Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy is generally set after The Rift and before Smoke and Shadow in the Avatar comic timeline.

Where it fits

  • It takes place in the post-show period, after the events of The Rift.
  • Community timeline discussions commonly place it between The Rift and Smoke and Shadow.
  • One discussion also suggests it is “the following year,” which lines up with that placement.

Simple takeaway

If you want the shortest answer: read The Rift first, then Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy , then Smoke and Shadow.