In 2021, it was astonishing to see that of all the gaming franchises, ‘League of Legends’ came out swinging via the Netflix animated series ‘Arcane’ as the pioneer of the current boom in ‘great video game adaptations’. Showrunners Christian Linke and Alex Yee have successfully crafted a fluid steampunk world fueled by class themes, magic and advanced technology, coupled with a compelling, mature story about the strained relationship between two sisters at the epicenter of a war.

Furthermore, animation studio Fortiche has made its explosive mark, with a breathtaking painterly animation style and throwing every animation technique against the wall to enhance the tone of its stories. For such a high-quality animated series with nine episodes per season and three episodes per act, it only made sense that Arcane’s second season would be a highly anticipated one. Unfortunately, the crushing blow came from the news that the second season would be the last.

Based on the first two acts, it’s an ambitious and triumphant return that’s worth the three-year wait. Season one ended with the emotional fallout between Jinx (a phenomenal voice performance from Ella Purnell) and Vi (Hailee Steinfeld), sparked by the deaths of Zaun’s underground criminal leader and Jinx’s father figure, Silco (Jason Spisak). The second season picks up shortly after the attack that ended the first, resulting in several fatalities.

As the two cities lose their leaders – the councilors of Piltover and the Silco of Zaun – a power struggle ensues, and the shift in Vi and Jinx’s relationships impacts those around them. For example, Vi’s love interest, enforcer Caitlyn Kiramman (Katie Leung), who saw Jinx launch the rocket firsthand, is consumed with grief and anger. Vi realizes Powder is gone and joins Caitlyn’s group of enforcers to take her down. However, with the increased patrols in Zaun, the citizens begin to see Jinx as an equivalent of Katniss Everdeen, making her the epitome of a bubbling revolution. Meanwhile, Jinx builds a bittersweet bond with Silco’s right-hand man, Sevika (Amirah Vann), and Isha, an adorable mute child she saves from gangsters and serves as a big adoptive sister.

Although the story focuses on Vi and Jinx’s arcs, they are merely pieces on a large chessboard. The season also continues the storylines left over from the first season, while bringing other key players into the fray. Jayce (Kevin Alejandro), a scientific council member, begins to understand how his and Viktor’s (Harry Lloyd) magical technology, ‘Hextech’, is affecting the realm of the Arcane. The foreshadowing of Viktor’s addiction to the unstable “Hexcore” he used on his ailing body goes to a new level. And finally, the ruthless warlord Ambessa (Ellen Thomas) tries to deceitfully gain power in Piltover.

Themes of self-identity and interpersonal relationships remain the driving force that keeps the stories of “Arcane” gripping and compelling. Regardless of their ethical beliefs, each character is depicted as having complex humanistic traits, making their emotionally motivated actions feel authentic. Sometimes those emotions change the trajectory of the story in unexpected ways that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The rematch between Jinx and Vi has been highly anticipated, but once it happens, it’s a turning point that allows a larger, complex story about the sister dynamic to unfold. It’s remarkable how skillfully the writers execute big story beats, using bold juxtapositions between two parallel storylines and a remarkable original soundtrack that enhances the tone of each episode.

The Fortiche animators are even more precise than in the first season. Understandably, the $250 million price tag makes the series a masterful technical spectacle bursting with breathtaking style, with the 3D animated, textured characters conveying deep emotions alongside a cast of real actors. The artists combine different techniques and textures, from watercolor to colored pencils, that complement the boldness of the show’s vibrant storytelling and spectacular action sequences.

Unfortunately, the finality of this season permeates every episode, but at the same time it seems like nine episodes isn’t enough. At times the plot of the story feels a bit rushed. Several concepts are introduced in detail in one episode. Yet the objectives shift 180° to accommodate the familial bond between Vi and Jinx, while working towards something more resonant. Still, the dazzling, stylish punk rock attitude allows the writing to overcome its obstacles.

Still the most visually stunning and compact series on television, ‘Arcane’ shows why animation remains the most daring medium for creatives to convey a powerful story. One can only hope for more stories from this vast universe.

The first two acts of season two of “Arcane” were shown for review. Now on Netflix.