Dark Horse has announced that Faith Erin Hicks (The Nameless City) and Peter Wartman (Over the Wall) will take over the Avatar: The Last Airbender graphic novel series, based on the television show that used to air on Nickelodeon.
“Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of my favorite things in the world. I’m totally not kidding: I remember watching the series finale over ten years ago when I was a struggling animator, wishing I could work on a show that was even 10 percent as thoughtful and compelling as Avatar. I was so in love with the world and characters,” said Hicks. “Even now, there’s nothing that has filled my heart quite like Avatar, and I’m so honored to contribute to the real thing.”
I’ve never seen the show myself, but based on Hicks’ work on things like The Nameless City (two volumes are out now from First Second) and The War at Ellsmere and many other titles, as well as Wartman’s excellent Over the Wall, I’m tempted to get these. They’re taking over from Gurihiru and Gene Luen Yang, who did previous volumes for Dark Horse.
Per the release, Hicks and Wartman will work with the Avatar: The Last Airbender TV series executive producers and co-creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, on the next three-part graphic novel series. “Bryan and I are really looking forward to what Faith and Peter will bring to this series,” said DiMartino. “Gene and Gurihiru had an immeasurable impact on the series, and we were happy to collaborate with them for so long. I think fans will be pleased with what Faith and Peter have to offer!”
Look for the first one next fall.
