Zed’s a beloved champion of the Rift, often picked for his badass looks, which usually doesn’t end well. I mean, that makes sense, right? People, like myself, ego-challenge other players and hope that our self-esteem matches our skill, which it rarely does. However, it shows how appearances can lead to people selecting one champion over another! When you consider that Esben Lash Rasmussen and Alex Flores are among the illustrators, it makes perfect sense why Zed is so appealing. While you may not recognize these names, you’ve surely seen their splash arts in-game, commonly a catalyst to a purchase. So, let me introduce you to these individuals, and more, through the top 5 Zed splash arts list!
Don’t miss: Top 5 Wukong Splash Arts and Top 5 Vi Splash Arts.
5. SKT T1 Zed
The Shockblade and Death Sworn skins are superb, but those splash arts are far from it. While I don’t doubt the efforts of the artists, not knowing their given timeframe, there is something visually pleasing about the 2014 SKT T1 illustration by Bo Lu. I believe it’s the utilization of diagonal lines and angles to create symmetry. This is particularly obvious with the positioning of the legs and weapons, with even the background noticeably at an angle. However, Bo Lu’s taken a “less-is-more” approach, focusing primarily on the cohesiveness of the artwork, rather than detail. In turn, Zed’s model looks simplistic, but that could have something to do with the skin it represents as well. Luckily, the other champions compliment and elevate this artwork, making it among the best Zed splash arts!
4. Default Zed
Like fine wine, isn’t it? Crafted masterfully by Pan Chengwei, this 2012 illustration is among the very best original/default splash arts in League of Legends. Given, that’s a lot of praise. However, considering that it’s 8 years old, the craftmanship and solid composition becomes far more noteworthy. But, it wouldn’t matter if the color palette wasn’t this particular. It’s the sheer decision to have a monotone background and a high contrast model that draws our attention to Zed. While that’s the point, it’s achieved without losing detail, with the Zed shadow and structure behind the assassin being beautifully drawn. However, it struggles to compete against modern, somewhat more complex, splash arts of present day. It’s not about the artistry, yet the advancements in artwork technique through new and improved programs. In turn, it lands on the 4th spot, as the competition is stiff.
3. Galaxy Slayer Zed
Mr. Rasmussen’s artwork is absolutely beautiful, with the Galaxy Slayer Zed showcasing it nicely. While that’s not saying a lot, let me explain: his artwork is clean, with great angles and solid utilization of created light sources. It’s something we clearly see in this illustration, with the detail and attention to shading, elevating the splash art to another level. In turn, the simplistic approach works, doing just enough but not venturing over-the-top, focusing on the distinct features of the skin. However, while some may like that their eyes get drawn to the hand, other’s might find that it overshadows the head. I happen to agree with the latter, with the lack of detail in the background among the reasons behind it’s spot on the list. Nevertheless, it’s still stunning overall, thematically fitting the skin it depicts and showcasing the best parts.
2. PROJECT: Zed
I’m sure many rank this splash art as Zed’s best, and quite frankly, I can fully understand. I mean, what’s not to love about it? It’s an action-packed and colorful splash art, with great detail and awesome shading – it’s pure eye-candy! While it’s difficult to grade these illustrations, I’m gonna keep firm on my ranking. However, it shouldn’t take away from Jason Chan’s splash. If anything, it should lead to a discussion about these artists and their phenomenal capabilities. Nevertheless, PROJECT: Zed’s splash deserves recognition, being so vibrant and energetic, like Zed’s about to leap off the splash art. In addition, it looks like a freeze-frame, with Zed in the midst of battle, making it a challenging composition overall. While it’s over-the-top, it’s also masterfully crafted, easily top 2 when it comes to Zed splash arts!
1. Championship Zed
Honestly, Alex Flores has some cojones, creating artwork that’s nearly devoid of color, mainly brought to life with excellent shading. Together with a few subdued light sources, subtletly becomes the key ingredient. It’s the grey color-scheme that draws our eyes to the highlights of the champion. Therefore, it’s the creativity and decision making that sells this illustration, willing to commit to a challenging angle and a risky color palette. However, it still manages to tell a story, making Zed look both badass and majestic in this illustration. In turn, it feels like Zed’s getting ready for battle, born anew, only to wreak havoc on the Rift, stopped solely by his will. In the view of this, I feel comfortable in saying that this piece is among the very best in League of Legends!