#look at those beautiful afrotextured hairstyles

[peachhoneii]

Arcane will forever remain one of my favorite if not my favorite series of all time for its positive portrayal of black femininity and black people in general. 

Mel is a manipulative, ambitious,  and intimidating black woman in political power. She is a part of the elite, privilege class and comes from a colonizing family. There’s no question about that part. Her mother decapitated the last remaining figure of power in a civilization she decimated. 

Arcane had more than enough material to write Mel in a very unflattering light, but they chose the opposite. Like all the characters in this show, she has her strengths, weaknesses and backstory. As the story progresses, we discover she does want to do good (while profiting from it) and is a compassionate woman who was cast out of her family for wanting diplomacy over warfare.

She has mommy issues. At the end of the season, when her mother reveals her beloved brother was killed and the family needs additional resources to fight an upcoming war, she doesn’t choose her family. She chooses peace. She chooses to be a part of the solution.

Furthermore...

Look at this gorgeous, beautiful black woman. No straight hair. Beautiful, gorgeous deep brown skin. Fashion on point while complimenting her skin and aesthetic. Can I point out again she has no straight hair? So many fantasy, science-fiction shows/stories/comics really don’t want to touch on black hair but Arcane said, “Hold my beer.”

This is Ekko’s look in League of Legends. This is his official art, but in Arcane, his design modified. Not by much. It stays faithful to the original, but I definitely appreciate what was done.

Look at him. Look at that beautiful, handsome young man who is lifting his people and doing the best he can while working with the people to be something. 

For the first time in a fictional (fantasy) setting that is not based in “our reality” and is not written by a fully black director/cast, I feel seen. I feel comfortable. I feel that yeah, we totally belong here. I haven’t read or seen enough about this, but I am expressing my gratitude. 

I cannot wait to see where their stories develop.

#arcane #league of legends #mel medarda #ekko #arcane spoilers #look at those beautiful afrotextured hairstyles #i don't care if you don't like bc she 'stands in the way of your ship' #bc fuuuuuuuuuck that