THAT Mako Nerd

Posting my Mako nonsense

[klkbass]

What Happened to Mako? (My Legend of Korra story)

I realized the other day that the Legend of Korra has been over for nearly a decade. Although many believe it is the inferior of the two Avatar shows, I have watched the entire series at least five times (maybe six). The biggest reason: Mako. Here was this handsome, cool, Firebender. I was a stan almost instantly.

After the series ended, I was disappointed with his outcome. I thought for sure he should be with Korra. So, I did what any good fan would do when they are displeased--I started writing my own version of events. The more common nomenclature: fanfiction.

It started as a Makorra story, but it wasn't NSFW or anything of that nature as many fan stories tend to rise. I wanted something that stayed true to the nature of the original cartoon. Something that could be shared with any audience similar to what "The Legend of Genji" was doing. Also, after reading the graphic novels, I wanted to further explore the ramifications of having humans and spirits living so close together. Thus, the question became, "What if Mako got cursed?" With his position as a detective, it could happen. It would also put him opposite of Tokuga. So, I wrote several thousand, thousand, words and, as things tend to do, eventually the story drifted out of my purview. It was fun while it lasted...but the seeds had been sown.

Fast-forward to San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) 2022. Avatar studios announce two new graphic novels. One to feature Azula, and the other--Mako; both to be released in the summer of 2023. I was ecstatic. After so many years we were finally going to get more LoK content and, more specifically, Mako content. That's when I decided to revisit my own story. Maybe it would have some similarities to what was to come. I rewrote the entire thing to be more canon. No longer was it Makorra. Korra could be there, but this was going to be his adventure. What started as a few chapters, evolved into what is currently around two-hundred thousand words of what happened to Mako after Korra.

When SDCC 2023 came around, I waited with baited breath for news of the aforementioned graphic novels. Azula's story was being pushed back to fall (fine), there was going to be a new story featuring Iroh and June (who asked for that?)--and that was it. No mention of the Mako graphic novel. Not even if it was officially canceled. It was simply non-existent. I was disappointed to say the least.

Alas, at least I had my own nonsense.

Then, a thought slowly began to build. I could share my nonsense. There are still fans out there who want to see more of Mako. Maybe I could find someone that might appreciate what I've done. No sense putting in all this work and keeping it to myself. I was hesitant of course. I've never shared any of my stories before. I'm hardly a wordsmith though I pretend to be one on the internet. After several months of waffling, I decided "what difference would it make?" I could keep it to myself where no one else would read it, or I could share it and maybe find someone else who might enjoy it. There was very little risk short of the wrath of the internet. Keyboard warriors are never shy about sharing their displeasure of things they don't like.

I guess, at this point in my life, I'm too old to care. (Don't ask my age!)

So, if you've made it this far, let me add my shameless plug. If any of this sounds interesting to you, you can find my story here.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55700419/chapters/141394294

Please enjoy, and here's to hoping we get something official.

[klkbass]

I’m still around (if anyone was curious). Wanted to draw reference for my OC the Celestial Epoch and it turned into an entire comic page based on my fanfic.

Will I draw more? Mayhaps. These things tend to happen in bursts. I’m an okay artist, but lack many fundamentals.

[klkbass]

My first comment in months and it’s a bunch of gobbledygook. Gotta love AI generated slop. 🙄

[klkbass]

I drawd something.

[klkbass]

(c) Nickelodeon Studios

Avatar: Seven Havens

So, the official announcement has been made for Avatar studios next mainline series Seven Havens. While I am a little…concerned with the direction, I will hold judgement until the series actually releases. In the meantime, I want to share some theories and thoughts.

—Art style—

I’ve already seen some discourse with the art style. How it doesn’t look like the other series (many likening it to the Netflix She-Ra series.) My opinion: it looks fine. I’ve watched animation from the simplistic My Little Pony: FiM and Bluey, all the way to the anime inspired Castlevania and the gorgeous Arcane. Much like the whole premise of the Avatar, there has to be balance. Tell a good story and have a decent art style that matches it. If Seven Havens can accomplish this, great!

—Timeline—

This is probably my biggest sticking point. I don’t mind if they want to do a whole “post-apocalyptic world reset,” but does it have to be directly after Korra? It’s seems so…rushed.

These Havens were supposedly established after whatever calamity happened in Korra’s era. Pavi’s what? Ten? If Korra died during that event, was the city we see in the image already being established? And what of the other nations? Did they just collapse or become Havens themselves? It just seems strange to me that a whole new world order would be created in such a short timeframe.

There’s also the possibility that whatever happened, Korra spent years behind the scenes trying to fix it while the world adapted, cursing the Avatar’s existence the entire time. This seems like a more plausible theory to me.

—LoK Team Avatar and Republic City—

This is where some of my biggest fears are when it comes to the new series: all of LoK wiped from the map as it were. The synopsis has already made it a point that whatever happened, the Avatar is to blame (whether it is actually Korra’s fault has yet to be seen.) Having Republic City or anyone from Korra’s Team Avatar still around is an easy out to “set the record straight.” It is possible that the disaster was so great that even the Avatar’s most staunch defenders would be ignored. But, depending on the timeframe, not all the information would be lost…unless it’s destroyed.

And, if what I heard from IGN’s SDCC cast reunion discussion is actually true, the new series will have nothing to do with the previous series, which kind of sucks. Similar to AtLA, it would be nice to see some closure for the LoK characters many fans have come to love. Of course, there’s the old adage “be careful what you wish for.” If my suspicions are correct, I may prefer to leave the fate of LoK’s characters to my imagination.

Anyway, that’s some of my thoughts on the matter. Feel free to let me know what you think.

[klkbass]

Avatar Legends: Realms Collide is a game that exists.

So…I downloaded the Avatar Legends: Realms Collide game. Besides carrying the Avatar IP, there’s nothing unique or amazing about it.

It’s your typical free-to-play game:

City Builder—✅

Faceless PVP where “have bigger number win”—✅

Progression that slows to a crawl if you don’t spend real-world money—✅

Plenty of microtransactions to feed whales—✅

And lots of other things that are only there to give those tasty, tasty endorphins.

It probably wouldn’t be too hard to find a game identical to it with different skins.

There is a story about a cult that has emerged around Father Glowworm, which, since I am all about the spirits when it comes to Avatar, I can appreciate. They even introduce several new characters, including a Firebender named Kenji whose design I really like. Apparently, I have a thing for Firebenders too.

On that topic, let’s talk about the characters…the ones that are conspicuously absent anyway. That being Mako and Bolin. I understand that they will probably be added in later events. Like right now, you can get Azula (if you spend money), but I’ll be damned if I spend real money on a game that could be shut down tomorrow. And why are they omitted to begin with? All of Atla’s team avatar is available! There are even side characters like Teo, Piandao, and King Kuei. KING KUEI! Why?! I’d rather have the bear. Where’s the LoK team or characters in general? Instead, we get Asami, Bumi, Tenzin, and Meelo. I understand Tenzin because they needed an Airbender besides Aang, and I think if Asami wasn’t included, the more toxic members of the fandom would throw a fit. Otherwise, the selections seem so random.

Overall, the only reason I downloaded the game is because I like the Avatarverse. For me, it’s nothing more than an opportunity for additional lore. I will never make it to the top of any leaderboard, and my “alliance” will forever be stagnant. I check in on it between work, writing, or whatever else I am doing. I can’t even use the chat because I refuse to attach the game to one of my external accounts. They don’t need that info.

That’s my general take on the game. Another half-baked attempt profiting off the Avatar license. “Enjoy” at your own risk.

[klkbass]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Slowly getting this updated.

[klkbass]

Haven’t posted anything in a while, and had this silly snippet sitting in my “unused” files.

Thought it would be interesting to explore the darker side of being the Chief of Police in a huge area like Republic City. While we know about Ming Hua, I imagine Mako couldn’t keep his hands free of blood pursuing his career.

I’m sure other fanfic writers have things like this; pieces that just didn’t fit in the larger narrative. I have others, but this is actually a story and not a few sentences. If you enjoy it and want to read more of my Mako AU, link is below. If you notice a bit of a style shift, I am in the middle of updating it, I simply need to finish uploading the chapters.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

#(Mari 14, boys 15)

“And you want to make sure the oil is a light color. If it’s too dark, it’s due to be changed,” Mako explained to the teens, all of them quietly watching as he showed them The Rampage’s dipstick. Over the years, he had learned routine maintenance so no one would mess with his cherished Satomobiles. It was something he figured Ryu would also enjoy, which was apparently correct as the teen hung on his every word, eyes glued to the engine. The opposite of Juji, who had his narrowed gaze glued to Mako.

Mari was also watching. Despite not being a “motorhead,” she was eager to learn anything, which was good because Mako wanted her to be well-rounded in her skills.

Last was Koji, who was only watching because he didn’t want to be left out.

“Did you ever kill anyone, Chief?”

Ryu’s abrupt question startled Mako to the point that he cracked his head against the top of the hood. While his horns had taken the brunt of the blow, they were attached to his forehead, meaning it still hurt. “What?!” he sputtered, rubbing the fresh ache.

“You know, since you’re with the police and all,” Ryu elaborated.

Mako cast a cautious glance at Mari, who was now staring at her shoes. “There are things I’ve had to do in my position that I’m not proud of,” he replied, trying to tactfully skirt the question.

“So, you’ve done it,” Ryu persisted.

“I gave you my answer, kid,” he said, returning to his task. “Leave it alone.”

“C’mon, what’s the big deal? I’m just curious. Like, how many?” Ryu said, refusing to take the hint.

“I…I’m going to go in the back,” Mari interjected, hopping down from her booster crate before disappearing around the rear of The Rampage.

“Sweetie…” Mako called after her. He let out an irritated sigh before addressing Ryu again. “Yes, kid—I’ve killed people in the line of duty. But I’ve only ever done it in the defense of others, and only as a last resort,” he said, the loud slamming of the hood a final nail in the conversation. “You boys go by the campfire. I need to check on Mari.” With that, he went after his granddaughter.

“We weren’t even done with the oil,” Ryu grumped as he and Koji strolled to the smoldering ring.

“Man, you’re an idiot,” Koji huffed. “Didn’t you see Mari?”

“Huh?” Ryu replied. “She went into the back of The Rampage. So what? She was probably bored.”

“Some Avatar you’re shaping to be,” Koji countered. “She was obviously upset. She’s so sweet and kind. She doesn’t even like killing flowers, you think she wants to hear about her grandpa killing people?”

When the realization hit Ryu, a stubborn scowl covered his face. A moment later, he marched to The Rampage.

By the time Mako entered the rear of The Rampage, Mari was already curled up on a kitchen bench, her stuffed Rabaroo snuggled tightly in her arms. While her cheeks were dry, a slight push would easily start the waterworks.

“Is Lemon helping?” he cautiously asked, taking a seat across from her. While he knew she understood the truth of his position, he tried not to mention it in front of her because of this very reason.

“I just…It’s…Ryu’s such a…” The dam threatened to break, red rings forming around Mari’s scowling eyes, as she worked to sort herself. It was rare that she got so angry, but she stopped just short of name-calling. A heavy sigh released her tension as she smothered her anger with Lemon’s fuzzy head. “I know it’s not Ryu’s fault. He was just…It wasn’t a polite question, Papa. He just didn’t know,” she finished, her frustration quickly vanishing.

“No, he didn’t. And I am glad you can see it that way,” he said. Although sometimes he worried that Mari was too mature for her age. A part of him wanted her to get mad so she wouldn’t keep everything bottled up. The conversation stopped when the rear door opened. Ryu soon entered, aiming an angry scowl at the floor, and Mako had to quickly dodge when Juji flew past him, plopping onto the table. Mari gave the bird an affectionate scratch on the head as he snuggled into her.

Mako broke the sudden, awkward silence. “What is it, kid?” he asked, making sure to bury his annoyance, including pinning his flicking tail beneath his boot. As Mari had pointed out, Ryu wasn’t deliberately trying to upset his precious granddaughter.

“Nothing,” Ryu snorted. “I was just making sure Mari was okay. I didn’t know it would make you sad.”

All eyes fell to Mari, who shrank behind her toy, too small to hide her discomfort. “I’m…okay. I know Nana and Papa’s jobs can be dangerous. It’s scary sometimes.”

“Guess I didn’t think about it since I don’t have parents,” Ryu huffed, still refusing to look at either Mari or Mako.

“Maybe next time you want to ask about my job, focus on the positives, kid,” Mako said. “I’m not one to boast, but I’ve certainly helped more people than I’ve hurt. That’s the whole reason I joined the force. While I can’t save everyone, I wanted to be able to protect as many people as I can.” Hopefully, Ryu would take some inspiration from his words. While Mako still wanted the kid to find his own path as the Avatar, a few nudges in the right direction wouldn’t hurt.

“Yeah, whatever,” Ryu responded, although his typical sass was laced with remorse. “Am I going to be scrubbing the truck?”

A slight smirk crossed Mako’s lips. It hadn’t crossed his mind to punish Ryu for something so benign. On the other hand, The Rampage was overdue for a wash. “No. You’re not in trouble because of an inappropriate question. Let’s put it aside and get back to the engine. The Rampage still needs an oil change,” he said before turning to Mari. “Is that okay with you, sweetie?”

“Yes, that sounds good,” Mari answered.

Mako led the way back outside, the teens following. Just as he was about to hop outside, there was a mumbling almost too muffled to make out clearly.

“I’m sorry or whatever, Mari,” came from Ryu. It brought a smile to Mako’s face. It was the first time he’d heard the kid apologize for anything.

[klkbass]

Chapters: 30/30 Fandom: Avatar: Legend of Korra Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Major Character Death Characters: Mako (Avatar), Bolin (Avatar), Korra (Avatar), Asami Sato Additional Tags: Original Character(s), Originally Posted on FanFiction.Net, Major Original Character(s), Spirits, Post-Avatar: The Legend of Korra, LOK - Freeform, Avatar, alternate Mako, Bending (Avatar), New Avatar, the lost avatar, Post-The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, Avatar: The Legend of Korra References, Mako-centric, dragon - Freeform, Avatarverse - Freeform, avatar legends, legend of korra mako, mako story Series: Part 1 of AU Mako/ Legend of Korra Summary:

Korra's gone, Mako's cursed, and the new Avatar is a sham. Now it's up to Mako to protect Korra's reincarnation until he's ready to take his place as the new Avatar.

Updated chapters 3&4. Nothing super serious, just some grammatical errors and style changes. Maybe an additional sentence here and there.

[klkbass]

Re-edited chapter 2.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55700419/chapters/141768727

Enjoy!

[klkbass]

I re-edited the whole damn thing!

Why? Because I'm a psychopath. Because I don't want to let it go. Because I still want it to be more than what it is.

Is it any better, idk. I went and did a whole proof read (which apple pages is spotty at best) and cleaned up some unnecessary stuff.

Enjoy!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55700419/chapters/141394294

[klkbass]

OMG! I can’t take it anymore! For the last week, whenever I open this bloody app, some stupid ad immediately starts playing. It doesn’t even show up on my feed so I can’t stop it. I even went into settings to turn off autoplay thinking that might help. It didn’t. Someone make it stop! *aggravated sobbing*

[klkbass]

Finally! It's Been Released!

After almost three years of waiting, it's finally out.

I was excited, of course. The announcement of this comic is essentially what started this blog. But, I was also hesitant to read it. This will likely be the last piece of official LotK media we are going to get, and certainly the only one featuring Mako. I didn't want it to "end." (I'm a fanfic writer. The story never ends.)

However, I did eventually read it, and I loved it. The story, the artwork--everything about it was great. Although, really, it would have needed to be absolute trash for me not to like it.

There was one thing about the comic that made me pause (several, but I will keep my editor brain in check). To take a line from Dan Larson host of the Secret Galaxy YouTube channel:

"Is it canon?"

The answer...Maybe?

First, let's ignore Mako's hair style and the fact that the brothers are living together. Hair can be whatever, and it's possible that Bolin couldn't make it on his own once his mover career ended.

Taking those two things off the table, it could be assumed that this story might have taken place between season three and four of the cartoon.

However, there are two pieces of evidence that contradict that theory.

If Korra and Asami are together, and Bolin is a presidential assistant, this puts the story solidly after the events of "Turf Wars." But that isn't right either.

Allow me to present exhibit B:

Did you catch it?

The scar is missing from Mako's left arm, which means this would have had to have happened before the end of season four. He even had the scar in the previous comics, so it's a thing.

Now, I don't know the real reason why the scar is missing. Was it a colorist thing? Was it the penciler? Was it simply omitted from the original writing? What's to say...But, it does throw a bit of a monkey wrench in the timeline.

Anyway, that's my two-bits.

Buy the comic, support the series, let the creators know we want more LoK content and here's hoping this won't be the last piece of official media.

[klkbass]

Apple Pages is gaslighting me. (And maybe you.)

Recently, Apple released their new AI tools including options to proofread, rewrite, and even connect with ChatGPT (no way) in their writing app Pages. Curious, I decided to play with the rewrite tool to see how it worked. I will admit, as much as I am against AI, I can see its use as an editing tool. I certainly don’t take its rewriting suggestions verbatim, but it has made me rethink some of my writing choices—switching sentences, replacing words, etc. However, I have been finding some strange things as I slowly review the entirety of my Lost Avatar story. Words have been replaced and phrases have been added that I know I didn’t have in the original. And this is before utilizing the rewrite tool.

Now, one might argue that it’s over two-hundred thousand words. There’s no way I could possibly remember all of them exactly, and that’s true. However, I’ve read my story enough times to know when something is out-of-place or inaccurate. The proof? The final version is posted on AO3. Several times I’ve had to reference my own work to see if I had really written what is now in the final draft on my Pages.

The first time I noticed it, I dismissed it. A fluke, right? The second time, I got annoyed, which prompted this entire post.

Let me share an example:

Original:

“That’s not Mako.” Korra had seen the cold stare on his face once before. It was the same as when she had fought him while he was possessed by darkness. Except this time there was no dark energy around him. Just anger.

What I recently found in Pages:

“That’s not Mako.” Korra had seen the cold stare on his face once before. It was the same as when she had fought him while he was possessed by darkness. Except this time there was no dark energy around him. Just anger which meant she might still be able to reason with him.

See the difference? The addition of that last phrase? I have no idea where that came from and, again, this is prior to utilizing the rewrite tool.

So, a word of caution to anyone that is using Pages as a word processor or using its AI tools. You might want to review your works or make sure you’re saving a copy in another location. Otherwise, they might not be the same as you remember them.

[klkbass]

Went to Dark Horse’s website for an update and it looks like I need to add eight days to my count…

I get that things happen so I’m not overly upset…Just need to wait a little longer I suppose.

Thirty-six days (plus eight) before this releases.

[klkbass]

Happy New Year to all…56 days to the Mystery of Penquan Island release.

[klkbass]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

This is the second chapter/ slash story I would love to see in a graphic novel format. It’s by far one of the favorites I’ve written.