Guan is the main antagonist of the graphic novel trilogy The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire. He was the head of the Earth Empire's southern forces during the rule of Kuvira, and led an armed holdout following the latter's surrender. A cunning strategist, Guan conspired to restore Earth Empire influence by entering the Gaoling Election.
Biography[]
Guan is a powerful and capable leader who was well-respected among the ranks of the Earth Empire. He was tasked by Kuvira with maintaining order in the southern Earth Kingdom, while she focused on uniting the rest of the continent (particularly Zaofu and, eventually, the United Republic of Nations). As part of his mission, he was also placed in charge of a reeducation camp at Gaoling where he was supposed to train soldiers whom were regarded as unreliable by the Earth Empire's leadership. Guan worked closely with Earth Empire scientist Dr. Sheng to develop new and more reliable brainwashing techniques. Dr. Sheng got a breakthrough in permanent brainwashing techniques, however Kuvira surrendered before these techniques could be tested.
Shortly after Kuvira was sentenced for her crimes, Guan got wind that Prince Wu was planning on turning the monarchy structure of government in the Earth Kingdom into a democratic republic, and told his forces that he would never abandon them as Kuvira had, and that the Earth Empire would rise from defeat and become more powerful than it had ever been. Guan and Sheng continued developing their brainwashing techniques, hoping they could make the brainwashing effects permanent. After using this technology on Wu, he moved the date of the election for governor of Gaoling, which Guan won in a landslide.
Kuvira was released from prison temporarily so she could give the final order to Commander Guan's troops to surrender, they instead chanted their support to him, showing her that they were no longer loyal to her. Eventually, after a fierce battle with Kuvira, Guan surrendered, but Kuvira attempted to kill him. However, Suyin stopped her, and Kuvira spared Guan's life. Guan subsequently ordered his entire army to stand down.
Guan's fate thereafter is left unknown, but it is likely that Guan was sentenced to prison for his attempted coup.
External links[]
- Guan on the Avatar Wiki.