Avatar the Last Airbender (ATLA) is a celebrated animated series in terms of its setting and rich premise. This also applies to world-building and characters which add depth and gravity to its overall premise. It introduced several characters, yet there is a bone of contention within the fandom.
Particularly, this has to do with the villains in the series. Some fans believe the sequel has stronger villains compared to the original series. This further points to the raging debate within the fandom regarding Korra being stronger than Aang. But is it true? Let’s find out.
Are Korra’s villains really that strong?
The sequel series was released in 2012 and continues to be a mixed bag in most sense. So far, there have been mixed reviews with most fans hating on the show. The hate was particularly projected to the main character and most fans deemed the series unnecessary.
Despite that, the sequel offers a fresh perspective on themes of war, tyranny, and motives through its villains. Yes, it might not be as glorious and as celebrated as ATLA. But does it have to be? Rather, it established some of the strongest antagonists as some suggest.
On X @DiscussAvatar pointed out the unrivaled nature of villains in the sequel and this is how users responded.
Korra’s villains were FAR stronger and more equipped than any of the villains Aang and the Gang had faced in their entire lives. Yes she struggled against them, like any Avatar does against their enemies, but she still overcome each and every one. pic.twitter.com/c0LoyeKK6c
— Discuss Avatar (@DiscussAvatar) February 23, 2025
Zaheer would’ve fucked Firelord Ozai up🤣🤣🤣
— Mr. Fresh (@WavesByOshea) February 23, 2025
Let’s analyze this for Aang glazers, Korra had to face a psychic bloodbender raised by the man that stopped a room full of powerful people including adult Aang, who only beat him cause of the avatar state. When facing Amon, Korra didn’t have air bending or the avatar state.
— Jay (@Jwitchboochie) February 23, 2025
Korra is the worst avatar and toph confirmed it 😂
— savagee (@GOseyande) February 24, 2025
They also had depth to them. They sought something understandable and respectable, but they were too extreme, making them dangerous.
— Silvertail (@DuplessiePhilip) February 23, 2025
Undoubtedly, the sequel has strong villains who are well-versed in other forms of bending and combat. But does that make the original villains less relevant? This is not especially true with Ozai and his megalomaniac tendencies, which brings us to a crucial point.
A new generation means higher stakes and a step away from old traditions. Yes, there are old characters but the series breaks away from the dependency. This does, however, circle back to the never-ending raging debate regarding the strength of both avatars.
ATLA fandom’s never-ending debate
Fandom debates are endless and this one would have most enthusiasts riled up for several reasons. There are haters and then there are glazers, but with the sequel, fans take it to a whole new level. This is clear in their popular opinion of Korra being stronger than Aang.
Although she is a reckless brat as some suggest, she is a strong fighter and bender. Her bending abilities are commendable yet she is a flawed character which is what makes her more relatable to the audience. It roughly took her 12-13 years.
On the other hand, our beloved hero took almost a year to gain fluency in elements and his bending. Both characters and their stakes are different and while the heroine is said to be stronger than the OG Avatar, his feats are not to be taken lightly.
The same goes for villains in the series who hold far more influence and control. The villains in the sequel are great orators and benders, yet it doesn’t compare to the sheer power-hungry and menacing Fire Lord in the original series. Overall, though, both characters are relevant and strong in every sense.
Avatar: Legend of Korra is available to stream on Prime Video. Avatar: The Last Airbender is available for streaming on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
