Dark Horse Comics is back with another incredible The Legend of Zelda book, just in time for the release of Breath of the Wild. Like 2013’s Hyrule Historia, The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts is a gorgeous, full-color oversized book packed with everything Zelda. From character illustrations to pixel art, the images are truly breathtaking, and a must-see for anyone who has ever whiled away the hours in Hyrule.
Illustrations are presented chronologically by game. Beginning with the original The Legend of Zelda and going all the way to Breath of the Wild, you’ll encounter images you’ve never seen before from your favorite Zelda game in these pages. Each game section in the first half of the book features familiar key art, like illustrations you may remember from the instruction manuals and game boxes, along with concept art.
There’s some serious nostalgia in these pages. Whether it’s the iconic image of a cartoonish Link as the book begins or the Master Sword on its pedestal in the sunlit forest, the illustrations in this book can immediately transport you back to childhood, or to simpler times when you first picked up a Zelda game.
The second half of Art & Artifacts focuses on characters. Sorted by game, not only is there art for Link, Zelda, and Ganon, but all of the minor named characters and enemy creatures. The names themselves are fascinating, odd, and somewhat familiar, like skulltulas and stalfos. Each game also has a page of detailed item icons, living up to the “artifacts” in the title.
Unlike Hyrule Historia, this art book is light on text, although there is a lengthy interview with Nintendo’s art team about the history of Zelda‘s concept art in the last pages. If you’re looking for more about the games’ history and stories, stick to Hyrule Historia, but if you’re looking for a book with pages of art to flip through at any time, Art & Artifacts is the collection you want sitting on the coffee table.
With a price tag of $39.99, The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts might be best suited for diehard Zelda fans. But if you fit that category, this art book must go on your shelf.
The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts will be released February 21, 2017 from Dark Horse Comics.
GeekMom received a promotional copy for review purposes.
All images © Nintendo / Dark Horse Comics
