Avatar: The High Ground: Comic Overview
Avatar: The High Ground is a three-volume graphic novel published by Dark Horse Comics that is part of the larger Avatar comic series. The story takes place in 2168, fourteen years after Avatar (2009), and directly before Avatar: The Way of Water. It followed Jake Sully, Neytiri, and the Omaticaya as the RDA returned to Pandora, triggering the opening phase of the Second Pandoran War.
Comic Overview
Avatar: The High Ground was released as three hardcover volumes between 2022 and 2023. The series was written by Sherri L. Smith and adapted from an unused screenplay developed for an early version of Avatar: The Way of Water. Interior art was handled by multiple artists across the three volumes, with cover art by Doug Wheatley. The story introduced characters later seen in the film, including Neteyam, Lo'ak, Kiri, and RDA commander General Frances Ardmore.
By this point, Jake and Neytiri had started a family and the Omaticaya anticipated the return of the Sky People. The clan relocated deep into the Hallelujah Mountains and established High Camp, while human allies such as Norm Spellman and Max Patel operated alongside them.
Plot Summary
In 2168, Jake prepared the Omaticaya for the inevitable return of the RDA. The Na'vi clan relocated to High Camp and began training for a larger conflict. Na'vi forces even trained in zero gravity using captured equipment to prepare for combat in space. Jake believed the next war would begin before the humans could land on Pandora.
The RDA launched a new invasion fleet, including the ISV Venture Star and supporting spacecraft. Jake led a strike force into orbit to attack the fleet before it reached the surface. The resulting battle involved Na'vi using weapons in space, fighting RDA forces in zero gravity, and boarding human vessels. Negotiations failed and combat escalated as both sides attempted to control the approaching ships.
Despite Jake's efforts, the RDA successfully landed on Pandora. Human forces seized Hell's Gate and began establishing a permanent foothold. The returning expedition was led by General Frances Ardmore, who oversaw the renewed colonization effort and military expansion. The conflict expanded into full-scale war between Na'vi forces and the RDA.
The Sully family became directly involved in the fighting as the RDA pushed deeper into Pandora. Battles occurred across the forest and around human-controlled territory while the Omaticaya attempted to slow the human advance. The story ended with the RDA reestablishing its presence and the war escalating into the situation seen at the start of Avatar: The Way of Water.
Key Characters
- Jake Sully - Olo'eyktan of the Omaticaya who led orbital attacks against the RDA.
- Neytiri - Jake's companion and Na'vi warrior who fought alongside Jake during the RDA's return.
- Neteyam - Jake and Neytiri's eldest son.
- Lo'ak - Second son of Jake and Neytiri.
- Kiri - Adopted daughter raised by Jake and Neytiri.
- Tuk - Youngest daughter of the Sully family.
- Spider - Human boy living among the Omaticaya.
- Norm Spellman - Human ally and pilot assisting Na'vi forces.
- Max Patel - Scientist who relocated to High Camp.
- General Frances Ardmore - Commander of the RDA return force.
Timeline Placement
On the Avatar timeline, The High Ground is set in 2168, fourteen years after Avatar (2009). It followed Avatar: The Next Shadow and preceded Avatar: The Way of Water. The story depicted the beginning of the Second Pandoran War and the RDA's permanent return to Pandora. Avatar: The High Ground is followed by Avatar: The Gap Year - Tipping Point, which sits even closer to Avatar: The Way of Water.
Release History
Avatar: The High Ground was released as a three-volume graphic novel series. The first volume released in November 2022, with volumes two and three following in December 2022 and January 2023. A Library Edition collecting all three volumes released in June 2023. The story was adapted from an unused Avatar sequel screenplay which was presented by James Cameron to Dark Horse Comics and given his full endorsement.
Legacy
Avatar: The High Ground covered the return of the RDA, the relocation to High Camp, and the opening phase of the Second Pandoran War. It introduced General Ardmore, depicted the first orbital combat between Na'vi and humans, and bridged the gap between Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water.
External Sources
Tag Categories: Avatar Lore
