Arcane has many great characters, with Vi and Jinx being the most captivating, and in episode 1 they were undoubtedly among the best! But how would your episode 1 characters list look like? Did you enjoy Mylo and Claggor? Were you a fan of Vander? Well, I present to you the 5 best Arcane characters from Episode 1!
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5. Silco
While he was simply shown for a few minutes, he’s inclusion in the episode made the conclusion to it so much better, didn’t it? His body language and physical appearance alone deserve a few compliments, and I’m here to give them to him!
We didn’t find out a lot about Silco in episode 1, but showcasing the main villain is important, so it had to happen, right? Thus, Silco’s entrance to the show is rather memorable, with his discussion with Deckard being downright suspensful. In turn, Silco’s short moment is actually among the best in the entire episode, and that’s saying something, considering how loaded the pilot was. But what do you think? Does he deserve praise? Maybe I’m being far too nice, but I must say, for only being in the show for a few minutes, his impact was noticeable.
4. Mylo
Mylo is a polarising character, isn’t he? Whether it’s his snarky comments or brash behavior, Mylo will either be on your good side or bad side. So how about you? Do you like Mylo?
Personally I find Mylo to be a decent character, considering that he’s purpose is to showcase Vi’s leadership and give her reasons to act. Thus, Mylo’s a crutch, simply used to make others look better, and that’s completely fine! While it may seem like an insult, it’s just a role that characters are written in to, and it doesn’t mean they are bad. Quite the contrary, it gives them purpose, and that’s to make other characters look better.
While I’m simply considering episode 1, I’m gonna have to rank him at #5. Not that he’s bad, but what’s so good about him? He’s written solely as a supportive character, with distinct personality and a signature behavior, but that doesn’t mean he’s well-written as a whole. But considering the length of Arcane, only being 9 episodes, there’s no time to flesh out characters like Mylo. Thus, in the first episode he’ll rank at #4, and who knows, maybe he’ll make the list again? Time will tell.
3. Powder (Jinx)
Stop! Don’t try to hit me, okay? I’m too far away anyways, and I love Jinx just as much as you do, alright? But I have to be honest. While Powder (Jinx) was good, she wasn’t great like Vi and Vander. It’s as simple as that. However, let me explain it in further detail below.
When it comes to Powder, she’s honestly a well-written character, with a quirky behavior and a fun personality. She’s also understandably childish, and that makes her very vulnerable in a very good way, as it makes Powder more relatable. We’ve all been young, haven’t we? Foolish and stupid mistakes are a part of life, especially childhood. Thus, Powder is portrayed well. In turn, she lands on the 3rd spot on my list.
The only reason Violet and Vander are above Powder is because they had more time to settle into their characters and their roles. Meaning that they established themselves far more than Powder did. But that’s not a negative in the big picture, as Powder’s mystique is a part of her character, and she showcases more and more each episode.
2. Vi
So how’s Violet in Episode 1 of Arcane? Let me tell you, she’s pretty awesome! Whether she’s stealing from the rich, running for her life or talking to her friends and family, Vi’s personality shines through every bit of it. That’s not a small feat, you know? We’re talking about 1 single episode giving us a clear understanding of who the character is and what she stands for, and that’s pretty special!
Let’s not forget about her amazing fight against Deckard’s crew, where she was the best part of the action. In addition, I should mention how great her dialogue with Vander was, when he was cleaning her wounds and giving her a dad-talk.
1. Vander
Whether you agree with me or not, there’s no denying that episode 1 of Arcane focuses heavily on Vander, and his significance in the Underground. Not only to his people, but to Vi and Jinx as well. In turn, he gets plenty of well-deserved screen time, and therefore he’s the most captivating character of episode 1!
So what do we learn about Vander that makes him so interesting? Well, let’s start from the beginning, okay? We learn that he led the people of the Underground in a fight against the top side of Piltover, in hopes of being “free” from them. While a noble attempt, the rich and wealthy won, with many losing their lives in the process, including Vi and Powder’s parents. Seeing this, Vander laid down his gauntlets and carried the children “home”, choosing to find a more peaceful solution to their conflict. In turn, he made a deal with Grayson for “peace”.
That’s not all! Episode 1 of Arcane also shows us how Vander doesn’t shy away from a conflict. When Verne and Jules are trying to swindle Huck out of a promised pay in The Last Drop, “the guy who pours the drinks” literally threatens them both. In turn, Huck gets his money, and he let’s them leave “in one piece”. Thus, Jules to call him “The Hound of the Underground”, and that gives us more insight what type of a menace Vander once was. So, with that being said, what a hell of an entrance for character, right?
Last but not least, I crown Vander as the best of the best characters in Arcane: Episode 1!