Fate/EXTRA Visual Works Takeuchi and Wada Commentary July 11, 2020
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A Few Thoughts About Saber Extra
Takashi Takeuchi (TYPE-MOON)

It was almost ten years ago that the concept for the PC version of Fate/stay night, the original story on which Fate/EXTRA is based, was born. Despite all of the extenuating circumstances present during that time, the whole concept only sparked in me one desire: to draw a blond female knight. And thanks to the many tremendously talented people who worked on the project I was able to realize that dream.

Now another beautiful blond knight has emerged into the light, thanks to the artistic talents of Arco Wada. The development process of Saber Extra was very similar to that to Arturia Saber; there were the first initial designs, followed by a period where Kinoko Nasu put his heart and soul into painstakingly crafting a personality that best fit her appearance. And although both Sabers act as swords and sources of guidance for their respective Masters, their personalities and motivations couldn’t possibly be more different. While Arturia Saber, clad in blue, is noble and reserved, Saber Extra’s red raiment symbolizes her passionate and flamboyant demeanor. In addition, Saber Extra far more readily embraces her humanity and capacity to love.

Though the two Sabers are vastly different from one another, I believe that both of them stand on their own merits as icons worthy of representing people’s ideas. Even if it’s destined that you will be separated in the end, a new journey featuring “your ideals in female form” awaits you.

Art Commentary by Arco Wada

I thought that a rose-petal-strewn bath was the perfect setting for an image of the “Bath Time of the Gorgeous Saber!” I drew this while imagining her chamberlains tending to her with fans in their hands. Overall, I really like the extravagance shown in this image and I especially like the expression on her face [New original work by Arco Wada]
This piece was particularly nerve-wracking as I was asked to recreate this famous scene from Fate/stay night using characters from Fate/EXTRA. I finished this piece while recalling the thrill and excitement I felt when playing through Fate/stay night, so I hope that this image will bring a smile to everyone’s faces. [First of the PR images by Arco Wada]
Despite repeated requests to make him more muscular, l chose to make Lancer appear more athletic instead. I really like the older brother-ish Lancer. Though the pairing of Archer and Rin remains my favorite, I am curious how the combination of Lancer and Rin would work out as it seems like they’d hit it off immediately. [First of the PR images by Arco Wada]
While working on the first draft of this picture, I realized that I hadn’t drawn her butt in any of the publicity images, so I thought I’d work it in by placing a mirror behind her. However, it didn’t turn out as I expected, so ended up erasing it, which is unfortunate. I hope you can all see Rani’ s innocence shining in this image. [First of the PR images by Arco Wada]
When I was asked to create a piece that featured the two girls and their relationship within the virtual world, I initially had a hard time with it. Then, after looking at a number of screenshots from the game, I was able to come up with this image. I tried to express their different personalities through their facial expressions. [First of the PR images by Arco Wada]
The moment I saw this piece, I was all, “Right on!” It made me so happy to see Mr. Takeuchi’s illustration as I had suspected that Saber had in fact stood on this stage before, as her hobby as well as to please the masses. I wonder who she’s up against here. [New original work by Takashi Takeuchi]