I don’t think anyone really expected Riot studios of League of Legends to make Arcane as good as it turned out to be. Overall, this show hurt. I know that sounds very concerning, especially if it’s in your plan-to-watch list, but trust me, it lives up to the hype.
With nine episodes in the first season, it’s hard to believe that Riot Studios could find a way to keep all of the good components of a story in such a short time—so while even doing that, they did it so well that even all these pieces fit well together.
First is my favorite part of the series—the character design. Visually, they were uniquely perfect (very expressive to their personality type) but their personalities were developed so well you couldn’t help but really enjoy watching them interact. I feel like I also have to point out the fact that these characters don’t lead a typical “main protagonist”/”side character” sort of deal—by the end of the ninth episode, you blatantly see these characters branch off into their own destinies.
Arcane creates increasingly frustrating characters but others who are undeniably loveable.
So far, this spoilerless review is turning into a glorification of the series (which it deserves, especially since the initial expectations were so low).
Another thing we can appreciate is the animation (quick thanks to Barthelemy Maunoury). Not quite realistic but cartoon-ish enough that you know it’s on purpose. The neon overlays and fast, engaging cinematography remind me of Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse—which has a purposely comic-book-related style in both art and animation.
If you’re an animation geek or anywhere remotely close to an admirer of art, I guarantee you can be impressed with this show’s visuals.
I can’t really say much about the music of Arcane since it’s never been something I’ve paid attention to. Background music can hype up a scene, sadden an audience—however, I can say that music is another piece to Arcane the studio did well; most likely thanks to their video game expertise.
Being as vague as I can, I’ll try to explain the world-building. To me, world-building is an important part of the stories I read and/or watch. Regardless if it’s a thoroughly complex, intricate world, or lack thereof, magical realism can only take root if the world it’s grown in is as flawless it can be. Since Arcane had a video game background behind it, the world-building of the series was one of the strongest components of the story.
If social class reform or rebellion is an aspect of dystopian literature you enjoy, Arcane has it down. It’s the type of show that, the more you watch, the more tempted you are to completely disregard the label of ‘villain’.
Obviously, I have nothing but good things to say about the show—so definitely give it a try.
