A Look at King Arthur Figures - Fate

A Look at King Arthur (Fate) Figures

One way diehard fans of the Fate series can tell someone is unfamiliar with it is if the name “King Arthur” first brings up an image of a male character in their head. Even fans with only the most basic knowledge of the Fate/stay night series know that King Arthur is actually a woman in the series named Artoria Pendragon, most well-known as Saber. Within the lore, it’s said that Artoria, although destined to be king, could not be king because of her gender - kings could only be male according to patriarchal tradition. But Artoria acted like a male, and was acknowledged as the King of Britain when she was able to pull the legendary sword, Excalibur, from the stone. The End (yeah right, more like the beginning for Fate fans).

So there you have it. King Arthur is actually a female. BUT, the Nasuverse is a huge place with many alternate timelines and realities. As such, there is one where, shocker, Arthur is a male! In the Fate/Prototype story, which is the basis of what would be the Fate/stay night series, Saber is a man named Arthur Pendraon. With his armor and blonde hair, he looks very much like a male version of Artoria. But Fate/Prototype has only been animated into a 12-minute short. It was never adapted as a full blown series (at least not yet). That and some released notes pretty much formed the bulk of the character’s background and presence in the Nasuverse. Still, over the years, this version of King Arthur has grown in popularity with Fate fans. As such, several figures have been produced of Arthur Pendragon, much to the delight of diehards who care about more parts of the Nasuverse than Fate/stay night. He’s a total ikemen and makes for a very handsome figure. Let’s talk about a few of them that have been available at the TOM Shop!

Fate/Grand Order Saber/Arthur Pendragon Prototype 1/8 Scale Figure
What luck! The first figure we’re looking at is a pre-order one set to release this year, 2020! This portrayal of Saber (Arthur) comes straight out of the illustrations of his Servant Card in the mobile game, Fate/Grand Order, and it is the epitome of regality and honor. He looks valiant and tall in his complete set of silver armor, designed in a way that really emulates and pays tribute 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 inside its scabbard and unsheathed. Its design is quite different from Artoria’s Excalibur. Arthur can be posed with either his hood off, resting on his back and shoulders, or with his blue mantle on. It flows in the wind, much like his skirt.

Fate/Grand Order Saber/Arthur Pendragon Prototype White Rose Ver. 1/7 Scale Figure
From King Arthur’s standard armor look, 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 it, Arthur is wearing a three-piece white tuxedo with blue lining and accents. Some Fate fans may be quick to consider Arthur’s look here as the counterpart to Nero’s Saber Bride outfit. Then your figure collection can show male and female Arthur getting married. Hooray! But even if you don’t have a Saber Bride, Arthur looks amazing in this tuxedo on his own. In one hand, he’s gently holding a single white rose. In the other, he has his trusty Excalibur. In case anyone tries to jump him out of his combat gear! One last thing to note is that this figure of Arthur is 1/7th scale instead of 1/8th scale, making him just a little taller than that previous figure we discussed. Now, although this figure is out of stock and most likely not being produced anymore, it can come back if fans show enough demand for a re-run to be made. So let Orange Rouge know if you want a second round of this ikemen!

Fate/Grand Order Saber/Arthur Pendragon (Prototype): Heroic Spirit Formal Dress Ver. 1/8 Scale Figure
So we’re guessing they’re never going to make a bishounen like King Arthur dress up in rags or a big frumpy robe like Caster (Gilles de Rais). Arthur is still killing it in this piece in a very streamlined, three-piece suit. But it’s almost like someone took a look at the White Rose figure and said, “Hey, give us some more color!” And whoever thought that, congratulations. Your wish was granted. Arthur looks very inviting, holding a bunch of balloons in the primary colors. And as if to diss the White Rose Arthur, he’s coming with not one flower, but with a big fat bouquet of dozens of flowers. It’s bigger than his head. He’s caught in the middle of a nice jaunty step, awesomely balancing on one foot. If you just have to have this figure, now’s your chance! It’s still up for pre-order. But you’ll have to be patient as it’s expected to be released in 2021.