The Legend of Korra co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino fielded questions on Korra’s enemies, the hazards of shipping, and what – if anything – is next for the world of Avatar?
In a recent question and answer session for the Avatar Wiki, Konietzko and DiMartino gave bracing answers about the past, present, and future of their work on Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.
In the first question, Konietzko tackled the elephant-koi in the room and addressed the question of further installments in the Avatar-verse after the conclusion of The Legend of Korra.
“There are more [Avatar: The Last Airbender] comics in the works,” Konietzko confirmed. “There may be some other little things, some products here and there, but other than that, nothing major in the works, and there probably won’t be for a long time. We’re moving on to other projects.”
Hang on a second, we’re tearbending.
Speaking of tearbending, Mike DiMartino also discussed one of his proudest moments while working on The Legend of Korra – the recent, moving episode, “Korra Alone.”
“It really meant a lot to me to show Korra’s struggle back to health realistically, which is tough to do in animation,” DiMartino said. “I’m glad that it’s resonated with a lot of people struggling with their own physical or mental pain.
“I know there’s only so much you can do in a 22-minute episode,” he continued, “and it barely scratches the surface of what it would really be like to live with physical or metal pain, but I did my best.”
The co-creators also teased a few highly-anticipated revelations in Book 4. Though we may or may not see fan-favorite Toph emerge from her reclusive life in the swamp (“She would need a pretty compelling reason” to leave, DiMartino admitted) it looks like one pressing question will answered.
“Who are Toph’s baby daddies” (sic) one fan demanded. “Stay tuned,” DiMartino replied. “More Toph to come in Book 4!”
Fans can also expect to see more of another link between Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The name of Zuko’s daughter – and ruling Firelord – was finally revealed to be Izumi. Though the co-creators teasingly refrained from identifying her mother, DiMartino did promise that FireLord Izumi will have a speaking role later this season.
Konietzko and DiMartino also fielded questions on other characters from Avatar: The Last Airbender, discussed prior plot points from Korra’s earlier adventures, and left a few comments about shipping. Villains were also a major point of discussion, and the co-creators expounded thoughtfully on the motives of Amon, the powers of Vaatu, and the history of the Red Lotus.
The villain of The Legend of Korra season 4 was also discussed. One fan wondered about similarities between the ambitious Kuvira and Korra herself – a parallel which the series has already drawn.
“When we were coming up with Book 4’s antagonist, we wanted her to be female,” DiMartino said, “And for Korra to have to face someone with some similar personality traits.” Taking on the would-be leader of the Earth Empire, he admitted, will be “like Korra has to deal with overcoming a version of her past self.”
Korra’s struggle with Kuvira will not be easy. “I would say she’s a pretty big threat,” DiMartino teased. “And I don’t like what she has in plan for those spirit vines, just saying.”
The Legend of Korra season 4, episode 5, “Enemy at the Gate,” will stream on Friday, Oct. 31 on Nick.com.