Before Akira Himekawa, there was Shotaro Ishinomori. This 1992 manga adaptation of A Link to the Past was serialized in Nintendo Power magazine and became the first Zelda story many Western fans ever read.
Ishinomori, creator of Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009, brings a distinctly different style than Himekawa. His Link is older, more rugged, and the tone is more action-oriented. It’s a fascinating historical artifact and a genuinely fun read.
For parents: A piece of gaming and manga history. Great for context-building and showing kids that their favorite franchise has deep roots.
For kids and teens: This is the OG Zelda manga. It looks and feels different from the Himekawa versions: more retro, more action-movie. A cool piece of Zelda history to have on your shelf.
