Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise Part 2
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Gurihiru
Cover: Gurihiru
Picking up right where Part 1 left off, with Team Avatar trying to work with Fire Lord Zuko and Earth King Kuei to repair the damage done by Fire Nation colonization. This has been complicated by Zuko’s change of heart and siding with one of the oldest colonies, Yu Dao, in trying to keep some colonies in existence. The Earth King and Zuko are making tensions run high as both sides won’t back down on their position, and it’s up to Aang and Katarra to sort things out before it’s too late. Even with all the troubles going on, Aang gets to meet a chapter of his fan club in a humorous side story, even if it ends on a slightly sad note. Meanwhile, we get a glimpse at Toph’s new metalbending academy and her troubles in running it with all her students, and Sokka, as well.
The book’s art is still top notch and the writing is great; you can hear the characters’ voices as you read their dialog. This chapter was more entertaining to me since this book was very Toph heavy, and she is my favorite character of the series. It’s nice to see the humble beginnings of what will become the metalbending police force for the Legend of Korra series. Toph and Sokka have some great back and forth with Toph’s students, with each student being their own unique person. Toph gets some character building of her own, and with it she is able to better her own teaching style. I could honestly just read about Toph and her metalbending academy for an ongoing series. Please pay attention to that Dark Horse and Nickelodeon.
The book feels like episodes of the show and gives laughs, heart, and drama as the threat of war breaking out again looms. The art is pitch perfect for the series, making a read of it feel like you’re still watching the show. A treat for fans of The Last Airbender, or if you just want some background for The Legend of Korra. It’s the fourth book of the television show, it’s a bit more personal and short-lived in scope, but for fans it’s definitely got plenty. The plot about colonization and the moral issues involved from Part 1 get more satisfactory discussion here than they did in that one (it seemed a bit too pro-colonization from the view of the colonists in that one).
In the end, Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise Part 2 is a very strong book, especially if you love Toph. The art is right up there with the show it’s based on. It’s got plenty for fans of the original series or for those who want to know more about how the world of Korra came to be. Go check out a preview of the comic up at Dark Horse’s site to sate your appetite until it comes out. I’m finding myself with an odd joy and sadness at being eager for the next and final installment to come out. Thankfully, The Legend of Korra will be there to soften the blow. 10/10
Alexander Bustos
drbustos@comicattack.net
Can’t wait to read this! The Legend of Kora also debuts next saturday as well so it’s just in time!
You know this review is? Mindless praise from a fanboy. Whoever wrote this is being blinded by fanboyism and isn’t loooking at Gene Yang’s work from an objective point of view. All I see from this review is this “LOL! toph is so awesome! she appears alot so this crappy work is awesome now!”. Also the reviewer is probably being paid off by Nickelodeon to like this since this is a comic book based off a popular IP. Gene Yang’s The Promise is crap I expect the second part to be even worse.
I wish Nickelodeon paid me. Come on, Nickelodeon, one person thinks I’m on the take. Prove him right.
the first book was awesome, I still hear the voice of every character every time I read it. It’s a shame that we all have to wait until October to read the final chapter of this awesome saga. Regarding the Korra’s show I wish there were more episodes because for me 26 episodes are not enough.
Here’s hoping they renew the show for more episodes and that we get even more books to bridge the gap between Last Airbender and Korra. October can’t get here soon enough.