Series & First Appearance
Title: Soul Eater
First Appearance: Chapter 18 (Manga) / Episode 10 (Anime)
Creator: Atsushi Ōkubo
Profile at a Glance
Excalibur, despite being a legendary sword, is portrayed with exaggerated comical traits and a larger-than-life personality. He does not age in the conventional sense and takes on the role of a magical weapon rather than a typical character. He is associated with Shibusen, serving as a weapon for Meisters, and boasts various abilities including granting immense power, light-speed movement, and teleportation.
Personality & Motivations
Excalibur is notorious for his irritating disposition, which surpasses even the egos of other prominent characters like Black Star. He has a self-important demeanor and possesses a penchant for demanding excessive tasks from his wielders, reflecting his inflated sense of self-worth. His motivation seems primarily tied to showcasing his abilities and maintaining his legendary status. Notably, his catchphrase is often an exclamation of “Excalibur!” followed by a pompous declaration, emphasizing his theatrical nature.
Abilities / Powers
Excalibur boasts several notable abilities that enhance his users’ combat potentials:
- Legendary Sword: As an iconic weapon, Excalibur can amplify the power of its wielder exponentially.
- Light Speed: He enables his user to move at light speed, offering significant tactical advantages in battle.
- Teleportation: The sword allows for instantaneous travel across distances, enhancing mobility in combat.
- Combat Style: Excalibur aids in defeating multiple opponents simultaneously, as evidenced when a fellow student manages to use him to overpower three of Shibusen’s strongest fighters, highlighting that skill is essential alongside wielding the sword.
However, despite these powers, many find it hard to tolerate Excalibur’s incessant demands and quirky personality, with several characters choosing to return him for this reason.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Excalibur’s main narrative role revolves around his introduction in Soul Eater, where he is discovered by Kid and Black Star in a book he authored himself. The duo quickly becomes exasperated with him, leading to their decision to abandon the pursuit of wielding the sword. His existence is predominantly comedic, serving as comic relief throughout the overarching story. Excalibur also plays a significant role in imparting important lore about Eibon to Kid, the Thompsons, Buttataki, and Blair, thus enriching the world-building aspect of Soul Eater.
Notable Relationships
- Kid & Black Star: Excalibur’s initial interactions with these two characters reveal much about his personality and the challenges of being his wielder.
- Meisters: Various students at Shibusen attempt to wield Excalibur, showcasing the challenges of tolerance necessary to unlock his potential.
- Shinigami & Eibon: Excalibur’s ties to Shinigami and the tale of Eibon illustrate his historical significance within the Soul Eater universe, linking him to broader, mythology-driven narratives.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs when Kid and Black Star first engage with Excalibur, only to find themselves overwhelmed by his demanding antics. This moment encapsulates the comedic essence of Excalibur’s character (Episode 10, “The Perfect Boy”). Another standout line is during his introduction, declaring, “And thus, it is I, Excalibur!” This highlights his self-importance and penchant for the dramatic.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Popularity: Excalibur is well-regarded among fans of Soul Eater, evidenced by his member favorite count of 1,578, highlighting his comedic impact within the show.
- Voice Actor: In Japanese, Excalibur is voiced by Nobuyuki Hiyama, who infuses him with a flamboyant personality. The English portrayal fans often note reflects similar comedic tones.
- Cultural References: Excalibur’s design and characterization draw from Arthurian legend, yet his absurd personality adds a unique twist, making him a memorable character in the anime landscape.
- Alter Ego References: His design in weapon form—an elegantly cartoonish figure lacking pants yet sporting an outrageous mustache—serves as a humorous contrast to his legendary status.
Excalibur remains a fascinating character in Soul Eater, marrying the exaggerated quirks of anime with the storied weight of legend, establishing his unique place in both comedic and narrative contexts within the series.
