Series & First Appearance
Arthur Boyle is a character from the anime and manga series Fire Force (Japanese: En’en no Shouboutai), created by Atsushi Ōkubo. He made his debut in the manga’s first chapter, which was released in September 2015, and his introduction in the anime adaptation occurred in the first episode, aired in July 2019.
Profile at a Glance
Arthur Boyle is a 17-year-old member of the 8th Fire Brigade. Standing at 174 cm and weighing 64 kg, he wields a unique weapon known as Excalibur, which is a sword made of flames without a physical blade. He is depicted as a "knight," a title he embraces despite its ostentatious nature, highlighting his desire to protect others.
Personality & Motivations
Arthur is characterized by his brash, impulsive nature and a deep sense of loyalty. He harbors a strong belief in the chivalric ideals of knights, often viewing himself as a heroic figure on a quest to defend the innocent. Despite his self-proclaimed title, he lacks intellectual acumen, leading to comedic misunderstandings and mistakes. A notable quirk is his refusal to wear a helmet during firefighting missions, as he believes it undermines his knightly image. Arthur’s primary motivation revolves around proving his strength and worth as a knight, particularly in his rivalry with fellow brigade member Shinra Kusakabe, who he views as a hero contrasting his identity.
Abilities / Powers
Arthur’s combat abilities primarily revolve around his skill with Excalibur. This unique weapon allows him to generate flames that form a blade-like structure, which he uses with expert swordsmanship. His combat effectiveness is significantly influenced by his condition and mood; when wielded with his dominant hand, he can achieve formidable attacks, but his effectiveness diminishes when he switches to his non-dominant hand. Additionally, he possesses a smaller, disposable version of Excalibur made from plastic, dubbed "Mini Excalibur," that he employs for minor welding and cutting tasks. Despite his high combat potential, Arthur’s lack of strategic intelligence often complicates his effectiveness in more tactical situations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Arthur’s journey brings him into various confrontations, both physically and ideologically, particularly with Shinra. Early in the series, Arthur faces challenges that test not only his physical abilities but also his understanding of heroism and knighthood. Key moments arise during missions where he must confront his limitations and reevaluate his values and role within the brigade. His rivalry with Shinra adds depth to his character, pushing him to grow beyond mere battles and strive for deeper understanding of strength and friendship.
Notable Relationships
Arthur’s most significant relationship is with Shinra Kusakabe. This rivalry underscores much of his character development; he sees Shinra as a rival and someone who threatens his ideal of being a chivalrous knight. Despite their competitive nature, both characters ultimately work together against larger threats, learning from each other in the process. Additionally, members of the 8th Brigade serve as companions, providing both support and comedic interactions that shape Arthur’s experiences in the series.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
A notable moment occurs in the first episode when Arthur dramatically declares, "I am a knight!" during a critical confrontation. This statement crystallizes his dedication to the knightly ideals while also serving as a source of humor and character insight for viewers. Another memorable scene is when he confronts Shinra, insisting that the title of “hero” does not resonate with him, as one must possess the heart of a knight to be truly strong. This line emphasizes the thematic conflict between their differing views of strength and heroism.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Arthur Boyle has gained popularity among fans, ranking among the top characters in various popularity polls associated with Fire Force, attracting over 2,300 member favorites on platforms like MyAnimeList. In the Japanese anime adaptation, he is voiced by the talented Nobuhiko Okamoto, while in the English dubbed version, he is voiced by Matt Shipman. Both voice actors bring distinct energy to the character, enhancing his quirky personality and knightly bravado. Fire Force has been noted for integrating themes from Western mythology, with Arthur’s knight persona embodying this cultural blend, making him a standout character in contemporary anime.
Arthur Boyle serves as a compelling character amidst the themes of heroism and camaraderie present in Fire Force, balancing moments of humor and sincerity as he strives to protect others while navigating his own understanding of strength and identity.
