Does This Zelda Manga Hold Up? | Ocarina of Time Manga Review

Akira Himekawa's legacy of Zelda manga began with their adaptation of Ocarina of Time, which has been held in relatively high regard since its release. But does it still hold up today? Let's find out in today's Zelda manga review. Happy Anniversary, everybody!

Check out my friend Jaerizzle:

[atlasroyale]

Apologies in advance for some audio issues. I had really bad mic problems while making this.

[LupinticDream]

I always thought the Ocarina of Time manga worked better as a companion piece to the game itself, rather than its own individual story. I mean, when I first played OoT I would read through the manga as a means of getting excited for what was to come later in the game. And I think to an extent, that was probably the manga's intention, being what was essentially a promotional piece for the game (Nintendo was actually a lot more involved in the various Zelda manga than people think, as the primary concept artist on OoT, Yusuke Nakano, supervised this manga; this manga debuted Link's ponytail, which was an inclusion instructed by Nakano himself). I also think that's why I never really noticed / minded the brisk pacing before, but I can definitely see what you mean in hindsight when you mentioned it in this video. Not to say that someone couldn't enjoy the manga as its own thing totally divorced from the game, of course, 'cause they definitely could... I just feel the impact isn't gonna be as strong for them that way. The Majora's Mask manga was also pretty blatantly intended as a companion piece for its respective game, with Himekawa basically saying as much in the volume release. Though I have'ta say, the newer Zelda manga by Himekawa- and the Twilight Princess manga in particular- definitely stand better on their own, which is a good thing. I'm really hoping we get a Breath of the Wild adaptation someday.

[rosybee]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO! You beautifully summarised the highs and lows of the ocarina of time manga. I’ve not played the game or read the manga in a long time but I do have fond memories of it and your criticisms are on point. Something that I really remember was child Zelda and link playing together so it was nice to hear you talk about that. Don’t beat yourself up too much over the audio, stuff happens and the audio was still clear and understandable. Brilliant video to make for your channel anniversary considering the impact of that specific game on you and your life. I loved watching this video on my birthday and thanks for the video mention. I’m immensely proud of you and can’t wait to see how your channel evolves. Happy channel anniversary!!!

[tyforestreacts]

I remember being addicted to this manga when I was younger and just getting into Legend of Zelda as a franchise. Went back to it recently, and while it has its flaws, I was just as engrossed into it as I was years ago.

[DIEGhostfish]

15:36 after TP volume 9 I think that this could be Malon putting on a strong face and supressing her feelings, rather than truly getting over it. It would not be the first time a personndid that, and might be setting the standard for their future works to do more of it.

[longlivethesecondplaceice]

I never read the oot manga but seeing through your eyes how you remember it give me some nostalgia that i never had
In the first place That proves that you have made i vidoe with high quality congrats

Can wait for more zelda mangas to come looking forward for i

[a.jthomas]

I remembered reading the managa when I was a kid, and I grew to like the artstyle as well as the dynamic between Link and Zelda despite being a tragic love story. Then when I start playing Ocarina of Time, there are parts from the manga that weren’t in the actual game like their time at castle town as kids or Nabooru being a badass Gerudo. Sure it has some flaws and people complaint about Malon being undermined because they liked she as a better love interest to Link than Zelda. But again the Ocarina of Time manga remains special to me, and I thought of it as companion piece to the game itself. I hope Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom get their adaptation since * Zelink* have become more popular nowadays. In addition, included Link’s family (as seen in the concept art), Link and Zelda’s relationship grow from a rocky start till they become lovers, establishing the connection between the events of the Imprisoning War and Calamity Ganon that kept reappearing every 10, 000 years, the origins of the Zonai, Twinrova, and providing background of Ganondorf.

[yeast]

Woah-
Despite me never playing ocarina of time you made this video still very interesting to watch which I find as a win in your book. I love how you were honest when in the review and not just skimming over the faults and getting to the parts that you like which is very tricky to do with something that you love.
And dont drag yourself down because of the audio all I had to do is put my volume level a little higher so its okay.
Overall I give this review video 10/10 would watch again ;)
Oh! And happy channel anniversary and happy birthday to your gf hopefully you both have a great day!

[jambyr]

for how well these videos are made, you are criminally underrated

[Rizzle_The_Beat_Gawd]

Another W video bro. You summarized this video perfectly. And while you pointed out its flaws, the manga def seems like a solid manga. Also thanks so much for the shoutout bro and i'm glad you like the beat. And on another note, baby volvagia is adorable. Link bought a whole ass boss, for 70 rupees

[everythingandyou]

This was a great video to watch, I agree that the volvagia bit should have had more context, but in spite of it I found it emotional and enjoyed it.
Great work, feel like you did a good job reviewing this content.

[GarryDKing]

I remember in High school, I had a photoshop class that I did so well in I'd finish most my assignments within 10 minutes of the hour class, so I spent the other 50 reading Zelda manga online. I really like what these manga add to the series, Especially Link's relationship with Volvagia, and just seeing him talk and express himself too. Though to be fair to the manga, it is only 2 volumes long so of course it'd a lil rushed. It was the prototype so of course it isn't gonna be as refined as later ones.
With the TP manga done, I think next up is Skyward Sword right?

[faniaria]

I feel like the whole Malon Link thing not being explored further also stems from the fact that Nintendo doesn't seem that fond of it either. I know Aonuma stated he would like to see Zelda as Link's girlfriend in regards to OoT. And since Himekawa had to be in correspondence with Nintendo for the story to be approved, it's no wonder. Personally It's also the choice I prefer and reading this manga definitely felt nice in that regard, but I can understand why that might be a plot point that others don't like. To me it comes off a bit like, that Nintendo originally intended Link and Zelda to be the main thing, but then with Twilight Princess, they 'accidentally' created the Malon and Link being likely theory. So to them it was sort of like a chance to try and roll it back a bit? But that didn't really work out as the MaLink theory is more popular than ever.

[Dawnred]

Really great video! It's nice to see that AH's works aren't going unnoticed. There were a few criticisms I disagree with, but can still understand the viewpoint. Most manga series are published in a weekly or monthly magazine, giving each respected mangaka a deadline to make a single 20 (or more) page chapter, which only get their own separate book release if said series reach the required number of chapters for a single volume. OoT was released within Shougaku - 5 Nensei and Shougaku - 6 Nensei, two educational magazines for elementary students in japan. But its unclear if these magazines were released weekly or monthly, which if weekly, would at least provide an explanation to the "rushed" feeling you get when reading through it as a whole. But, regardless, I really enjoyed this video and can't wait to watch more like this if you plan on making more. ❤️

[ASMRaphael]

That was so super exceptional and superb :) Wonderful :)

[Skrulzie]

I still have my copies and treasure them dearly. As well as the MM ones as well

[nillynush]

I didn't know Malon got cut the way she did, kindov disappointing. AH knocks TP Link and Midna's relationship out of the park in their manga... so missing out on a romance between (as you mention) the likely canon couple was a shame.

[godfatherkyu]

Can't believe they did ruto like that😢

[DIEGhostfish]

Yeah the Volvagia thing does seem really weird. I like giving him one more reason to hate Ganondorf. But the mythic recreation is really good too.

[AiorosSagittarius]

I find myself totally agreeing with you. The artwork is beautiful. But the story would have needed more than two volumes. It's just not fleshed out enough, way too rushed oftentimes. That's why I am so happy that the Twilight Princess manga is as long as it is. With art even more beautiful than any Zelda manga before.