After the originalLegend of Korraanimated series ended, it continued withTurf Wars,a graphic novel that confirmed that Korra and Asami were a couple. However, the revelation about the romantic nature of their relationship - which was only hinted at in the show - lacked the significance it deserved, even in the later comics.
The Legend of Korraanimated series ran for four seasons from 2012 to 2014. The series revolves around Aang’s successor, Korra, as she navigates a world starkly different from Aang’s and comes into her own as the Avatar.The nature of Korra and Asami Sato’s relationship was heavily suggested to be romantictowards the end of the series.However, their relationship wasn’t addressed until the 2017 comic seriesThe Legend of Korra:Turf Warsby Michael Dante DiMartino, Irene Koh, Killian Ng, and Nate Piekos.
Turf Warsmostly just skims over the significance of the relationship, missing a huge opportunity to explore the struggles that same-sex couples face, as well as deeper LGBTQ+ representation.
The Legend of Korra: Turf WarsTakes Place Directly After the Animated Series
Turf WarsConfirms the Romantic Nature of Korra and Asami’s Relationship
The Legend of Korra: Turf Warscovers one story over the span of three graphic novels that were published from 2017 to 2018. The plot picks up directly whereThe Legend of Korraseries ends, almost frame-for-frame, with Korra and Asami standing together ready to embrace the new world. However, unlike the animated series, the comics immediately establish thatKorra and Asami are a coupleand are about to embark on a well-earned vacation to the Spirit World together.
Dark Horse has also published a number of comics covering the adventures of the original “Team Avatar” in the aftermath ofAvatar: The Last Airbenderstarring Aang and his friends.
Before the two depart for their vacation, they do not tell any of their loved ones about their relationship status, wanting to keep it as something special between the two of them. However, by the end of the vacation, Korra wants to exit the spirit portal in the Northern Water Tribeso that she can introduce Asami to her parents as her girlfriend, not just a friend. While Korra’s parents are accepting, her father warns them about going public with their relationship. This remark enrages Korra, and she immediately leaves with Asamai at her side.
Korra and Asami’s Relationship Is Not Given the Space It Needs to Shine
Turf WarsCould Have Delved Deeper
When the two return to Republic City, they go public with their relationship and are met with nothing but well wishes from their friends - to the point where it almost cheapens the build up of nerves the girls share in letting in their close circle.Their coming out feels like a footnote, a fact that is more glossed over than anything else.The only character out of the vast cast who has any sort of response is Mako, mostly because he doesn’t know how to respond to his two exes dating each other.
What to Read After Watching Avatar: The Legend Of Korra
Left with the existential dread that comes with finishing Korra? Don’t fret, her adventures are continued on through a series of graphic novels.
There is a scene where Aang’s adult daughter, Kya, approaches the couple to give them some advice, and in the process, comes out to them as well. As withKorra and Asami, this revelation of another queer character is thrown in as an aside as Kya is talking to the girls. Though Kya briefly explains how her father responded to her sexuality,the moment feels inorganic and doesn’t give Kya’s journey due justice.Aside from Mako’s awkwardness, the encounter with Kya is the only instance of anyone giving a deeper response to Asami and Korra’s relationship.
Korra’s Relationship with Her Father Was a Missed Opportunity to Explore LGBTQ+ Representation
Korra’s Parents Only Appeared at the Beginning and the End of the Story
The biggest source ofKorra’s emotional turmoilis her father’s response to her and Asami’s relationship, but even that is dropped once Korra leaves the Northern Water Tribe. It isn’t until the end of the story that Korra’s parents return andher father chalks his response up to Water Tribe culture.Essentially, Korra’s parents just show up again to act like everyone else, congratulating the girls. For Korra’s parents to pop back up at the end with everything magically resolved and all parties perfectly fine, as if nothing happened, was a missed chance for deeper plot development and emotional conflict.
The storyline with Korra’s parents could have been far more significant…
The storyline with Korra’s parents could have been far more significant, revolving around the process of coming out, handling parental responses, and working through them. Many queer couples face struggles with not only parents, but other family members and friends regarding sexuality.Turf Warshad the perfect opportunity to address something emotionally difficultin a way that came to a conclusion that wasn’t wrapped up in a perfect bow with no development shown whatsoever.
While the main plot ofTurf Warsdoes not focus on Korra and Asami’s relationship - as they are once again attempting to save Republic City - it is an extremely significant subplot that was specifically included to make Korra and Asami’s relationship canon. The graphic novel took a step that the animated series did not, making the comic series stand out for its LGBTQ+ representation. However, the opportunity to dig deeper into the issues that queer couples face was overlooked by thisLegend of Korracomic book continuation, even though the plot gave a perfect setup for such exploration.
The Legend of Korra: Turf Warsis available now from Dark Horse Comics.
The Legend of Korra
Cast
The Legend of Korra is an animated series set in the Avatar universe, following Avatar Korra’s journey as she strives to master the elements and fulfill her role as a fully realized Avatar. Released in 2012, the series explores her challenges against traditional norms and her internal quest for balance.
