Ever since Avatar: The Last Airbender sequel series The Legend of Korra ended in 2014, fans have eagerly speculated about what the future might hold for the next Avatar. Many have even turned their theories into fanfiction, fan art and other fan works. One creation has become so popular, there's a petition for Nickelodeon to adapt it: Marcus Williams' The Legend of Abioye, the story of the next Avatar.
The Legend of Abioye takes place a century after the events of The Legend of Korra, in a distant country that has had very little contact with the Four Nations. It stars the titular Abioye as the next Earth Avatar in the elemental cycle.
Abioye is a young man with a rare talent for metal bending gold, making him the target of a greedy and powerful king. He dreams of traveling the world and helping those in need alongside his animal companion, a Zebra Lion named Imari. However, he is forced to live on the run from the king and any others who would use his abilities for their personal gain.
After making his way to a bustling port city, Abioye encounters sailors from a far-off land (one of the Water Tribes), who reveal his destiny as the next Avatar. Abioye decides to travel back with them to the Four Nations, with the greedy king in hot pursuit.
Aside from Abioye, Williams has already created several intriguing new characters, each of whom seem destined to play a significant role in the young Avatar's life: Funmilayo, an airbender who befriends Abioye as she seeks to escape her famously powerful father's shadow; Balogun, a firebender who searches for a powerful airbender to capture as part of a coming of age ritual inspired by Zuko's pursuit of Aang; Maji, a young waterbending prodigy who hopes to become Abioye's waterbending master in return for his aid in defeating their common enemy, the greedy king; and Ikenna, a kind and gentle combustion bender who hopes to use the hunt for the Avatar to finally free himself from his abusive father.
A key part of Legend of Abioye is its brand-new setting, which draws heavily from various African countries and cultures, such as the Yoruba of Nigeria, rather than the Asian and indigenous ones that inspired the Four Nations. Regardless of these differences, Williams's brilliant worldbuilding makes it extremely clear to all but the casual observer that Abioye and the rest are part of the Avatar universe: Bending, spirits, animal hybrids and even some iconic cultural touchstones -- such as airbenders' blue arrow tattoos -- are just as present in this story.
The Legend of Abioye's dynamic art, ingenious world-building, adaption of canon and intriguing storyline make it a must-read for any and every Avatar fan. The story is still a work in progress, with new art and snippets released every so often by Williams on the fan work's official Facebook page. The story is also available on Williams' website.