Have you ever wondered what a female version of Link would look like? In 2014, we were introduced to Linkle with the release of Hyrule Warriors. Before the game’s release, fans speculated if Linkle was a female Link. This would turn out to be false, as Link and Linkle bear no connections to one another aside from a few physical similarities. However, that didn’t stop Linkle from captivating the hearts of fans alike. But did you know there was actually a “Linkle” before Linkle? Thanks to Twitter user HistoryofHyrule, a Zelda archivist and historian, official artwork of a pink-haired, female Link has been unearthed and is available online for viewing.
Artwork of female Link, or Linka (dubbed by fans), was initially found in the manga magazine Monthly Shonen Captain, May 18, 1986 issue. According to HistoryofHyrule, there are six images in total: five of Link, or Zelda as the protagonist, and one of a fairy.
More recently, as of May 2022, HistoryofHyrule has graced us again with two new images of the elusive female Link and a fairy found in Wanpakku Comics Special Edition: The Legend of Zelda Winning Tip Book, published May 25, 1986. This strategy guide was also used by Nintendo of America to create the Tips and Tactics guide, which is credited as Hissyou Hintbon. It’s interesting to note that while Wanpakku and Shonen Captain are different companies, they are owned by the same company: Tokuma Shoten. According to HistoryofHyrule, this heavily implies the mystery artist of female Link originated from Tokuma Shoten, which was also the publishing company Nintendo and Nintendo of America used for their guides in the 80’s.
Though not officially confirmed, Nobuyoshi Takagi is highly speculated to be the artist of female Link. If this information piques your interest, please be sure to check out HistoryofHyrule’s blog for more archival scans of rare, out-of-print Zelda books and manga.
