On Nov. 9, 2024, the first half of “Arcane” season two dropped on Netflix to much anticipation. A week later, the second half dropped and “Arcane” concluded for a final time. A year later, Del Val students reflected on the series.
“I decided to watch ‘Arcane’ because I kept seeing TikTok’s about it and it just looked really interesting,” freshman Samantha Burns wrote. “Season two was amazing.”
“Arcane” has both positives and negatives you will notice when watching the show. The vibrant visuals and character design are very diverse and beautiful.
“I was immediately entranced by the art style,” junior Carly O’Cone wrote. “The combination of 3D and 2D animation was fused in a way you didn’t see a few years back. It exposed me to a greater understanding of lighting, shape language, tone and so many more things that are portrayed in visual arts.”
At the same time, many fans agree that the writing quality declined over time.
“I enjoyed both seasons; however, the pacing of season two feels rushed,” O’Cone wrote. “There certainly are some plot lines that could have been fleshed out a tad more, but, in the end, I feel the final product was decently done.”
Multiple bands contributed to “Arcane” season two, including Stray Kids, Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong (modern-day Lincoln Park), Twenty One Pilots and Imagine Dragons.
“My favorite song from season two has to be The Line from Twenty One Pilots,” O’Cone wrote. “As Viktor is my favorite character in the ‘Arcane’ series, I followed his character arc the closest. I feel like the song does a wonderful job expressing the feelings and inner conflicts he has going on.”
Since the ending of “Arcane,” a spin-off called “Welcome to Noxus” has been announced. The series, which currently has no official release date, plans to follow the Medarda family, past and present, in a sequel to “Arcane.”
“I am excited for the sequel because we get to learn more about Noxus and, hopefully, more about Mel,” Burns wrote. “I am going to watch it, because I want to learn more about the Black Rose. It was kinda confusing in ‘Arcane.’”
As well as the spin-off, Riot Games is rereleasing the limited edition “Arcane” skins back to “League of Legends,” along with limited edition merch.
Despite its flaws, “Arcane” has had a positive impact on its fan base.
“It impacted my life in a way that I feel no other show has,” O’Cone wrote.
While most fans of the show were sad to see it end, many look forward to the future Riot Games has in store for the characters everyone grew to love.
“I recommend the show overall,” O’Cone wrote. “It’s a heartwarming and heart-wrenching story with entrancing visuals and intriguing characters. I absolutely love this show, and it’s safe to say I was pleased with season two.”
