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'The Legend of Korra': Netflix series opens floodgates of debate as fans can't help comparing it with prequel

'I'm watching the legend of korra for the first time ever and it may be early but I rlly like it so far, it’s different from the ATLA I grew up w but that’s okay,' writes a fan

'The Legend of Korra' is bringing in a lot of viewers with its Netflix release, whether it be all new watchers who are interested in seeing the sequel series after having binged 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' or old fans eager for a chance to rewatch their favorite 'The Legend of Korra' episodes. Though older fans have been debating the show's merits in comparison to 'The Last Airbender' ever since the show's release on Netflix was announced, the actual release has stirred up those debates once again.

There are, of course, the new fans who are joining the fandom, who find adjusting to the newer tone and modern setting a challenge. "I'm watching the legend of korra for the first time ever and it may be early but I rlly like it so far, it’s different from the ATLA I grew up w but that’s okay," writes one fan.

"Watched the first couple episodes of Korra, there is a difference between the 2 shows for sure but I’m liking it so far! Can’t wait to see more of it! I still can’t get used to “modern” technology in it though," writes another.

One new fan is liking the show right off the bat, though they have their pros and cons, saying that one of the first things they like is "that we are not following the avatar as she slowly learns how to bend all 4 elements. The fact that Korra knows how to bend three elements and doesn’t care about learning to bend air is much more interesting than just making her journey a carbon copy of Aang’s.

However, they haven't yet been able to connect with the new supporting characters in comparison to 'The Last Airbender'. "The one thing that is lacking from Avatar for me is the supporting cast. Korra is a really cool character, but the other characters haven’t intrigued me in any way. I’m still super early in the show, but Mako and Bolin haven’t grabbed in the way Katara and Sokka grabbed me," writes a fan.

Older fans, however, have returned to older, more heated arguments about both series. Like any long-lasting argument, this has quickly devolved into an argument about the argument itself. "That being said, the two most radical opinions on it either being better than ATLA with no flaws or it being as bad as the movie are dumb. I feel like nuanced and civilized discussion about it doesnt exist to these two parties," writes a fan.

One fan makes a 'Star Wars' comparison, writing, "I don't get how people can be fans of the Avatar universe and HATE Korra. I get if you have criticism, but the hatred for Korra boggles my mind. It's not like she's Rey from Star Wars."

Another fan thinks that the comparison is an entirely unfair one to be making, writing, "You keep bringing Star Wars up like we're only allowed to hate Korra if it passes some arbitrary threshold of badness set by another franchise."

Other reactions include fans reliving their favorite moments, or recognizing the blooming Korrasami relationship much clearer in hindsight, realizing all that the show was setting up. One of the more relevant discussions, however, is the tragic realization that the show was always held back by network interference - something that caused creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko to leave the live-action Netflix adaptation of 'The Last Airbender.' One fan admires the work they managed to do regardless, writing, "Korra is an 8/10 despite nickelodeon constantly screwing them over. I can’t imagine how much better the show would’ve been if Mike & Bryan were allowed to have creative freedom on the show."

All episodes of 'The Legend of Korra' are now available to stream on Netflix.