Arcane (2021-2024): An adaptation worth your time
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Arcane (2021-2024) is a rare example of a game adaptation done perfectly.
If you have found yourself caught in a lull of things to watch, unsure of what new show is worth your time, or which of your favorites requires another mandatory rewatch, let me direct your energy to Netflix’s hit animated series, Arcane (2021-2024). This show is based on the hit role-playing game (RPG) League of Legends (2009) and just began airing its second and final season on the streaming platform.
Now, if you, like myself, were thrown off by the inclusion of such a stigmatized title as League of Legends (2009), this show may feel as if it is not for you, but I assure you, this apprehension will evaporate soon after your watch commences; it is, in fact, a show for you.
Without spoiling much of this incredibly intricate and fast-paced narrative, the plot revolves around two distinct storylines. The first centers on two characters, Vi and Powder (referred to as Jinx during the narratives unfolding), two sisters who have grown apart due to a pivotal event in their upbringing that redefined their familial structure. Raised in different worlds —the nefarious “underground” of the fantasy mega-city Piltover and the confines of a bleak prison cell— in their adulthood, these sisters must confront the pitfalls of their shared past through the cinematic lens of violent brawls.
While this storyline unfolds, parallel to it is the story of Jayce Tails, an inventor who comes from a line of craftsmen who, with the help of his lab assistant, Viktor, can harness the power of an “arcane” element they deem a “Hex-core.” Through this narrative, we see Jayce’s rise to fame as it corresponds with the evolution of this incredibly fascinating power source at his aptly named company “Hex-Tech.”
In these two storylines, we are treated to a fascinatingly intricate unfolding of life within the city of Piltover and the uncurrent of corruption and deception that has found itself burrowed into every facet of the city. Not only that but we are gradually exposed to elements of the world that encapsulate this game in an incredibly natural way. It is extremely unique to see unfold, and the narrative complimenting the beautiful world-building is all the more engaging.
Through my watching of this show, I have seen superb character development alongside a premier example of concise and effective storytelling, something we all dread hearing in classes, but truly —look to this if you want to see an effective example of what people mean when they say something as heavy-handed as this. Whether it be any of these four characters listed above, or the various side characters, there is not a single character —that I can recall— that stands to be underutilized within the plot or one that overstays their welcome within it; rather, through brief yet incredibly effective segments, we are told and shown all we need to know about these characters and little else— all within 18 episodes, spanning 40 minutes each.
So, with my meandering out of the way, though Arcane (2021-2024) is based in and on League of Legends (2009), it is not something you should stray away from even if you have never played the RPG like myself. That said, this show is a testament to the science-fiction genre and is truly something that will have your full attention whether or not you want to be engaged.
As this show is scheduled to release the final three episodes this Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, it is the perfect time to catch up with this beyond-unexpected staple in animation. It is an example of superb adaptation execution in regards to drawing out the potential of the source material. It demonstrates that anything is possible if the desire and passion to execute a story effectively are there!
You can watch Arcane (2021-2024) exclusively on Netflix; I highly advise you do!