One of the best Netflix shows of all time is back today with its second season

I have a handful of favorite shows when it comes to Netflix, shows that stand out above the rest as examples of true quality and craftsmanship. Some of them are incredibly dark and dramatic Baby reindeer. Others are more lighthearted, like the first season of Stranger Things. Others are hilarious and tense, like the heart palpitations beef or terrifying, like the Korean zombie drama Kingdom.

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

Arcane The 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 full of color. The story takes place in the twin towns of Piltover and Zaun. The former is a sprawling, almost utopian city full of wealth, power, and scientific and technological advancement. The latter is the dark and seedy underbelly of the former, full of crime, drugs and poverty. The tension between these two halves is the cause 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 unrest between Piltover and Zaun escalates, the sisters find themselves at odds and must fight their way through the various factions of an increasingly dangerous conflict. Meanwhile, a young innovator and politician named Jayce (Kevin Alejandro) has found a way to harness magic and combine it with steampunk technology to unlock untold wealth – and unleash even greater threats to the city. His partner, the sickly and idealistic Viktor (Harry Lloyd), brings an egalitarian passion to this project.

In this mix we have an unruly cast of characters, including the wonderfully evil – yet extremely empathetic – Silco (Jason Spisak), a crime boss with a heart of gold, or at least with gold streaks in it; Caitlyn (Katie Leung), a young enforcer on a quest; and Vander (JB Blanc), the more affable one de facto Underworld leaders as well as many other complex, well-written characters.

I can't recommend it Arcane high enough. Even if you don't normally watch cartoons, you should definitely check them out. Fans of fantasy, steampunk, action/adventure, and great character dramas will find everything they love 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 tug at your heartstrings.

I don't want to spoil any of it beyond the basic premise because you should experience it all for yourself. It's truly like nothing else out there. Season 2 has been a long time coming, season 1 was released on Netflix in 2021. I have high hopes that the wait was 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 Player, there's a new one Arcane Crossover bundle is currently available. Listen.