The Legend of Zelda (Valiant Comics)

"A long, long time ago, the world was in an age of chaos. There was a land called Hyrule, a legend called Zelda, an adventurer named Link, and evil known as Ganon, and three Triforces, with power over them all."

- Introduction

Valiant Publishing is the parent company that owned the Nintendo Comics System in 1990 and 1991. In those years, they published a number of Nintendo franchise comics, including The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Captain N: The Game Master. The Valiant Publishing line was founded in 1990 by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter. After 1991, Valiant ceased to publish Nintendo-related comics, except for trade paperback collections of some of the series later on.

The Legend of Zelda issues ran February 1990 through August 1990, and was penned by George Caragonne. The comics were sold at a newsstand price of $1.95 per issue. Each issue contained two 10-page stories, along with two bonus shorts, which were often times very humorous.

There is some debate over how many Zelda issues were actually released, as there appears to be an issue #7, while issue #6 was never cataloged. The matter became further convoluted when the comics were re-released in 1993 in book formats, where the issues were placed in different orders. The reason for there not being a documented sixth issue is that there were only five Zelda issues in all. The seventh issue was actually part seven of the Nintendo Comics System line, which had nine issues in all.

The comics are readily available on the Internet, as Zelda.com provided them as a free download for a time. Below are the comics and their synopsis' listed as they were when they were originally released.

Issue #1
Originally released in February, 1990.

Part 1- He Also Serves
The story opens with Impa sharing a prophecy from the Triforce of Wisdom, telling of how Ganon will defeat Link, conquer the North Castle, and enslave the people of Hyrule if Link steps foot outside of the castle. This news upsets Link, as he wants to go with Princess Zelda as she goes on a journey to visit some of the northern villages. However, he promises that he will remain at the castle.

As Link is practicing his sword fighting skills, he is approached by Miff, his fairy companion. Miff grows upset when she finds that Link let Zelda go off alone, and decides to use her magic to view Zelda's progress. When she looks into the fountain, she sees that Ganon and his minions have captured the princess' party. While this greatly disturbs Link, he knows that he cannot leave the castle, and he sends Captain Krin and his men off to rescue the party.

Later, a wounded Krin returns, claiming that he and his men were ambushed by monsters, and that he is the only survivor. He tells Link that the village of Rauru has been burned, and that only one who can save he princess is Link. Once again, though, Link refuses to break his promise. In anger, Krin strikes Link, calling him a coward. At that moment, a magic signal appears, with a message from Zelda, calling for Link to come to her aid. Before Link can respond, the message cuts out. As Link once more refuses to leave the castle, Krin tells him that he has let her down, and leaves the castle, presumably to find the princess.

Shortly after, guard stationed on the castle wall tells Link that there is a woman outside of the gate. When the gate is opened, Link finds Impa, who tells him that Ganon has once again placed the Spell of Eternal Sleep on Zelda, and she will never again wake up if he is unable to find her by midnight. Link confronts her about her earlier prophecy, and she tells him that even she is sometimes wrong. As Link remembers that it was the Triforce's prophecy, and not Impa's, he pulls out his blade and strikes down the impostor, who vanishes in a puff of smoke. Link then walks outside of the gate, and orders Watchman Erol not to open the gate for anyone.

Nearby, Ganon removes his Impa disguise, saying that it worked no better than the rest. As several of Ganon's henchmen wait behind some bushes, Link appears outside of the castle gate, and orders Erol to open the door. Erol starts to protest, but then gives in. As Link walks into the castle, he begins to chuckle. Suddenly, another Link appears, and asks Erol who came in. Erol is baffled, but they then realize what has happened. Link uses his sword to shoot a beam at the disguised Ganon, who then disappears.

The story is concluded by Zelda, Impa, Captain Krin and his men returning unharmed. After Link explains the story, he asks Zelda for a kiss as a reward, but she declines him.

Part 2- Missing in Action
The story opens with Link wrestling away from Captain Krin and his men, who are attempting to keep him from reaching the King of Hyrule. When the King realizes what's happening, he chastises Krin, and allows Link to speak with him. Link explains that he is upset because after going on a journey, he returns to Hyrule to find that Zelda and the Triforce of Wisdom are missing, and no one will tell him why. The king explains to Link that Zelda has taken the Triforce, and is going to leave Hyrule forever, as she believes that's the only way to keep Ganon from obtaining it. Link is also told that Ganon's followers know of her plan and are pursuing the princess. Upon hearing this, Link set's out to find Zelda, and takes along a compass that will direct him to the Triforce.

Zelda is riding away from Hyrule of her horse, Storm, while being pursued by a group of Daira. She is thrown from her horse when a Deeler spooks it. As the Daria surround her attempting to take the Triforce, Link charges in, attacking the creatures. While he is fighting, Zelda attempts to run off, but Link quickly catches up. However, he is unable to convince her to stay, and reluctantly agrees to help her escape. Her plan is to use the magic flute found within the Fifth Palace on the Island of Hyron.

Link and Zelda travel to the town of Mido to stock up on supplies before continuing their journey. They trek through a swamp, numerous caverns, and spend several days in the desert before ending up in a city of tombs. They then cross the sea, where they are attacked by a River Zora. Finally, they reach the Fifth Palace, where they are confronted by an Iron Knuckle. After a grueling battle, Link defeats his foe, knocking it's helmet off. It turns out that it is a human, and not a monster under the armor. The man explains that an old king charged him with protecting the treasures within the palace, and that he was to stop anyone who was unworthy. He tells the duo that by defeating him, they are free to take what they want.

The knight shows Link and Zelda a secret wall, and Link enters in to obtain the magic flute. However, when he sees it, he is tempted to destroy it and lie to Zelda, which would force her to stay forever. Link makes the decision to give the flute to Zelda, but as he says his goodbyes, Zelda confesses to him that wherever he is, is the safest place to be. Link then inquires if it is safe enough for a kiss, but she responds to him that no place is that safe.

Bonus 1
The first bonus, rather than a story, was a two-page map of Hyrule.

Bonus 2
The second bonus story was a prologue, which covers how Link first came to Hyrule, met Impa, and fought Ganon.

Issue #2
Originally released in March, 1990.

Part 2- Trust Me
The story opens with Ganon visiting the small farming town of Saria, which is located in Western Hyrule. When the villagers see Ganon, they are terrified, and begin to flee. However, Ganon claims to have come in peace, and picks up a small boy named Rus. When Ganon asks the boy why he's afraid of him, the boy replies that Ganon is the evil one. Ganon responds that those are simply lies that were spread by Link, whom he refers to as a man-monster. Ganon goes on to talk about how Link has attacked his servants and constantly tries to destroy him. He tells the villagers that although the Wicked Princess Zelda has done nothing to help their barren fields, he will do so. He proceeds to magically plant a large fruit tree in the middle of a field, claiming that it is just a fraction of his power. He tells the people that he would do more to help them, but because of Link's attacks on him, he must save up his magic.

Link and Zelda are then seen using a map, attempting to find Ganon's location. Link wants to continue their pursuit of Ganon, but Zelda insists that she stop to visit Saria, as it is her duty. The two walk down to the bridge that leads into town. Zelda happily greets the River Man, but Link butts in about his search for Ganon. The River Man says that he suspected as much, and that Link and Zelda are troublemakers. Link and Zelda explore the town some more, but Link is impatient about it. Zelda offers to help the People of Saria fix their drought problem, and suggests building a dam. Unfortunately, after the dam is completed, the land is still infertile. Zelda comes to the conclusion that the land must be cursed, and assumes that it's Ganon's doing.

At that moment, Ganon shows up claiming that Link and Zelda are still spreading their lies. Upon sight, Link immediately attacks Ganon, but his attack is blocked by Ganon's magic. Ganon claims that he cannot even visit his "friends" without being attacked, but says that he still came to help, even with the great risk to himself. He presents a bottle which contains the magical Water of Life, and says that it will heal Saria's fields. However, he refuses to give it over until Link is captured. Link starts to defend himself from the descending villagers, but Zelda stops him. As the villagers pin Link down, Ganon asks Rus to hand him Link's sword. When Rus inquires to what Ganon intends to do, Ganon demands that he turn over the sword. Rus then tries to escape, but Ganon says that the boy will be punished for his disobedience. Ganon then attempts to attack Rus using a magic spell, but Zelda dives in the way, and takes the blast instead.

When Link sees this happen, he is able to break away from the townspeople's grasp, and rushes forward to attack Ganon. He shoots a beam out of his sword towards Ganon, but misses. Ganon laughs at Link's attempt, Link but Link was aiming for the dam. The dam then bursts, and the rushing water sweeps Ganon and his tree away. Link then comments that Ganon doesn't look like a very strong swimmer. Shortly after, the villagers begin to repair the dam, and they thank Link and Zelda for their aid.

Bonus 1
The bonus in issue #2 consists of a map of the North castle. There are descriptions of some of the buildings, which often make jokes.

Issue #3
Originally released in April, 1990.

Part 1- The Power
The story begins with Link and Zelda trapped in an underground battle in Ganon's Castle as they attempt to reobtain the Magic Trophy. As a group of Iron Knuckles pursues them, Link fears for the princess' safety, he warps her out of the lair by pushing her into a Wallmaster. Link then stumbles across the Triforce of Power, which burns his hand upon contact. The Triforce remains with him, and he is able to defeat the iron Knuckles with ease. He then exits the underground lair and meets with Zelda. However, he is pursued by Ganon. The two engage in a battle, of which Link emerges the victor after using his newfound strength to heave a large rock on top of his foe.

Several of Ganon's Goriya minions offer to serve Link, as they believe that he holds more power than their master, but Link refuses. Ganon then bursts out from under the rock pile in a desperate attempt to stop Link from taking the Triforce of Power, but Link gravely wounds him. Ganon is then barely able to crawl back to a place where he can teleport back into his castle to heal. After his escape, Link gets into an argument with Zelda over the Triforce of Wisdom, in which he storms off to finish Ganon for good.

Part 2- The Price
The Price picks up where The Power left off. Following his defeat, Ganon flees to Parapa Palace, but his lust for the Triforce of Power consumes him, and is a giveaway of his location to Link. Link heads to the palace, and is greeted outside by the same group of Goriya that had offered to serve him. This time, he accepts their aid. He dons a robe similar in likeness to that of Ganon's, and feels that Ganon, who is watching him through a mirror, is close by.

Princess Zelda seeks advice from the Triforce of Wisdom about Link's actions, and follows his trail to the palace. There, she is taken into captivity by Darknut Prime. At that moment, Ganon teleports to Link's location, where they engage in a short battle. Ganon attempts to reclaim the Triforce of Power, but the Triforce chooses to remain with Link.

Desperate, Ganon uses his last piece of leverage: Zelda. Darknut Prime brings her into the throne room, and Ganon threatens to kill her. Link plays what Ganon thinks to be a bluff, and says that she means nothing to him. Ganon orders his minion to kill her, but Darknut refuses to, and states that he has only one master. Enraged, Ganon attempts to use a spell on Zelda, but it is blocked by Link, who then casts him into a cage hanging over a bottomless pit.

Overjoyed, Zelda approaches Link, but Link demands that she turn over the Triforce of Wisdom which she brought along. When she refuses, and tells Link that she loves him, he attacks her, only to find that the Triforce of Courage has left him, and is protecting her. Zelda then reveals to Link what he has become, and that he has even taken on a physical likeness to that Ganon. He then realizes what the price of that power is, and chooses to throw to Triforce of Power into the bottomless pit, although he is aware that doing so will end his own life. Due to Link's loss of power, the cage that was holding Ganon disappears, and sends him tumbling down after the Triforce.

However, even as Link lays dying in Zelda's arms, the Triforce of Courage returns to him. He then wakes up in Hyrule Castle, virtually unharmed. When Link mentions that Zelda admitted that she loves him, she is quick to deny it.

Bonus 1
The first bonus story is titled Secrets of the Triforce, and explains the differences between the three Triforces and their bearers. It makes up one page.

Bonus 2
The second bonus story is titled Zelda's Consumer Tips, and jokingly recounts some of the times that Link has been swindled. It makes up two pages.

Issue #4
Originally released in May, 1990.

Part 2- Thief in the Night
Thief in the Night begins at the East Gate of Hyrule's North Palace, where Link is seen losing a friendly fight with his old friend, Bagu. Princess Zelda is worried when she sees what's happening, but Link quickly introduces her to Bagu. He tells her that Bagu is the strongest man in Hyrule, and has come from Moruge Forest to visit. Bagu talks about how glad he is to finally meet Link's "girlfriend". Zelda seems upset to hear that Link lied to him about their relationship, but Link quickly ushers Bagu off, telling him that there's food.

That evening, Link and Bagu are having a loud conversation about their past adventures in the castle, and the noise upsets Princess Zelda. The conversation turns to the subject of Zelda, where Link tells Bagu that he'd do anything for her. Link asks Bagu about his pet frogs, Langhorne and Calaveras, and Bagu says that he decided to leave them at home. Bagu then tells Link that he needs to be more romantic with the princess, and presumably gives him some pointers. Link then dresses up in a costume, and starts playing a guitar outside of Zelda's window. Zelda hears the awful noise, and says that the animal should be out of it's misery. When Princess Zelda sees Link, she inquires as to what he's doing, and he responds telling her that he's serenading her. However, a large crash comes from Link's room where the Triforce of Wisdom is being kept. When the two go to investigate, they find that the door was forced open. Zelda remarks that it must have been someone as strong as Bagu, and decides to separate the Triforce into three pieces until they find the thief.

Link is upset when Zelda accuses Bagu of the attempted theft, so he decides to follow Bagu and see what he's doing, and hopefully, clear his name. However, Bagu proceeds to walk past the Triforce room door. Link admits that he had followed Bagu, and apologized to him. Bagu accepts the apology, and comes up with a plan to catch the real thief. His idea is to take the Triforce, and put it in his room where no one will look for it, and that Link can wait in the empty room for the thief to come. Bagu then notices that the Triforce is smaller, and Link tells him why. Later on, Princess Zelda walks into the trap room, and Link jumps out and attacks her, but she quickly bests and subdues him. Link asks what she's doing there, and she tells him she was just checking on the Triforce. Link explains the plan as they go to check on Bagu. However, when they arrive, they find that he's missing, and has taken the Triforce.

Zelda is highly upset by this development, and Link proceeds to jump out of the tower window, telling her that he'll return the Triforce. In his anger, Link grabs the Handy Glove, and proceeds to hunt down Bagu. He spots Bagu coming back towards the castle, and charges him before the two engage in combat. Bagu says he's sorry, but he has beat Link good. Link then uses his glove, and is able to heave Bagu into the air, and throw him down. Bagu confesses that he gave the Triforce fragment to Ganon because he's holding Bagu's pet frogs for ransom. When Link inquires as to why he did not take it before, Bagu tells him that he knew he was being followed, and that Link isn't sneaky.

After Bagu further explains the situation about his pet frogs, he and Link eventually agree that Bagu must be the one to retrieve them, as Ganon would be expecting him. Link doesn't like the idea, as he can no longer trust Bagu. Bagu says he'll go back with Link, and plead guilty. He says that he'll probably get life in prison or worse. Link doesn't want that to happen, so he agrees to entrust Bagu with the Handy glove. Bagu then rides off to face Ganon, leaving Link waiting. Nightfall comes, and Link realizes that he was tricked again. As he walks back to the castle, he says that he'll never trust anyone again. However, once he arrives, he finds Bagu and Zelda back at the castle enjoying themselves. His two frogs and the Triforce are also there with them, indicating Bagu's success. Bagu asks a surprised Link what took him so long.

Bonus 1
The first bonus was titled Impa's Info. In it, Impa attempts to explain to Link the importance of looking at past heroes and their mistakes, but Link disregards her as he daydreams about battling monsters.

Bonus 2
The second bonus was titled The Adventurer Link. It was comprised of a few panels detailing Link's past. It explains how he left home and acquired his arsenal of weapons, and also mentions his great amount of courage.

Issue #5
Originally released in June, 1990.

Bonus 1
Issue five's bonus story is titled Ambrosia Lite. It's a humourous advertisement for a drink called Ambrosia Lite, which appears to be a Calatia special.

Nintendo Comics Zelda Issue
Originally released in August, 1991. This was part of the Nintendo Comics System line, rather than the Legend of Zelda line.

Bonus 1
The first bonus story is titled The Perfect Date 1. It covers a rather disastrous date that Link and Zelda went on.

Bonus 2
The second bonus story is titled The Perfect Date 2, and it picks up where the first one left off. This date also turns out with unexpected events, as Link engages in a bar fight after a Daira spills his Ambrosia Lite. After returning home, Impa inquires as to why Link and Zelda even bother to go out at all, to which they reply that it's because they have so much in common.