Beginnings, Part 1

"Beginnings" is an upcoming two-part special episode of Book Two: Spirits. The episodes will detail the origins of the Avatar Cycle by exploring how a young man named Wan became the very first Avatar as he attempted to bring peace and balance between mankind and the spirits. It will take place ten thousand years prior to Avatar Korra's time, but will tie into the main plot of the season, which also involves mystical spirits. These episodes will be the seventh and eighth of Book Two, and the nineteenth and twentieth of the overall series. They will both air on Nickelodeon on October 18, 2013.

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 will be used to alter the appearance and aesthetics of the setting. The design is inspired by the ancient ink wash paintings and woodblock prints of East Asia, and will be achieved by changing the color palette, reducing lighting effects, and increasing stylization. However, the basis for characters' designs will remain unchanged.
 * "Beginnings, Part 1", will be airing at the New York Comic-Con on October 12, 2013.