Growing up, I was one of those kids that Zelda was the cute little green elf that was the hero of the game. It wasn't until much later that I realized that Zelda, was the name of the princess he was always trying to save. However, in my defense, I wasn't allowed to play video games as a child. My parents preferred I played out side, or read - which I did copious amounts of. I still have never played a second of any of the countless Zelda games that are out there - but the story has always interested me. So, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on one of VIZ Media's newest releases THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: LEGENDARY EDITION - OCARINA OF TIME.
Based off of the first Zelda game for Ninentdo 64, Ocarina of Time was the fifth in the series that still continues to this day. During my research, I discovered that the game was one of the most anticipated releases of its time. It's also widely considered to not only be a classic but one of the best video games of all time. It's even listed in the Guinness World Records (Gamer's Edition 2008) as the highest rank of all time while the 2010 edition called it the most critically acclaimed game of all time -and those are just two of a plethora of accolades.
The book had a lot of hype to live up to. Usually when I get that excited about something, I'm let down. It's happened more times than I can count. So, I was a little nervous when I was finally abel to sit down and start reading.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I received the book with its dark forest green covered and gold foil accents. Written and drawn by Akira Himekawa the story follows Link, a boy from the Kokiri Forest who, unlike everyone around him, did not have a fairy guardian. As the boy without a fairy he odd-man out, Link never quite fit in with the other children. Plagued by nightmares, he knows he's meant for something other than what he is. Revealed as the Hero of Time, Link must defeat evil on his long, perilous quest to find the spiritual stones that hold the key to the Triforce, and deliver them to Zelda, the princess of the land of Hyrule.
An omnibus, the book is 378 pages of fun and fabulous art (including 14 color pages) and a captivating story that is easily followed and thoroughly enjoyable. I wish I was more of a gamer, because after reading the story, I have a deepening understanding for the world and why it's so appealing. The book can be purchased through sites like Amazon, Right Stuff Anime and through VIZ Media directly. With an MSRP of $17.99 U.S. / $21.99 CAN Ocarina of Time is just the first volume of the series. Volume 2: THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: LEGENDARY EDITION - ORACLE OF SEAONS and ORACLE OF AGES will be released in January 2017. For more information on this and other titles please visit the VIZ Meida website.