#tlok book 1 rewatch

[allgremlinart]

"we're your sons! not your tools of revenge!" *becomes tool of revenge* like. yippeeeee !!!

[soggystyrofoam]

Legit got me to pull out my old Book 1 Concept Art book for Korra and. man there's always some Stuff I dislike, but the art - setting design especially - is so so good. I miss TLOK.. need to rewatch someday

the art and the music in tlok will sometimes make me forget how mid it is

[aninounettear]

After rewatching both ATLA and TLOK recently, here's my tierlist! Completely subjective!!

I may be harsh on tlok, but it is how I felt. 10 years have passed since its completion, and I'm still disappointed in many things. At least it has a great and complex main protagonist who can face bad writing and still be great, phew... When it comes to the seasons, book 3 is the best one imo, its constancy and dynamism were great and the finale was insanely amazing! BUT I appreciate the good side of book 1 waaaaaayyyy more because it's so refreshing and captivating, but since its finale and a few other things bother me so much, it's below book 3 unfortunately. Also I liked the probending stuff and always will!!!! Book 4 was overall bad imo BUT I appreciated a few things in the beginning (the second half of the season was awful though, that's why it's that low in the ranking). And book 2 is a failure in everything... like, it's scandalous. I can't name any good thing coming from it, even the origins of the Avatar that I can't see as something connected to atla. Overall, tlok had a lot of timing and writing issues, and even with great qualities, its flaws are too big not to notice, even a decade later, and it is what it is. It brought many things to the Avatarverse, but at what cost... At least there's Korra ig.

On the other hand, atla was built beforehand and it shows. Even though there's a bunch of filler episodes in the series, they always (except great divide lmaooooo) have a connection to the main plot at some point, and that's what made them enjoyable, even though sometimes they could've just showed us an empty wall, I would've had a similar feeling of enjoyment looooool, but that's a part of the whole package I would say, and realizing most of the time that it had a bigger purpose, it's satisfying in the end. This show started almost 20 years ago and it's still so good and relevant to this day. Book 2, from Toph's appearance to the finale, is a flawless ride. Book 1 has the 3rd place because it was more childish and has lots of filler eps, but it helped build the Avatar World and it was cute too so it's still pretty good (and the finale in the North Pole is amazing). Book 3 and its finale have a special place in my heart but there were a bunch of forgettable episodes and subplots, especially for a more serious season that marks the end of the series, so that's why it's below book 2, but it's a stunning season anyway and watching it again made me emotional a bit.

In conclusion, I know tlok had a lot of issues cause it wasn't meant to be a 4-season show in the first place (that's why book 1's animation quality is out of this world btw) and that Nickelodeon tried to sabotage it by giving a high budget for the other seasons because ppl were hyped and then taking it back cause they couldn't promote it properly and gave little to no time to the staff and other stuff, but this is what has been given to us, and it's still there, so I gotta be honest with my feelings. Also, even though a lot of people worked on both shows, the episodes' writers are quite different from one to another, and the same creators being on both shows don't guarantee the same way to create and write the episodes (besides, even their own mentality can change, AND BY THE WAY IT ACTUALLY CHANGED FROM TLOK BOOK 1 TO BOOK 4). In my case, I like atla's writing team better tbh and I do think they had a huge impact on the way the story has been told.

And finally, I think that if tlok wasn't atla's sequel and had its own universe, it could've been a better show. Here I said it. Atla feels like a brake on tlok at some point.

I won't go deep into shipping, animation studios, plots, villains, etc in this review cause it can be too long and pointless. I suppose everything I said above is more than enough.

[likeadragonfruit]

Aside from his conflict with his siblings, Tenzin’s big storyline for book 2 is one of working out his identity. He fails at each step of trying to force himself to be a great spiritual leader. But succeeds, largely, at being a father. Later in the season Tenzin finally faces facts: he is not spiritually inclined nor defined by the expectation to carry on the legacy of an entire people. He’s Tenzin, and his better Air Nomads

Tenzin, armed with this new understanding of self he saves not only his family from the Fog of Lost Souls. Then he later helps save the world through his own qualities. He wasn’t a great airbending teacher for Korra because he was too rigid. He’s not as spiritually in tune as Jinora. But he actually can give decent advice when he’s not trying so hard, and he’s not a bad father (or second father figure) when he focuses on being supportive. (Also, he’s read a lot.)

So just taking that, giving Korra some advice that she’s not her connection with Raava but her own person. (That and something he picked up about the Tree of Time that proved to be spot on accurate.)

Korra takes this lesson and information to connect to her innermost self, tap into the cosmic energy of the universe and turn into a glowing giant. The day is saved, you know the rest. But there’s something missing because the lesson is incomplete.

Korra learning that she’s not her connection with Raava is nice and all, but it fails to truly address Korra’s major issue: that her self worth is still wrapped up in being the Avatar.

Both the book 1 and 2 season finales have demonstrated that. Even though I haven’t rewatched books 3 and 4 yet, I know the show doesn’t resolve this tension, and it weakens Korra’s arc in the process. 

From the outset, Korra is a protagonist designed to contrast Aang. Where is Aang an archetypal reluctant hero, Korra jumps at the chance to be the Avatar from her first moment on screen. Where Aang was well traveled, Korra is sheltered. Where Aang was more spiritually connected, Korra struggles. (Or that’s what TLOK wants you to believe; we saw Aang struggle with both relating to spirits and connecting to other Avatars over the course of ATLA).

While there is the possibility that Korra as the enthusiastic Avatar, then the natural thing to challenge her would be the reality of her “dream job.” And if and how to persist in the face of those difficulties.

But the other one, especially for Korra whose self worth is tied up in being the Avatar, would be giving her the opportunity to discover who she is outside of that. Especially with the combination of how sheltered she was and how young she is.

[i-am-extremely-mad]

Started watching The Legend of Korra again. I'm now on the eighth episode of Book 1. This show is great and once again the rewatch only confirmed to me how terribly underrated and misunderstood it is. 

Here are brief instructions and explanations:

1. TLOK is DieselPunk fantasy (reason why there are cars, airships and RetroFuturistic technologies like Mechas) and main theme is conflict between tradition and progression and what place Korra as person and Avatar have in this new modern world.

2. TLOK have two story arcs, Book 1 is more or less self-contained mini series, while Books 2, 3 and 4 were simultaneously in production and make 3-part story arc that is basically reverse ATLA story arc. 

First arc I call "The Equalists arc" while second arc I call "A New Spiritual Age arc".

Titles of Books aren't random: Book 2: Spirits is dealing with changes between Material and Spirit Worlds, Book 3: Change is dealing with unforseen good and bad consequences that change caused, and  Book 4: Balance, well, to finally find Balance in this new modern, drastically changed world.

3. Aang fight super villain, Ozai, who is firebender, who is horrible to his children (brother and sister), and who use cosmic event (Sozin's Comet) to boost his powers to try destroying world at the END of the story.

Korra fight super villain, Unalaq, who is waterbender, who is horrible to his children (brother and sister), and who use cosmic event (Harmonic Convergence) to boost his powers to try destroying world at the BEGINNING of the story.

4. Aang almost die at the end of Book 2 and Katara take care for his recovery.

Korra almost die at the end of Book 3 and Asami take care for her recovery.

5. Unalaq misused spiritual and mystical powers for destruction and conquer, Kuvira misused scientific and technological powers for destruction and conquer, and replicate Unalaq/Vaatu powers by making basically Mecha-Unavaatu.

6. Every main villain represents some form of fascism/fascist like ideology: Amon and Equalists: non-benders supremacists, Unalaq: clero-fascism, Red Lotus: co/nservative "li/bertarianism", Kuvira: Nazism.

[sunnybeanbun]

Thank you to @sugarcomatosed for the tag! :D

I've been tagged!

3 Ships:

- Iori Fuyusaka & Ei Sekigahara (sekifuyu) of 13 Sentinels

- Sam & the Farmer of Stardew Valley

- Vi & Caitlyn (caitvi) of Arcane: League of Legends

1st Ship: My earliest memory is a toss up between Lina Inverse & Gourry Gabriev or Amelia & Zelgadis from the Slayers??? Probably the latter cause I enjoy the Broody Individual with the Sunny Puppy dynamic.

Either them or... probably Yumi & Ulrich from Code Lyoko LOL. I rewatched the show recently on Netflix and I realized how frustrating and mildly problematic their relationship really is.

Last song: Melodies of Life - FF9

Last movie: The Adams Family (1991) ! I watched Wednesday and I had to see one of the original movies after. :D

Currently consuming: Coffee with hazelnut creamer and these adobo-flavored Lay's chips (a bit too salty for me... also it tastes more like chili).

Currently watching: Extraordinary Attorney Woo! Such a cute show so far... and I want to eat kimbap:o;

Currently reading: The Shadow of Kyoshi by F.C Yee & Michael Dante DiMartino. Great book so far and without spoiling too much, we learn more about the A:tla/TLOK Universe during... specifically earlier Fire Nation culture and customs in the second book.

After that, I got my eyes on Witch Hat Atelier Vol. 1 !!

Currently craving: Tea and boba, either Oolong or Wintermelon flavor with snacks... like popcorn chicken or calamari.

Tagging:

@desansen @erikavart @runicmagitek

[avatarrewatch]

AVATAR REWATCH 2020: BOOK 1, EPISODES 8 AND 9

Wow, is that.... AVATAR ROKU?? And in the following episode, are there.... PIRATES???? 

If this sounds exciting to you, please join us for Avatar Rewatch! 

For Europe/Africa:

Chapter 6: Imprisoned 9pm (CET, 8PM GMT) Chapter 7: The Spirit World 9:30pm (CET, 8:30 GMT)

And later a watch for the Americas: starts at 9:00pm EST (GMT-5) / 6:00pm PST (GMT-8).

Join us on discord: https://discordapp.com/invite/pzvTASK

Avatar Rewatch 2020 Calendar: http://bit.ly/2w0X4wE

These amazing title cards were done by the incredible MasterKiddoJinora!

[sippingdaisies]

as promised my sister started watching legend of korra and as ever her reactions are priceless.

Book 1:

Korra’s entire personality is just: not to flex but -

Ikki and Meelo have Aang’s eyes. I’m going to cry

Poor Tenzin  is a tired dadTM

oMg gAnGsTeRs!!!

about Mako: ‘We love a broody firebender with a tragic backstory’

@pabu you can try but you’ll never be momo

Korra’s just like: Oh see that really dangerous terrorist right over there? yeah, imma fight him.

Amon is so casual about everything. I hate it.

wHeRe iS kAtArA’s sTaTuE???

Tenzin: Republic City is at war. 

Her: Well that’s just what we want to hear

Cabbage Corp?? I’m done. I can’t

The 1920s vibe is so strong

When Korra and Asami are in the race car: HERE WE GO LESBIANS HERE WE GO

Any time Lin does anything: DAMN BEI FONG

About Hiroshi: No shit Korra was right, he evil!

Upon seeing the mechatanks: Iron Man, is that you?

Any time Mako and Bolin appear: iT’s tHe fABuLoUs bEnDiNg bRoThErS

Then immediately after: Let’s be real the truly fabulous thing about mako and bolin isn’t their bending, it’s their eyebrows.

I relate to korra because she just naruto runs towards conflict

0.2 seconds after Iroh II appears: I can already tell he’s a babe but I wouldn’t expect anything less from someone called Iroh.

IS THAT ZUKO’S VOICE ACTOR?!? 

Iroh II: my grandfather would respect the avatar’s instinct

Her: lmao bitch since when?

did that bitch really just take Korra’s bending? fuck this shit

the avatar state doesn’t look as cool without the glowing arrows and that’s that on that

Mako and Korra are cute and all but their relationship is so....it’s very....I don’t know...straight.

[bendgineer]

Can we just appreciate the use of “camera work” in Legend of Korra’s animation??? The frame of reference literally shakes as if a real plane is flying past.

[sugarqueen-katara]

I was rewatching atla/tlok in a random order and realised that Book 3 episode 1 of atla (The Awakening) and Book 4 episode 7 of tlok (Reunion) are really similar

1. The avatar returns 

Aang wakes up after weeks being in a coma

Korra returns after being gone for 3 years

2- Both avatars feel like they have failed

The classic "I need my honour back"

“I feel like such a failure” after being defeated by Kuvira

3- Finally (my favourite) the I like your hair kataang/korrasami scene

partial credit/inspiration @asamisato-korrasimp​ 

[avatar-news]

Avatar Studios updates from Bryke’s interview on the official Avatar podcast: they have a “very ambitious, multi-tiered plan” and more!

If you didn’t know, Nickelodeon has launched an official Avatar podcast called Avatar: Braving the Elements. For the most part, it’s a rewatch of the show with hosts Janet Varney (the voice of Korra) and Dante Basco (the voice of Zuko and Iroh II). However, they also have special guests on from time to time, and for the most recent episode, they interviewed Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra co-creators, and Avatar Studios co-Chief Creative Officers Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

While they didn’t get too into Avatar Studios (keep in mind this was likely recorded several months ago), they did mention some stuff that does give us some key new information.

Here’s all of it!

They’re working on “new stories” and have been “finding great creative partners to work with” them.

They have “mapped out a very ambitious, multi-tiered” plan

They actually used the words “multi-tiered” more than once. My best interpretation of this is that there will be main, flagship stories, as well as secondary spinoffs, potentially miniseries, etc.

They also said that there will be “shows and animated stuff” but also “other stuff beyond in publishing”. This could also fit the “multi-tiered” description, and seems to indicate that future Avatar content in the form of novels, books, comics, etc. will be under the Avatar Studios banner. (However, they did also mention “and podcasts like this” (paraphrase) which notably is under the Nickelodeon banner, not Avatar Studios, and doesn’t seem to have Avatar Studios involvement (again, Bryke were specifically guests) so I’m not sure what to make of that.)

They have a “long plan” that could take “20 years”

Okay, the 20 years thing was mostly a joke, but it does give us an idea of the scale they’re planning on. Specifically, Mike said that if they “make all this stuff you guys are gonna be podcasting for the next twenty years or so I think”.

Other franchise-based production companies like Marvel Studios are known for phases of storytelling planned well in advance, with releases set for many years in the future. It’s good to hear that there’s some indication of a long-term plan from Avatar Studios (even mostly relayed as a joke).

Avatar Studios will have stories set in the past and future of the world of Avatar

They’re going to “go deeper into this big, rich, largely untapped history and future”.

This is pretty exciting news to hear! There are so many interesting time periods to explore, and specifically mentioning the future seems to hint that the next earth Avatar after Korra will indeed be coming as a third main series at some point.

Each project will have its own feeling, look, and tone

They “want each of these projects to have its own feeling, its own tone and look” that are “true to the Avatar world but very different expressions of it”.

This is very interesting information. I personally don’t interpret this as saying there will be vastly different art styles, but rather in the way that ATLA was more travelling fantasy while TLOK Book 1 was a gritty noir piece.

Related to that...

Avatar Studios projects will target different audiences and age groups

They were talking about how the two original series already attracted different audiences and age groups despite being technically kids’ shows, and then said that “new stuff will even push into other audiences”.

Could we be getting movies or series made specifically for adults, that are able to push some boundaries that the originals couldn’t? The Kyoshi novels already did a great job of this, bringing in some more explicitly mature moments as well as realistic violence including blood and “on-screen” death.

Avatar Studios will realize some ideas that the creators have had since ATLA and Korra

There are “ideas that we’ve been excited about for a long time that we’re finally getting to dive into”.

Notably, this has happened before, with the Avatar Wan backstory having been planned during ATLA but not included until Korra, and the story of Fire Lady Ursa having originally been pitched as a post-series animated film before being done as a graphic novel trilogy. Who knows what else is in store that will finally see the light of day!

That’s all the new information as far as I heard in my listen. Notably, they didn’t specifically mention the animated theatrical film that was announced as Avatar Studios’ first project. Not sure if this means plans have changed, or it was down to the timing of when the podcast was recorded, or what, but I do find it interesting. Also interesting is that none of the official statements at the launch of Avatar Studios earlier this year actually included the film, that was a detail relayed by (still official) news articles. I’m not sure what to make of this, but I guess we’ll find out soon!

San Diego Comic-Con is traditionally where big Avatar panels have been held to officially announce and reveal information about the main shows. This year’s is from July 23rd to 25th, and is our current best bet for new info! The schedule hasn’t been announced yet, so look out for that. If there’s an official Avatar Studios panel, that’s where we’ll get our first big news.

[yiangchen]

TLOK Book 1 Rewatch Thoughts...

1. While only having seen the show as a whole once, I’ve seen Book 1 about four times now I think. I just love it. It’s honestly really really solid and I enjoy it a lot.

2. Amon is a very compelling villain. I used to think that him being a bloodbender was kinda stupid because it undermined the revolution, but I’m not sure I agree with that anymore. Due to his upbringing, he had a very valid reason for thinking all bending is evil.

3. The murder/suicide scene with Noatak and Tarrlok is so sad but so good.

4. Korra being able to airbend feels way more earned to me this time around. I had never realized that her fear of Amon was part of her mental block, and once he took away her ability to bend the other three elements, she realized she had nothing left to lose. It’s a very earned moment the more I think about it.

5. Which reminds me...Aang giving her back her bending at the end is actually earned as well. Letting go of her fear of Amon was also pivotal in her connecting to her spiritual self. 

6. I absolutely love the scene in episode 2 where Korra moves like an airbender to win the pro bending match. I get major chills every time. 

7. While parts of the love triangle are cringy, the way that Korra acts honestly makes sense considering she’s never interacted with kids her own age all that much before, if at all. 

8. When Bolin and Korra are on their date, they do seem lowkey perfect for each other, and honestly, I can see it. 

9. Also, I do still really enjoy a lot of the Makorra moments in Book 1. They’re cute, okay. Ngl. (They were my original ship back when I first watched the show. I don’t love them nearly as much as I had then, but I still like them a fair amount.)

10. One of my favorite parts about this rewatch was noticing all the little Korrasami moments. I know that they didn’t originally intend for Korrasami to end up together at all, considering that the Book 1 finale was originally the finale of the whole series and Makorra got together, but there are quite a few Korrasami moments.

11. Lin and Tenzin are still my two faves. I LOVE THEM. Also, Jinora!

12. However, my only complaint with Tenzin’s character is that I really wish that he and some of his children had some SWT elements in their Air Nomad robes.

13. Iroh II making an appearance is one of the highlights of the season imo.

14. Lin’s sacrifice is one of the saddest moments, but I kinda love it. 

15. You know what? I love probending. It’s so fun. 

16. Mako wearing his father’s scarf as a parallel to Katara wearing her mother’s necklace. I’M CRYING.

17. I still refuse to believe that Katara banned bloodbending entirely. It makes sense that she would ban the use of it to control/hurt people, however, I absolutely love the hc that she developed medicinal uses for it. I like to think that she trained a select few how to save lives with bloodbending and that most of the waterbending staff in hospitals have a license to do so. Technically, there is nothing in canon that disproves this. Bloodbending is illegal, but there could be exceptions if it means saving a life. Just saying.

18. The music is just incredible. The animation too.

19. Naga is the best. 

[low-budget-korra]

 Just  answering some questions ive saw in avatarverse twitter (credits to  @yuekataras for making the thread)

- who’s your one absolute comfort character Korra

- what’s your comfort ship Korrasami

-what character do u see yourself into the most and why?  Korra, cuz we are two lgbt woc who grown up with tons of expectations put in our shoulders. We also grew up overprotected from the world and that led to a difficult late teenage and early adult life cuz we didn't know how to do shit and life beat us like a mf. We trusted  people who scar us. We both fought battles against mental illness and when we are in rock bottom we just isolate ourself from everyone. And we both simp for hot femme brunettes with girlboss energy

-what’s your fave season of atla? Whats your fave season of tlok? Book 3 of atla is a masterpiercer. I also like book 3 of tlok, but today i will choose book 1 because everytime i rewatch it, i left with another discover or view of what happen there and everything is just so real and i think is the actually most dark season od tlok

-who’s your favorite villain? Azula 

-most overrated avatarverse character? Kuvira. She def aint all that. All of other main villains from both shows are better written within their goals and all of them are stronger than her, cuz all of them Ozai, Azula, Amon, Unalaq and Zaheer represented a real threat to the Avatar’s life and the fight their had kept you on edge because you knew they were powerfull. With Kuvira... her first match with Korra she was actually about to lose if Korra didnt had allucinate. And teh final battle, fighting one vs one with Korra, the avatar pulled her punches too much and it feel like Korra could murder Kuvira anytime she wanted

-most underrated avatarverse character? Katara. People joke so much about her that they forget how powerfull she really is. Katara can legit beat all of the others Gaang members, excepect Aang cuz he is the Avatar.

-who’s the most tragic character in your opinion? Azula. She was just a kid when everything happened and she needed help, love and support. And the away bryke destroy her character in the comics after The Search is something that enfuriates me as a fan and a fellow writer

-what duo did you want to see more of? Azula and Katara. I know they arent a duo but they have so similar backstorys and arcs that i wish they had more scenes together. I think it would be better than Zutara scenes.

what’s your favorite headcanon? Azula is a lesbian. Lin and Kya are a couple.Azula got the help she needed and was one of Korra firebender teachers.Korra find a way to connect with the past avatars in the spirit world.

[firelxdykatara]

I would actually be really genuinely interested to read your defence of Makorra. I’ve never really been partial to any of the TLOK ships but I know that one gets a lot of hate (even though I don’t see anything wrong with people shipping it) and I’m just curious to see your take.

I've been sitting on this a bit, because it's been a while since I actually sat down and thought about what it is I love so much about Makorra--the fire/water and slap-slap-kiss/BST energy aside--and it reminded me that I actually rewatched the first three episodes of LoK not that long ago (which is when I had my revelation about Equalist Asami, and how I think that the Equalist Mako and Korra fight in episode three was originally meant to be Asami's true introduction to the show, to be revealed when it became clear she and her father were Equalists), because of this meta by @devildogdemon on episode three that reminded me just how much those early episodes made me love Makorra well before the love triangle crashed onto the scene and everything went tits up.

I've spoken before about how what I really loved about Makorra was the potential:

I personally loved Makorra, but I loved it for what it could have been, not what it wound it actually being in the show–but that’s because the love triangle was sloppy as hell and poorly handled, and it took the place of actual bonding for the krew and development of their individual friendships.

This still holds true, and I think the foundations were all very well laid out in the meta that I linked above.

When Mako and Korra had time alone together, and were in a stressful situation, they worked incredibly well together, despite the way their personalities--Mako a bit staid and stoic, used to shoving down his emotions so that he could be the parent his little brother needed and, as a result, never learning how to process how he felt in a healthy manner, while Korra spent her whole life among adults and as a result never really learned how to just be a kid, or how to relate to others her own age, so she is brash and reckless and does what she thinks is necessary because she's never been around people who had to ask permission before they just Did Things and hey, she's the avatar, shouldn't she be the one everyone is looking to for leadership???--tended to clash, especially early on.

They slid almost effortlessly into the Battle Couple trope when it came time to fight--to try and get Bolin back, and to protect one another--and those scenes in Book 1 feel a lot like Zuko and Katara training together at the end of book 3, covering each other's blind spots and accomodating for each other's weaknesses. This is also, incidentally, the episode where Korra winds up wearing Mako's scarf--the one memento he has from his parents, who were killed when he was a child. Sound familiar?

-insert image of katara's necklace around zuko's wrist here-

And before anyone gets on me about the parallels, I'm not saying that Makorra is the same as Zutara (although if you told me that Bryke intended it to be, I'd believe it--either because they thought they were finally giving the shippers what they wanted or, more likely, they wanted to show why they believed zk would never work), but the parallels do exist, and it's largely because Mako occupies the same position within the krew that Katara does within the gaang. They also have the BST and the banter more than any other relationship in the krew, so of course they're going to wind up paralleled to the relationship in the gaang that had the most narrative tension. They are still, at the end of the day, very different relationships, because Mako and Korra are very different people than Zuko and Katara.

But I'm just saying, the symbolism of one half of the pair wearing the other's only physical link to their dead parents........it's there. I didn't make this up.

They also, again like zutara, have this moment of emotional closeness and vulnerability early in the book--in episode 3, where Mako reveals to Korra what happened to his parents and why he had history with the triads, which casts some light on why he acted the way he did in the very first episode (I've seen people getting on Mako's ass about how 'mean' he was to Korra, but like, a) he was very calm about it, and b) how else would you expect someone who lived hand to mouth on the street for an entire decade to react to someone claiming they had 'nothing' in the same breath as admitting that they'd never had to want for anything in their entire life?), and allows them to become closer emotionally--as friends and potentially more, given the explicitly romantic framing of the interaction and several others throughout the episode.

Ultimately, what initially drew me in to Makorra was that slap-slap-kiss/Belligerent Sexual Tension they had in the beginning of book 1, but what really makes me think of what they could have been is the way their relationship developed in episode 3 and the groundwork that was laid for a slow-burn there, rather than Korra deciding she was in love with him just in time for Asami to crash into the scene and nab him first.

(Incidentally, had Asami been an Equalist like she was originally supposed to, this could all have been part of a larger plot and Korra could have slowly come to realize what Mako meant to her while examining the things she felt when she saw him with Asami--meanwhile, all of their relationships could have been given room to breathe and grow, especially if Bolin's puppy crush on Korra were dropped, and Mako and Korra clashing over Korra's suspicions of Asami wouldn't have been quite so ugly if both of them were proven just a little bit right. And then allow for that betrayal to shake the foundations of the krew before Asami works her way back into their good graces, and Mako and Korra don't get together until they've navigated the fallout from that and discovered how much they really mean to each other.)

Uh... yeah, I rambled for days, hopefully I answered your question adequately! I just. I really love Mako, and I really love what he and Korra could have been to each other, and I really love who Korra could have become if the show let her actually grow organically instead of giving her Character Development Through Brutal Torture, and all of that has I guess kind of sunk into a ball of how the show would look if Makorra were done better to me lol.

[likeadragonfruit]

Normally, I would wait until I was finished with a completed series rewatch to talk about a character’s arc. But I had to say something early. As previously stated, I’ve found Bolin far less likable than the first time I watched The Legend of Korra.

When I gave my opinion of Bolin in the book 1 of TLOK round up, I said that Bolin is great at best, but an obnoxious store brand Sokka at worst. But I hit my breaking point with Bolin in book 2.

The issue isn’t that he can be dumb. There are plenty of likable stupid characters in the past. But there’s nothing endearing about it, and actually it’s worse than simply not being endearing. His stupidity is actively used to facilitate absolutely horrible plot lines. 

So, Bolin is supposed to have problems telling differentiating between the fictional roles of the mover, the public personas of actors and actual reality. And that’s used for such great ideas like him kissing Ginger while she’s tied up and without her consent. Or him constantly being confused at her lack genuine positive response.

Does any of this go anywhere? Have him face what he did wrong with the kiss? Tie into the whole identity and true self thing Tenzin goes through, which is supposed to build to the lesson Korra was supposed to take away in the finale? 

Nope, never address the kiss, consent or boundaries? Their last interaction is Ginger deciding she wants to be (seen as being) with him. 

As for the whole fiction and reality thing, the big resolution of that is basically nothing. I mean, Bolin does use his brain cells to save the President and First Lady in a sequence where reality mirrors the mover on screen. But Bolin seems to just ditch the whole thing when President Raiko refuses to mobilize the United Forces, Bolin jokes that he wishes never saved the President. Then he apologizes to Mako and the story pretends basically pretends none of that happened.

And considering in the future, he supports Kuvira, but gee, is completely ignorant of the things she’s doing…

[kirbyspits]

A lot of Makorra shippers only moved on because they’re afraid of being called homophobic for not shipping korrasami. I LITERALLY saw someone on Instagram yesterday call a makorra shipper homophobic just for saying korrasami came out of nowhere. Also, Korrasami shippers LOVE to bring up the "popping bottles" backlash to make fun of makorra shippers. I left the tlok fandom in 2014 bc it was so toxic as a teenager, but now i’m 23. I’m no longer afraid of shipping something i always loved.

Ah, yes, I realized I didn’t address the fandom's toxicity in the last ask, but I’ve spoken about it before. I don't talk too much about the past because I was at the edge of the fandom back in 2014/2015. I was aware of fights, but the discussions I saw were moreso on bi-erasure. I saw one post saying it was wrong to ship Makorra. I remember being really confused about why Makorra was actually problematic, but I didn’t appreciate being told who I can ship the only dark-skinned woman protagonist on a major television network with. Why are you forcing me to ignore Mako and Korra’s relationship? Book 1 is practically about Mako and Korra, all other characters be damned. Me preferring the story of one pairing and a popular romance trope, second chances, is not wrong, and no one would know how I view the LGBT+ community based on who I ship in one show.

I ended up leaving the community because I was disappointed with season 4 in general. When Korra was released on Netflix, I figured it was time to rewatch the series again (plus, I’ve been binging all my favorite romance anime). So imagine my shock when I created a new Tumblr and Twitter account to rant and rave about TLOK, and I saw nothing but hate and name-calling in the Makorra tags. I saw people casually throwing around the word “homophobic,” and one person said people who don’t like Korrasami are just misogynistic. 

I just wanted pretty pictures, and people are out here psychoanalyzing shippers! So, I dug through some blogs and to feel more grounded with this fandom I didn’t recognize. After reading through their commentaries and experiences, I actually became more upset at Bryke than the teenagers/children who comment on Makorra posts saying how much better Korrasami is or accuse Makorra shippers of being homophobic. 

Yes, I truly believe these comments are mostly coming from people in their late teens and younger, at least in 2020. I can’t speak on 2014/2015, but since we were younger, the early 20s/late teens, I wonder if our age group was also the loudest. Don’t get me wrong, adults can be horrible people and can get really nasty. However, every time I look up the rudest commenters' profiles, they were teens. When one Korrasami shipper wrote “screw Makorra” on my AMV, I figured I’d have some fun trolling them until I clicked on their profile and saw a child. Needless to say, I ignored them and reflected on how parents are allowing their babies on TikTok while my parents freaked out at the idea of showing my picture on FB growing up. 

*I’m not still mad about that*

Also, while it doesn’t give anyone an excuse to make such a strong accusation, part of me, as a straight person, feels like I can’t get too upset because I also become very aware of my privilege. The space I’m in is a majority of young LGBT+ fans (at least on Twitter where I’ve seen the most toxicity). Some people see TLOK as their safe space and imply why should there be Makorra shippers when they have all these other cis/het shows they can engage with. It doesn’t work like that, of course. TLOK doesn’t only feature Bi characters. They’re POC/Indigenous, women, and Korra has dark skin. That’s a lot of marginalized communities. Makorra/TLOK is my comfort show, not because she’s with a man, but because of the reasons I just listed. Also shipping Korra with Mako doesn’t mean she’s no longer bi. She’d still be attracted to women.

Here’s who I am upset with tho, Bryke. Mostly Bryan. While Makorra shippers called out Korrasami shippers for cyberbullying, the focus seemed to be on Bryan for making it seem like there was something wrong with them for not finding Korrasami’s narrative satisfying. It was especially sad to read bloggers who identified as being part of the LGTB+ community saying Bryan’s hetero-lens dismissed their experience and then having to defend/proving themselves to anonymous messengers. 

Fans saw it as a betrayal. They saw it as the go-head for the rude Korrasami shippers to harass Makorra artists because they “didn’t watch the show correctly.” When the creator, the person you admire, also puts the blame on you, that kind of pain is on another level.

Korrasami shippers played a huge role in kicking Makorra shippers out of the fandom, but we can’t underestimate how much Bryan’s statement is a slap in the face. He used his characters and social justice as a shield for reasonable criticism. Just because we say a story is bad and Asami is grossly underwritten doesn’t mean that we’re against the idea of Korra and Asami being a couple. 

Of course, I’ve seen some very problematic statements from Makorra shippers. After all, homophobia is real. However, aside from the actual bigots, people have no issue with Korrasami. They just wanted a stronger connection between the girls. Many people seem to think Makorra shippers were looking for more romance, but we know we couldn't expect that. We can expect more screentime, musical cues, and more emotional support, which most people can see as platonic, but be romantic if you really want to. Mako’s interactions in book 4 can be seen as platonic, but all of us Makorra shippers saw it to be romantic.

Popping bottles! I completely missed that joke in 2014 and I discovered it this year. I agree it’s pretty annoying, but I become a troll and say I’m popping bottles for my Makorra moments. I don’t get any engagement, but I don’t seem to lose followers for it. Maybe popping bottles represents “straight-baiting?” I don’t get it why it’s so funny after all this time, but we’re Makorra shippers. We’re the joke 🙄

Anyways, to wrap up, lately, there seems to be a bit of a shift on Twitter. When I first created an account. I stayed in my little corner live-tweeting about TLOK and Makorra. I had to stop looking at the Makorra tag because it was so negative. Now, I’m seeing people admit they’re cute, and then saying they’re platonic soulmates. I’ll take it, although, as one commenter said, “that’s boring!” 

Someone led a Makorra Week back in October, and it was really nice! I have feeling people speaking up on the name-calling and reminding people that we’re talking about 2D characters helped. We just want to be left alone and enjoy the scenes we have in the show, art, and fanfiction. 

Keep shipping who you want! Don’t let any stranger shame you for your shipping preferences, especially in fiction! I’m so happy you feel more comfortable shipping these two dorks! You’re not alone! I’ve been a Makorra shipper since 2012, and while I find Korrasami cute (I love Korra, and I love Asami), Makorra is my OTP. I really like them, and I think they were meant for each other.