★★★★★ 5
Avatar is about reflecting real world issues, and this comic does not disappoint
Format: Paperback
I will admit that at first, I was disappointed that Turf Wars portrayed homophobia in the Avatar verse. My thought was that if this is a fictional world, why not just have homophobia not exist. But Avatar has always been about reflecting real world issues, and this comic handles those issues in a way that felt honest and close to home. It didn't feel like it was using homophobia to exploit the LGBT characters for drama. As a lesbian, I felt that I could relate deeply to the obstacles that Korra and Asami face while entering their relationship, and dealing with coming out. My girlfriend and I both come from conservative families, so it was important early on to communicate coming out boundaries with each other. When Asami hesitates toward immediately coming out to Korra's parents, this isn't portrayed as a negative thing, just that it's important for Korra and Asami to communicate about this. Another thing I loved was the look that Kya gives Korra and Asami, and how she's immediately able to recognize that they're in a relationship. I love that she becomes a support for them, and they have an LGBT mentor in their lives. That's what makes this comic special, to me. This doesn't just realistically portray an LGBT romantic relationship, it also portrays LGBT community, which I find is far rarer in media. It's virtually non-existent in children's media. The only other example I can think of is an episode of Danger & Eggs which features a pride parade. The media landscape is starved for healthy, realistic, and nuanced portrayals of LGBT couples, but what I hardly ever see is LBGT community and culture shown on top of that. I believe there is room in media for both fiction where homophobia doesn't exists, and fiction where it's portrayed with realism without exploitation. In these cases, it's important to show LGBT characters facing these struggles by finding community with each other. Connection through community is powerful. I don't know who I'd be if I didn't grow up without LGBT friends supporting me and guiding me throughout my coming out process. Seeing a comic portray that process is beautiful, and I hope that's the direction the creative world continues to go in. The art is gorgeous, and the story feels like a natural continuation of the television series. When I read the dialogue, I can hear the character's voices in my mind as if I were watching another episode. I'm excited to learn more about the Avatar universe, and watch Korra, Asami, and all the other characters continue to grow and develop with each other.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2017
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