The Last Airbender already has the perfect prequel that no one wants to talk about

Avatar: The Last AirbenderThe prolific three-season series has stood the test of time as a modern classic, featuring a cast of beloved characters – including fan-favorite Prince Zuko – who continue to capture hearts to this day. However, some may be surprised to learn that the series has a forgotten comic book prequel and its story centers on none other than Zuko.

In 2010, Del Rey Books released Prequel to The Last Airbender: Zuko’s Story – written by Dave Roman, with art by Alison Wilgus and Nina Matsumoto. Set before Aang emerges from the iceberg, this prequel comic chronicles the beginning of Zuko’s tireless search for the Avatar, as the banished prince seeks to reclaim his rightful throne.

Although this comic was created as a prequel to M. Night Shyamalan’s book Last Airbender film, instead of the series, his contributions to Zuko’s lore are still fascinating, as they redefine key moments in the series in unforeseen ways, changing his character forever.

Avatar: The Last Airbender prequel explores Zuko’s tragic past

Prequel to The Last Airbender: Zuko’s Story – Written by Dave Roman; Art by Alison Wilgus and Nina Matsumoto

THE Avatar: The Last Airbender the prequel picks up right after Zuko’s Agni Kai with his father. Branded and stripped of his honor, he is forced to hunt the Avatar alongside Uncle Iroh in hopes of returning home. Zuko and Iroh share impactful moments, providing context for their relationship and conveying Zuko’s anger at his circumstances and Iroh’s unwavering love for him. Zuko eventually encounters Guru Pathik and mistakes him for the Avatar, later shedding tears as he questions whether he will ever succeed. Zuko’s vulnerability here contrasts sharply with his hardened exterior in the animated series, revealing a newfound depth.

Interestingly, this story foreshadows several events that occur in the animated series.even though the film never made it that far. For example, Zuko encounters a man called the Red Spirit and is inspired by him to take up swordsmanship rather than relying heavily on firebending – a reference to Zuko’s Blue Spirit alter ego. Additionally, Pathik reveals that he had a vision of Zuko and the Avatar together, alluding to Zuko being crowned as Fire Lord with Aang by his side in the series’ final episode. These sly nods to Zuko’s future enhance the reading experience for a long time avatar fans.

Zuko’s lost origin story makes his character development even more meaningful

Avatar: The Last Airbender Prequel Improves Zuko’s Emotional Journey

Prequel to The Last Airbender: Zuko’s Story is an intriguing addition to Zuko’s story that recontextualizes his arc. Zuko’s early adventures humanize him in a way that the series’ early episodes fail to do, by depicting him as an empathetic figure from the start. Most notably, this story reveals how the Avatar’s return is a tragedy for Zuko, not a triumph. Just before Zuko detects Aang, he has become satisfied with his life at sea, even admitting that he no longer feels haunted by his past. However, Zuko returns to his obsession when Aang appears, making the beginning of the show much darker.

This prequel may not necessarily be canon to the franchise’s continuity, but it still works as a backstory for Zuko. The character designs are the only true link to the critically panned film, with Zuko and Iroh resembling the actors who portray them in live action. Other than this visual detail, there are no major discrepancies in the timeline that would prevent the events of this story from falling into place. avatarIt is established tradition. As such, any Zuko fan – and Avatar: The Last Airbender Overall – you should give this forgotten prequel a read to consider the iconic Firebender in a whole new light.