The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts - Dark Horse Books
General Info
| ISBN | 978-1506703350 |
|---|---|
| Author | Nintendo |
| Genres | Video Game Art |
| Book Name | The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts |
| Languages | English |
| Publisher | Dark Horse Books |
| Release Date | 2017-02-21 |
| Number of Pages | 424 |
| Original Title | The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Publisher Website URL | https://www.darkhorse.com/ |
Overview
Plot
The book boldly opens with masterpieces from the original The Legend of Zelda, illuminating the concept of iconic characters including the brave Link and the evil Ganon. A deep dive into the creative process reveals intricate sketches, character studies, and the evolution of Hyrule's genesis.
The book goes on to explore different elements of each title, from Link's Awakening's shift to a more playful tone to the dark and foreboding atmosphere of Twilight Princess. Each game's unique personality is reflected in the collection on offer, as each page of artwork is overflowing with the essence of that game.
The last part of the book pays tribute to the latest entry in the series: Breath of the Wild. Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of lush landscapes, advanced weapons, ferocious beasts, and an updated yet familiar Link, all beautifully illustrated.
At its core, The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts is less of a simple plot and more of an anthology of stories told through art. Each piece of art is a tale of fantasy, courage, darkness and heroism woven into the rich tapestry of The Legend of Zelda's immersive universe. It's an eye-opening insight into the imagination and artistry that drives one of the most revered video game franchises of all time.
Development
Readers are guided by the original high-fantasy conceptual solutions and art forms that have truly captured the appeal of an entire generation. The page features illustrations depicting the evolution of the legendary hero Link from his humble 8-bit beginnings to the gaunt figure of today's versions.
Not only heroes, villains and monsters, but also majestic landscapes are widely discussed. Each is filled with mystery, with an imaginative tapestry of natural beauty, ancient ruins and magical dungeons that capture the imaginations of fans and artists alike.
Finally, bright illustrations of weapons, armor and items are highlighted, telling about the specific details of this game. They have evolved from simple sword and shield combinations to carefully crafted magical artifacts, each a source of inspiration.
A must have for any serious artistic journey into the world of Zelda. In addition to telling the story of game development, this book celebrates The Legend of Zelda's dynamic and revolutionary impact on the world of fantasy and video games. Art and Artifacts effectively juxtaposes the craftsmanship, vision, and relentless pursuit of creative excellence that underpins every dot and line of the beloved franchise.
Publication
The publication brings together an incredible reservoir of concept art, character designs, stunning artwork and promotional material from the entire Zelda series, from its inception to the latest game, Breath of the Wild. The collection is so vast that no link remains unexplored.
Interspersed throughout the pages are interviews with creators that provide rare insight into the thought process behind incredibly detailed and rich designs. It's like opening a Zelda treasure chest, revealing gems of information and visuals sure to delight any Zelda enthusiast.
Detailed artwork gives you unrestricted access to the intricate elements of the Zelda world: landscapes, architecture, weapons, and the many characters that inhabit the land of Hyrule. The sketches also provide a visual narrative of character development throughout the timeline.
But where the book really shines is not just the artwork to admire, but the nostalgia and immersive storytelling that has been in every game since the beginning of the Zelda series. It manages to capture the wonderful mix of intrigue, adventure, and magical charm that makes The Legend of Zelda such a beloved story. Art & Artifacts - Dark Horse Books is a must-read that perfectly complements the Zelda franchise. It invites readers not only to turn the pages, but also to embark on an enchanting journey. Collectors, gaming enthusiasts and artists will especially enjoy this insightful and visually stunning masterpiece. A tribute to the unique creativity that is the soul of Zelda, this book is a truly valuable artifact.
Release
The release attracted tens of thousands of fans who demanded a copy to explore the artistic journey of their favorite franchise. It included concept art, rare promotional material, character, enemy and weapon artwork, and rare interview content from the developers themselves. These exclusive features gave fans a glimpse into the enchanting world of Zelda and its rich history.
To the delight of fans, the book featured a large collection of illustrations from every game in the legendary series, including: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask and the recent masterpiece Breath of the Wild. It became a testament to the franchise's legacy, reflecting its enduring popularity and influence in the gaming industry.
The release of The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts was a milestone that symbolized the enduring appeal and influence of the Zelda franchise. This cemented Zelda's status as a timeless classic, immortalized in this amazing collection of artwork and artifacts. The overwhelming fan response is a testament to the memorable charm and fascinating mystery that has made Zelda a beloved and enduring part of gaming culture.
Reception
The book was praised primarily for its extensive and varied set of illustrations detailing the various characters, scenes and stages of the game. Vivid graphics and rich colors bring the magic and charm of the Zelda universe to life, giving fans unprecedented insight into the creative process behind one of the most beloved video game franchises.
Art & Artifacts also features interviews with the core creative team behind the Zelda series, which readers will find a valuable addition. These interviews served as an engaging behind-the-scenes look that greatly enhances the reading experience, revealing intriguing insight into the series' development.
The physical quality of the book is also commendable. The hardcover, paper quality, and printing gave it a grandeur equal to the legendary series, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
All in all, The Legend of Zelda: Art and Artifacts from Dark Horse Books offers a visual treat for Zelda fans new and old, with a mix of nostalgia and novelty. It not only reveals the artistic genius of the series, but also enriches the experience of the Zelda universe through in-depth discussions. This book is a true celebration of Zelda's legacy and a valuable addition to any fan's collection.
Cultural impact
Almost at the same time as the Internet, where fan art has become an explosive cultural phenomenon, Art & Artifacts has capitalized on this trend to offer fans a treasure trove of over thirty years of official Zelda art. The visual story conveys the love, effort, and meticulous attention to design detail that went into creating Zelda. These elements have inspired gaming enthusiasts, artists, and fans around the world to contribute to fan art, cosplay conventions, and create the ever-expanding Zelda universe. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the world of Zelda, which demystified game development for many aspiring game artists, designers, and programmers. By opening up the creative process, fans were encouraged to believe in the possibility of being a part of creating something as extraordinary as Zelda. This means not only consumption, but also an active contribution to the growth of the gaming industry.
In addition, Art and Artifacts helped shape our modern visual culture. Zelda's atypical fantasy art style, where the ancient meets the futuristic, art deco and medieval mix, all these visual markers have greatly influenced the aesthetic sensibilities of our time. These elements permeate the work of visual artists, comic book illustrators and graphic designers.
At its core, The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts' cultural impact is much more than a cute coffee table book. It unites communities, empowers individuals, fosters creativity and inspires a new generation of artists and designers who can transform the gaming industry.