This came out of nowhere, after last weeks junior novel cancellation it was very easy to be very down about the future of Korra merchandise. Now, thanks to Dark Horse's previews for March we know that we have some new stuff coming May 7th. Personally most of this is not the type of merch I am eager to get, but it is good to see Korra stuff coming out. First up we have a set of 4 coasters with the element symbols on them. I will admit that I get very confused by all the different symbols for the nation, the elements and the bending.Air for example I would usually associate the 3 spiral patterns arranged like and upside down triangle, but instead we get this symbol which the description says is the element symbol for Air. The Description for everything here is the same
The Legend of Korra takes place seventy years after the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender and follows the next Avatar after Aang-a girl named Korra who is from the Southern Water Tribe. With three of the four elements under her belt (earth, water, and fire), Korra seeks to master air. We have themed our initial product releases to the symbols of these four elements, as designed by show creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and the Nickelodeon creative team.
This set of 4 will be $9.99

Coasters

Next up are patches with the same symbols, but they are sold separately for $4.99 each

Patch A

Patch W

Patch E

Patch FUp next is a set of 4 pins with the same designs, the set is $5.99. Probably the only thing here I would buy, cheapest pay to get these 4 designs.

PinsFinally we have a set of 4 pint glasses for $29.99, these also have the Korra logo on the back in addition to the symbols.

Pints

Honestly these announcements have me a bit confused, I have been baffled so far by the merchandising strategy for Korra (I.E little to none), so for the first wave of new products to be glasses, coasters, patches and pins is weird to me. For Korra the stuff I would expect would be Trading Card Games, sticker albums, a toyline and video games etc. I am sure the above products will interest many Avatar fans come May. Admittedly these were announced through comic previews so they are aimed at the more adult fans, that said Korra is really losing out in terms of stuff aimed at kids. Nick after all is a childrens channel, why are they not marketing the show towards its main audience?

Thoughts on these items?