Arcane (Netflix)
 

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...6e9d105978.jpg


https://mashable.com/article/netflix...ends-animation

I've heard quite a lot about this series over the last few days so I thought I'd check it out. I never really paid much attention to this one because I don't play League of Legends.

I'm a few episodes in and Arcane is, by far, the best animated show on Netflix, I'd go as far to say it's the highest quality animated show that's been on TV/Streaming in decades. I'm a general fan of animation but this one just blows me away. We're way past uncanny valley here with the facial expressions- they seem so realistic at times almost seems like a form of rotoscoping was used for much of the show and it was drawn over and then animated by computer. Apparently why Arcane looks so different is the backgrounds are hand painted and then the animations are done to fit the backgrounds.

Also, the show is easy to follow if you haven't played the game. Highly recommend people check this one out, it's definitely not one for kids.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Was waiting on some confirmation from a non gamer.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Well, I am a gamer, but more a casual one. League of Legends is one of those games I never could get into. I play more for my own enjoyment than to compete.

I’m currently playing Forza Horizon 5 on my PC. They’d have to mine that one pretty deep to make a series/movie out of that one. :lol:

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Never played the game, but ARCANE is an amazing show. Take a look at the 100% rating on Rottentomatoes for some glowing reviews.

I'm going to finish episodes 7-9 this weekend, but the first 6 episodes were absolutely phenomenal. And the animation is theatrical-quality, as in as good as "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" theatrical quality. Of course, it supposedly took 6 years to make this, but it all shows up there on the screen. From the amazing animation to the absolutely stellar acting, to the involving and heartwrenching storytelling. It all works and it works beautifully. I'm shocked that not many people are talking about it yet. It's just that damn good.

IGN, btw, gave it a 10/10: Masterpiece.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Arcane is probably the best steampunk/fantasy series ever made. I was going to say, “animated” but even without the amazing animation the quality of the writing and voice acting elevates it to another level.

I think the reason why it hasn’t gained traction yet is because it’s considered a “videogame show”. Oh, and I think the animation is better than Spiderverse.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Just finish the watching all episodes and really loving it.. As other said the animation is top-notch. Can't wait for the second season.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I just watched this after seeing various recommendations. This is a show where word-of-mouth seems to be growing. And yes, I was initially a bit turned off by the idea that it was based on a video game, but from what I've read this show has barely anything to do with the game despite being inspired by it.

The show is really good. The art style is gorgeous, but also the character animation is so detailed and nuanced, and acted very well. The writing is good too, switching between broad epic worldbuilding and small character moments. There's no clear good/bad, but a lot of morally grey characters and actions. Even the clear villain gets backstory and justifications for his actions, becoming more rounded and less cartoonish as the show goes on. One small complaint is that a few of the plot points seemed rushed, especially if the Vi/Zaun and Jayce/Piltover storylines were really running in parallel over the last half of the storyline, since Vi's seems to be only a couple days, while Jayce's would seem more believable over a few weeks. But they managed to cram a lot into only 9 episodes. I even felt that the first 3 episodes would make an effective movie on their own.

Watching the final trailer after watching the show, I didn't realize that this season had a staggered release of three different "acts," so I'm a bit glad I got onto the show a bit late, so I could binge the season all at once.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Watched the first episode and it was great.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Three episode in and the show continues to be fantastic. I liked how in episode three you can see the stupid mistake Powder was going to make a mile away but I didn't think it would be that bad. That was just brutal.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I finished the series yesterday. As someone who isn't a big anime fan or plays LOL I liked it for the most part. The artistry is undeniable. Beautifully drawn and animated. Great voice acting. The show clicked for me after episode 3. I think the story is spread a little thin over the 9 episodes and there were some characters I just wasn't very interested in. Jinx going full Harley-Quinn gets a little repetitive and the emphasis on the weaponry which I've read is straight from the game feels like fan service with obligatory fight scenes plugged in. It's played very straight. I can't recall any humor whatsoever. There's steampunk elements but it's never front and center. Will definitely check out season 2.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

The interesting thing about the show is that there are a lot of city-states and this 9 episode ARC only centered on one of them, so there's is a lot of story left to tell.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

It's not very quippy, but there's a number of humorous moments. Jayce and Victor stuck hovering in the air after their first test of hextech. Caitlyn caught flirting with a prostitute. Vi calling Caitlyn cupcake. Mel buying that one councilor that children's toy puzzle box, that he's then shown still trying to solve years later...

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Finally Finished the season. It was surprisingly good. I hope they make more. I never played LOL or know much about it, but this show stands on its own.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Good News! Season 2 has already been greenlit, although it won't premiere in 2022.

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantas...-release-date/

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

This has got to be one of Netflix's more expensive series. There's so much material to mine here it could easily run for 6+ seasons.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I just finished this. I have no experience with the game at all, but after the positive buzz I decided to check it out, and I’m glad I did. That was a really fun ride, and it was such a beautifully animated show. I hope the second season keeps this level of quality.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Season 2 is up. I haven't watched it yet cos I am revisiting season 1 on my 4K UHD BD set. But I look forward to getting to it.


EDIT: I just stumbled upon this really cool bit of fan art.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I just finished Act I of Season 2, and I already wish today was November 16. Thus far, each Act could have easily been released as 2-hour theatrical movies. They are just that good. I can't help but fantasize about this same creative team making an animated Kingdom Come movie.

As for League of Legends, I will never play the games, but I will gladly watch more shows like this.

By the way, who was the basis for Jinx' face? I've seen the artwork done for the games and find myself indifferent. However, I find the design of her face in the show quite fetching.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I agree 100%. I will never play the game but I will watch more stuff like this. The story and animation for me is second to none.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I just finished Act III of Season 2. Given the last episode was only 10 minutes longer than any other episode, I was afraid they were not going to stick the landing. However, they totally did. This was one heck of a ride.

That being said, given that

I am surprised there are no plans for a season 3. I get that both seasons together cost $250 million, but the end result is the equivalent of six 2-hour movies. So that's not exactly all that bad.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I've never played the game but, I've seen there are many other lands and characters that they could easily make spinoffs of this.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I cant remember what happened in season 1. Trying to decide if I should rewatch it or jump back and go straight to season 2.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Stay classy, China. :lol:


I love how the editors didn't even try to make it look natural. :lol: The scene with is even worse.

They already confirmed 3 LoL series are in the works, with the first due out in 2026. I hope they maintain the same level of quality as Arcane.

Here you go.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

I just finished watching season 2. The whole series is really good and I would gladly watch more. I have to say, though, it was a little hard to follow everything that was happening in the final few episodes, once the 'arcane' aspect of the story goes gonzo. So many different characters and factions and motivations. People who are enemies teaming up, people doublecrossing each other, people becoming weird magical beings, Alternate timelines and universes. I lost track sometimes who was who and what was when and why anybody was doing what they were doing.

Re: Arcane (Netflix)
 

Despite this being meant as a trailer for the next season of the League of Legends game, given the character designs used, I suspect it also serves as a teaser for the next show.