Pre-Order Ark Royal Now!
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In the vast and immersive world of Azur Lane, naval warfare is combined with captivating anthropomorphic shipgirls, and numerous warships have captured the hearts of players. Among them, one name stands out as a symbol of power and elegance: Ark Royal, the legendary aircraft carrier. If you replace Azur Lane with Kantai Collection…. The intro is just as true….
As a fan of both Azur Lane and Kancolle, it is often tough to decide which character design is best. Azur Lane often showcases shipgirls with a more exaggerated and fantastical aesthetic, featuring vibrant colors and elaborate designs. Ark Royal is depicted with some steampunk elements which create some interesting aesthetics.
Kancolle, on the other hand, tends to have a more subdued and realistic art style, aiming to accurately represent historical warships. The shipgirls in Azur Lane have a bit more freedom with personality and individuality, with unique quirks and traits that make them stand out. Kancolle shipgirls, while having their own distinct characteristics, are generally a bit more tied down to the elements of their ship class. Both games offer captivating experiences and a chance to explore the fascinating world of anthropomorphic warships.
For me personally, her status as a destroyer-con in Azur Lane beats out the Ark Royal in Kancolle but I totally love the crossover fanart. Feel free to flame me in the comments!
Despite the friendly rivalry between Azur Lane and Kancolle fans, there's no denying that Ark Royal's endearing charm knows no borders. Her presence in Azur Lane's community has inspired countless fan art, cosplay, and dedicated discussions, solidifying her position as an iconic shipgirl. Over the years she has developed a devoted following in both camps. She bridges the divide between the two fan bases, leaving Kancolle enthusiasts secretly wondering if they should give Azur Lane a try and see what it's all about.
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
To better appreciate this fine aircraft carrier, let’s take a look at the storied history and remarkable abilities of Ark Royal. Named after the famous British aircraft carrier from World War II, she embodies the spirit of her predecessor. What truly sets Ark Royal apart was her exceptional command of the skies. As an aircraft carrier, she possessed an impressive arsenal of planes that she would deploy with precision and tactical acumen. Her unique aircraft in game, the Fairey Swordfish, showcases her historical connections to the real world.
She played a pivotal role in the Battle of Taranto in 1940, where British carrier-based aircraft launched a successful surprise attack on the Italian fleet in Taranto Harbor. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of carrier-based aviation and revolutionized naval warfare going forward (sorry Yamato). In May 1941, Ark Royal took part in the search and pursuit of the feared German battleship Bismarck. Her aircraft delivered torpedo hits that critically damaged the Bismarck, contributing to its eventual sinking by the Royal Navy. Sadly, Ark Royal's career came to an end in November 1941 when she was torpedoed by a German U-boat while participating in Operation Crusader in the Mediterranean. Despite efforts to save her, she eventually sank. Her sinking marked the end of an era for the Royal Navy's large, iconic aircraft carriers.
Following the loss of the first Ark Royal, subsequent carriers were named Ark Royal in the Royal Navy. The name "Ark Royal" holds a special place in British naval history and has been used to honor the legacy of the earlier ships.
In game, Ark Royal's ability to launch waves of aircraft into battle makes her a formidable force on the Azur Lane seas. She can deal significant damage with her airstrikes and effectively control the skies. Her supportive abilities allow her to buff her allies and slow enemies. These skills can enhance the survivability and combat effectiveness of her fleet, making her a valuable asset in challenging battles. And of course, we can’t forget about her unyielding love for destroyers!
An Aura of Elegance and Grace
Beyond her combat capabilities, Ark Royal is admired for her graceful appearance and elegant demeanor. Her shipgirl form exudes a refined and regal aura, reflecting the proud legacy of the Royal Navy. Ark Royal's Oath skin, Pure-White Protector gives her a stunning transformation showing her in a wedding gown.
This figure from Oriental Forest does an excellent job depicting the costume design which further accentuates her regal and elegant demeanor. Her outfit gets a significant upgrade, featuring an exquisite white color scheme with gold and blue highlights.
The dress is adorned with intricate lace and embroidery, exuding an air of refinement and sophistication. The flowing skirt and delicate details showcase her grace and elegance, truly befitting her status as a queen of the skies.
To further enhance her more regal attire, the addition of the blue flowers is a nice touch. The color contrast adds more visual appeal and feels appropriate. On her leg, we have a nice gold clamp with a fleur de lis and her weapon has become much more intricate with golden flair.
Complementing her new attire are a variety of accessories to reflect her original design. She wears a white hat that retains some steampunk vibes but simultaneously accentuates her regal presence. The clasp on her jacket and gold trim near her chest also pay homage to the original steampunk-esque character design.
Ark Royal is sculpted well from all angles. Viewing from the side we can really appreciate the pose as well as the sense of motion. The gown flows out making her seem larger than life and almost a bit god-like. You can also see a bit more of the detail in the pedestal.
From behind we can appreciate the same gold highlights and elegance. Her dress reveals the contours of her body while still being classy. We can also see some subtle details like the wrinkles in her glove as she grips her weapon along with that nice and juicy thigh pinch.
She is also just generally super cute! Her soft facial features along with the incredible paint job makes her face a joy to look at. Her eyes capture a bit of mischief but her small nose and mouth keep her looking mature and regal.
Finally, the pedestal is a faithful recreation to the game and completes the figure nicely. It adds a bit of height to the figure allowing her to easily become the centerpiece of a collection. She is a 1/7 scale figure so even though Ark Royal might like her smol destroyers, we will need a bit of extra room to accommodate her. Luckily, the release date is slated for the end of December 2023 so we have plenty of time to prepare our docks!
Recently Azur Lane has been a very popular title for figure manufacturers. There are over 25 figures currently available for pre-order, so check out our catalog in case you missed any!
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