Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer

September 20, 2024

Gr 5 Up-Following the Avatar's adventures, Uncle Iroh spends his days peacefully in Ba Sing Se brewing tea at the Jasmine Dragon. Not all welcome their former enemy due to the aftereffects of the 100 Year War still simmering, but this doesn't perturb the affable old man. Bounty hunter June, on the other hand, seems unwilling to leave the life she knows. With only her shirshu Nyla as a companion, she sees little alternative other than to deliver Iroh to the Wuyi Cartel. Along the way though, her stance changes as she interacts with those who have adjusted. Like the other Avatar graphic novels, this one-off also expands upon the original animated series by following the post-adventures of its beloved characters and revealing more about those like June. Hicks's dialogue and Wartman's art stay true to the blend of heartfelt wisdom, goofy asides, and martial arts-inspired action that has enthralled its fans. The element bending may be minimal, but with sharp choreography, the fights still deliver on the impact. This comic does not require readers to have knowledge of the franchise. VERDICT A meaningful one-off about adapting to change that will satisfy Avatar: The Last Airbender fans.-Rachel Forbes

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