In an interview with Temple of Geek, Randy Ribay, the author of Reckoning of Roku, discusses his experience joining the beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a beloved franchise that has grown beyond the animated TV show to include a live-action adaptation, comic books, and novels. From following the original series with Aang to exploring the backstories of previously mentioned Avatars, the world of Avatar has remained popular for over a decade. The newest addition to this world is The Reckoning of Roku.

“The Reckoning of Roku” releases on July 23rd, just ahead San Diego Comic-Con

Written by Randy Ribay, “The Reckoning of Roku” releases on July 23rd, just before San Diego Comic-Con. Randy will attend the convention to promote the book and participate in a panel titled “Water, Earth, Fire, Air: Continuing the Avatar Legacy” on Friday at 7:30 PM. Where Abrams Books, Dark Horse Comics, Nickelodeon, WEBTOON, and Magpie Games invite fans to celebrate the Avatar’s enduring legacy. Join the creative forces behind Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, including F.C. Yee (Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Legacy of Yangchen), Randy Ribay (Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Reckoning of Roku), Anne Heltzel (editorial director, entertainment publishing and content development, Abrams Children’s Books), and David Shinok Lee (head of U.S. WEBTOON), as they delve into this beloved universe. Cara O’Neil (vice president of marketing, Dark Horse Comics) will lead the discussion.

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This 185-page novel delves deeper into Roku’s life, offering fans a detailed portrait of the Avatar who preceded Aang. It explores tough choices and male friendship, a dynamic not often portrayed well in media. This focus on friendship makes the book an incredible and heartfelt addition to the “Avatar” world. As a fan of the original series, Randy based everything he wrote on a love for the original story, research, and his ideas for expanding the world and this character.

If you’re attending SDCC, be sure to check out the “Avatar” panel. And if you’re looking for your next “Avatar” fix, “The Reckoning of Roku” releases on the 23rd and is perfect for anyone interested in the stories of the Avatars who came before Aang.

Interview with Randy Ribay, Author of “Reckoning of Roku”

Randy Ribay sat down for an  interview to discuss his experience writing within the beloved Avatar universe. Ribay provides valuable insights into the creative process behind expanding the Avatar universe, highlighting the challenges and rewards of writing within an established and beloved franchise.

Fan Expectations and Collaboration

Ribay acknowledged the pressure of meeting fan expectations, emphasizing the importance of doing the world justice and capturing the essence of what fans love about Avatar. He detailed the collaborative process involved in adding to the lore, highlighting the extensive research he conducted and the feedback he received from Paramount, Avatar Studios, and Abrams.

I’m a fan of many franchises myself, and I know the disappointment that comes with an installment that doesn’t meet expectations. There’s a lot of pressure to get it right, do the world justice, and write a story that captures what we love about Avatar.

Staying True to Canon While Exploring New Directions

Ribay expressed his commitment to familiarity with the existing stories, while also emphasizing the room for interpretation and exploration within the established framework. He acknowledged the challenge of filling in the gaps and providing fresh perspectives on familiar characters, specifically mentioning Roku and the need to balance new revelations with the existing canon.

I did extensive research, rewatching the original series, reading comics and books, and even delving into the role-playing game materials. I pitched my story concepts to Paramount, Avatar Studios, and Abrams, and received feedback from them. It was a collaborative process, but I had the freedom to come up with ideas and explore new directions… I definitely want to be familiar with the existing stories and avoid major contradictions. I want the book to feel like a natural part of the Avatar world. However, I’m not rigidly bound to canon. There’s room for interpretation and exploration within the established framework.

Ribay speculated that his previous work in the young adult genre, particularly his National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing, and his focus on male friendships likely played a role in his selection to write for Avatar.

I think my previous work in the young adult genre, including my National Book Award finalistPatron Saints of Nothing, played a role. I’m also passionate about exploring male friendships, which is a significant aspect of Roku’s story with his friend Sozin.

Hopes for Fan Response and Future Projects

Ribay shared his excitement for the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con, expressing his hope for enthusiastic fan engagement and cosplay. He remained open to the possibility of continuing to write for the Avatar universe, acknowledging his passion for exploring themes of male friendship and his numerous other projects in development.

Temple of Geek: What was the most difficult part about writing this story?

Randy Ribay: Probably dealing with the expectations and opinions people already have about Roku. We know a fair amount about his life from the original series, so it was a challenge to fill in the gaps and provide a fresh perspective while staying true to his character.

Temple of Geek: What are you hoping for in terms of fan response at San Diego Comic-Con?

Randy Ribay: I’m hoping for excitement, interest in Roku, and lots of fun questions. It would be amazing to see some cosplay too!

Ribay is most active on Instagram at @randyribay. You can also find him on Threads and Twitter/X, and on website is randyribay.com. His other books are available wherever books are sold.