🌞SUNNY🌞

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. 

any time someone is in any kind of crisis or upheaval, offer to feed them. tell them they don’t have to choose what it is if they can’t make decisions, just ask about allergies and preferences and tell them you’re just gonna make food happen at their house.

friend having a baby? delivery gift certificate to order food to the hospital after the kid shows up.

someone’s relative passes away? offer to make them dinner.

buddy gets laid off? ask if you can order them lunch.

pal stuck in a depressive episode? offer to drive them to fucking mcdonalds, if that’s what they want.

people in crisis are tired and sad and angry and the last thing most of them are doing is thinking about feeding themselves. so if you have the ability or time or money, providing that is always, always a good move.