What do you think?
Rate this book
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search #1
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search, Part 1
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2013)Yang and Gurihiru will return for a second “Avatar: The Last Airbender” graphic novel series called “The Search,” which explores the biggest unsolved mystery in “Avatar” lore: what happened to Prince Zuko’s mother?
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2013
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
379 books3,468 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,263 reviews
July 10, 2017
Okay, so first of all, GO WATCH THE SHOW IF YOU HAVEN'T BECAUSE YOU'RE MISSING OUT ON LIFE. It's literally the best thing out there.
This graphic novel takes place after Aang defeats asshole Ozai and Zuko becomes Fire Lord. Basically the end of the show. During the show, Zuko visists Ozai and asks him about his mother (Ursa), who was always a mystery throughout the entire show. These three part books are about team boomeraang + Azula and - Toph (she's not in the books 😭) discovering why Ozai banished Ursa and searching for her.
This was a fun, nostalgic, funny and emotional read for me. It's original with a mind blowing plot twist at the end that had me SHOOK. I really wasn't planning on reading this (mostly because I totally forgot this even existed atm) but I recently finished my rewatch of the series and couldn't let these kids go so I needed more. And this book was exactly what I needed.
Anyways, if you're a huge fan of the show and watched it, then I totally recommend this!!
This graphic novel takes place after Aang defeats asshole Ozai and Zuko becomes Fire Lord. Basically the end of the show. During the show, Zuko visists Ozai and asks him about his mother (Ursa), who was always a mystery throughout the entire show. These three part books are about team boomeraang + Azula and - Toph (she's not in the books 😭) discovering why Ozai banished Ursa and searching for her.
This was a fun, nostalgic, funny and emotional read for me. It's original with a mind blowing plot twist at the end that had me SHOOK. I really wasn't planning on reading this (mostly because I totally forgot this even existed atm) but I recently finished my rewatch of the series and couldn't let these kids go so I needed more. And this book was exactly what I needed.
Anyways, if you're a huge fan of the show and watched it, then I totally recommend this!!
January 7, 2017
THAT CLIFFHANGER???? EXCUSE ME????????
October 6, 2012
Update: So, I've just finished it, and now I'm angry because I have to wait for the next one. Some pleasant, and not so pleasant surprises.
Confirmed: Ozai is a dick
It was nice to see the group acting like a bunch of kids again. The flashbacks in The Legend of Korra just depressed me, in a good way, but depressed me nonetheless.
The secrets revealed only add to the list of questions I have. The revelation was a bit unnerving, and I'm hoping there is a better explanation because it undermines my favourite character's entire arc. But Avatar doesn't generally shy away from some dark stuff
Ugh to wait till July now.
Questions I really want answered:
1) What really happened the night Fire Lord Azulon died? What were the true circumstances behind his mysterious death? And moreover, what hand possibly did Azula play in all of this?
2) Was the relationship between Ozai and Ursa more than just the sad tale of a truly dysfunctional marriage or an extenuation of the spiritual struggle between Avatar Roku & Fire Lord Sozin of whom both were descended from?
3) Was there any special connection between Lady Ursa and Iroh? Did she make any prior arrangements with him to entrust Zuko to his care should anything happen to her? Was she the one that gave Iroh the ceremonial headpiece Avatar Roku lost during the volcanic eruption in the Season 3 episode "The Avatar And The Firelord"?
4) Did Ozai attempt to do away with Ursa following the death of Fire Lord Azulon? And if so, how was his plan thwarted? By spiritual means, perhaps?
5) Why can't Nyla smell Ursa?
(questions found on Avatar Wiki.)
I sincerely hope Azula's reasons for finding her mother do not include killing her so her hallucinations stop.
Confirmed: Ozai is a dick
It was nice to see the group acting like a bunch of kids again. The flashbacks in The Legend of Korra just depressed me, in a good way, but depressed me nonetheless.
The secrets revealed only add to the list of questions I have. The revelation was a bit unnerving, and I'm hoping there is a better explanation because it undermines my favourite character's entire arc. But Avatar doesn't generally shy away from some dark stuff
Ugh to wait till July now.
Questions I really want answered:
1) What really happened the night Fire Lord Azulon died? What were the true circumstances behind his mysterious death? And moreover, what hand possibly did Azula play in all of this?
2) Was the relationship between Ozai and Ursa more than just the sad tale of a truly dysfunctional marriage or an extenuation of the spiritual struggle between Avatar Roku & Fire Lord Sozin of whom both were descended from?
3) Was there any special connection between Lady Ursa and Iroh? Did she make any prior arrangements with him to entrust Zuko to his care should anything happen to her? Was she the one that gave Iroh the ceremonial headpiece Avatar Roku lost during the volcanic eruption in the Season 3 episode "The Avatar And The Firelord"?
4) Did Ozai attempt to do away with Ursa following the death of Fire Lord Azulon? And if so, how was his plan thwarted? By spiritual means, perhaps?
5) Why can't Nyla smell Ursa?
(questions found on Avatar Wiki.)
I sincerely hope Azula's reasons for finding her mother do not include killing her so her hallucinations stop.
July 1, 2012
2.8
I'M NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. Perhaps it's because I've expected too much prior to reading. Or perhaps the whole thing is...stupid. There, I said it. One thing is for certain though: I didn't fangirl as much as I expected to. Is it that "unfangirl" worthy? No... all in all, it was okay. But my inner ATLA fangirl made me feel obliged to rate it 3 stars.
Ahem, is it me or do Sokka and Katara (even Aang) seem out of character? Sokka was snarky for sure, but his snarks didn't feel right. It felt like some of the witty comments were thrown in forcibly for the sake of making Sokka witty. Maybe it's just me...
Katara... she was overly bossy. I expected her to react more maturely when Zuko suggested to let Azula join. The characterization of Aang and Katara reflected how they were in Book 1 (not the dynamic characters they were in Book 2 & 3). On the other hand, Zuko's character was quite spot on. I luv'd how he cared for Azula. And heheh, Azula in a straitjacket? Where did that come from?
On to the rant about the *gasp* thing.
And now, I shall wait for Part 2. Cross my fingers and hope it all goes well~! Looking forward to find out wazzup w/ the whole spirit thing.
[Read on April 1, 2013]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRE-READ; JUNE 30, 2012
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2013??!!
Must. Have. Patience.
I'M NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. Perhaps it's because I've expected too much prior to reading. Or perhaps the whole thing is...stupid. There, I said it. One thing is for certain though: I didn't fangirl as much as I expected to. Is it that "unfangirl" worthy? No... all in all, it was okay. But my inner ATLA fangirl made me feel obliged to rate it 3 stars.
Ahem, is it me or do Sokka and Katara (even Aang) seem out of character? Sokka was snarky for sure, but his snarks didn't feel right. It felt like some of the witty comments were thrown in forcibly for the sake of making Sokka witty. Maybe it's just me...
Katara... she was overly bossy. I expected her to react more maturely when Zuko suggested to let Azula join. The characterization of Aang and Katara reflected how they were in Book 1 (not the dynamic characters they were in Book 2 & 3). On the other hand, Zuko's character was quite spot on. I luv'd how he cared for Azula. And heheh, Azula in a straitjacket? Where did that come from?
On to the rant about the *gasp* thing.
And now, I shall wait for Part 2. Cross my fingers and hope it all goes well~! Looking forward to find out wazzup w/ the whole spirit thing.
[Read on April 1, 2013]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
PRE-READ; JUNE 30, 2012
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2013??!!
Must. Have. Patience.
August 23, 2019
I LOVE THIS! The dialogue sounds exactly as it does in the show and the artwork is great too!
I need the next one immediately though because it ended on a cliffhanger :(
I need the next one immediately though because it ended on a cliffhanger :(
June 21, 2026
The story starts well as Zuko learns some secrets about his absent mother and takes his Avatar buddies and his unpredictable sister Azula on a mission to find her. However, as with many stories in this series, it is broken into parts at only 76 pages per part. This part doesn't stand on its own as a satisfying read. To get the whole story, you'll need to buy both parts.
January 21, 2021
Excuse me, what!?
December 22, 2012
IS THIS REAL LIFE?! ARE WE REALLY GOING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO ZUKO'S MOM??!!??
January 19, 2019
"Family is in essence a small nation, and the nation a large family. Do you understand? In treating his own family with dignity, a ruler learns to govern his nation with dignity."
I missed these characters so much, their humor and dynamic always warms my heart and makes me have a great time.
The Search is the reason I discovered that these Avatar comics even existed, so, you may realize that it makes immensely happy to get to read them.
Azula has been a part of this issue makes everything more interesting. She's still crazy, sure, but we will get more of the insight into how she has been and her development. I've always found her eerie and intimidating, also crazy, but as a villain, she has always been really good, and now her arc is... interesting.
The cliffhanger that was thrown out there was, well, unexpected. I don't know how I feel about it. I mean, it's interesting and makes sense, but... will it work? Personally, I'm not sure it's right but I suppose will see.
As for the rest of the characters, well, they just kinda were there for support right now, I suppose they'll be more important later on as we progress in the story. Let's just make an important mention of my precious Iroh whose love of tea makes the world better.
"Thank you for inviting us to your home, your fieriness! We've been out of touch for much too long!
It's only been a weel."
________________________________
How didn't I saw that before? Seriously, it makes all the sense in the world. How?!
RTC.
________________________________
I'm finally continuing with the Avatar comics and I can't be more excited!
It was because of these particular ones that I started reading them, and finally be here is exhilarating. And if this will help me get back on track with my reading challenge, well, that's not my fault, right?
I missed these characters so much, their humor and dynamic always warms my heart and makes me have a great time.
The Search is the reason I discovered that these Avatar comics even existed, so, you may realize that it makes immensely happy to get to read them.
Azula has been a part of this issue makes everything more interesting. She's still crazy, sure, but we will get more of the insight into how she has been and her development. I've always found her eerie and intimidating, also crazy, but as a villain, she has always been really good, and now her arc is... interesting.
The cliffhanger that was thrown out there was, well, unexpected. I don't know how I feel about it. I mean, it's interesting and makes sense, but... will it work? Personally, I'm not sure it's right but I suppose will see.
As for the rest of the characters, well, they just kinda were there for support right now, I suppose they'll be more important later on as we progress in the story. Let's just make an important mention of my precious Iroh whose love of tea makes the world better.
"Thank you for inviting us to your home, your fieriness! We've been out of touch for much too long!
It's only been a weel."
________________________________
How didn't I saw that before? Seriously, it makes all the sense in the world. How?!
RTC.
________________________________
I'm finally continuing with the Avatar comics and I can't be more excited!
It was because of these particular ones that I started reading them, and finally be here is exhilarating. And if this will help me get back on track with my reading challenge, well, that's not my fault, right?
September 18, 2026
❝ Appa has feelings, too! ❞
🔥🌀❤️
Star Rating ★★★★★
⋆˚𖤓˖° Thoughts... ⋆˚𖤓˖°
I LOVED this.
Zuko and Fire Nation family drama and finally getting answers about Ursa? YES PLEASE. 🔥
I really enjoyed the flashbacks and seeing more of Zuko and Azula’s family history, and having Azula travel with the group made everything ten times more chaotic.
•••••••••••••••••••
⋆˚𖤓˖° Pre Read thoughts... ⋆˚𖤓˖°
Zuko finally starts searching for answers about what happened to his mother, Ursa, with Aang, Katara, Sokka and somehow Azula coming along too.
𖤓 Triggers / Tags: family conflict, emotional abuse themes, missing parent, sibling conflict, fantasy violence, adventure, friendship, graphic novel
🔥🌀❤️
Star Rating ★★★★★
⋆˚𖤓˖° Thoughts... ⋆˚𖤓˖°
I LOVED this.
Zuko and Fire Nation family drama and finally getting answers about Ursa? YES PLEASE. 🔥
I really enjoyed the flashbacks and seeing more of Zuko and Azula’s family history, and having Azula travel with the group made everything ten times more chaotic.
•••••••••••••••••••
⋆˚𖤓˖° Pre Read thoughts... ⋆˚𖤓˖°
Zuko finally starts searching for answers about what happened to his mother, Ursa, with Aang, Katara, Sokka and somehow Azula coming along too.
𖤓 Triggers / Tags: family conflict, emotional abuse themes, missing parent, sibling conflict, fantasy violence, adventure, friendship, graphic novel
July 2, 2020
Not the best comic I have read, but it was not bad. It remind me of when I was younger and watch the TV show. My daughter really wants to read it.
February 7, 2022
When I miss Avatar I just start reading the comics 🥺🖤
July 20, 2017
No, it's cool, it's cool.
Not like I need my heart or anything.
I am either being overly emotional today, OR, this was just that good??
This IS Avatar, so I'm going to go with the second option.
The first pages were amazing. Ursa and Ikem? My little heart couldn't handle them!
The rest of the pages were just as amazing.
I am just blabbing now.
To put it simply - read this. Read this NOW.
It's quick. It's funny. It has amazing art. It has an amazing storyline. It's phenomenal.
_______________________________________________
I checked this one out from the library, but I am definitely buying it now to keep in my collection forever.
And ever.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
Not like I need my heart or anything.
I am either being overly emotional today, OR, this was just that good??
This IS Avatar, so I'm going to go with the second option.
The first pages were amazing. Ursa and Ikem? My little heart couldn't handle them!
The rest of the pages were just as amazing.
I am just blabbing now.
To put it simply - read this. Read this NOW.
It's quick. It's funny. It has amazing art. It has an amazing storyline. It's phenomenal.
_______________________________________________
I checked this one out from the library, but I am definitely buying it now to keep in my collection forever.
And ever.
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
September 12, 2020
This series is so freaking weird.
I mean, bringing back Azula is one thing, but come on, that ending? I predicted it a mile away, but still. That's just... dumb. And the character moments were pretty good with Sokka and Katara, but for the most part they're not all there. Zuko's really cool, as always, but there's really something missing in these comics. The TV show is just always going to be better. 2/5 stars.
I mean, bringing back Azula is one thing, but come on, that ending? I predicted it a mile away, but still. That's just... dumb. And the character moments were pretty good with Sokka and Katara, but for the most part they're not all there. Zuko's really cool, as always, but there's really something missing in these comics. The TV show is just always going to be better. 2/5 stars.
July 19, 2026
I feel so bad for Ursa.
April 8, 2013
Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend of Aang was a massive hit for Nickelodeon TV in the mid-noughties, and was followed by a graphic novel The Promise detailing life after the three season TV show, and the followed by a spin-off series, The Legend of Korra. There is also a live action film, but it’s directed by M Night Shyamalan and is pretty fucking terrible – the actors don’t even pronounce the character names correctly.
I’ve read the first part of The Search, watched the entire Legend of Aang show multiple times and am currently in my second viewing of Korra. I am a massive fan of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.I love Gene Luen Yang’s artwork. It really makes me feel immersed in the novel, like I’m watching the TV shows all over again. The use of background action really adds to the immersion experience, and the character voices are spot on to the way the characters speak in the TV show.
Well, except for Katara and Aang calling each other ‘sweetie’ but let’s face it, their relationship is mostly in our heads. We only got to see the very beginning, the awkward kisses, in Aang’s show, and by Korra’s he was (necessarily) dead. Seeing Katara and Aang in an established relationship on the page will always be a little strange – also considering they’re so young yet mature. I estimate by the changes in the character models that Aang might be around fourteen or fifteen in The Search.
I also love the relationship between the softer Zuko (I have a thing for reformed bad guys) and his certified insane sister Azula, whom I love to hate. It was really cool seeing cameos from Suki and Tai Lee, although I wonder if Zuko and Mai are still together (I was never a Zutara shipper). Toph isn’t in the novel because she’s establishing her metalbending school, but Sokka is and come on, he’s my favourite character. YAY SOKKA!
Overall this novel is fantastic for fans of Avatar. I can’t wait to read the next part! I am dying to know what really happened to Ursa, and if the hints dropped in this novel are really true.
Thanks to Dark Horse and Netgalley for providing this advanced reader copy for an honest review.
I’ve read the first part of The Search, watched the entire Legend of Aang show multiple times and am currently in my second viewing of Korra. I am a massive fan of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.I love Gene Luen Yang’s artwork. It really makes me feel immersed in the novel, like I’m watching the TV shows all over again. The use of background action really adds to the immersion experience, and the character voices are spot on to the way the characters speak in the TV show.
Well, except for Katara and Aang calling each other ‘sweetie’ but let’s face it, their relationship is mostly in our heads. We only got to see the very beginning, the awkward kisses, in Aang’s show, and by Korra’s he was (necessarily) dead. Seeing Katara and Aang in an established relationship on the page will always be a little strange – also considering they’re so young yet mature. I estimate by the changes in the character models that Aang might be around fourteen or fifteen in The Search.
I also love the relationship between the softer Zuko (I have a thing for reformed bad guys) and his certified insane sister Azula, whom I love to hate. It was really cool seeing cameos from Suki and Tai Lee, although I wonder if Zuko and Mai are still together (I was never a Zutara shipper). Toph isn’t in the novel because she’s establishing her metalbending school, but Sokka is and come on, he’s my favourite character. YAY SOKKA!
Overall this novel is fantastic for fans of Avatar. I can’t wait to read the next part! I am dying to know what really happened to Ursa, and if the hints dropped in this novel are really true.
Thanks to Dark Horse and Netgalley for providing this advanced reader copy for an honest review.
March 24, 2013
I'm not really sure what I expected going into this, but I was still disappointed to say the least.
The characters seem like caricatures of their former selves. E.G. Sokka is overly funny, Katara is overly serious, etc. The backstory for Ursa was interesting, as well as the relationship dynamic with Ozai, but the bombshell, cliffhanger ending COMPLETELY invalidates one of the best character arcs/developments of any show I've ever seen, let alone an animated one.
I advise A:TLA fans to proceed with caution.
On a more nitpick-y note, I didn't care for the panels where the characters are set against the white page background. It looks unfinished and out of place given that it only occurs on pages 20, 35, and 37.
The characters seem like caricatures of their former selves. E.G. Sokka is overly funny, Katara is overly serious, etc. The backstory for Ursa was interesting, as well as the relationship dynamic with Ozai, but the bombshell, cliffhanger ending COMPLETELY invalidates one of the best character arcs/developments of any show I've ever seen, let alone an animated one.
I advise A:TLA fans to proceed with caution.
On a more nitpick-y note, I didn't care for the panels where the characters are set against the white page background. It looks unfinished and out of place given that it only occurs on pages 20, 35, and 37.
November 4, 2013
OMG SCANDALOUS!
January 17, 2017
Some of the lines were a bit cringy, but the ending tho.
January 17, 2019
The Search for the truth about Zuko's mother is on! Zuko wants to find out what has happened to his mother and will do anything to get the truth. He enlists the help of his sister, who has been been locked up in an institute of some sort but can she be trusted? She's Azula so the answer is usually no! I really enjoyed the flashbacks into Ursa's life and the big mystery that revolves around her! Plus it is so interesting to see how each of the characters react to the new addition to their group. This part left us with a cliff hanger ending and its made me so excited (and confused)! I can't wait to delve deeper and find out what is really going on!
June 1, 2020
I AM YELLING
October 10, 2020
Wow gran revelación final.
December 24, 2021
I KNEW THIS WAS GOING TO BE GOOD, BUT WHAAAAAT??? THAT ENDING
March 8, 2020
Ok, dieser Arc ist ja mal noch viel spannender als der letzte. Weniger kriegerisch, viel persönlicher. Ich bin sehr gespannt, was bei dieser großen Frage rauskommt. Dass Azula zurückkommt, stört mich etwas, weil ich sie absolut nicht leiden kann und ihr an keiner Stelle über den Weg traue... Und ob sie von dieser Reise als geläuterte Person zurückkommt... ich kann es mir nicht vorstellen. Aber ich finde es toll, dass die ganzen Charaktere zusammen auf Mission sind und an einem Strang ziehen. Ich liebe sie alle so sehr.
September 15, 2013
Love the art as always, and the characters (that's a given)! So excited to be starting the next Avatar comic book series after reading The Promise! I am glad I found out that there is an order to read the graphic novel series in, otherwise I would have not understood some of the references this volume made to the events in The Promise trilogy.
Was interesting to have Azula back in action, and to see the new way in which her mind has been twisted. I feel like this series is going to make her a much more complex character than we are led to believe she is from the animated series. Looking forward to it! Also: THAT ENDING!!! I really wanna read the next part in Avatar The Last Airbender: The Search series!
4th read for the TBR Takedown 3.0
Was interesting to have Azula back in action, and to see the new way in which her mind has been twisted. I feel like this series is going to make her a much more complex character than we are led to believe she is from the animated series. Looking forward to it! Also: THAT ENDING!!! I really wanna read the next part in Avatar The Last Airbender: The Search series!
4th read for the TBR Takedown 3.0
January 25, 2017
4.5/5 stars
The Search: Part One is amazing! My brother and I flew through it! This ATLA graphic novel felt even more like the TV show than The Promise did.
The Search has:
• fast pacing
• Azula
• Iroh ♥
• Zuko as a small boy. He is just too adorable!
• background info on Ursa(!), one of the most mysterious characters in ATLA
• and a SHOCKING PLOT TWIST
I'm off to the next ATLA adventure. . . . Yip yip!
The Search: Part One is amazing! My brother and I flew through it! This ATLA graphic novel felt even more like the TV show than The Promise did.
The Search has:
• fast pacing
• Azula
• Iroh ♥
• Zuko as a small boy. He is just too adorable!
• background info on Ursa(!), one of the most mysterious characters in ATLA
• and a SHOCKING PLOT TWIST
I'm off to the next ATLA adventure. . . . Yip yip!
"Family is in essence a small nation, and the nation a large family... In treating his own family with dignity, a ruler learns to govern his nation with dignity.
August 3, 2020
You ever wondered about the fate of Zukos mum? I know I did. I love that we get small glimpses from her life BEFORE she married Ozai and hopefully the conclusion to this storyarc will be satisfying. I'm a bit scared it's going to fall flat because of my high expectations.
June 6, 2017
Daang these really don't hold back.
January 17, 2021
"Suena idealista. Pero quizás al mundo le vendría bien un poco más de idealismo"
July 18, 2026
NOT THE CLIFFHANGER 😱
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,263 reviews