Step back into the early days of Hyrule’s expanded universe with the classic Legend of Zelda comic book series published by Valiant Comics. Launched in 1990 as a key part of their wider Nintendo Comics System lineup, these comics offered fans exciting new adventures featuring Link and Zelda, bridging the gap between the early NES games and providing a unique interpretation of the Zelda lore.
Storyline & Style
The primary storyline, woven through the main features of each issue, unfolds after the events of the original The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link. Ganon, having inevitably resurfaced and reclaimed the powerful Triforce of Power, plots once again to seize the remaining two pieces – the Triforce of Wisdom held by Zelda and the Triforce of Courage embodied by Link. Alongside this central plot, the issues often contained backup stories, character profiles, maps, and humorous shorts.
These comics are often fondly remembered (and sometimes debated) for their distinct portrayal of the main characters, heavily influenced by the DiC Legend of Zelda animated series that aired around the same time:
- Link: Often depicted as more impulsive, boastful, and vocal than his stoic game counterpart, frequently using the catchphrase, “Excuuuse me, Princess!”
- Zelda: Portrayed not just as royalty needing rescue, but as a capable, intelligent, and often adventurous co-protagonist who actively participates in defending her kingdom.
The series captured a blend of action, adventure, and humor. The primary writer credited for shaping these stories was George Caragonne, with various artists contributing across the different issues and features.
The Comic Series & Availability
The main Valiant Legend of Zelda storyline ran through five core issues in 1990, often accompanied by backup features. Link and Zelda also made appearances in other Valiant Nintendo Comics System crossover titles.
Over the years, dedicated fans have worked to preserve and share these nostalgic comics. Scans of these issues were notably archived and made available by fansites such as Zelda Legends, allowing newer generations to experience this piece of Nintendo history.
Main Series Issues (1990)
Issue #1 (Published May 1990)
Cover Focus: Link and Zelda back-to-back against Ganon’s minions.
View Issue #1 Details
Issue #2 (Published June 1990)
Cover Focus: Link battling Dark Link in a watery cave.
View Issue #2 Details
Issue #3 (Published July 1990)
Cover Focus: Link and Zelda escaping the crumbling Crystal Palace on the Unicorn King.
View Issue #3 Details
Issue #4 (Published August 1990)
Cover Focus: Link and Zelda potentially ambushed by Trox or facing another major threat.
View Issue #4 Details
Issue #5 (Published September 1990)
Cover Focus: Climactic scene with Link and Zelda confronting Ganon before the Triforce.
View Issue #5 Details
(Note: Link and Zelda also appeared in other Valiant Nintendo Comics System titles.)
Issue #1 Details (May 1990)
Story: “The Legend of Zelda” (2 pages)
Synopsis: An introductory piece recapping the legend of the Triforce pieces and the roles of Link, Zelda, Ganon, and Impa.
Story: “Missing in Action” (10 pages)
Synopsis: Kicks off the main arc. Ganon’s Moblins capture Zelda while targeting Link. Guided by Impa, Link rescues Zelda and retrieves a map piece related to the captive Unicorn King.
Story: “The Compleat Hero” (1 page)
Synopsis: A short, humorous feature where Link gives lessons (of questionable value) on how to be a hero.
Story: “Trust Me” (10 pages)
Synopsis: Ganon magically turns the people of a village against Link and Zelda, forcing them to escape deceit and hostility.
Issue #2 Details (June 1990)
Story: “He Also Serves” (10 pages)
Synopsis: Continues the main arc. Link and Zelda face Ganon’s powerful general, Trox, while trying to protect the rescued Unicorn King through the forests, receiving telepathic guidance from Impa.
Feature: “Zelda’s Consumer Tips” (2 pages)
Synopsis: A humorous feature offering “helpful” adventuring tips from Zelda’s perspective.
Feature: “Impa’s Info” (1 page)
Synopsis: Impa attempts (often unsuccessfully) to teach an easily distracted Link about strategy and wisdom.
Story: “Thief in the Night” (10 pages)
Synopsis: A side story where Link’s friend Bagu visits North Castle, leading to an attempted theft of the Triforce of Wisdom.
Issue #3 Details (July 1990)
Story: “The Power” (10 pages)
Synopsis: Main arc story. Link and Zelda likely deal with the immediate aftermath of rescuing the Unicorn King and face escalating magical threats from Ganon.
Feature: “Secrets of the Triforce” (1 page)
Synopsis: A brief featurette delving into the lore or specific powers of the Triforce artifacts.
Feature: “The Adventurer Link” (1 page)
Synopsis: A profile piece showcasing Link’s history, skills, or equipment in a comic panel format.
Story: “The Price” (10 pages)
Synopsis: Main arc story depicting the events inside the Crystal Palace: overcoming illusions, defeating the guardian, freeing the Unicorn King, and learning about the Triforce of Courage’s mystery during their escape.
Feature: “The Legendary Zelda” (1 page)
Synopsis: A profile piece focusing on Princess Zelda’s role, history, or abilities.
Issue #4 Details (August 1990)
Story: “To the First Power” (10 pages)
Synopsis: Main arc continuation, likely involving Link and Zelda harnessing new knowledge or facing a significant magical challenge related to the Triforce quest.
Feature: “Hyrule: The Overworld” (2 pages)
Synopsis: A map feature displaying regions of Hyrule relevant to the comics or games.
Feature: “The North Palace” (2 pages)
Synopsis: A map or informational feature focusing on North Castle, Link and Zelda’s base.
Story: “It’s Good To Be The King” (10 pages)
Synopsis: A backup story featuring Zelda’s father, King Harkinian, and potentially Queen Seline from Link’s (comic-specific) homeland, dealing with royal matters or a separate adventure.
Issue #5 Details (September 1990)
Story: “The Day of the Triforce” (10 pages)
Synopsis: The main story arc concludes. Link and Zelda reach the site connected to the Triforce of Courage and face Ganon in a final battle to prevent him from assembling the complete Triforce.
Feature: “Hyrule: The Overworld” (2 pages)
Synopsis: Likely a repeat or updated map feature.
Feature: “Secrets of the Triforce” (1 page)
Synopsis: Possibly a repeat or concluding lore featurette.
Feature: “Advertisement: Ambrosia Lite” (1 page)
Synopsis: A humorous, in-universe advertisement poking fun at fantasy tropes.
Story: “Coming Home” (10 pages)
Synopsis: An epilogue or side story potentially showing Link and Zelda after the main confrontation, or focusing on other characters’ resolutions.
Disclaimer: Scan details and story lists are provided for informational purposes based on common fan archives and databases documenting the original 1990 print run. Story order may vary in reprints. Please respect copyright and ensure you have the necessary permissions or are linking to legitimate sources when sharing or accessing copyrighted materials.
Legacy
Though relatively short-lived compared to the games themselves, the Valiant Legend of Zelda comics remain a fascinating and nostalgic part of the franchise’s history for many fans. They represent an early, energetic, and uniquely ’90s interpretation of the Zelda universe, distinct from both the games that preceded them and the manga and other adaptations that followed.