The Best Animated Series On Netflix Is A Video Game Adaptation
The first season of Arcane: League of Legends is currently streaming on Netflix. Based on the popular online multiplayer game League of Legends, the series is created by Riot Games and is billed as an adult animated steampunk action-adventure show. It serves as an expansion of the game’s lore, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the world and characters of Runeterra.
Arcane: League of Legends opens in the city of Piltover, a futuristic and technologically advanced metropolis. Directly below it lies Zaun, a dark, industrialized under-city filled with poverty and crime. Violet and her younger sister Jinx/Powder are introduced as orphans living in the streets of Zaun. The sisters’ bond is strong, and they often explore the underground together.
Following its November 2021 release, Arcane: League of Legends received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, animation, character development, and ability to appeal to fans of the game and newcomers to the League of Legends story.
Violet is tough and protective, while Jinx is imaginative and fascinated by the wonders of Piltover. The contrast between the two cities and the sisters’ differing perspectives become central themes of Arcane: League of Legends. As the story progresses, an unfortunate incident involving a theft gone wrong leads to the siblings being separated.
Violet is taken in by Vander, a caring figure who leads a group of criminals called the Undercity Saints. At the same time, Jinx’s experiences in Zaun’s harsh environment begin to shape her into a more chaotic and vengeful persona. Meanwhile, Piltover’s leaders, including the brilliant scientist Jayce and Councilwoman Heimerdinger, face challenges as tensions between Piltover and Zaun escalate.
Violet eventually becomes a skilled enforcer for the Undercity Saints, determined to protect her newfound family. And Jinx transforms into a charismatic and unpredictable criminal mastermind. Toward the end of Arcane: League of Legends season one, the sisters cross paths and are forced to confront their past relationship, as well as the choices that have shaped them.
Ultimately, Arcane: League of Legends explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. It showcases the complexity of human relationships and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. The series ends with significant developments that not only have implications for Violet and Jinx but also for the future of Piltover and Zaun.
Riot Games took an active role in overseeing the series to ensure its fidelity to the game’s lore and aesthetic.
Following its November 2021 release, Arcane: League of Legends received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, animation, character development, and ability to appeal to fans of the game and newcomers to the League of Legends story. The series earned several awards and nominations in 2022, including Best Adaptation at The Game Awards.
Arcane: League of Legends also won three Emmy Awards and eight Annie Awards. The series was nominated for Best Television Production at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and was nominated at the Hugo Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Dorian Awards, and Saturn Awards, among others.
The voice cast of Arcane: League of Legends features a talented group of actors who contributed to the show’s success. Hailee Steinfeld lends her voice to Violet, with Ella Purnell providing the voice for Jinx. Kevin Alejandro voices Jayce, a brilliant scientist from Piltover who is determined to maintain the city’s prosperity and technological advancements.
JB Blanc voices the enigmatic and wise Councilwoman Heimerdinger, a Yordle scientist and leader who plays a significant role in Piltover’s governance. Toks Olagundoye provides the voice for Silco, a prominent figure in the Undercity who is a leader of the Undercity Saints. Harry Lloyd lends his voice to Vander, Katie Leung voices Caitlyn, and Kevin Michael Richardson voices Ekko.
Arcane: League of Legends was in development for several years. It was eventually created with the collaboration of Riot Games and Fortiche Productions. Riot took an active role in overseeing the series to ensure its fidelity to the game’s lore and aesthetic. The series’ music was composed by Riot Games’ in-house music team and featured a blend of orchestral and electronic elements.
Arcane: League of Legends Gets A Second Season
Riot Games and Netflix have confirmed that Arcane: League of Legends will return for a second season, although an official release date has not been provided. While the cast for season two has yet to be formally confirmed, the core ensemble from season one is expected to make their return.
To help fans manage the wait for more episodes of Arcane: League of Legends, Riot Games is releasing a five-part docuseries titled Arcane: Bridging the Rift, which sees co-creator Christian Linke discusses the show’s inception and the partnership with Fortiche animation studio that brought the Netflix series to life.
