was a kid” with Aang replying “you are a kid.” And by the third season Aang is saying things like “There were plenty of dragons when I was a kid.”). Anyway, if you really liked the show, then check this out. It goes beyond the end, serving as a bridge between the old and the new show about Korra or whatever as well as tying up some of the loose ends.

(less)

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Oct 16, 2012 Jessica Day rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How could I not read and review a spin off series that takes place where Avatar's third season ended? I have loved the world of Avatar since I was a little kid watching it on the floor of my grandmother's living room. Needless to say, it holds a special place in my heart so I can get a little...obsessive. I'm very critical of any spin offs or fanfiction that stems from my favorite television show (in other words, I think that the M. Night Shyamalan version of Avatar was a disgrace). Still, I pas...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Bonnie at A Backwards Story added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

I don't often read comic books that continue a TV series after its conclusion, though I've almost done so a couple of times with BUFFY. When I saw THE PROMISE, PART 1 available via NetGalley along with the tag that it bridged the gap between AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER and the new series THE LEGEND OF KORRA, I figured, "Why not?"

The comic book continues right where the TV series left off. The opening even incorporates the tagline that starts off each episode of the original series, modifying it a...more I don't often read comic books that continue a TV series after its conclusion, though I've almost done so a couple of times with BUFFY. When I saw THE PROMISE, PART 1 available via NetGalley along with the tag that it bridged the gap between AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER and the new series THE LEGEND OF KORRA, I figured, "Why not?"

The comic book continues right where the TV series left off. The opening even incorporates the tagline that starts off each episode of the original series, modifying it at the end with a twist to let readers know that something new is coming. Now that the war has ended, Avatar Aang, new Fire Lord Zuko, and the rest of the gang have the tedious task of re-building a war-torn world. Together with Earth King Kuei, the three most powerful men in the world create The Harmony Restoration Movement. They seek to remove the Fire Nation Colonies from the Earth Kingdom and restore everything to its former state. While many Earth Kingdom Citizens embrace the Movement, others protest it. For those living in the Colonies, Fire Benders and Earth Benders have come to work together over the last hundred years, and the citizens don't want their homeland torn apart. Fire Lord Zuko retracts his support of the Movement, leaving Avatar Aang with the tough decision of who to listen to.

I loved that the art was so similar to the animated series. It felt almost like a real, moving episode. I also like that the series referenced things such as the whereabouts of Zuko's mother, which sounds like it will be a future comic plot. I loved seeing Zuko's compassion and his concerns over following in his father's footsteps. He is truly my favorite character in the entire series. My only complaint is the fact that we get to see Aang and Katara in their new lovey-dovey (Or as Sokka says, "Oogie") state. It was weird enough seeing them together at the end of the series, since Katara never had more than friendly feelings toward Aang, especially since she was a few years (physically) older than him, while he was still trapped in the body of a pre-teen. It was even weirder to see them running around calling one another "Sweetie" throughout the comic. I mean, really, couldn't they at least come up with a better word or way of showing affection? "Sweetie this," "Sweetie that."

The comic ends on a chilling note that has me fearing for the future of Zuko, who seems about to teeter on a shaky path once again. It will be interesting to see the way the two series are linked together through this new medium. The second volume of THE PROMISE launches June 12th.(less)

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Aug 16, 2012 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You have just finished the final episode of book three of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, and are excited for more stories featuring the Aang Gang. You think Legend of Korra looks cool, but you wish there was a story that would link together these separate stories and justify the canon time skip between the end of ATLA and the opening of Korra. Something with your favorite characters, going on adventures and staying best friends in a post-war world.

So you end up months later with the firs...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Lina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comics

I was hoping that by reading this it would rid me of some of my frustrations about the horrible disappointment that is The Legend of Korra, but all this book managed to do was make me mad about how it is handling of certain things.

Let's begin.

First of all colonization: Initially, the plan was to remove the fire nation citizens from the stolen Earth Kingdom lands, but Zuko basically allows himself to be bullied into changing his mind. The FN people living there are all like “we’ve lived there fo...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I started watching the Avatar series with my kids about a year ago and fell in love with it. I loved the movie, so I figured I would love the comics - and boy, was I right!

The Promise Part 1 begins after Aang and his friends have helped bring the end to the Hundred Year War and they have allied with the new Fire Lord, Zuko. With the Earth King, they come up with a plan to restore harmony between the nations. But, they find themselves faced with a new war when Zuko withdraws his support from the...more

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May 09, 2012 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The short review: I love this!

The long(er) review: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise Part 1 (whew, long title) is the direct continuation of the story right after Avatar Aang defeats Fire Lord Ozai and establishes a new world of peace with new Fire Lord Zuko. The story deals with the difficulties of making the shift from the world which has slowly been changing and adapting in the 100 years' war. In these times, citizens from the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation Colonies have started inte...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Bry rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, graphic-novel, netgalley, young-adult, fantasy

I thought this show was so totally adorable. Its creative, with good action scenes, relationships, and characters. This graphic novel continuation of the story though was a bit of a disappointment.

The art in the graphic novels merely looked like screenshots from the the television show and a tiny bit of pixelation at the edges. I was expecting more detail and shadowing - granted the original show was very bright and was a bit vague on the details but this takes place over a year after the compl...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Ella Press rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, e-book, fantasy, from-publisher, read-in-2012

I love Avatar: The Last Airbender, so when I saw this title in NetGalley, of course I had to have it!

The Promise starts off just where the TV show ended: with the Fire Nation's Lord defeated, Aang victorious and with Katara (YAY!) and Zuko at the Fire Nation's throne.

It is now Aang's job to ensure that everything goes peacefully with the Harmony Restoration Movement, aimed at bringing the people from the Fire Nation living in their colonies back to their land. But of course, when stuff like thi...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Lucy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-releases, graphic-novels, 2012-reads

Absolutely perfect! Before I began The Promise Part 1 I was worried that in graphic novel format the story wouldn't have the same feel as the Avatar: the Last Airbender television series, which I recently fell in love with when I watched the entire three seasons in the space of about five days.

But I needn't have worried. The artists' style successfully encapsulates the art of the show. The author's characterisation of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph and Zuko is so spot-on that I couldn't help but read...more

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Apr 06, 2012 Lanni rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The great thing about this book is also the worst thing about this book. The characterization. Sokka's quips about 'oogies' and general obnoxious-ness are perfectly in character. Toph's rather rude nicknames for her students are perfectly Toph. Even Ty Lee's facial expressions (in the two panels she appears in) are perfect, and somehow Aang and Katara calling each other 'sweetie' seems like exactly the thing they would do. But Aang's agreement with Zuko (a major plot point) is so out of characte...more

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Feb 14, 2012 Robert Kristoffersen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's been four years since we've last seen anything new from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Fans has been begging for more, and released earlier this month, they got it. This graphic novel, from Dark Horse Comics, picks up where the show left off. The next stage, after the war is ended, is to restore harmony, with the Harmony Restoration Movement, which seeks to remove fire nation colonies on earth nation land. All concede to the plan, and suddenly we're moved forward a year later, The Restoration...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Rick Silva rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a direct sequel to the Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series, and it takes place after the conclusion of that series. Writer Gene Luen Yang (I loved his graphic novel American Born Chinese) has a great feel for the flavor and characters of the show while loading this story with political themes and elements of classic tragedy.

The story focuses on the deadly promise that Ang has made to Zuko, and Zuko's own struggles with the burden of leadership of the Fire Nation. Starting out with...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Lindsay Stares rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphicnovels

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise, Part 1
Script: Gene Luen Yang, Art: Gurihiru, 2012

New Release! I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for purposes of review. (I read that one, and then went out the day it arrived in stores, bought a hard copy and read it again.)

Premise: The war is over, but bringing peace to the Four Nations isn't as simple as winning a battle. This is the continuing story of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I LOVE THIS. I loved this to pieces. This made me laugh a...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Dee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: To all Avatar fans, those who like quirky characters

Shelves: fantasy

I really do thank God for NetGalley ALL The Time.
One more reason why: Getting to read Avatar comics pre-release!

Rating: A

What Avatar The Last Airbender (A:TLA) comic is: "The Promise Part 1" is a beautifully done story, by the same Mike DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, the creators of the popular TV series.

Why I picked it up: You might know we've been doing an Avatar Watch/Rewatch at home of the comic series,we're in the middle of Season 3: Fire (the last season, FYI). I read that this comic take...more

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Dec 15, 2011 Adele rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

***ARC with thanks to Netgalley and Dark Horse Comics***

I don't normally Five Star books and this review might have some Bias so just bear with me.
I have watched the Animated Series well over 5 times now; and the end always got me.
Maybe because it was the end of a saga. And I was left saying nooo it can’t be over!
But alas it was until this comic came around that is.
This picks up the story from the end of the animated series.
I cannot say anything that happens in this comic as if I were to read...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, 2011

The first thing I thought when I started reading this was, “Ahhhhhh.” It was nice to slip back into the Avatar universe, and it feels like it’s been a long time since the show came out. The graphic novel is supposed to be released in 2012. I don’t really know why it will take so long to get this out there… Anyway, The Promise, Part 1 starts off right where the show ended. I’m sorry for those of you who haven’t seen it, because this review will be filled with show spoilers. Consider yourself duly...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Maria rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-books

For those that don't know, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a popular animated TV series about a world of element benders. The series ended three years ago and in 2012 a new spin-off series The Legend of Korra will be released. Author Gene Yang has collaborated with the two creators of the show for a trilogy of graphic novels that will be set in between Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. As a fan of the series, I was beyond excited when I heard the news for the graphic novels and w...more For those that don't know, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a popular animated TV series about a world of element benders. The series ended three years ago and in 2012 a new spin-off series The Legend of Korra will be released. Author Gene Yang has collaborated with the two creators of the show for a trilogy of graphic novels that will be set in between Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. As a fan of the series, I was beyond excited when I heard the news for the graphic novels and was ecstatic when I was given a chance to review the book and see an early look.

The Promise Part 1 starts right where the last episode of the series ended, and I mean right after. We see that perhaps the world is not in peaceful as they thought it would be. Zuko, now the Fire Lord, is finding it especially difficult to deal with the demands of being the Fire Lord and protecting his country. We see the full conversation between Zuko and Ozai - when Zuko asks Ozai where his mother is in the series. Team Avatar of course all appear in the graphic novel and I give the artist high points for drawing the characters as they appeared in the TV series but still giving them each a new look.

Sadly though, I felt that the Graphic Novel was too short - a mere 82 pages - and I felt that nothing really happened, I have a feeling the other 2 Graphic Novels in the trilogy will have a similar length and if that's the case, it would have been better off it they just combined all of them together to make one graphic novel. There was also quite a lot of bending fights in the graphic novel and although it was pretty cool it just didn't flow very well, which was a bit of a disappointment when you compare it to the epic fights of the show.

Nonetheless as a fan of the series I was happy to see my favorite old characters return and start a new adventure. I will definitely be reading the rest of this trilogy to see what happens next. We saw more of metal bending in the graphic novel and I can see how that will connect to the spin-off show, The Legend of Korra. I'm excited to see what other connections there will be. So I would say if you're a fan of this series than you definitely need to give this a try. And if you haven't watched the series yet, than what are you waiting for!! (less)

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Nov 25, 2011 Andrew Shuping rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: graphic-novel

ARC provided by NetGalley

This book picks up right where Avatar Season 3 left off. The war has ended and Zuko is now Firelord. He’s dedicated to restoring peace among the nations...with the help of the Avatar and his friends of course. His first step, withdrawing the Fire Kingdom settlements from the Earth Kingdom, the Harmony Restoration Movement. But trouble soon arises. Some of these colonies have been there for generations and have even intermarried and neither side wants to sepearte. Zuko to...more ARC provided by NetGalley

This book picks up right where Avatar Season 3 left off. The war has ended and Zuko is now Firelord. He’s dedicated to restoring peace among the nations...with the help of the Avatar and his friends of course. His first step, withdrawing the Fire Kingdom settlements from the Earth Kingdom, the Harmony Restoration Movement. But trouble soon arises. Some of these colonies have been there for generations and have even intermarried and neither side wants to sepearte. Zuko torn between the plight of these families and the healing that needs to be done calls off the movement. But not all in the Earth Kingdom are happy about the Zuko withdrawing his support and Aang and his friends are going to have to work fast to prevent war from overcoming the world once again.

Gene Luen Yang, author of “American Born Chinese,” brings his immense writing talents to the Avatar universe. Even though Gene is an avowed Avatar fan, I still approached this book with a bit of trepidation. As an outsider to the original series (or even in any of the comics) how would he approach the relationships in the series? How would he approach Aang and Zuko growing into their roles? My fears were unfounded however, as Gene has clearly immersed himself in the Avatar universe and has accurately captured the characters and their movements within his writing. He has created a well crafted story that does justice to the series and feels just like an episode (ok multiple episodes) of the TV series. I really like how he’s approaching the Zuko/Ozai relationship. At the end of the cartoon series we’re left with the image of Zuko asking about the whereabouts of his mother and Gene deftly weaves this interaction into the story to give the reader more information. He also accurately captures Sokka and that sense of humor/immaturity/maturity that we all grew to love. I love when Sokka sees Aang and Katara kissing and shouts out about how it’s oogie, it’s just so him. The one thing that bugs me, just slightly, is when Aang and Katara call each other sweetie. It just doesn’t feel right coming from them. I don’t know what word they should use, but it just feels weird.

The artwork...wow the artwork is absolutely fantastic. I don’t think Bryan Gurihiru worked on the actual series, but man does he capture the characters perfectly. It’s like looking at a print version of the cartoon. He’s able to capture their expressions, even their very movements down to the last detail. And the colors are absolutely pitch perfect. I think one of my favorite scenes is at the very end where Zuko is visiting Ozai and Bryan just nails the expression on Ozai’s face. Even without his firebending power you can tell its him. Compared to some of the comics I’ve seen that came out based upon the series this art just nails it. In my head when I’m reading the comic it’s like watching the cartoon.

All in all this is the absolute perfect combination of writer and artist to work on this series and continue it for fans. For fans of the series this is just what you’ve been waiting for. It feels like Aang and crew never left. And if you’re new to the series...why are you starting with this book? Go watch the original series and get hooked on it and then come back and read this title. (less)

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Nov 10, 2011 Eric rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Avatar fans, graphic novelist

Shelves: arc, fantasy, graphic-novel, if-only-i-had-friends-like-these, will-read-this-to-my-children-one-d

Without being too harsh I genuinely like these books because they are so well written. They are sometimes even better than some of the episodes because they are more tightly edited and between frames any action happening has to made the most of what's being presented. It's how graphic novels should be. Now the bad. I actually considering 3 stars for this one because it clearly is way to short for the amount of time it took to come out. However many parts it will be divided into be remains to be...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Fry rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love The Last Airbender. I love the characters, plot, premis and world. I cannot wait for Legend of Korra to be released.

These comics seem as if they are going to fill the gap between the two series. I'm very glad for them. I wasn't ready to give up Aang yet, and there can only be another avatar after one dies.

The story takes place what seems like several months after the last battle. Familiar characters are doing things they enjoy. I found it super precious that Uncle Iroh had opened a tea sh...more

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Sequential Art > Comics

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Sequential Art > Graphic Novels

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Fantasy

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Sequential Art > Manga

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Young Adult

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Adventure

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Graphic Novels Comics

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Childrens

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Comics Manga

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Humor

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About Gene Luen Yang

Gene Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade. In 1997, he received the Xeric Grant, a prestigious comics industry grant, for Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks, his first comics work as an adult. He has since written and drawn a number of titles, including Duncan's Kingdom (with art by Derek Kirk Kim) and The Rosary Comic Book. American Born Chinese received National Book Award.

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title link	preview: Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1
avg rating	preview: Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1 Goodreads rating: 4.19 (8477 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13446640-avatar?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327985444l/13446640.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13446640-avatar?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1 by Gene Luen Yang[/url]

Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1 (The Promise #1)

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