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    1. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 Review

      Finally! August 8th has come (and gone) and  The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 manga series has arrived! I anxiously awaited the UPS delivery notification, and couldn't wait to dive into the next part. I had high expectations following the strong start of Vol. 1 from Viz Media - and the second didn't disappoint. The story continues with the base story line from the video game, but with slight changes to translate the action and give our hero, Link, a voice.
       
      While the first was an introduction to Link and the whirlwind of twilight that had ripped through Hyrule, this second entry tackles his awakening as the hero. Let's take an in-depth look at the second part of the four part series. Before reading further, if you are interested in the Vol. 1 review, you can find it here.
       


      Caged in Twilight
      In the second installment in the series, Link awakens chained and in the form of a majestic wolf. A twilight imp by the name of Midna appears and offers him freedom, but only if he agrees to assist her on her quest. During their escape, Link discovers that he is being kept in Hyrule Castle and that the world has been flooded in Twilight. Before he can meet with destiny, Midna returns him to Ordon Village where the monkeys of the Faron Woods have become violent. What foul demons wait in the depths of the forest? Can Link trust Midna and will he ever return to his human form?
       


      The Light of Hyrule
      The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 keeps with the overall tone of Vol. 1. There are a few interesting twists to the original story involving Princess Zelda's backstory and a glimpse of Link's grizzly rival, King Bulbin. I appreciate the various perspectives presented, and it's those little details that round out the narrative. Link and Midna have met and their dynamic is perfect. While their relationship is born out of a mutual need for one another to start, the foundation for their partnership is well established.
       
      Link, however, is conflicted with his duty as a hero. Though he is a reluctant champion, he manages to navigate the Twilight in his new wolf form and rises to the occasion in order to protect his home.  The darker images and violence can prove to be a bit much for very young readers, but it stays true to the original game. The stakes are raising and it displays how the most noble creatures can be corrupted by the darkness. At the end,  we are once again left with a defiant Link and an uncertain future for Hyrule. (Unless, of course, you've played the game.) While Vol. 2 did a decent job capturing the important points by weaving in some extra backstory, there is just so much to cover in four volumes. I'm concerned about how much might be left out as the series continues.
       
      The artistry for Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 brings out the dark theme of the Twilight realm. There is a distinct difference between the World of Light and the Twilight, and it makes the experience more immersive. The panels contain stunning images that really push the story forward, almost too quickly. However, it's a little disappointing at the end- simply because Vol. 3 is too far away. Is it March, 13th yet?
       


      Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 : Final Thoughts
      The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 is a great continuation of the darker video game in the franchise. The tone keeps the mature feel and has a good balance between the World of Light and Twilight artwork. The story is more character driven and provides some intriguing new details. It is a fitting continuation, and I cannot wait for the next one.
       
      What do you all think? Have you read The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 ? Want to have a copy of your very own? Click here!
       
      Or maybe you're more interested in the source material...click here for the HD remake on the Wii U, or here for the Wii version. Good luck finding a copy for the Game Cube!
       


        • Post Type: Review
    2. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 Review

      The Legend of Zelda is one of the greatest video game series of all time. It also happens to be one of my favorite. When I first discovered that there was manga series based off the franchise I have played since I was a child, I had a bit of a meltdown. The series is by Akira Himekawa and every book is a treasure, including the latest based on final Zelda game on the Gamecube and the first for the Wii. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 debuted on February 8th, 2016 - it was translated and released in the States on March 15th, 2017, published by Viz Media.
       
      At first, it wasn't likely that the book would be published at all due to the game's rating and how it was received. Like the previous entries in this manga series, the Twilight Princess manga is based off the video game of the same name. This graphic novel is the first of four planned for the series.


      There is a Legend...
      Our hero, Link, is doing his best to settle down in the peaceful Ordon Village. Little does he know, his world of light is about to turn dark. Shadows have begun to stir. An ancient evil long forgotten has taken hold of the land of Hyrule. Can Link face the darkness of his former life and rise to meet his destiny? Or will he be swallowed forever by the demons lurking in his past?
       


      Entering The Shadow Realm
      While Twilight Princess is based off the video game, there are quite a few changes to the story. It goes further into the origins of Zant and Midna and provides Link with a backstory prior to his arrival in Ordon Village. While this added information fills in the narrative, I'm eager to see how they develop it in each volume. Focusing on our main hero, this personification of Link is different than others up to this point. He's a little rough around the edges and less eager to please. He acts like an actual teenager, which is refreshing, but he still has those familiar heroic qualities.
       
      The theme is much darker and the visuals complement that vision. Some of the scenes are pretty gruesome, but then again, this was one of the more somber entries in the game franchise. As a starter, Vol. 1 does a good job drawing in the readers, leaving many unanswered questions. It also provides enough change for veterans of the series to be intrigued.  While the novel does captivate its audience, I feel like it ended far too soon. This book only covers the very beginning - and though the creators have always done well adapting the games, I can't help but worry a bit. Or maybe I just want the next volume to be out.
       
      I can't get over the artistry; the artwork is just outstanding. Hyrule and its inhabitants leap off the page. Each character depiction is very true to the video game. The panels are fluid, easy to follow, and they read quickly. Overall, this is a pretty good start to a series.
       


      Twilight Princess, Vol. 1: Final Thoughts
      The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1 doesn't shy away from the darker themes explored in its console counterpart.Though the tone is more mature than other franchise adaptations, it is visually inspired and true to the source material. It introduces a fair amount of previously unexplored backstory and sets up its audience for the next dramatic entry; and I am excited for it!
       
      What do you all think? Have you read The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 1? Did you know  Vol. 2 is out?  Want to have a copy of your very own? Click here!
       
      Or maybe you're more interested in the source material...click here for the HD remake on the Wii U, or here for the Wii version. Good luck finding a copy for the Game Cube!
       


        • Post Type: Review


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