After staring at this picture for way more time than what anyone could consider to be normal, I can confirm that I’m unable to find anything I dislike about it. My favorite game series is The Legend of Zelda, and my favorite anime (yes, I said anime) is Avatar. Was there really any chance that I wouldn’t love this?
An art style’s aesthetics have an undeniable influence over whether I like a movie, game, or TV show. I guess that’s true for everything that involves visual attraction, but I’m talking about how a style will not only grab my attention but also keep me invested. Avatar’s art captured that magic for me, and so has every style from every Zelda game. Breath of the Wild’s visuals, especially the character designs, are also among my favorites. I’m making myself love this piece on top of already loving it. Love-ception.
Digital artist FlippingChicken had a great idea. They found what Breath of the Wild and Avatar had in common — the friendships and bonds between the characters — and cast it as the central theme of this art, titled “Zeldavatar.” We see the main characters of both fictions blended together while also showing the similar quirks they happen to share. Daruk/Uncle Iroh’s jovial nature and fatherly attitude are shown by his big smile and his hand on Revali/Zuko respectively. Revali/Zuko is a grouch, but he’s still willing to pose with the others. Zelda/Suki has that control and posture that comes from a strict upbringing. Link/Aang has a kind smile and a hero’s confidence. Mipha/Katara has her close connection with Link/Aang. Urbosa/Toph knows that she’s awesome. Sidon/Sokka has his irrepressible enthusiasm.
The representation of personalities is my favorite part, but I have to note the wonderful mix of character designs. Each hybrid character borrows a little from their sources. Seeing things like how Zuko’s scar is represented by red feathers on the Rito’s face is perfect. I also love how Link’s Paraglider was incorporated into Aang’s glider. The blending of elements feels so appropriate and natural.
“Zeldavatar” encapsulates almost everything that I love most about Breath of the Wild and Avatar. Maybe someone could try to say this means Nintendo ripped off Avatar, but to that I would say please shut up and let me enjoy this.
