The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is, at long last, available to play on the Switch. As you might assume, and assume correctly, I am a Zelda fanatic, so I’ve spent these past few days in a welcomed and Zelda-focused state of excitement. The more Zelda, the better.
This of course means I’m looking at and enjoying all manner of fan-made projects and art, which is why I felt the time was right to share a splendid poster design created by artist Bibi. This portrait is fun and vibrant, and it presents a dynamic view of what Link’s Awakening is all about.
Aside from not featuring Marin, this piece gets everything right and shows us what is most important about the game. We’re on an island, Link came to the island with only his sword and shield, the inhabitants of the island are a bit odd (I see you down there, BowWow), and Link’s only hope to escape the island is to turn that giant egg into that giant flying whale. Also, the owl’s there too. You know, the owl that keeps giving Link cryptic clues rather than simply providing all of the details immediately. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I and no one else should like that owl.
I’m getting off track. The point is that Bibi did an amazing job of conveying the “spirit” of the game without overloading this portrait with details. To anyone who’s played Link’s Awakening, this represents what’s most important and memorable. (Again, aside from Marin. No, I can’t let that go.)
What is also really fun about this art is that the style is reminiscent of the official art from the early days of the Zelda series. The colors, proportions, and shading all feel natural for the brand and match official drawings. I love when artists take things in unique directions, but I also appreciate when they occasionally create things that attempt to satisfy my craving for more of the source material.
Bibi did amazing job with this portrait. I’ll say that again. And if you’re interested, viewing the process for creating this piece is equally enjoyable as viewing the final product.
