Arcane (TV series)

Lore & Background

Arcane follows sisters Vi and Powder (later Jinx) as they navigate the escalating unrest between the wealthy, utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underbelly of Zaun. Vi, a Zaunite orphan, and her sister Powder are adopted by Vander after a rebellion kills their parents. Powder later becomes Jinx under the influence of crime lord Silco, who becomes her second adoptive father. The series explores clashing convictions and arcane technologies, with key characters including Jayce Talis, creator of Hextech; Caitlyn Kiramman, a Piltover enforcer and Vi's love interest; and Viktor, Jayce's research partner obsessed with using magic to perfect humanity.

Reader's Guide

Arcane was met with critical acclaim for its animation, writing, worldbuilding, soundtrack, and voice acting, though the pacing of the second season saw a mixed response. It was Netflix's highest-rated series within a week of its premiere, ranking first on the Netflix Top 10 Chart in 52 countries and second in the United States. Several critics and publications have considered it one of the best video game adaptations ever made. The series won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program and the Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated Television Broadcast Production. Its appeal extended to both viewers unfamiliar with League of Legends and longtime fans of the game.

Did You Know?

• The series took six years to develop the first season, according to Riot Games CEO Nicolo Laurent.
• The combined budget for both seasons is reported to be $250 million, though Riot Games co-founder Mark Merrill contested this amount, stating the actual creation budget is significantly less.
• The voice cast includes Hailee Steinfeld as Vi, Ella Purnell as Jinx, and Kevin Alejandro as Jayce Talis.
• The second season introduced characters such as Isha, a Zaunite orphan adopted by Jinx, and LeBlanc, leader of the Black Rose.