Essential Avatar Comics to Explore Before Fire and Ash Hits Theaters
Dive into the rich world of Avatar with these must-read comics that bridge the gap between the films. Discover the stories that expand the universe and set the stage for Fire and Ash. Find out which titles you should read before the next movie arrives.
Thirteen years passed between the first two Avatar movies, but that long wait didn’t mean the story stood still. While fans anticipated the next big-screen adventure, a series of graphic novels from Dark Horse Comics quietly expanded the universe, offering fresh perspectives and untold tales from Pandora. These comics, all considered part of the official storyline, fill in the blanks before, during, and after the events of the original film, giving fans a deeper look at the world James Cameron envisioned.
Early Adventures and Untold Stories
The journey begins with Avatar: Brothers (2017), a special edition that explores Jake Sully’s growing bond with the Great Leonopteryx. This story dives into Jake’s preparation for the climactic battle in the first movie, highlighting his connection with Pandora’s majestic flying creatures and reflecting on memories of his brother.
Next up is Avatar: Tsu’tey’s Path (2019), a six-issue miniseries that shines a spotlight on Tsu’tey, the Omatikaya’s future leader. The narrative fills in gaps left by the film, focusing on Tsu’tey’s skepticism toward humans and his evolving feelings for Neytiri as Jake Sully enters their world. Readers get a closer look at the internal struggles and shifting loyalties within the Na’vi clan.
Aftermath and New Conflicts
Following the fallout of the first movie, Avatar: The Next Shadow (2021) picks up with the Omatikaya clan in turmoil. As Jake Sully rises to a leadership role, Tsu’tey’s family plots against him, leading to a tense four-part saga that delves into Jake’s grief and the clan’s fractured unity after the war.
Shifting to the origins of the Avatar program, Avatar: Adapt or Die (2022) serves as a prequel, focusing on Dr. Grace Augustine. This six-issue arc recounts the early days of human-Na’vi contact, when a mysterious illness sweeps through the Omatikaya, casting suspicion on Grace and the RDA. The story explores the fragile trust between the two worlds and the challenges of coexistence.
Expanding the Universe
Avatar: The High Ground (2022) takes the form of a three-volume graphic novel, originally based on James Cameron’s early script for the sequel. The plot centers on Jake’s family and the Na’vi’s struggle against a more formidable RDA, with battles that even reach into space. This series bridges the gap between the first and second films, offering a glimpse of the escalating conflict and the stakes for Pandora’s future.
In 2024, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – So’lek’s Journey connects directly to the Ubisoft video game, following So’lek as he copes with the loss of his clan after the war. The story tracks his journey of self-discovery and healing in a world forever changed by conflict.
New Chapters and Family Ties
The latest addition, Avatar: The Gap Year – Tipping Point (2025 ), unfolds during the Second Pandoran War. This six-part miniseries focuses on Jake Sully’s family as they navigate shifting alliances and the return of the RDA. The narrative also explores the relationships among Jake and Neytiri’s children, including Neteyam, whose fate in the sequel left a lasting impact on fans.
All these stories are part of the official Avatar universe, crafted by creators like James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Faith Erin Hicks, and Peter Wartman. Published by Dark Horse Comics, the series began in 2017 and continues to expand the lore, offering fans a chance to experience Pandora from new angles before the next film arrives in theaters.