“Arcane: League of Legends” has proven to be one of the best animated series, having displayed immaculate visual storytelling and complex concepts through its convoluted characters and plot. The characters deal with real issues like trauma, mental illnesses and the effects of government on society. The world revolves around a democratic government, but led by those who only want what is best for themselves.
There are clear reflections of reality within the series but the mode of storytelling takes this to a whole new level. From the hand drawn special effects to the 3D animated characters within a watercolor backdrop, this complex story of betrayal and tragedy comes to life.
“Arcane” is not just a masterful work of art and cinema through the lens of animation, but it also displays impeccable storytelling within its plot in the League of Legends world. Within the boundaries of Piltover and the city of Zaun, there is the light and dark side of this a tale-of-two-cities story. Piltover is the high society, filled with middle to upper class citizens that reflect similar images of what a well regimented society looks like. There is a city council that governs the land and how it deals with economics and politics as well as trade and affiliations with other armies.
On the other hand, the city of Zaun, also known as the Undercity, is unkept and crime-ridden where crime lords rule and lead savage lives. Here there are direct references to segregation as those from Piltover see those of Zaun as lesser than them.
The art depicting both of these cities creates the drastic difference between them. Piltover is decorated in a bright, steampunk aesthetic with various high tech inventions that include hot air balloons and magical weapons. The art style of Piltover is rather cultured within high society, which the costuming complements with elegant dresses, suits and warm colors.
However, after venturing down to the Undercity, the colors turn grey, red and toxic green. The air seems putrid and most of the city never sees the light of day as it cascades into the fissures of the mines. The costuming for these people is less extravagant, compiled of rags pieced together in random patterns.
The characters within this story are extremely well written. From the two sisters, Jinx and Vi, to the leader of the Firelights, Ekko, both the main and side characters have so much depth. Jinx and Vi were rooted in the profound trauma of losing their biological parents, then losing their adoptive family and finally, their separation that lasted many years. The two grew up in their own paths. One incarcerated, and the other under the care of a crime lord raising her to be a powerful weapon desensitized to violence.
The characters and the art itself are deeply intertwined; powerful character arcs influence the animation, while the look of the show also works to develop characters. Emotions and segments of the story are beautifully established by the scratches and drawings along the film, as well as the use of color and angles of the camera to capture exactly what the character is feeling. Rather than having the audience step into the scene, they experience everything from the characters’ perspective, which adds another layer of immersion.
The character development that happens from the first season to the second has been debated across social media, but it was visualized well through the emphasis of the strain between the characters’ relationships and the unconditional love they have for each other. The poetic end only comes after a chaotic tale of war and betrayal.
“Arcane” is a beautiful masterpiece of animation cinema. It provides an exploration of the cruel realities of the world, aiming to find hope within the future. It also teaches that no one can do life on their own. We need people who can come alongside us, show us the truth and help us up. This show is powerful at its core, making the audience think further about their relationships, which is something that shouldn’t go unrecognized.
Abbey Wicks 
Nick Hancock 
Steve Anderson