Zelda Animated Series and CDI Redesigns, Part 1!!!
Link and Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: The Animated Series:
❀This series and Zelda CDI certainly deviate from the standard Zelda formula, and have since been memed into oblivion for it. As for me, I think the memes and dated animation just make these series more charming and funny--they really are like time capsules, and what's more, not all their ideas are half bad! The Animated Series actually introduced the idea of Link having a horse and a fairy companion and fighting alongside the princess, all with just the world of Zelda 1 to go off of!
I tried to encapsulate my feelings for them in the re-designs, essentially trying to bring out the best of who these characters are/could be. Here's some analysis for the Cartoon Duo below!❀
Link, Hero of Hyrule and Guardian of the Triforce:
I didn't do too much with his clothes other than mute some colors and add some embroidery and chain mail. It's just enough to show his rank as Zelda's bodyguard, but nothing too fancy, since he's actually pretty humble when it comes to material gains. One of his first lines in the series is actually him complaining about cushy castle life and longing for a life outdoors with the bare minimum to sustain him. I like to think Link grew up fending for himself at an early age, and the road is all he knew to call home. Now his home is beside his princess. He can always rely on her, and she can put up with all his antics and corny jokes ;)
I like to think that these designs are sort of Link and Zelda's "Post Series" outfits, too (No I don't count Captain N as canon to this world, just a reflection of its potential). As such, Link has sort of "mellowed out". Don't get me wrong, he's still very much a loverboy for his princess, still a bit snarky, sometimes headstrong, and probably owns an entire encyclopedia of hilarious, cheesy one-liners. But even though he may need someone to reign him in now and then, he's also an exceptional fighter. He's mastered sword techniques that few have achieved, and has a strong sense of justice. And on his best days, Link can be quite charming and thoughtful, and fiercely protective of his loved ones. I tried to put some of that strength, wit, and confidence into his features here.
Zelda, Princess of Hyrule and Wielder of Wisdom:
I had a lot of fun with Zelda's new outfit! It takes heavy inspiration from the Zeldas of Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors with just enough of her own flair thrown in. It's more regal than her cartoon clothing but just as practical, showing how she's grown into a mature ruler who's just as comfortable handling disputes as she is rushing into battle with a boomerang, her magic, and a bow by her side.
In fact, in the series, she's often depicted as a more competent monarch than her father the king, and there's no doubt that she will one day make a wise and just queen. By this point she has also gotten a better handle on her emotions and is a voice of reason, as well as a foil to Link's loud personality. That said, she can also match his sarcasm and his flirts line for line, and loves to tease him. Which only makes him fall in love with her more. Was that her plan all along? Experts are still stumped to this day. =)
Link to Part 2: Zelda CDI Redesign
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