Where do I begin? Arcane is a show that does not just promise a story, but a journey that will wring out every bit of emotion you have. Produced by the French animation studio Fortiche, under the supervision of Riot Games and based on the world of the hit video game League of Legends, it offers a deeper view into the two cities, Piltover and Zaun, who struggle with a classist dynamic, and how that affects the lives of its citizens. Season 2 continues to follow the story of sisters Jinx and Vi, offering a journey full of tension, conflict, and revelations.

Arcane is not just visually impressive — it delves into dark, thought-provoking moral and philosophical dilemmas that resonate with viewers. (Major spoiler warning: if you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time!)

The second season builds on the intense conflict between the two cities following the explosive (pun intended) finale of season one. It begins with a bang (pun not intended!) and maintains momentum throughout. Divided into three acts, each with a focused storyline, the season brings structure to the chaos while driving the narrative forward.

This season leans more heavily into philosophical themes, exploring them with nuance. It is not a show to watch casually in the background while you are finishing up work, it takes time to process what you have just watched after every episode. Arcane’s strength lies not only in its gripping story but also in its richly developed characters. Every character serves a purpose, including those who seem minor at first glance. They are crafted with depth and complexity, making it easy for viewers to find someone they deeply connect with, enhancing the immersive experience. One character I really enjoyed this season was Caitlyn Kiramman. Her development was intriguing, going from a poor girl who lost her mother to the first person to take arms against the underground, reflecting her determination even when all odds were against her.

Studio Fortiche has a unique animation style that is both visually appealing and refreshing. It combines 2D inking style with standard 3D animation, giving it a fresh look that never gets old. However, one thing that negatively affected my enjoyment was how dull the color palette was. I enjoy vibrant colorful scenes, which would only appear during scenes where Jinx shows up due to her “chaotic” nature.

Supporting the stunning animation is the equally crafted soundtrack. The original soundtrack is filled with catchy, emotional, and calm songs that I have listened to multiple times after finishing the show, especially “Fantastic” by King Princess. With artists such as Stray Kids, Stromae, and even Ashnikko, the original soundtrack is filled with diverse artists across every genre of music.

Now the big question is, does it compare to its previous season? As I see it, it does not just compare to it, it surpasses it greatly. The show is a speedy thrilling ride. Though my one little gripe with this season is how the last four episodes may seem a bit rushed to some viewers, I would blame that on Netflix’s poor management rather than studio Fortiche who has clearly poured heart and soul into this work of art.