On this day 40 years ago, The Legend of Zelda was released in Japan, launching one of the most influential franchises in gaming history. To celebrate the anniversary, I’m spotlighting a catgirl-themed comic by Cremanata inspired by Breath of the Wild’s Princess Zelda.
Cremanata has created some incredible art based on this version of Zelda, but this particular comic stands out for its clever use of the “double ear” trope. Normally, the kemonomimi ears are the “extra” pair, but here the elf ears are the fake ones. Even better, her braid doubles as a tiara. It’s a playful visual twist that blends royal elegance with catgirl charm in a way that feels surprisingly natural. If you enjoy this piece, be sure to check out Cremanata’s Carrd for more of her work.
The Legend of Zelda is one of the most critically acclaimed and influential franchises in gaming. Multiple entries have won Game of the Year, and several are regularly ranked among the greatest games of all time. Over the decades, Nintendo has used Link’s quest to save Princess Zelda to drive innovation across generations of hardware and design philosophy. Even if you’ve never played a Zelda title, chances are you’ve played something inspired by one.
My introduction to the franchise was Ocarina of Time. A friend loaned me the cartridge during the Nintendo 64 era, and like many players, it became my gateway into Hyrule. It was the first Zelda game I ever played, and it left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve gone back to experience more entries in the series. That said, I still need to finish games like Majora’s Mask and Twilight Princess.
The original Legend of Zelda may feel dated today, but it’s absolutely worth playing. It’s famously cryptic, so don’t be afraid to use a strategy guide. Even the game’s designer, Shigeru Miyamoto, has said the game was intentionally vague. His goal was to encourage players to share secrets and discoveries in a pre-internet world.
Next came A Link to the Past, which established one of the franchise’s most beloved formulas and remains a fan favorite to this day. Then Ocarina of Time brought the series into 3D and redefined what adventure games could be.
More recently, both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have taken that spirit of innovation even further. These open-world entries give players an unprecedented level of freedom. In particular, Tears of the Kingdom elevates Zelda’s role in a powerful way. It feels less like a story about rescuing a princess and more like a story about Zelda herself that is told through Link’s journey. Nintendo gave her such a great backstory… They also gave her agency and emotional weight, making her central to the narrative in a way that resonates deeply with fans.
It’s no wonder that this version of Princess Zelda continues to inspire so much fan art. That includes imaginative reinterpretations like today’s catgirl comic.
If you haven’t played a Zelda game yet, the 40th anniversary is the perfect excuse to start. Few franchises can claim to compete against themselves for the title of “Greatest Game of All Time.” Forty years later, Zelda isn’t just a princess in need of rescue. She’s a scholar, a hero, a legend… and apparently, a catgirl muse as well.
Not a bad legacy for Hyrule’s royal family.
So what do you think?