Arcane

Here's to the new us.

League of Legends (LoL)' first project in expanding its own cinematic universe is done. The story between sisters, rich and poor, loyalty and betrayal, peace and war, and everything in between.

There's a common saying that LoL's big budget went into animation instead of balancing the champions in game, and this couldn't be more right. I did not expect this masterful level of animation. After each episode, they found more ways to wow audiences with amazing visuals and transitions. The fighting scenes were hard-hitting and jaw-dropping.

Even though the series wasn't fully canon to the original lore, it's still an intense story that set up an interesting universe. Not gonna lie, the first act didn't impress me too much, but episode 4 afterward got me entirely on board. My only problem with the story was that I just couldn't get enough of it. I wanted more and I don't like waiting.

Just as cool as the animation was the characters. Many character dynamics fascinated me and made me realized how much I needed them. I'll admit that some characters were straightforward, but not all of them were predictable. Some still surprised me until the very end. The directions for all characters were incredible.

Overall, even though the game was a love-hate relationship, Arcane was for sure all love, and a phenomenal step in setting up LOLCU. 8.5/10.

I watched it with my parents who don't know anything about league's universe. I have been playing league since 2010, So my opinion may be a bit biased.

But my parents were pleasantly surprised. They said that sometimes it was a little clear that this series is more aimed at a young adult audience. Some usage of the pop songs, and the villian being a little over the top mustace twirly.

But overall they enjoyed the first 3 episodes and wouldn't mind watching the rest in their own time.

As for me. I loved it! It was everything I hoped for and then some. Riot's art department was always on their A game. And with the track record from Fortiche I knew this had very little chance to blunder.

Knowing Riot's art department it has an excellent story, well written charaters and a lore rich world to take elements from. All in all, this show comes together very nicely. And shows some of the best talents Riot has to offer.

9/10: Amazing.

Arcane: An animated SF/Fantasy Steampunk series on Netflix. In the cities of Piltover and Zaun there is unrest, Piltover the upper city literally looks down on and oppresses Zaun. We have gangs of thieves, rebels, steampunk Stormtroopers, magic melded with science. This is serious stuff with great physical and "magic" fights. Also a tale of two sisters falling out and Scientist/Mages battling against the conservatism of the Council who fear the unleashing of uncontrollable powers. It's set in the League Of Legends game universe. Directed by Pascal Charrue and Arnaud Delord, written by Christian Linke and Alex Yee. 9/10.

This has no right being as good as it is. I mean, it's based on a video game, since when did that ever result in anything better than passable? But despite that this is one of the best shows I've watched in a long time.

I just saw the first episode of the new adaptation of the Wheel of time, and disappointed with that one I looked for something else and just happened to se that this was getting good reviews. It quickly grew on me and I binged the entire season in one sitting.

Arcane does everything right that so many shows and movies get wrong these days. They respect all of their characters, making sure that you understand why they do what they do and makes you sympathize with them. They take just the right amount of time to draw you in to the story and world before having major plotpoints happen, so that you really feel the impact of them. They set up things well in advance and makes sure to give you a proper payoff, so nothing feels rushed or cheap.

And something that is oh so rare these days; they are not afraid to give all of their characters flaws and allowing them to fail, no matter their gender or how powerful they are supposed to be. This is a show with two female main characters that both can overpower anyone, and none of them feel like they haven't earned it. And not once do they feel the need to belittle men to show how cool they are. Pay attention, creators of other shows, this is how you write powerful characters, regardless of gender, that your audience can feel invested in.

A special mention has to be given to the animators. Kudos to you for being able to make characters that can communicate both strong and subtle feelings clearer than most real actors are capable of. And also kudos to the choice of voice actors and music, both are top notch.

All in all a very enjoyable show that gives me a glimmer of hope for future entertainment, looking forward to season 2.

Arcane tells the story of two young orphaned sisters, growing up and getting into trouble in the dual city of Zaun and Piltover.

The series is based on the video game League of Legends, and although it drops you right into this fictional world, the necessary time and care is taken to set up places and characters in a commendable show-don't-tell fashion. Solid character development and world building means it's an entirely enjoyable watch without knowing anything about the game.

The animation is outright exquisite. As an anime fan, I found the animation in Arcane to be leagues beyond anything I've ever seen from an animated series before. There is an incredible attention to detail. It's clear that no artistic talent or monetary expense was spared in bringing the world of Runeterra to life.

Great soundtrack, great acting and a compelling story that doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence and more adult themes.

So far only the first three episodes have been released, and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us!