Nickelodeon and Dark Horse have officially announced plans to continue the story of Avatar Aang, Katara, Sokka and Zuko in the next chapter of the Avatar saga, Avatar: The Last Air Bender: The Promise.

This new chapter of the Avatar story, written by author Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) with guidance from the series’ creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, kicks off with Aang and his friends in conflict with the Fire Nation that threatens to plunge the world into another war. Art for the book will be handled by the Japanese artists, Gurihiru. This series is not only considered a continuation of the story line established in the original series, but will also serve as a bridge between the original television show and its upcoming sequel The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra which will air on Nickelodeon in 2013.

“Bryan [Konietzko, cocreator and executive producer of Avatar: The Last Airbender] and I are excited for our fans to read about the further adventures of Aang and the gang. Gene is an amazing storyteller and Gurihiru’s style is a perfect fit for the Avatar universe. It has been a great experience collaborating with Dark Horse once again,” said Michael DiMartino, cocreator and executive producer of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise hits select shops on January 25, 2012.

[Source] Dark Horse