With the resounding success and explosive ending of the first season of “Arcane,” Riot Games hit the road running and, in collaboration with Fortiche Productions, released Arcane 2 on Nov. 9. Spanning nine episodes in total, three episodes were released each week in phases, with the final three episodes airing on Saturday, Nov. 23. And over those fourteen days, the Arcane series solidified itself as something amazing.
Even though the world is set in the League of Legends universe, you don’t need any prior knowledge to understand the plot of the show. For those who want some background information, “Arcane” takes place in the rivaling cities Piltover and Zaun while following the stories of Violet and Powder as they grow up to become Vi and Jinx. It explores the dichotomies between good and bad while tap dancing across the gray line separating the two.
I strongly believe that describing “Arcane” as anything other than art would be an insult. It’s an animated show, so obviously there’s drawn aspects to it, but you might not even realize the sheer details involved in its production.
Using 3D rigging with 2D textures, beautifully hand drawn effects, specific nuances to every frame, it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece born from the culmination of hours upon hours of hard work.
It might look sort of strange at the beginning, since the art style is considered more modern even by today’s standards, but overtime you truly start to appreciate the almost paintbrush-like texture of each frame.
If you can’t get behind the visuals of the show for whatever reason, then the plotline should get you hooked. Within a few episodes, you become attached to at least one of the many characters in the show before getting thrown through a rollercoaster of emotions as the show progresses through each character’s arc. During the show, I really grew attached to Isha because who didn’t, and if you say you disliked her then you’re a filthy liar. Despite her otherwise short appearance, she still managed to capture everyone’s hearts. “Arcane” takes you for a ride and you’ll bond with the characters even more because of it, and no I won’t accept criticisms.
As the scenes on the screen pull at your heart strings and emotionally manipulate you into an unhealthy commitment to the story, you get to enjoy the absolutely brilliant songs from other artists that Riot Games collaborated with for this project like Twenty-One Pilots, D4VD, and Ashinikko. Some of the music absolutely makes the show – it just adds a complete other level of amazement to its already fantastic existence.
“Arcane 2” is a masterful combination of visuals, storytelling, and music. There’s something for everybody to enjoy. Are there some parts that could’ve been a little bit smoother? Yes. Were there a few plot holes that could’ve been smoothed over? Absolutely. But the storyline felt well thought out and the ending was satisfactory.
Co-creator Christian Linke has already stated that there isn’t a third season of “Arcane” planned, but I’m looking forward to the other series that have been teased to the audience.
