Oh dang, former intern? That must have been a pretty cool experience. My other fandom is LoZ and I’m dead serious when I say I’d give an arm and a leg to be involved in making a LoZ game. I love ATLA though just as much.
Something I noticed about this fandom is that when people disagree with you, they tend to pounce on you and shriek that their ship/character is better and that you are wrong. Problem is, instead of having a healthy debate that could be constructive, it involves name calling and no evidence. I’m a firm believer that you should ship what you want and like the characters you want to like, and not be ridiculed for it. Disagree, but don’t put others down.
Ehasz and I mostly talked (and when I say talked, like 5 minutes max) about the comics and ATLA, but he did talk a little about LoK. The thing he stressed was about his vision being ‘different than Bryke’s,’ and stated what he would have done differently. His approach to criticism is clearly different than Bryke’s, and it actually mirrors the way they write. Bryke is more in your face and telling, whereas Ehasz is more subtle and showing. Bryke gets defensive over criticism and makes excuses, Ehasz accepts criticism and says what he could have done differently; its a fixed versus a growth mindset.
But anyways, here’s a summary of what he told me. Sadly, I met him before the Book 4 premiere, so I couldn’t tell you his thoughts on Korrasami. I would imagine though, given the way he handles relationships, it wouldn’t have been favorable. This is what I recall about Lok:
Thought overall they did a good job, but didn’t agree with all of their choices. Would have preferred a post-ATLA series featuring the Gaang, and if allowed to do both, do the post-ATLA before LoK. This way, it would bridge the gap better and fill in loose gaps (see below).
Was a little surprised by the way Aang’s adulthood was portrayed, and would have changed his characterization a bit. Was also surprised by the lack of Sokka and would have increased his role. Would give readers some information on side characters such as Mai, Suki, etc., and what happened to them. But that’s also due to his ideas for the comics.
Liked Korra’s character, but would have handled the romantic relationships differently. Specifically referenced the love triangle and wouldn’t do that. Wasn’t sure he would permanently keep the Spirit Portals opened. Also liked the equalist movement and would do more with that. Red Lotus was cool but surprised by air bending abilities due to HC. Was interested at the time to see more of Kuvira.
Mentioned that ship Bryke doesn’t care for, and would have explored this relationship in both post-ATLA and LoK, and potential consequences such as political stuff. We had a good laugh about that one. Giving more info and exploration about post-war Fire Nation was what he hoped Book 4 would do.
Asked about his thoughts on Toph’s portrayal (I don’t hold back, heh) and said his vision was different. Didn’t outright say he hated or disliked it, but definitely that his vision was different and wanted to touch on her overcoming her issues with parents before LoK and having positive but realistic relationship with own kids. Would have handled Suyin and Lin differently (felt it was the wrong direction).
Similar to his ATLA commentary on Iroh, would have explored more of Iroh’s influence on Zuko and Spirit World. More Gaang interaction during LoK events would have been nice. Katara in regards to healing and bloodbending would be altered- agreed she would be against bloodbending but liked to see her fight still.
Based on the number of times he said ‘my vision was different,’ I am completely convinced that’s Ehasz’s way of shading the hell out of Bryke. Either way, he’s an awesome mind to pick. He knows his stuff and the work he and his wife do speaks for itself.
