Quite unexpectedly, Netflix has become the home for (often experimental) animation. The symbolic beginnings of this path can be seen five years ago – in the premiere of the great “Klaus”, an animated Christmas comedy by Sergio Pablos, co-creator of “Despicable Me”. The streaming giant then gave a signal that it saw business potential in cartoon productions.
A lot has changed since then, but the success of the “Arcane” series discussed here undoubtedly contributed to the development of this branch of cinematography. Thanks to this, it was possible to produce the later “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners”, a sensational dystopian anime series about a street kid trying to survive in a demoralized future city where cybernetic body modifications are the norm, or last year’s “Blue-Eyed Samurai”, following in the footsteps of the titular swordswoman who she seeks salvation in revenge on four white inhabitants of Japan, one of whom is supposed to be her father.
Netflix / mat. press release “Arcane”: frame from the series
Moreover, the entire structure of the series comes down to the universal principle of dichotomy: we have not only two opposing cities, but also a sister duo placed in the center of events – Vi and Powder, who are about to be separated, as well as two former comrades from the guts of Zaun, now standing against each other , and two powers that exist side by side – magic and technology, which – as you can guess – can be used to build and destroy. It all depends on who happens to be in power.
Netflix / mat. press release “Arcane”: frame from the series
The second season of “Arcane” is also its last, although the initial budget was for five seasons. The owners of Riot Games, the Los Angeles-based video game giant responsible for the popular “League of Legends”, set an ambitious course for the company five years ago to develop into multidisciplinary entertainment, and CEO Nicolo Laurent clearly defined the goal, moving even going so far as to say that it is building an “entertainment company for the 21st century.”
However, they will have to wait a while for this, because they made some mistakes in their calculations. Producing and promoting a total of 18 episodes of “Arcane” – according to the industry magazine “Variety” – will cost Riot Games about $250 million, which makes it by far the most expensive animated series in the history of both streaming and linear television. The company, inexperienced in film projects, must believe that the audience for season 2 will be as good as two years ago in order to break even.
Netflix / mat. press release “Arcane”: frame from the series
I had the opportunity to see six episodes of season 2 of “Arcane” and I can honestly write: oh, it’s so good to return to this world!
The series still has a unique, inimitable atmosphere that is visually stunning. The line is pleasing to the eye, and over the course of several episodes we again get an overview of various animation and storytelling techniques. It’s all well-thought-out, but also delightfully flashy, and the exuberant action scenes are once again fueled by a wonderfully eclectic music playlist. It can be brutal, so think twice before showing the series to your children.
Netflix / mat. press release “Arcane”: frame from the series
Already in the first season, “Arcane” offered an engaging intrigue with a colorful gallery of well-developed characters, each of whom had their own motivations and underwent significant transformations over the course of subsequent episodes. The second series was caught by the law sequelso it is louder and stronger, and the stakes are even greater, going beyond individual dramas, to which the psychological portraits of individual characters fall victim in places.
This doesn’t mean, however, that nothing interesting is happening. The second season of “Arcane” blurs this dualistic line a bit and focuses on what’s in between. The rebellion that was brewing in the first series leads to a war between neighboring cities in the new episodes. New alliances are formed, old ties and agreements are broken, Zaun intersects with Piltover, and new threats appear on the horizon.
If you haven’t watched the first season yet, let me warn you right away – although the series is based on the “League of Legends” universe, it does not require knowledge of the game to enjoy its plot and characters. The script was written with care for those who did not lose a single minute (including the people writing these words). The audience is presented with a world that is completely absorbing and rapidly evolving hextech. It will be sad to part with him.
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The 1st part of the 2nd season of the series “Arcane” can be seen on Netflix from November 9. Part 2 on November 16 and Part 3 on November 23.
Ah, Netflix and animation! Who would have thought that a platform primarily launched for binge-watching romantic comedies and true crime documentaries would take the vault to the vibrant, kaleidoscopic world of animation? It’s like your grandma suddenly pulling a rave in her living room—unexpected but oddly mesmerizing!
So, let’s unpack this delightful revelation, shall we?
Netflix’s Animation Playground:
It all kicked off five years ago with "Klaus," a charming Christmas comedy that apparently had more heart than your average rom-com. I mean, it was the kind of movie that made you want to hug your TV set—unless your TV’s a smart one; then, that’s just awkward. Netflix took note, and suddenly, animation became its experimental playground. "Arcane," that cheeky little series, then set the stage ablaze, practically waving its neon sign saying, “Hey, we take our animated series as seriously as we take our period dramas!”
The Dystopian Vibes:
Then came "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners" and "Blue-Eyed Samurai." The former is set in a world where chrome and neon are the only things standing between you and a body modification for your personality—quite the metaphor for dating in modern society, if we’re honest. And "Blue-Eyed Samurai"? Let’s just say, if you ever thought about blending revenge, artistry, and samurai swords, congratulations, you’ve hit Netflix’s jackpot!
Winding Tales of Dichotomy:
Now we dive into the dualities of "Arcane." It’s like a family reunion where half the family believes in magic and the other half is all about technology—awkward dinner conversations guaranteed! The sisters, Vi and Powder, are the classic “we used to be close” duo, with sibling rivalry at its peak. As if differentiating between your kids wasn’t enough, now we want to make absolute sure your tech-savvy niece isn’t outshining your magic-obsessed nephew!
The Price of Art:
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Riot Games must think money is like chocolate; you can never have too much! With a whopping $250 million bill for "Arcane," they’re not just spending a little; they’re practically building a second Eiffel Tower out of cash. It’s ambitious—until they realize the audience might have moved on to streaming cat videos instead. Nothing breaks a heart like realizing your blockbuster is competing with felines!
Setting the Bar High:
The first season of “Arcane” was like finding gold at the end of a rainbow—it surprised everyone! Nobody expected a show based on a video game to burst through the glass ceiling of both audiences and critics, snagging more awards than some actors manage in a lifetime. You know it’s good when it gets compared to “Squid Game”!
What’s Next?
Season two is out, and the anticipation is palpable! It’s like waiting for your favorite band to drop a new album—one that promises to be louder, stronger, and probably more dramatic than a soap opera! With new alliances and a rebellious vibe ready to ignite, you know we’re in for a roller coaster filled with twists, turns, and that glorious visual splendor.
Look, if you haven’t watched the first season yet, I beg you, reconsider your life choices! It doesn’t require you to be a "League of Legends" addict; it’s more inclusive than a family gathering near the holiday season, and trust me, the story will suck you in faster than you can say "hextech."
So, dive in, folks! “Arcane” season two rolls out with the grace of a well-polished samurai sword on November 9—followed by more parts than a countdown to the New Year. Just remember, take a break from scrolling through cat videos and indulge in this animated feast of creativity. You might thank me later—just don’t ask me to babysit your kids during the binge watch!
uot; it’s clear that Netflix isn’t just dipping its toes; it’s diving headfirst into the animation pool, wearing a cash-filled snorkel. But really, who can blame them? With success stories like this, it’s a sweet investment that lures in viewers like candy canes at a holiday parade.
Expanding the Genre:
Animation on Netflix has morphed into a multifaceted genre, crossing boundaries and appealing to audiences of all ages. No longer limited to Saturday morning cartoons, these series tackle complex themes, intricate narratives, and stunning visuals that rival major motion pictures. From family-friendly adventures to films delving into deeper, more adult themes, Netflix’s foray into animation is a playground filled with something for everyone.
The Future Looks Bright:
With more titles in the pipeline—from whimsical tales to gritty dramas—it’s evident that Netflix is fully committed to exploring every nook and cranny of animated storytelling. As animation becomes an increasingly recognized art form, expect more groundbreaking projects that challenge norms, push boundaries, and, most importantly, entertain. So whether you’re a nostalgic millennial, a Gen Z gamer, or just someone who enjoys a good story with a splash of color, there’s never been a better time to become enamored with Netflix’s animated offerings.
in a world where we often seek comfort in the familiar, Netflix’s dive into the animated realm is that unexpected twist we didn’t know we needed. So grab your popcorn and find a cozy spot on the couch—because the vibrant world of Netflix animation is ready to captivate your heart (and maybe even make you question your taste in TV shows)!