The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire, Part One

The Legend of Korra comics: Ruins of the Empire #1

by Michael Dante DiMartino, Michelle Wong (Illustrator), Vivian Ng (Illustrator)

Korra must decide who to trust as the fate of the Earth Kingdom hangs in the balance!

On the eve of its first elections, the Earth Kingdom finds its future endangered by its past. Even as Kuvira stands trial for her crimes, vestiges of her imperial ambitions threaten to undermine the nation's democratic hopes. But when Korra, Asami, Mako, and Bolin don't all see eye-to-eye as to the solution, drastic measures will be taken to halt a new march to war!

Written by series co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino and drawn by Michelle Wong (Goosebumps: Download and Die), with consultation by Bryan Konietzko, this is the official continuation of the beloved television series!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, LGBT, Fiction, Young Adult, Graphic Novels Comics

76 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2019

About the author

Michael Dante DiMartino is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. His directing credits include the animated series King of the Hill, Family Guy, and Mission Hill. He is a co-creator of the award-winning animated Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequel, The Legend of Korra. DiMartino lives in Los Angeles with his wife. The Rebel Geniuses series is his debut prose work.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this. It's written by one of the creators of the show and the art and coloring is right in line with the show. The Earth Kingdom has decided to hold its first democratic elections but must still deal with remnants of the army.

Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[m i l o u ✨ (Grumpy Hobbit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the election for Earth Empire is drawing closer Kuvira’s trial for her crimes against the world are beginning. Only when one commander in the Earth Empire refuses to surrender Korra, Asami, Mako and Bolin and they have to make a drastic decision that can put everything in jeopardy.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ:☆. *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───






This comic basically takes place shortly after the Turf Wars series ended and continues with Zhu Li as president of Republic City. Who doesn’t love powerful women? King Wu has announced that a democratic election is about to take place which will change the unbalanced fate of the Earth Empire. But there is one commander who is disrupting this plan.

After Kuvira surrendered and is now forced to face the tenants of her crimes she wasn’t expecting that her part wasn’t played yet. There is something that needs to be done.




How freaking soft are Korra and Asami?? It just brings out a huge grin on my face whenever I see them interacting with each other.








Team Avatar is back together for this special mission! Even King Wu is joining their forces. It actually felt a bit like the old days and it was great to see how strong the friendship between all of them is. I’ve never been much of a fan of Mako, but I like him an awful lot more as a character now that he’s not dating Korra and Asami anymore and is actually very supportive of their friendship and a good friend of theirs. I’d say that’s a great development in his character. Also I need to point out that I adore Bolin okay, he needs to be praised as well.










I need to add in some judging Korra in here.








This issue deals with some heavy topics involving politics and war, and how far commander Guan is willing to go to get what he wants. And he doesn’t bend easily. For a moment it made me think that Kuvira genuinely wasn’t as bad as she was during book 4, but only for a moment. Because Kuvira was definitely an evil and corrupted dictator, and commander Guan shares the same views and beliefs that Kuvira used to.

Tension is rising as the election date for the Earth Empire draws closer and it appears to be falling to shambles. Luckily Korra and Asami support each other through this and have each other’s back until the end. Can y’all see how much in love these two are with each other? I have no words for it.







I need to say that Turf Wars was illustrated by Irene Koh this was illustrated by Michelle Wong and I love her artstyle which still feels very close to that of Irene.




Guess now all I have to do is to patiently wait for Part Two to drop.


Books in the series:



↠ Genre: Avatar The Last Airbender Universe, LGTB, Comic
↠ Pov: Multiple
↠ Type: Book 1 out of 3 in the Ruins of the Empire Series
↠ Rating: 4,5 stars



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[Alexandra Elend Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruins of the Empire really is a very logical continuation in the narrative.

Why would all the Earth Empire Army follow the order that Kumira sent? That wouldn't go according to human nature. This does.

And it's handled in such a beautiful way.

I thought the story was going in one very-specific-direction and then wham! it took that u-turn and became something completely different.

I really like that this is a different kind of game than the one Korra is used to handling. It spices things up.

I really can't wait to see more of it. It's gonna be fun!
______________________

Ok, then.

I'm liking where this is going.

RTC.
______________________

First of all, I think this title is completely awesome. I love it.

Second, even though Korra isn't my complete favorite I enjoyed the first issues and hope I can enjoy this one too. Especially because the art style in this is exactly the kind I love the most in comics.

I'm entering this without having even read the synopsis so... I hope to be surprised!

[Manisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up shortly after the previous comic series as we follow how the world is making a change from the Monarchy to Democracy. All of my favourite characters have returned, and I’m surprised to say that King Wu is standing out as the most entertaining. I hope he’s here to stay.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heh, solid.

Could have used more action, though. It felt like the first episode of a whole season.

But 'The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire, Part One' is a nice and relevant follow-up to the series, where you just have to find out where it's going. 'The Legend of Korra' comics are getting more and more political, but it's never boring, nor is it overt in its allusions to certain political climates in the real world. It feels like a natural progression, organic even, not a smack-on-the-head, "GET IT? GET IT? GET IT? RELEVANCE!" preachy message. Despite the politics - the teaching of the ways of a successful and/or failing democracy - there's plenty of room to breathe and enjoy a good story, with characters you care about.

Everyone is in-character and lovely and understanding of one another. The dialogue is genuine and humourous at times. As usual, the art is great and stays true to the animated show. I barely noticed the change in artists.

And who could neglect to mention Korrasami! The couple are a good team, and they do kiss again! Finally! Yey!

Plus, I'm relieved that, while the comic saga seems to be building up Kuvira's redemption arc, her terrible crimes (like attempted murder, and actual murder) are not glossed over or forgotten about. Each character has good reason for not forgiving her and trusting her. I do like her - I love complex female villains; we get so little of those - but I know she shouldn't be given an easy pass. I want to see a female villain go through well-written character development and redemption, which have nothing to do with falling for a guy (seriously, in all fiction, name me one other female ex-baddie who DOESN'T change because of a guy on the good side. I don't think there are any).

Korra is less impulsive, and more calm, level-headed and reasonable than before. It's a nice, consistent progression for her; as a person, a friend, and as the Avatar. Other shout-outs to female characters in this comic include: President Zhu Li Moon, and Naga the polar bear-dog! And of course Asami and Kuvira. Since this arc will focus on the Earth Kingdom, there will be little to no inclusion of the Air nomads and characters associated with Republic City, and will feature Suyin Beifong and her family.

'The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire, Part One' - Too short! But I'm looking forward to Part Two.

Final Score: 4/5

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ruins of the Empire, Part One! Avatar has always been a very political series and I'm very keen to see how the democratisation of the Earth Kingdom plays out, and I'm glad that Ruins of the Empire is looking more at the dissolution of Kuvira's schemes. And of course it's super interesting having Kuvira back in the story!

[jessica ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! It’s been so long since I’ve been able to actually say that about an Avatar comic, I’m completely ecstatic! Kuvira is one of my absolute favorite characters and I’m so glad to see her up front again.

[retrometro (ocelot’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

i start school again tomorrow i need some support

[Shan( Shans_Shelves) 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit, this was so freaking good. I was skeptical, considering I liked Turf wars but I can’t say I loved it. However the authors brought their A-game with this addition to the series.

Are we about to get a Zuko Redemption ARC with Kuvira? We better be!!! I’m so excited. I freaking loved her in the series even when she became power hungry!! I would be worried but these two created the best damm redemption arc of all time. I said what I said. If anyone can do a good one with Kuvira it’s these authors!!

Also and this is a spoiler but - THE ONE. THE ONLY. THE BADDEST EARTH/METAL BENDER OF ALL TIME IS COMING BACK.

If all goes to plan Toph might have a really big part in the next two volumes and yes!!! PLEASE. I love her so much!!😭😭

Of course, Korra and the team were also awesome and prince Wu is in this one. I missed the annoying little shit.

Korra and Asami still going strong and showing a united front and what healthy relationships are all about. I love them.

Overall- AMAZING. I need volume 2!!!

[Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why exactly I'm enjoying this one so much - maybe it has something to do with the art style? This one is definitely more accurate to the show than the previous LoK comic, so maybe that's it - but I also like the topic of dealing with Kuvira in the aftermath of LoK. It's very compelling, honestly.

I also like that Wu hasn't just been made a running joke - he is still a comedic side character in ways, but this book also let him mature and be clever and reasonable about things. (Also, screw it, I think I ship him with Mako now. Oops.)

I'm having fun so far. 4/5 stars.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Korra graphic novels continue to be excellent! This one is really interesting, and it’s giving me “The Search” vibes in terms of Kuvira being the Azula of this story. Although I expect Kuvira will see much more redemption than Azula, for better or worse. The political angle of this story is probably my favorite. 5/5 stars

[fireS23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reasons to love avatar:
Look at the variety of people


also:
به خال هندویش بخشم سمرقند و بخارا را:))

[Bara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the previous comics trilogy for establishing Korrasami as official and for discussing gay rights in the Avatar-verse but tbh I think I'm going to enjoy these comics more because there are like twice as more jokes as in the previous installments.

King Wu is back, Zhu Li is now the main power supporting the Krew (I'm really glad she won the elections but I secretly wish to see her and her husband Varrick to team up to build some superawesome invention again).

LOL, if any single comics issue captured the essence of the cartoon series the most it's probably this one.

I'm calling it now: Guan wins the election and the Krew will have to find a way how to discredit him. I mean, the Avatarverse people have a bad history when it comes to trusting the right autority figures: Ozai, Raiko, Amon, Kuvira...the list goes on. In comparison, Zhu Li and Wu are an outlier not the default. Of course, he WILL win when he employs mindwashing. Though he would have decent chances even without it.

Or sth even better: Wu enters the election as HIMSELF! Now that would be hilarious. King president, I like the ring of it. :D

Oi, they want to convince Toph to become a politician. Toph is great but she's an old lady, who deserves to rest. Politics requires health and energy and what if Toph falls ill and they have to organize new elections. Really, Guan just has to wait and seize the power when the new elections come around. Wu would be much better candidate. Not to mention that Toph is very blunt and that can be a disadvantage in politics. And she spent last zears as a hermit, she has no idea of what the average people deal with in their day to day lives (though prince Wu may be a bit out of touch too when it comes to this)

[lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book series keeps getting better and better!

I'm convinced that whichever misgivings I had with regards to the first book in the Turf Wars series were simply a by-product of the creatives having to transition from TV to print.

The writer has finally managed to reach something of a balance in Korra's characterisation. Even though she is vaguely annoying, she is also multifaceted in a plethora of other ways. I found her portrayal so much more enjoyable and realistic. Urg!! I am so happy with what they have done with Korra!! I can only imagine how much better the TV series would've been if they had taken this much care when shaping her.

I also love the other subplots in the story. Zhu Lin continues to be a baddie in general and in the political world. Bolin is also becoming super three dimensional - I like how they are showing that he is struggling to find his identity/purpose, especially since he is surrounded by people who are so certain of what they want in mind. His brother continues being a piece of eye candy. And Asami *sigh* what a queen.

The plot is also phenomenal. I know that this is only the first part, as such it is mostly buildup, but it is soooooo good. I've already complimented the LoK writer for making such realistic plots, but this one is even better. Gah! The whole democracy thing? Commander Guan? This is amazing!

And obviously, what everyone comes for, the Korrasami moments were immaculate. Their relationship is so loving and tender and sweet. Seeing them in frame together makes me so happy. Just incredible.

I'm super excited for the rest of the series - mostly because I know that I won't be able to sleep until I've read the entire thing hehe

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed the beginning of this spin off story of Legend of Korra. The show had a lot of political plot lines and even though this one is heavily political, it is also action packed and super fun. I loved seeing all the characters again. I haven't watched the show in quite a while, and this graphic novel made me remember a few characters I had forgotten about and reunite with my old favorites. I wish I had the rest of the series to find out what happens!

[Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that I don’t get to read the whole story now is an actual crime

[Tayjah · Rating 3 out of 5]

They could never make me hate you Kuvira!

[Read with nana (Taylor version⋆｡ ﾟ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,75

[Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Legend of Korra comic! This one deals with the fallout from the whole Kuvira plotline in the show and what is happening in the earth kingdom as they are trying to install democracy and deal with the remnants of the old Earth Empire army. The art is cute and we get to see all of our favorite characters come together again. I'm interested to see how they handle Kuvira's supposed redemption plotline and whether they will manage to pull it off, but it seems they are off to a good start. Also Korrasami is just too adorable ❤

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korra's abs👀

[Jen Appell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphic kissing couple on page!

[James Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follows pretty directly on events from the fourth season, and has an interesting twist in the new villain's strategy. This feels more like a proper sequel to Korra than Turf Wars, thus far, but we'll see how it develops... (A-)

[Tris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved seeing the team back together! Kuvira was the best LoK villain although I'm not super into the politics in this world.

Exciting start to the series. Can't wait to read the next part!

[Courtney (courtney & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited to see Michelle Wong as the illustrator! She did a beautiful job! I’m really intrigued by where the story is headed in this arc.

[Rafaela (dragonsandpaperbacks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

I hadn't really considered picking up any of the ATLA or Korra graphic novels until I saw this in a comic book store. It was super fun and I didn't realize how curious I was to read about what came after the series. This was short and fun, I was definitely hoping for more to happen in this short book, or for the Ruins of the Empire omnibus edition to be out before April 23 but...

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is already going to be so much better than Turf Wars, I can tell. With the return of my favorite villain from the TV series, Kuvira, and dealing with the lingering political fallout from the series finale with her surrender... this is going to be a great one.

Wu has also reemerged as a fantastically developed character from his introduction in the series. He's still decidedly Wu, but the maturity he exhibits now, even through his bouts of immaturity, is so wonderful to see. Kuvira, as mentioned, is my favorite villain from the TV show, although I think villain is too harsh a word and more... misguided? The first volume of "Ruins of the Empire" kicks off her reintroduction brilliantly by portraying her in the shades of gray that made me fall in love with her in the first place.

I think Bolin is getting set up for a nice character arc, which is sorely needed. I'm hoping for more Mako and Wu content, and I'm always hoping for more Korrasami although what brief glimpses we did get were perfect to see how beautiful and supportive their relationship is.

I'm so excited to see where the rest of the trilogy takes us. This is already off to a fantastic start and already so much better than "Turf Wars" — which I also loved, but I think this is shaping up to be a better plotted story.

[Iben Frederiksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intriguing beginning to the second Legend of Korra comic story. This storyline, like every LoK/ATLA comics, is split up in three parts. And this first part certainly sets up what seems to be a very interesting plot.

Unlike the first comic, Turf Wars, Ruins of the Empire sets up something that's on a much larger scale; the upcoming transition of the Earth Kingdom from monarchy into diplomacy. An upcoming election in Gaoling is jeopardized by a faction of the Earth Empire that has yet to surrender, led by Commander Guan, one of Kuvira's greatest commanders.

I'm looking forward to the next installments in this storyline, I'm excited to see what they have planned, it certainly seems like they have set up a bunch of interesting plotpoints - though, even if it flops, I'll still be here for Korrasami :P

[Silvana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to meet Kuvira again, as she was Korra's most formidable opponent aside from Zahir.

Earth Kingdom's transition towards a democracy was explored here. Wu was again the comic relief. The next installments would be about the local election in Gaoling and how Team Avatar united once again (because they always were no matter the scale of the problem) to make sure the process went smooth, against a new villain that I am not really into yet.

Two things I don't really fancy: Another use of mind control (again by Earthbenders - did not we have enough Dai Lis and Lake Laogai). Also, I was not so sure on Korra's proposal before the end. Toph. Really? She's already ancient and did not care for a worldly living anymore, and they would ask her to run as governor? Nobody else?

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooooo Gooooooooodddddd

[Mady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was way better than any of the other Avatar comics. I finally felt a sense of continuation from the show.
+ The drawings were great! I can't wait to see were this trilogy is going.