Beginnings, Part 1

"Beginnings 1 & 2" is an upcoming two-part special of Book Two: Spirits. The episodes will detail the origins of the Avatar Cycle by exploring how Wan became the first Avatar as he attempted to bring balance between mankind and the spirits. It will take place ten-thousand years before the time of Avatar Korra, but will tie into the main plot of the season, which also involves spirits.

Production notes

 * Steven Yeun will voice Wan.
 * The basic concept of the origin story used in these episodes had been in development well before the creators began work on Book Two: Spirits. Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko had been discussing the idea since Book Two of Avatar: The Last Airbender, but did not present the story to some writers until much later.
 * In order to emphasize that the episodes are set in a much earlier time period, a unique art style was used to alter the appearance and aesthetics of the setting. The design was inspired by the ancient ink wash paintings and woodblock prints of East Asia, a form that required the creators to change the color palette, reduce lighting effects, and increase stylization. However, the basis for character design was unchanged.