Daily Debate: Should More Zelda Stories be Explored Through Graphic Novels?

About a month ago, we received word that the

A Link to the Past-based graphic novel would be returning to print after a twenty-year hiatus. While manga adaptations of many Zelda titles have occurred, they have become conspicuously absent as of recent years. To some extent, it could be argued that there is no longer as dire a need for them, as the improvements in video games as a storytelling medium have left fewer holes to fill. Nonetheless, fans continue to establish lore, background stories, and history for Hyrule, filling in the gaps with their imaginations. Should this responsibility be left to the fans?

As a visual medium, graphic novels are much more controlled and concise than video games; they show you a particular story, no more, no less. On the converse, video games enable players and fans to learn as much or as little about the story of the world they explore, dictated by the individual’s unique play style. Both these methods of storytelling leave blank space in the overarching narratives, and run the risk of leaving story fanatics dissatisfied and burgeoning with questions, theories, and more. The old style of producing manga adaptations of

Zelda games does little to remedy this issue, as they follow relatively the same storyline. This does not have to remain the case.

If graphic novels were produced in tandem with the Zelda series as supplementary additions to the story, fans would be provided with a much more fulfilling narrative. One of the best examples of which I know is the original side story in the Majora’s Mask manga adaption. I won’t spoil it for those who still haven’t experienced it, but it provides an explanation of the origin of Majora’s Mask, and it’s rather intriguing. Additionally, much like the choices afforded to players in terms of how much story they’d like to experience when it comes to the games themselves, those who want the extra story elements can get the novels, while others remain satisfied with what the games have to offer.

Obviously there’s a lot more implications when manga adaptations and/or graphic novels are brought into the mix, but I believe it would be for the best for fans for the sake of provided as complete a story as possible. Sure, these new stories that answer the unanswered questions of the games are helpful, but they also tend to draw out more queries from fans; there is no true end to fan speculation and story creation. Nonetheless, I would love to see some original graphic novel content to add to the intricate storylines of

The Legend of Zelda. What stories would you like to see pursued? Do you want to see more Zelda graphic novels? Should story just be expanded within the scope of the games themselves? Should More Zelda stories be explored through graphic novels? Join the Daily Debate!

Shout-out to Jake from the ZI Podcast for giving me the idea for this debate!