It all happened when Arcane concluded its second season on November 23 with the release of part III on Netflix. The animated series delves into the origins of various characters from the League of Legends universe.
The plot centers on the complex relationship between Jinx (Ella Purnell) and sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld), as they become entangled in a growing conflict fueled by differing ideologies and powerful arcane technologies. The series is further enhanced by its stunning and detailed art direction.
Production & Animation
Arcane has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional animation, with critics consistently praising its visual appeal.
In 2022, it made history by becoming the first streaming series to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program.
The exceptional animation in Arcane was the result of a lengthy six-year journey, from early planning to final production. This extended timeline allowed for a high level of detail in the sets and character designs, showcasing the effort put into every aspect of the game.
Arcane was basically conceived in 2015 by Alex Yee and Christian Linke, inspired by Riot Games’ desire to explore new media formats such as cinematic trailers and music videos to further connect with players.
Riot earlier teamed up with none other than Fortiche, to create the animation, with a focus on appealing to the entire adult audience.
For Arcane, Riot partnered with Fortiche Production to break away from traditional animation techniques. By blending 2D and 3D elements, they achieved a distinctive visual style that gives the series a hand-painted, dynamic look.
Fortiche mainly used a technique where 2D digitally painted backdrops were combined with 3D characters and objects right in the foreground, resulting in intricate scenes that blend cartoonish styles with realistic details.
By combining this artistic style with mature themes such as violence, strong language, and darker topics, Arcane is able to attract an older audience.
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The Arcane Set Design
The worldbuilding in Arcane is masterfully crafted, providing audiences with a sense of immersion and intrigue without overwhelming them with unnecessary exposition.
Although the show mainly revolves around two central settings, Arcane successfully conveys a sense of expansiveness with its intricately designed spaces and visually rich, still accessible, surroundings.
The show wisely narrows its focus, preventing the expansive world of League of Legends from becoming too daunting, and establishing itself as a distinct story that stands apart from the game.
Arcane unfolds in the prosperous city of Piltover and its downtrodden undercity, Zaun. On the other hand, Piltover is celebrated as a beacon of innovation, where its citizens enjoy elevated lifestyles, including better privileges, homes, and fashion.
The stark difference between Piltover and Zaun is underscored by the use of distinct color schemes, with each setting’s reflecting its contrasting atmosphere and societal status.
Piltover radiates with an aura of prosperity, boasting bright whites, blues, and golds that highlight its wealth and innovation.
On the other hand, Zaun’s environment is characterized by dark shadows, neon greens, purples, and pinks, combined with smoke and a sense of danger, portraying its grim and lawless reputation.
Arcane centers around the escalating unrest in Zaun, where its people endure dire living conditions and face ongoing threats from Piltover’s harsh authorities, deepening the political divide.
The show uses distinct visual styles to separate Piltover and Zaun, highlighting the stark differences between the two environments.
The Design of Characters
The characters in Arcane also embody the visual contrast between Piltover and Zaun, with several having been featured in the League of Legends game prior to the series.
In fact, their designs in the show are tailored to fit the unique aesthetics of each area, reinforcing the stark differences between the two regions.
Fortiche sought to honor the original lore, but given the difference in medium between video games and animation, they adapted the characters with a distinct style tailored to the animated format.
In an interview with SyncSketch, Alexis Wanneroy, Fortiche’s head of character animation, expressed, “Our aim at Fortiche was to create something that felt genuine, unpolished, and at times, a little harsh.
He explained, “The above style sets us apart from other animated projects, which often lack that edge. We aimed to make the characters feel gritty and authentic, with flaws that made them more real.”
The standout character designs in the series include Mel Medarda (voiced by Toks Olagundoye) and Vi.
Vi’s character design has evolved from the game, shifting away from the male gaze and opting for a wardrobe that feels more authentic to her circumstances and character.
In season two, Vi’s appearance reflects the emotional and physical toll of her experiences from season one.
Her arms are often wrapped in bandages, and the visible battle scars and tattoos across her body symbolize the harshness of her past, shaped by her time behind bars. These markings speak to her transformed outlook on the world outside
Season two’s portrayal of Vi emphasizes the emotional and physical toll of her past. Her arms, often wrapped in bandages, and her body adorned with scars and tattoos, represent the harsh experiences she endured growing up in prison, altering her perspective on the world around her.
Mel’s wardrobe is characterized by highly feminine dresses made from soft, silky fabrics that create an elegant, flowing effect as she moves. She fully recognizes the power of her attire and effortlessly uses it to her advantage.
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Conclusion
Arcane excels in every aspect, from its stunning visuals to its exceptional storytelling. Each character is crafted with depth and complexity. While the narrative is fictional, it tackles real-world issues such as the spread of drugs in impoverished communities.
Arcane’s breathtaking animation is sure to captivate anyone, even if you’re unfamiliar with League of Legends. With its gripping and often dark storyline, the show offers something for everyone.
Whether it’s the stunning visuals or the intricate plot, Arcane is such a series that’s easy to fall in love with. I highly recommend it to all viewers.
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Sources
Arcane: Fortiche x RIOT blow critics away with masterpiece animation
You don’t have to play ‘League of Legends’ to enjoy the masterful animation of Netflix’s ‘Arcane’
