Poll: Last Airbender or Legend of Korra

[JediMB]

Two weeks ago I had only watched a half episode of The Last Airbender, and that was back in 2007 or something.

Now I've watched all four "Avatar" seasons, with the Korra finale being the first episode I watched more or less "live" and with friends.

You just can't compare what is basically a 12 episode mini-series (so far) with a 61 episodes series complete with companion comics. As much as I love having Korra as a female main protagonist, Aang's adventure was far superior in almost every way. I do mostly think well of The Legend of Korra, however, as I only really take issue with some of the things that happened in the finale... and just how little time the season had to wrap up.

So, yes, Avatar: The Last Airbender is the better series.

 

[Gizmo1990]

First off this is not a I hate LoK thred. I am a big Last Airbender fan and so I was very excited when I found out about Legend of korra and while it is not a bad show I find myself not enjoying it as much as The Last Airbender.

I like the characters in TLA alot better and it took 5 episodes for me to actualy begin to get interested in the new characters (except Mako, the guy is a douche). I find myslef missing Sokka and his terrible jokes and Toph and her sarcasum.

Also the action seems to be slower and smaller. Korra has mastered Earth, fire and water but it seems to me that Aang, Katara, Zuko and Toph could pull off moves way bigger and more impressive then her.

So my overall opinion is that it is good but really needs to kick it up a notch to compete with TLA.

Well to be fair having everything be an explosive or impressive spectacle can sometimes detract from the action by making everything hard to relate to. Furthermore I think 5 episodes is a pretty good amount of time to get engaged, I mean for about 12 episodes of Legend of Aang I couldn't shake the feeling I was watching a children's show with terrible animation but it came into its own nearing the end of chapter 1 and onward. I mean, do you remember being five episodes into TLA and being like 'OMG this is so good im hooked!'. If you do away with nostalgia Korra is just a better first season, as somebody watching the two back to back first time through I would say Legend of Korra is objectively better. Give it time is all im saying.

Also the action seems to be slower and smaller. Korra has mastered Earth, fire and water but it seems to me that Aang, Katara, Zuko and Toph could pull off moves way bigger and more impressive then her.

Personally, that's one thing I like more about this series. The bending is much smaller in scale, but it makes up for it with precision. You don't see people moving mountains or causing tidal waves, but we have waay more lightning-benders, blood-benders, and metal-benders than before.
To me, the action focuses on strategy and technical aptitude rather than brute force and pure talent. Especially with the Pro-Bending Arena, the fights are more about reading the opponent and finding the perfect time to strike than they are about bending skill.

OT: I've really enjoyed the ride so far - it took a while to get going for me, but so did TLA. In fact, I'd say I got really invested in LOK much sooner (episode-wise) than I did with TLA.

While I agree that having people blasting super moves every 5 mins would not be good I am having a hard time remebering a time in all 12 episodes where any of the characters did something big and impressive. TLA characters had precision and could then do something, massive and uber impressive when needed and I can think of many times in the LoK where bigger moves would have helped. Those mech tanks for example, everybody just kept punching [insert element] at them and then got there arse kicked. Why not incase them in rock? Why not freeze them in water? Why not earthbend a hole under them?

Mako and Korra are surrounded by chi blokers, do a few punchy moves and then get their arse handed to them. In TLA Zuko and Azula were seen doing a fire move where fire expands in a circle around them. Toph could make an earth shokwave around herself. Katara could do that water octopus thing.

 

[jollybarracuda]

As others have said, it's a bit hard to judge since The Last Airbender has had it's whole series to build characters, set up it's story, etc. However, based on what i've seen so far of Korra, i could see it getting nearly just as good, if not better, than the original. I much prefer the characters being older as I feel like they could truly make a bigger difference than the young kids from The Last Airbender, and i really didn't expect to like Korra as a character as much as i do. I expected her to be strong, yah, but in that Hollywood shouldn't-really-be-possible kind of way; instead we got a character that not only looks physically strong, but isn't even a beacon of kindness and perfection. She's selfish sometimes, hot-headed most others, but still cares about friends and family; she's flawed like a human, but not stereotyped, and it's great,and right from this first season she already feels much more fleshed out and believable than Aang.

Plus, i love the weird '50s and ancient magic martial arts hybrid it's got going on, especially when it comes to awesome saxophone riffs in the middle of a chase scene.

 

[PurePareidolia]

Last Airbender is a better series by sole merit of having more time to do things, but I like LoK's themes and setting a lot better, and I think the show has a huge amount of potential for the second season.

But taking away TLA's unfair advantage of two extra seasons, I'd say LoK got to a much stronger start. I like Korra more than Aang, and I think she gets far better character moments than he did, at least early on. Bolin and Mako kind of let the side down in terms of interest - they're no Sokka and Katara, but I like Asami a lot more than I thought I would. Lin Bei Fong is absolutely amazing, and I would watch a show about her as willingly as one about her mother and Tenzin is pretty cool too. As far as Villains go, Amon is absoutlely goddamn chilling, The Lieutenant is voiced by Lance Hendrickson and Tarrlok is a great manipulator, which easily edges out Azula who was the only well written villain in TLA, unless you count Zuko.

Also LoK has a hell of a lot more twists and turns and that's enough to put it ahead.

 

[Scrustle]

I really like both, but I can't really choose between them yet. Korra el at. haven't really been around long enough to be judged along Aang and co. I do miss Sokka but I like the new types of characters they have brought in, and I like each of the characters themselves too. I wouldn't want to bring back old characters though. They wouldn't really fit the tone in this new setting.

But I think because the series has a different tone there were always people who were going to be disappointed. There will be things lost from the old series, that's to be expected, and if you really enjoyed those things then of course you will be sad that they have changed. I am too, but I like the new stuff too so it doesn't bother me. It's good to try and progress anyway, I wouldn't want them to just try to repeat the success of the older series again by copy/pasting it. That would probably be the worst thing they could do.

 

[lumenadducere]

I think TLA had the advantage since it was designed as a multi-season show from the beginning, whereas TLK was just supposed to be a mini-series that got expanded. The pacing in TLK is off, and some characters just don't have the chance to have their big narrative arcs like the ones in TLA. So when comparing TLA to TLK as a whole, TLA seems to win out.

But in general (and especially when comparing season 1 of TLA to TLK) I think I like TLK more. It's much more mature, the characters are older and thus the themes are better, and I really like the evolution and growth of the world. I do agree with what some others have said in that skillful bending isn't really showcased as much, and that character development needs to have more of a place in the next season rather than the relationship development we got. But overall I'm looking forward to season 2 and if they work out the flaws then I think TLK will definitely surpass the first. Right now I think both are about even, albeit for different reasons.

 

[Kiardras]

Have not watched either, although I've been tempted by LoK. I never went for TLA because I instantly hated the main character, and thats not a good way to get into a series. The main thing stopping me now from watching LoK is whether or not it will work if I've not seen TLA, or if I have to bite the bullet and watch TLA.

 

[Yarkaz]

Have not watched either, although I've been tempted by LoK. I never went for TLA because I instantly hated the main character, and thats not a good way to get into a series. The main thing stopping me now from watching LoK is whether or not it will work if I've not seen TLA, or if I have to bite the bullet and watch TLA.

You probably should. LoK did a terrible job of explaining the setting, backstory, and world history behind it. In addition, it seems that most characters are the son/daughter/grandson/granddaughter of one of the original characters, which makes for some confusing references to the original series. Because Korra was a miniseries, it didn't have the time to get all this stuff done and pretty much assumed that everyone watching would have some history watching TLA, which is actually mostly true.

Besides, Aang got pretty good after the second half of season two, and if you can't bring yourself to like a cheerful, happy character in the end, at least you'll have the dark, brooding Zuko there to cheer you... Erm... Down!

OT: The Last Airbender. Pacing was better, character development was better, action scenes were better.... Everything was just better!
I get that Korra was a miniseries and they couldn't fit much development stuff in, and that's fine. However the show seemed to pretend like it had developed its characters behind our backs, making such mistakes as bringing Iroh into the team in the finale, the Lieutenant (a character portrayed as intelligent and clever) throwing himself at a known bloodbender, and some stupid, irrational, nonsensical choices made in the Korra/Asami/Mako love triangle. Many character actions seemed uncharacteristic of them, as if they changed 'behind the scenes' and the viewers were never informed. I'm sure the large number of characters did little to help here, either.
This problem goes hand in hand with the pacing. The kind of story LoK was trying to tell was simply too big for a 12 episode miniseries. In order to get crucial plot details out there, potential character development moments had to be cut out. And lets not even go into the finale... That was simply a mess, and a huge disappointment considering what Avatar's last finale, Sozin's Comet, was.
I guess they should have chosen a different story to tell, or tried to make a full season out of it, maybe 18-20 episodes. Korra had a lot going on that was very interesting, but many of the interesting bits were shoved aside or glossed over. More chances to explore Republic city would have been nice, maybe a couple filler episodes in which Korra addresses various Avatar-ish duties around town, busting crime bosses, resolving conflicts between people, or helping innocents trapped in collapsing buildings.

 

[CheesyGrin1992]

Did no one else feel that bending sort of got trivialised in Korra?

Spoiler: may bring up a few korra spoilers

The same could be said for blood bending and metalbending... also blood bending can now do what spirit bending does [sub]which I always assumed was a higher form of airbending.[/sub] And making the two antagonists 'always able bloodbenders' kinda ruined the whole point of bloodbending. Nevermind it being able to somehow sever a persons connection to their bending.

Spoiler: I figured...

I figured that he's using a similar method to chi blocking. I mean if a quick jab to a pressure point can disable bending temporarily, tying it into a knot with your mind can do it for a lot longer.

Spoiler: The way I see it...

I kind of agree, but I think it goes a little further. I think he used his blood bending to not only do some kind of chi blocking, but some kind of chakra blocking. Amon always used the forehead as his contact point, where the light chakra is located. I figure that he uses his bending to block the chakra and so disrupt people's ability to bend.

Though I'm kind of disappointed that they just said "yeah, it was blood bending, deal with it" with no explanation. The last two episodes felt very rushed in terms of just explaining everything away.

 

[Coranico]

Hard to judge as Korra isn't over yet, but right now I'd have to say Last Airbender. (People should stop calling it Legend of Aang. It already has perfectly good name and it's not that, so what's the point?) The pacing was much better, and the final payoff was MUCH more epic. But like I said, Korra's not over yet. /quote]

In some countries for whatever reason the show was actually called The Legend of Aang which is why some people call it that.

For me I can't really decide, but the world building in TLK was fantastic.

 

[Mr Companion]

While I agree that having people blasting super moves every 5 mins would not be good I am having a hard time remebering a time in all 12 episodes where any of the characters did something big and impressive. TLA characters had precision and could then do something, massive and uber impressive when needed and I can think of many times in the LoK where bigger moves would have helped. Those mech tanks for example, everybody just kept punching [insert element] at them and then got there arse kicked. Why not incase them in rock? Why not freeze them in water? Why not earthbend a hole under them?

Mako and Korra are surrounded by chi blokers, do a few punchy moves and then get their arse handed to them. In TLA Zuko and Azula were seen doing a fire move where fire expands in a circle around them. Toph could make an earth shokwave around herself. Katara could do that water octopus thing.

True, its inconsistent. Its like the opposite to most anime where everything starts off small but escalates until everything is world shattering. The combat is so far a little small or tactless in, but has fantastic flow. While bending tends to be on a far smaller scale the crazy acrobatics and smooth presentation make it fascinating to watch. I mean, remember when Zuko's grandson was riding on top of a plane while shooting other planes down with fire? That was cool. Or when Lyn runs across the length of an airship tearing the whole thing open like a tin can? Impressive stuff still happens, and im sure later on larger scale bending will occur just not in season 1, it's gonna build up especially now bending needs to step up its game to outdo machines. Seeing technological advances give way to all out war for supremacy is pretty cool. I agree with you on some level, but LOK feels a little more complicated/mature and for that it earns a reprieve for toning down the combat.

 

[Gabanuka]

I like them both but frankly Korras pacing was God awful, plus you cant compete with what I grew up with.

I must say that scene on the boat was brilliant though

 

[Mr Companion]

Have not watched either, although I've been tempted by LoK. I never went for TLA because I instantly hated the main character, and thats not a good way to get into a series. The main thing stopping me now from watching LoK is whether or not it will work if I've not seen TLA, or if I have to bite the bullet and watch TLA.

Trust me I almost stopped watching TLA as well, for the first 10 or so episodes its just a children's show with one or two cool ideas, then in the finale to season 1 it becomes far better and from then on s**t escalates until its one of the best anime out there. Aang is initially kinda boring, but Soka makes up for it. Katara is kinda boring, but Toff carries the slack. Eventually the contingency of the story arc becomes compelling with very nearly no filler episodes and a plot clearly well thought out from start to finish you'll get over the weak initial characterization before the end of series 1. And yes you can watch Legend of Korra without its just more satisfying to watch Aang first.

 

[Kiardras]

Have not watched either, although I've been tempted by LoK. I never went for TLA because I instantly hated the main character, and thats not a good way to get into a series. The main thing stopping me now from watching LoK is whether or not it will work if I've not seen TLA, or if I have to bite the bullet and watch TLA.

Trust me I almost stopped watching TLA as well, for the first 10 or so episodes its just a children's show with one or two cool ideas, then in the finale to season 1 it becomes far better and from then on s**t escalates until its one of the best anime out there. Aang is initially kinda boring, but Soka makes up for it. Katara is kinda boring, but Toff carries the slack. Eventually the contingency of the story arc becomes compelling with very nearly no filler episodes and a plot clearly well thought out from start to finish you'll get over the weak initial characterization before the end of series 1. And yes you can watch Legend of Korra without its just more satisfying to watch Aang first.

Maybe I'll just give it a go, once I get invested it will probably be ok, but I tried watching a couple of episodes and just disliked Aang so much I couldn't continue.

 

[Mysterious Druid]

I think Korra's 12 episode structure did it a disservice. It forced the writers to rush certain parts, and Bolin was woefully underused. Also, a couple of plot threads went unresolved (especially those involving Asami). That being said, the ending was fantastic, and while I still prefer The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra is still quality television.

Also, who the hell is Lin's father? I was more eager to find that out than Amon's identity.

 

[rekabdarb]

The last airbender is a lot better. Because I feel as though as since they didn't full know how to bend and shtuff the combat could be worse. Yet it isn't. It's better. (Comparin season 1 only)

Korra and friends are ALL masters of their elements (cept air) yet they are terrible at combat.

Plus i feel as though as the creators forgot how to do a lot of stuff during their two year hiatus.

 

[Ledan]

Toph didn't appear in season 1 of TLA,
That's why I think season 1 of LOK is better. We'll have to judge them season by season until they are both finished.

 

[CheesyGrin1992]

Did no one else feel that bending sort of got trivialised in Korra?

Spoiler: may bring up a few korra spoilers

The same could be said for blood bending and metalbending... also blood bending can now do what spirit bending does [sub]which I always assumed was a higher form of airbending.[/sub] And making the two antagonists 'always able bloodbenders' kinda ruined the whole point of bloodbending. Nevermind it being able to somehow sever a persons connection to their bending.

Spoiler: I figured...

I figured that he's using a similar method to chi blocking. I mean if a quick jab to a pressure point can disable bending temporarily, tying it into a knot with your mind can do it for a lot longer.

Spoiler: The way I see it...

I kind of agree, but I think it goes a little further. I think he used his blood bending to not only do some kind of chi blocking, but some kind of chakra blocking. Amon always used the forehead as his contact point, where the light chakra is located. I figure that he uses his bending to block the chakra and so disrupt people's ability to bend.

Though I'm kind of disappointed that they just said "yeah, it was blood bending, deal with it" with no explanation. The last two episodes felt very rushed in terms of just explaining everything away.

The thing is

Spoiler

Shouldn't they just be able to meditate and unblock it if that was the case?

The avatar clearly isn't the only one who can unlock chackras... you don't even have to be a bender to do it. Look at the guru from the first season.

Spoiler: See...

The light chakra deals with insight and is blocked by illusion. Perhaps while Amon merely did an advanced form of chi blocking by blocking the chakra, the benders did the rest by buying into the illusion. So, Amon says, I'm going to take away your bending. He blocks the chakra and the bender immediately tries to bend. When they can't they thus buy into the illusion and fully block off the chakra themselves. And because they have bought into the illusion, they wouldn't have the insight needed to meditate on it and unblock the chakra. But I dunno, that's just a theory I had about half way through the series.