Frank Frazetta, inspiration behind Zelda artwork, passes away at age 82
Posted on May 10 2010 by Benjamin Lamoreux
Yusuke Nakano, creator of the official artwork for Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess, looked to Frank Frazetta for inspiration in his designs. The style employed by Frazetta, the illustrator of such works of art as the Conan the Barbarian Series, compelled Nakano to draw such characters as Ocarina of Time’s Impa.
It felt great to draw characters like Ganondorf, exaggerating his fearsome, powerful presence. But my favorite Ocarina illustration was of Impa, Zelda’s royal protector: It was extremely rare that Nintendo had such a muscular woman in one of its games. She was a natural fit for my preferred art style.
~Yusuke Nakano
Possible inspiration for Ocarina of Time’s Ganondorf?
Rest in peace, Frank. Let’s hope that your inspiration lives on for years to come in Zelda. Props to GoNintendo for the find.
