Arcane: How Fortiche Proved Animation Isn’t Just Kid’s Play

Animation has long been side-lined, asserted that it is for children, not fit for the likes of adults. While most children consume shows and cartoons that are predominantly animated, animation studios like Studio Ghibli have been producing works of art directed by renowned individuals like Hayao Miyazaki since the 1980s. But I’m not here to sing praises for Miyazaki or any of his animated films, but for the newest French animation studio that has caused a buzz both in and out of the animation industry— Fortiche.

Fortiche’s magnum opus, Arcane, first dropped in 2021, based on the League of Legends universe, and the production blew people off their feet, including myself. From the tailored soundtrack that was created alongside the writing and animation of the series (because apparently, other studios just throw together some music and hope for the best), to the animation style Fortiche specializes in (you know, the innovative blend between 2D and 3D that makes your eyes wonder if they’re dreaming), the series hit every high note. It wasn’t just the visuals though—Arcane explores themes that resonate with audiences across the globe, like family, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of living in a dystopian society run by corrupt elites. But don’t worry, the animation is so gorgeous you’ll be distracted enough not to realize how depressingly relevant the themes are to our own world. And let’s not forget the writing—yes, this show has a plot, and it doesn’t consist of tired tropes and predictable dialogue. A plot that’s complex, nuanced, and doesn’t insult your intelligence—something we rarely see these days.

No wonder the production of the first season took close to 7 years. Honestly, it’s a miracle the studio didn’t just crumble under the pressure of creating something this groundbreaking. But hey, quality takes time, right? And it seems that Fortiche was in it for the long haul, because when you mix stunning animation with captivating storytelling, you get a show that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew about animated series.

And just when we thought Fortiche couldn’t possibly top their debut, they gave us Arcane Season Two in November 2024—a masterpiece that somehow surpassed its predecessor. The animation? Unbelievable. The story? Mind-bending. With a plot that dives into time-bending alternate universes and drags characters like Jayce, Ekko, and Heimerdinger into realities as chaotic as a late-game team fight, the second season proves that Fortiche’s commitment to detail is borderline obsessive—in the best way possible.

The animation itself is a work of art. At 24 painstakingly hand-drawn frames per second, the animators sneak in moments that act as visual counterpoints to the narrative—blink, and you’ll miss them. Take Maddie’s sadistic smile, for example, slipping in right after her chillingly sarcastic line, “I’ve always appreciated your warmth.” That’s the kind of visual storytelling that sets Arcane apart—not just stunning, but meaningful.

What also sets the show apart is its ability to tackle deeply human themes while still feeling fresh. The contrast between Zaun’s gritty underbelly and Piltover’s shiny, utopian veneer is more than aesthetic; it’s a reflection of the social, economic, and moral divides we all recognize (even if we’d rather not admit it). And then there’s the exploration of family—both blood and chosen—that resonates with so many viewers. Whether it’s Vander’s paternal bond with Vi, Silco’s complex relationship with Jinx, or Ambessa’s icy dynamic with Mel, the show paints family as both a source of strength and a vehicle for destruction. Silco’s haunting line, “Is there anything so undoing as a daughter?” is more than just dialogue—it’s a quiet thesis for the tangled web of relationships the series weaves.

And let’s not overlook the writing, which refuses to shy away from complexity. Fortiche has a knack for creating characters who feel real, flawed, and deeply human—despite, you know, not actually being human in many cases. Take Ambessa, a woman whose physically imposing presence challenges traditional gender roles, yet whose emotional depth defies the stereotype of stoic masculinity. These characters aren’t just animated; they’re alive, with motivations, contradictions, and layers that demand to be unraveled.

When someone asks why Arcane is so good, you might be tempted to say, “the plot,” but let’s be honest—that’s not code for Vi, Jayce, or Caitlyn (yes, even if she is a “cupcake”). The real “plot” is every little detail—the subtle visual cues, the emotionally charged dialogue, the carefully constructed world—that you only fully appreciate after your second, third, or fourth watch.

Fortiche has proven that animation isn’t just a medium for escapism; it’s a platform for storytelling that’s as profound and thought-provoking as any live-action series. With Arcane, they’ve not only redefined what animation can achieve but also left us impatiently waiting for whatever they do next. Because if this is what animation “for kids” looks like, we should all consider ourselves lucky to be lifelong children.

-Rtr. Safiyah Fazal