I recall that when Nintendo announced The Wind Waker as the follow-up to Ocarina of Time in the series of The Legend of Zelda games, a fair number of people lost their collective shizz over what they perceived to be a regression in overall artistic quality. But The Wind Waker was a visual treat, so help me Goddess, and there’s nothing you could ever say to sway me to the contrary. Especially after the game got the HD treatment in its re-release on the Wii U console! The cel-shaded style of the game even empowered more developers to be so bold as to use it for their own games. Sure, it had been around before, but when Nintendo puts its chips in a particular basket, people take notice and follow suit. The Wind Waker gave us all the glorious version of the Hero of Time lovingly known as “Toon Link,” and it is that pint-sized Ganonslayer we’ll be looking at today.

The Good Smile Company of Japan specializes in creating collectibles for the serious nerd, and they added Toon Link to their line of Nendoroid figures. Nendoroids are known for their chibi-cuteness, and Toon Link is no exception to the rule. In fact, his design is almost perfectly in sync with the aesthetic of the line.

The figure contains tons of tiny parts, so if you get one, be sure to open the package on an empty table and away from architectural crevasses (like air vents.) In fact, out of the box, if you count the assembled link figure as just one piece, there are 18 other pieces that follow. But no good Japanese imported collectible action figure goes without serious deconstructive abilities, so when you break down all eleven removable parts from Link, you reach 29 loose pieces. Oh, and two of the alternate arms come with removable hands, so that brings the total to 31? There may even be a piece or two that I’ve forgotten to count. What I’m trying to say is, heed the “keep away from small children and animals” warning label.

Toon Link comes with a base stand which is smaller than, but similar to, the stands we’ve seen from S.H. Figuarts‘ Sailor Moon figures. Where the Sailor Scouts could stand on their own, however, Link is entirely dependent upon the stand to stay upright. The figure’s feet are not molded in a very conducive manner for standing, and his enormous head sculpt makes the figure very top-heavy. There are a total of four swappable faces that come packaged with the figure which I’m calling Side-Eye, Resting Beach Face (he does live in a water world), Attack Mode, and Happy Cuccoo. There are five accessories to add action to the stationary Link: the Master Sword, the Hylian Shield, a Piece of Heart, the titular Wind Waker, and a spin attack attachment that adds action to the sword. The Wind Waker is molded directly onto one of the swappable hands, which is a smart move in my opinion so as to prevent loss. The PVC also feels quite sturdy for the tiny baton. I wouldn’t recommend testing the pliability, but I certainly didn’t feel like I was going to accidentally break it at any point.

The base stand comes with three separate support braces; one to steady Link, one to use with the Piece of Heart, and one to keep the Spin Attack steady. Be sure to check out the gallery below for a look at some of the ways you can pose Toon Link.

The Wind Waker Link by Good Smile retails for $49.99 USD, and can be found on Good Smile’s web shop and also in specialty stores around the U.S. I happened to run across this little gem at a local GameStop, for instance. If you’re planning to get, or already have, the cutest little Hero of Time that ever did exist, sound off below!

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Toy News Round-Up

Here are the best bits of collectible news from the last week!

(We’re getting closer to the holidays, so there’s a lot to enjoy.)

• Medieval Spawn is the Best Spawn because of this intense statue.
• Xenomorphs do the craziest things; tiny Alien figurines are s’cuuute.
• Speaking of Alien, Seiko is making Ripley’s watch.
• The BB-8 Sphero toy interacting with a hedgehog is TOO MUCH.
• Star Wars gift guide (including that d’awwwwesome BB-8.)
• Xbox One has a ton o’ bundles on sale for the holidays.
• LEGO Slippers are what kids should be gifting to their parents.
• The Gamer Geek Guide to Christmas Gifting.