A Look at King Arthur Figures - Fate
A look at the King Arthur (Fate) figures
Die-hard fans of the One Way Fate series might be able to perceive it for someone unfamiliar with it if the name "King Arthur" conjures up the image of a male character in their head for the first time. Even fans with only the most basic knowledge of the Fate/Stay Night series know that King Arthur is actually a woman named Artoria Pendragon, better known as Saber. In legend, it is said that Artoria, although destined to be king, could not be so because of her gender—kings could only be men according to patriarchal tradition. But Artoria behaved like a man and was recognized as the King of Britain when she was able to pull the legendary sword, Excalibur, from the stone. The End (yep, that's right, more like the beginning for Fate fans).
So, there you have it. King Arthur is actually a woman. BUT, the Nasuverse is a huge place with many alternate timelines and realities. As such, there's one where, shockingly, Arthur is a man! In the Fate/Stay Night storyline, Saber is a man named Arthur Pendraon. With his armor and blond hair, he looks a lot like a male version of Artoria. But Fate/Prototype was only animated in a 12-minute short. It's never been adapted into a full-fledged series (at least not yet). That and a few published notes have formed the bulk of the character's history and presence in the Nasuverse. Yet, over the years, this version of King Arthur has gained popularity among Fate fans. So, several Arthur Pendragon figures have been produced, much to the delight of die-hard fans who care about more parts of the Nasuverse than Fate/Stay Night . He's a true ikemen and cuts a very handsome figure. Let's talk about some of them that are available in the TOM store!
Fate/Grand Order Saber/Arthur Pendragon 1/8 Scale Prototype Figure
What luck! The first figure we're looking at is a pre-order scheduled for this year, 2020! This portrait of Saber (Arthur) is straight out of his Servant Card artwork in the mobile game, Fate/Grand Order , and he's the embodiment of royalty and honor. He looks valiant and grand in his full set of silver armor, designed in a way that mimics and pays homage to the armor of his female counterpart, Artoria. You can tell he's not in the middle of a fight by the leisurely way he holds his sword. Speaking of swords, we get a clear view of Excalibur both sheathed and unsheathed. It's quite a different design than Artoria's Excalibur. Arthur can be posed with his hood off, resting on his back and shoulders, or with his blue cloak. It billows in the breeze, much like her skirt.
Fate/Grand Order Saber/Arthur Pendragon Prototype Figure, White Rose Version, 1/7 Scale
After King Arthur's standard armor, we move on to a more modern affair. Saber (Arthur) in a White Rose Suit is an alternate costume found in, you guessed it, Fate/Grand Order . In that film, Arthur wears a three-piece white tuxedo with blue lining and accents. Some Fate fans might be quick to consider Arthur's look here a counterpart to Nero's Saber Bride outfit. Your action figure collection can then show Arthur as a man and woman getting married. Hooray! But even if you don't have a Saber Bride, Arthur looks stunning in that tuxedo all on his own. In one hand, he gently holds a single white rose. In the other, he has his trusty Excalibur. Just in case anyone tries to knock him out of his battle gear! One last thing to note is that this Arthur figure is 1/7 scale instead of 1/8, making him just a bit taller than the previous figure we discussed. Now, while this figure is out of stock and likely out of production, it may return if there's enough demand from fans to make a new edition. So let Orange Rouge know if you want a second series of this ikemen!
Fate/Grand Order Saber/Arthur Pendragon (Prototype): 1/8 Scale Heroic Spirit Figure in Evening Dress
So we're guessing they'll never make a bishounen like King Arthur wear rags or a big, old-fashioned robe like Caster (Gilles de Rais). Arthur is still killing it in this play, in a very sleek three-piece suit. But it's almost as if someone took one look at the White Rose figure and said, "Hey, give us a little more color!" And whoever thought that, congratulations. Your wish has been granted. Arthur looks very fetching, holding a bouquet of primary-colored balloons. And as if to put White Rose Arthur down, he arrives not with one flower, but with a large bouquet of dozens of flowers. It's bigger than his head. He's caught in the middle of a nice, sprightly gait, balancing genially on one foot. If you absolutely must have this figure, now's your chance! It's still available for pre-order. But you'll have to be patient because it's slated for a 2021 release.
