Link has navigated some truly difficult terrains in his many lifetimes — active volcanoes, zombie-infested crypts, and desolate deserts just to name a few, all of which have tested his courage. Then there’s the Southern Swamp in Majora’s Mask, which tested his photography skills. But despite the touristy nature of the swamp boat cruise, which is amplified by the ridiculously upbeat tune, Link must make no mistake: this is a toxic tour and it will truly test his endurance if he makes one wrong move.
In the wake of Majora’s mischief, the Southern Swamp became filled with poison and monsters, making what was once a quirky Termina attraction into an extremely risky ride. A bad turn here or a fallen tree there could capsize the boat and leave them all as food for the Octoroks. Despite the now deadly nature of the tour, Koume decided to keep it running anyway. What does it bother a witch? She probably didn’t even realize anything was different.
Léo Chérel’s fan art perfectly re-imagines this precarious expedition that Link must take through the poisoned swamp. While Koume may imply it’s an intriguing trip, pointing up with a grin at a funny-looking tree (probably deformed by the toxic water), the poisonous fumes oozing out of the water speak for themselves. Even the poor monkey, who’s already got enough troubling his mind, has been knocked dizzy by the purple vapors.
I love Léo’s extremely detailed and somewhat twisted cartoony style. It fits the mood of Majora’s Mask perfectly, and really accentuates the dreadful nature of this supposedly entertaining tour that Koume is taking Link on. Every wrinkle and wart on Koume’s face is visible, as is her tattered hair and dirty cloak. That and her crooked, yellow grin and sideways glance is enough to leave Link feeling unsettled. He picks up a cobweb-covered camera from the boat after she asked him to snap a picture, and wonders if it’s just the poisonous swamp that’s kept customers away for this long.
This whole unnerving vibe is fully embedded in the piece thanks to how effectively Léo recreates the swamp. In the game it’s surprisingly colorful and bright, particularly as a clear blue sky is visible on the first day. But in this artwork, it better depicts how I think the poisonous swamp should look.
The grotty greens and browns of the surrounding foliage mingle together with the pinkish-purple poisonous fumes to create a truly unpleasant atmosphere. The sky isn’t even visible here. Rather, a pale green mist has shrouded the path ahead, no doubt leaving Link wondering where exactly Koume is really taking them. All he can do is trust that she’ll deliver him to the palace in one piece, let alone with his lungs full of toxic fumes.
Be sure to check out the rest of our articles from Majora’s Month, our month-long celebration of Majora’s Mask’s 20th anniversary!
