I have a handful of favorite shows when it comes to Netflix, shows that rise above the rest as examples of true quality and craftsmanship. Some of these are incredibly dark and dramatic Baby reindeer. Others are lighter, like the first season of Stranger things. Others are hilarious and tense, just like the heartbreaking ones Beef or terrifying, like the Korean zombie period drama Kingdom.

But many of my favorite Netflix shows are animated. Blue Eye Samurai, BoJack Rider, The Dragon Prince and last but not least, Arcane.

Arcanes first season was simply amazing. The animation is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, a rich, almost painterly style that manages to be both dark and popping in color. The story takes place in the sister city of Piltover and Zaun. The first is a vast, almost utopian city of wealth, power and scientific and technological progress. The latter is the dark and seedy underbelly of the former, filled with crime, drugs and poverty. The tension between these two halves is the basis of everything that follows.

In this impoverished undercity, two sisters are born, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Powder (Ella Purnell), who will later take the name Jinx. As the unrest between Piltover and Zaun escalates, the sisters find themselves at odds and navigating the various factions of an increasingly dangerous conflict. Meanwhile, a young innovator and politician named Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) has discovered a way to harness magic and combine it with steampunk technology, unleashing unprecedented prosperity and unleashing even greater dangers on the city. His partner, the sickly and idealistic Viktor (Harry Lloyd), brings an egalitarian passion to this project.

Into this mix we have an unruly cast of characters, including the wonderfully evil – yet utterly empathetic – Silco (Jason Spisak), a crime lord with a heart of gold, or at least with streaks of gold in it; Caitlyn (Katie Leung), a young Enforcer on a quest; and Vander (JB Blanc) the affable one de facto leader of the underworld, plus a host of other complex, well-written characters.

I can’t recommend it Arcane high enough. Even if you don’t normally watch animated series, you should absolutely watch this one. Fans of fantasy, steampunk, action/adventure and great character dramas will all find something to like here. The story is incredibly well written with complex, empathetic characters in a conflict that will keep you on the edge of your seat and touch your heart.

I don’t want to reveal anything else about it, except the premise, because you have to experience it all for yourself. It really is like nothing else. Season 2 has been a long time coming, and season 1 will be released on Netflix in 2021. I’m hopeful that the wait will have been worth it. I’ll be reviewing the new season in parts, so expect a review of part 1 (the first three episodes) here on this blog this weekend (subscribe!)

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PS For Valorant players, there’s a new one Arcane crossover bundle available now. Check it out.