After watching Arcane on Netflix, my takeaway is that while the storyline, revolving around a conflict in a dystopian city, leans too much on familiar tropes, the art and animation are extraordinary. The breathtaking fight scene between Ekko and Jinx is a prime example of the show’s visual prowess.
The remarkable work by Fortiche Production SAS in Arcane would have a stronger impact if presented as an modern but exclusive exhibit of the art.
It will make it clear why Riot Games expanding into trading cards, TV, and other areas beyond video games may not be the best direction.
We’ll also explore how the increasing reliance on working with stagnant IPs like League of Legends for financial gain is harmful to creativity in the industry.
When Art Shines, Everything Else Falls Short
At present, you can find many celebrating the fact how remarkable Arcane is. It’s praised for its character development, along with the League of Legends characters, even if you’re not familiar with the game.
The entertains you with loads of rewarding twists and plot resolutions, and by the finale, viewers are left with a modern animated masterpiece.
In Arcane, many characters fit post-modern stereotypes, with Jinx standing out as a prime example. As a gifted inventor, she faces intense trauma during her childhood, which leads to ongoing mental health challenges, resembling schizophrenia, in her young adult years. The above struggle becomes a key aspect of her character throughout the series.
Handling Jinx’s decline with depth and sensitivity, the show depicts her transition from a vulnerable child to an unpredictable, destructive force who converses with dolls. Yet, she inexplicably retains her inventive brilliance and curiosity, creating a sense of inconsistency.
Without giving Jinx her the depth she needs, the show makes it hard to sympathize with her experiences. Instead, she ends up as a distorted example of the harmful stereotype that people with mental illness are inherently evil, unstable, and lesser.
It’s quite disheartening to swallow, particularly when the show is being praised by the typically discerning group of nerds whose opinions I usually trust. But this one, I just can’t get behind.
Talking about some other esteem characters, Jayce happens to be a sulky politician who occasionally removes his shirt and, inexplicably, by the end of season one, learns to wield a massive warhammer that shoots lasers. Silco is a flat villain with unresolved sibling issues who tortures people for enjoyment.
Arcane, driven by its reliance on contrived elements, becomes a chaotic mix of foreseeable twists and unnecessary, over-the-top emotional intensity.
Empire-Building Process of Riot Games
Arcane’s collaboration with Imagine Dragons, a band that rose to fame among fake ravers and teens pretending to be punk in 2012, highlights how misguided its creators.
Well, the issue is not exactly with Fortiche, as their animators and artists consistently deliver exceptional work, like the impressive Sevika slot machine arm scene. You can say that the problem lies with Riot Games.
Riot Games, the LA-based developer behind League of Legends, recently faced a major lawsuit in 2018 regarding sexual harassment along with gender discrimination.
The company settled for $100 million after multiple female employees came forward with allegations of deep-rooted sexism within the organization.
Riot Games has shared that additional League of Legends-based shows are in the works, following the success of their flagship franchise. The company has also teased the launch of a trading card game set in the League of Legends world.
Fortiche Catch-22
Fortiche, the French animation studio, deserves praise for their exceptional work. They’ve created some of the most stunning animation sequences seen in Arcane, and their craftsmanship is undeniable.
Unfortunately, they’re tied to a larger company with questionable practices, but their talent stands on its own and should be celebrated independently.
If Fortiche had the opportunity to work on their own original IP, they could create something truly groundbreaking. Now, without being tied to clichés or relying on obscure references that only League fans would understand, they could craft a story with broader appeal. Their talent, when fully unleashed, could bring a unique and captivating animated experience to life.
Instead of Professor Heimerdinger, we might encounter a different, equally endearing and inventive character, one with a more developed personality, going beyond just being clever yet overly naïve. This new character would bring more depth and complexity to the story.
Perhaps we’d get a character replacing Jayce, one with genuine depth rather than just a brooding figure fixated on his exaggerated, plasma-firing hammer. This could lead to a much more engaging show.
Is Arcane worth watching Even If You’re Not A Fan of League of Legends?
The show basically leans too much into video game aspects to be truly fulfilling. To appreciate its brilliance, you can simply check out a few YouTube videos (like the ones linked here) highlighting the impressive art and animation.
You don’t need to invest in the corporate-driven system that is Riot Games, or in the characters it creates solely to entertain and generate revenue.
Take a moment to think about the intentions behind the worlds and experiences you immerse yourself in. You might be surprised by what lies beneath the surface of even the art you cherish most.
Discover BTS Process of Arcane Season 2 Through These Fascinating Making-Of Videos
