Mako


 * This article is about the character. For the voice actor, see Mako (voice actor).

"fire"

- You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot.

Mako is a firebender from a multicultural family who grew up on the streets of Republic City with his younger brother, Bolin. When his brother introduces him to Avatar Korra, his tightly controlled world gets a little more chaotic.

History
Mako and his brother first began competing in the pro-bending tournaments, when a former pro-bender Toza, discovered Mako fighting in the streets. Toza offered the brothers a place to live in the attic of the arena and let them work odd jobs to pay rent, which allowed them to focus on pro-bending. Mako eventually became the captain of their pro-bending team the Fire Ferrets.

Initially, Mako was indifferent towards Korra. He barely even acknowledge her, mistaking her to be another of Bolin's fangirls. This caused the two of them to get off on the wrong foot however, he impressed Korra when he single-handedly defeated the Tigerdillos in his pro-bending match. Still, he didn't acknowledge Korra even when he later learned she was the Avatar.

He did not agree to Korra taking the no-show Hasook's spot on the team in the match prior to the tournament, saying he would rather be disqualified than made a fool of. However, after Korra held her own against a barrage in round three, allowing them to conquer their opponent the Platypus Bears, Mako accepted Korra, and later looked out towards her home on Air Temple Island.

Later, Mako learned that his brother, Bolin, had been captured by the Equalists. He and Korra managed to rescue him, but in the process, encountered a group of chi blockers led by the mysterious and fearless Amon.

Personality
Having a stoic and brooding personality, Mako is generally aloof and indifferent, though he is not incapable of genuine kindness. He tends to be critical and controlling, stemming from a life on the streets and a drive to protect his little brother, which had forced him to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. In light of the brothers' pasts, he cares deeply for Bolin and is very protective of him. Living on the streets has given him a "hard-edge".

Abilities


Mako has shown considerable skill in the art of firebending, implementing a modern style of fire fighting that he uses predominantly in the pro-bending arena. Critics of the sport note his use of a distinct "cool under fire" technique, primarily involving a series of defensive weaving and dodging followed by quick successive spurts of offense. Mako uses the technique to his advantage, once even defeating an entire pro-bending team by himself, by allowing the opposition to tire themselves out before eliminating each combatant individually.

Relatives

 * Bolin (younger brother)

Trivia

 * Mako is a Japanese name meaning "child of truth", and is mostly given to girls. However it can also be given to boys and is often short for names like "Makoto".
 * His name pays homage to Mako Iwamatsu, the man who voiced Iroh from Book 1: Water to Book 2: Earth, but died shortly after finishing his lines for Book 2.
 * The creators commented that Mako reminded them of Zuko, but without the angst.
 * Mako's "cool under fire" style of pro-bending bears similarities to the defensive styles of iconic boxers such as Willie Pep and Muhammad Ali.
 * It is hinted in that Korra has a crush on Mako. In Korra Nation, as Jinora and Ikki were training Korra, Mako came walking by, with Jinora stating he was "cute" and asked Korra if he was the "handsome firebender boy that [drove her crazy]", and Ikki asking if he drove her crazy in a bad way or in a way that she likes him, to which Korra looks back at him, then anxiously to the girls and uses earthbending to try to get rid of them for the moment, but they float back and giggle while Korra awkwardly says hi to Mako. Korra Nation