Essential Avatar Comics to Dive Into Before Fire and Ash

It’s been a long stretch—13 years, in fact—between the first two Avatar films, but that doesn’t mean the story’s been on ice. Since 2017, Dark Horse Comics has been quietly building out the Avatar universe with a series of graphic novels and miniseries, all officially part of James Cameron’s vision. If you’re keen to get the full picture before Fire and Ash lands in cinemas, there’s a stack of comics worth your time.

Early Tales and Character Journeys

The first cab off the rank was Avatar: Brothers (2017), a special edition that dives into Jake Sully’s growing bond with the Great Leonopteryx. The story follows Jake as he gears up for the final showdown in the original film, sharing memories of his brother with the mighty creature. The artwork captures the wild beauty of Pandora and the emotional weight of Jake’s journey.

Next up, Avatar: Tsu’tey’s Path (2019) arrived as a six-part miniseries. This one shifts the focus to Tsu’tey, the Omatikaya’s future leader and a top-notch warrior. The series fills in blanks from the first film, exploring Tsu’tey’s distrust of humans and his complicated feelings for Neytiri as Jake Sully enters the scene. It’s a closer look at the Na’vi perspective during the upheaval brought by the Sky People.

Aftermath and Prequels

Following the fallout of the first film, Avatar: The Next Shadow (2021) picks up with Jake Sully stepping into leadership. Tsu’tey’s family, still reeling from the changes, plot against Jake, leading to a tense four-part story about grief, power, and the scars left by war. The miniseries digs into Jake’s struggles as he tries to unite his people after the dust settles.

For those curious about what came before it all, Avatar: Adapt or Die (2022) serves as a prequel, centring on Dr Grace Augustine. This six-parter explores the early days of human-Na’vi contact, when the RDA’s arrival brought a mysterious illness to the Omatikaya. Suspicion falls on Grace and her team, putting the fragile relationship to the test.

Expanding the Universe

Switching gears, Avatar: The High Ground (2022) is a three-volume graphic novel based on Cameron’s original script for Way of Water. The story follows Jake, his family, and the Na’vi as they face a more ruthless RDA, with battles that even spill into space. It’s a broader look at the ongoing conflict and the lengths the Na’vi must go to survive.

In 2024, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – So’lek’s Journey ties directly into the Ubisoft video game. The comic follows So’lek, who’s left to pick up the pieces after losing his clan in the war. The story tracks his struggle to find purpose and adapt to a changing world, offering a fresh angle on the aftermath of conflict.

New Chapters and Family Ties

The latest addition, Avatar: The Gap Year – Tipping Point (2025), is a six-part miniseries set during the Second Pandoran War. This one zeroes in on Jake Sully’s family as they navigate shifting alliances and the return of the RDA. The series also delves into the lives of Jake and Neytiri’s children, including Neteyam, whose fate in Way of Water left a mark on fans.

Here’s a quick snapshot: the Avatar comics are published by Dark Horse Comics, with creative input from James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, Faith Erin Hicks, Peter Wartman, and others. The first release was Avatar: Brothers in 2017. With so many stories to choose from, there’s plenty to keep you busy before the next film drops.

Avatar: Fire and Ash was released in cinemas on December 19, 2025 (US).