Welcome to Thanks, I Love It, our series highlighting something onscreen we’re obsessed with this week.

If you’ve been putting off watching Netflix’s Arcane because you don’t play League of Legends, stop that right now. Friends, you’re missing out on some truly incredible animation.

A Captivating Story with Stunning Animation

The first TV series from Riot Games and French animation studio Fortiche, Arcane, landed on Netflix and has been captivating audiences with its compelling story, nuanced characters, and unique animation style.

While fans and players of League of Legends will find references and Easter eggs throughout the show, any viewer can jump into it and fully appreciate the series. Trust me, even as someone who doesn’t play League of Legends, I loved it.

The Battle Between Two Cities: Piltover and Zaun

Arcane takes us deep into the lore of League of Legends, exploring the tensions between the two cities of Piltover and Zaun. Piltover, ruled by a council, is the epitome of wealth and privilege. On the other hand, Zaun is a shadowy underworld, where rebellion is simmering.

In Piltover, scientists Jayce and Viktor develop hextech, a revolutionary technology that gives anyone the ability to use magic. In Zaun, a dangerous drug called shimmer turns people into monstrous creatures with extraordinary strength. In the midst of this conflict, sisters Vi and Powder (later known as Jinx) find themselves separated for years after a tragic event.

Meticulously Crafted Animation

The animation in Arcane is truly a work of art. Combining hand-painted and computer-animated elements, the series boasts meticulous cinematography that brings the story to life.

“In a typical 3D production, every element from the characters to the background is modeled in three dimensions,” explained Barthelemy Maunoury, Fortiche’s director of animation for Arcane.

“On Arcane, it’s slightly different — the backgrounds are digitally hand-painted, and the texture on the characters is crafted to get that graphical look that fits with the environment. We also mainly use 2D animation for special effects like explosions and smoke to reinforce the painted look. It’s how we end up with something that looks like an illustration.”

A Perfect Blend of Realism and Animation

Bringing the beloved League of Legends characters to life in an animated series presented its own challenges. Fortiche worked closely with Riot to ensure the lore and IP were respected, while also creating their own distinctive animation style.

“Our goal was to find a good balance between realism and a cartoon-style. Since our characters have semi-realistic proportions, they have to move and behave realistically, but we also had to bring traditional animation techniques to avoid an uncanny valley effect,” said Maunoury.

Immersive World and Exquisite Details

The world of Arcane is meticulously designed, with each location telling its own story. The contrast between the gleaming, mechanical promenades of Piltover and the winding, neon-lit streets of Zaun is visually stunning. The attention to detail in the costumes, weapons, and environments is exquisite, immersing viewers in this fantastical world.

A Visual Feast for Anime Enthusiasts

Arcane is a visual feast that will captivate both fans of League of Legends and newcomers to the franchise. Its unique animation style, along with its dark and engaging story, makes it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts.

Don’t miss out on this masterpiece of animation. Fecomic recommends you dive into the world of Arcane, now streaming on Netflix.