Episode 11

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Published on:

16th Dec 2024

E11. From Oz to Arcane

This episode of Rolling Into Fantasy delves into the enchanting world of "The Wizard of Oz" and its lasting impact on fantasy literature, highlighting its whimsical departure from traditional fairy tales. Laurent and Marie-Noor explore the cultural context of the book, discussing how Frank Baum's storytelling was influenced by his experiences and the political landscape of the late 19th century. They also touch on the excitement surrounding the recent film adaptation of "Wicked," which reinterprets the classic tale, and the importance of recognizing the original source material. In the second segment, Marie-Noor shares insights about the animated series "Arcane," based on the popular game League of Legends, emphasizing its masterful storytelling and stunning animation. The hosts conclude with reflections on their hopes for 2025, focusing on supporting emerging writers and expanding their literary explorations.

The 11th episode of Rolling Into Fantasy brings listeners a reflective and engaging discussion as Laurent and Marie-Noor delve into two beloved cultural phenomena: L. Frank Baum's classic, The Wizard of Oz, and the animated series Arcane, inspired by the popular game League of Legends. With the festive season approaching, the hosts candidly acknowledge their busy schedules while emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a bi-weekly podcast rhythm. Laurent shares his enthusiasm for revisiting The Wizard of Oz, sparked by recent movie adaptations like Wicked. He explores the book's historical context, its whimsical departure from darker fairy tales, and its immediate success upon publication, selling over 90,000 copies in its first year. Laurent highlights Baum's storytelling prowess and the book's underlying themes of adventure and optimism, contrasting it with the conventional moralistic tales prevalent in children's literature at the time. As they transition to discussing Arcane, Marie-Noor outlines its narrative focus on character origins and the stunning animation quality, emphasizing its emotional depth and mature themes, paralleling societal issues. The hosts contemplate the evolving landscape of fantasy storytelling and the implications for aspiring writers, culminating in a discussion about their hopes for 2025, including spotlighting underrepresented authors and engaging with their audience more actively.

Takeaways:

  • The Wizard of Oz's success in 1900 marked a significant shift in children's literature, moving away from darker themes.
  • Arcane's storytelling and animation quality set a new standard for adaptations of video games.
  • Laurent and Marie-Noor discussed the importance of cultural context when analyzing classic fantasy works.
  • The challenges faced by aspiring writers today include the pressure of audience expectations and critical scrutiny.
  • Marie-Noor highlighted the emotional depth and character growth present in Arcane's narrative and animation.
  • Both hosts expressed excitement for upcoming fantasy literature and their plans for engaging with new authors.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Riot Games
  • Marvel Comics
  • Fortiche Productions
Transcript
Laurent:

And welcome to the 11th episode of Rolling Into Fantasy, which most probably will be the last episode of this year.

Marino:

Most probably, yes.

Laurent:

Yeah.

Laurent:

Counting it.

Laurent:

I mean, it's what, 10 days away from Christmas?

Marino:

Yeah, it's a busy period.

Laurent:

Very busy period.

Laurent:

So we did have some extra days in between these last two episodes, but, you know, we know why.

Laurent:

And for next year, we're definitely gonna try our best to keep the rhythm of a bi weekly podcast, but, you know, life happens, right?

Marino:

Yeah.

Laurent:

All right, anyway, in this last episode of this year, we're going to cover in Tales from at Home just one book, which will be the wizard of Oz.

Laurent:

And in the second segment, which is Lorebound, you're going to cover Arcane.

Laurent:

Okay, excellent.

Laurent:

Actually, I'm really looking forward to that one because it's a topic.

Laurent:

I mean, I know what it is, and it stops there.

Marino:

So I'll convince you, sweetheart.

Marino:

I'll convince you to watch it.

Laurent:

All right.

Laurent:

look into what's in store for:

Laurent:

So with no further ado, let's kick it in.

Laurent:

I'm still Laurent.

Marino:

I'm still Marino.

Laurent:

All right, all right.

Laurent:

So in this first segment, Tales from the Tome, as mentioned, I want to get back to a very old book, which is the wizard of Oz.

Marino:

Why did you want to go back exactly?

Laurent:

Well, it was because of all the hype, let's be honest, all of the hype around the movie.

Laurent:

Wizard of Oz.

Laurent:

Wicked.

Laurent:

Yes, exactly, wicked.

Laurent:

And, I mean, we did see it.

Laurent:

But more on that later.

Laurent:

More on that later.

Laurent:

So, yes, it was a very hyped, or it still is very hyped movie, obviously finds its inspiration very explicitly from the book.

Laurent:

And that's why I thought it would be a nice book to grab back.

Laurent:

And just knowing that this book was written more than 124 years ago, I mean, the first book from Frank Baba, which I had, I knew I had a copy, and I did read it quite a while ago, and it was in my special library, let's say, of the Penguin Classics, you know, the Clothbound classics, I really enjoy these.

Laurent:

the original publication from:

Laurent:

And so I did dive back into the book.

Laurent:

I reread it and, well, let's start with his own personal experiences, because that was really the basis of this book.

Laurent:

text of the time, again, it's:

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

So, I mean, you know, fantasy literature was totally different than what we have now.

Laurent:

And Baum was really a storyteller by nature.

Laurent:

You know, he wanted to create tales for his own children and other young audiences.

Laurent:

And having worked, you know, for a while in the theatrical world and theater in his early life, it really did help him, you know, with his storytelling and even world building skills.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

And it's something that we would see later on, even translated in the first movie, which is an epic movie as well.

Laurent:

But then, you know, I had to do some research because, I mean, there are some elements that I know.

Laurent:

For instance, you know, why did he write his story as he did?

Laurent:

He actually wanted to walk away a little bit from the, let's say the darker traditional fairy tales, often, you know, the European ones, so the Grimm, Christian Anderson, all of those very classical fairy tales which have a darker undertone.

Laurent:

Right.

Laurent:

And he wanted to do something much more lighter, more whimsical.

Laurent:

And that was the basis or at least the context of him writing the wizard of Oz.

Laurent:

Now, funny little thing, we all know that Baum, childhood and even adulthood was located in South Dakota.

Laurent:

So that also translated in those stark landscapes which fuel his inspiration.

Laurent:

But what I found out recently is that from where the name Oz came to be, actually it was just.

Laurent:

He had so bum had at his home a file cabinet where he would store all his files, written files, and it was just labeled O to Z.

Laurent:

There you go.

Laurent:

So very basic.

Laurent:

But what's interesting.

Laurent:

And this again, I knew, but I was happy to see that I still remember it correctly, that his story, the wizard of Oz, could be interpreted as a reflection of political and economic issues.

Laurent:

At that time, you had the populist movement, you had debates over gold and silver currency and the standards.

Laurent:

It was something that was something that people were struggling or going through in the late 19th century in America.

Laurent:

And that really does translate into his approach of trying to bring something more lighter, you know, something more whimsical.

Laurent:

Now, the part, as I referred to, the part that I did not know and I was curious about that was how was it perceived or at least received in the beginning, you know, his first publication.

Laurent:

And I was quite amazed to see that it was an immediate success.

Laurent:

I didn't expect that.

Laurent:

So I had to look it up.

Laurent:

And his first print, it actually sold over 90,000 copies in the first year.

Laurent:

I mean, again, it's:

Marino:

I mean, that's an insane amount of copies.

Laurent:

That is insane indeed.

Laurent:

And it really appealed to both children, but also to the adults, you know, due to its imaginative story.

Laurent:

And another element, although they are in this clothbound version that I have, what made it very successful as well were the drawings, the little drawings.

Laurent:

And there aren't that many.

Laurent:

And they are very simplistic, but in a positive way.

Laurent:

I mean that.

Laurent:

And it's a style that one easily can recognize in later, in even current books, you know, children books.

Laurent:

It's a very simplistic design, but very appealing.

Laurent:

And these are the illustrations from W.

Laurent:

Denslow.

Laurent:

And that was also a big trigger in the success of the initial publication of the book.

Laurent:

And I didn't know that.

Laurent:

So, again, reception was awesome.

Laurent:

I mean, 90,000 copies sold in the first year.

Laurent:

That's one.

Laurent:

And as I did mention, it was really a departure from moralistic or cautionary tales, which.

Laurent:

Which was very common in children's literature, referring to those European fairy tales.

Laurent:

And here in the wizard of Oz, it emphasizes on the creativity, the adventure and optimism.

Laurent:

And in a way, I found this really appealing.

Laurent:

That's another reason why I didn't want to read it.

Laurent:

And I did recognize those triggers or the reasons why he wrote the book because doesn't really have that much of a negative or dark undertone.

Laurent:

It's an uplifting book.

Laurent:

So I really like that one.

Laurent:

Now, this book having been written so long ago, did it influence later fantasy writers?

Marino:

Obviously, duh.

Marino:

Duh.

Laurent:

Absolutely.

Laurent:

But did you know that?

Laurent:

Because most people, even if they can remember the author being Frank Baum, did you know that there are actually 14 books in this series?

Laurent:

Oh, okay.

Laurent:

So it's actually a series.

Laurent:

It's 14 books.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

What are the other books about then?

Laurent:

I only have the one, so I'm being very honest.

Laurent:

I only have this one, but I know that it's something that explores the whole kingdom, let's say, or the whole world.

Marino:

So you also follow different characters then throughout the book.

Laurent:

It's something I.

Laurent:

I suppose, because again, I only read the wizard of Oz.

Marino:

Do you think you can still find the other books?

Laurent:

Oh, I'm pretty sure.

Laurent:

Even if there are later versions?

Laurent:

Yeah, but we'll delve into that.

Laurent:

You know, if we find something, we'll share it.

Laurent:

Or, you know, the listeners can also share that, obviously.

Laurent:

So.

Laurent:

But the whole series or the whole story did influence later writers, obviously.

Laurent:

And I think it's safe to say that in some of the very successful fantasy writers, I wouldn't say it's obvious, but you can really make the link.

Laurent:

One is an obvious one for me, was C.S.

Laurent:

lewis, Chronicles of Narnia.

Laurent:

I mean, there again, very expensive, interconnected, magical world and accessible to children.

Laurent:

But you also have Ian Esbit's Enchanted Castle.

Laurent:

Five children.

Laurent:

And it.

Laurent:

The concept of everyday children discovering magical realms.

Laurent:

Big parallels there.

Laurent:

And even moving forward, which is considered now to be, quote, unquote, modern fantasy, it all starts with Tolkien, obviously, so the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings.

Laurent:

And although Tolkien, he often cited myths and folklore as his primary inspiration, the episodic storytelling and whimsical characters of Baumgartner have absolutely or must have been a good influence, you know, for the tone and structure of modern fantasy writers and characters.

Laurent:

And even Philip Pullman, his Dark Materials.

Marino:

Such a good series.

Laurent:

Oh, yeah.

Laurent:

But actually, did you read the book?

Marino:

Yes.

Laurent:

Okay, good.

Laurent:

Because I haven't.

Laurent:

I haven't seen the series, but I read the books.

Laurent:

It's so good.

Laurent:

I know, but there again, you know, you have the focus on empowering children through extraordinary journeys.

Laurent:

And it's so obvious in.

Laurent:

In Pullman's work.

Laurent:

And if we dive a little bit deeper, you have Gregory Maguire, Wicked.

Laurent:

The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

Laurent:

There you go, full circle.

Laurent:

It's a retelling.

Laurent:

Right.

Laurent:

And that's where the whole idea of covering this book came to be.

Laurent:

It's the retelling, let's say, of, you know, some characters of the wizard of Oz in the movie, the recent movie that came out, Wicked.

Laurent:

Now, having said all of that, you know, and having this original book in the back of my mind, and that's exactly how I went into the theater and watched the movie.

Laurent:

We also had actually, as a.

Laurent:

You know, we were five, so the whole family was there.

Marino:

Yes, and a friend.

Laurent:

And a friend.

Laurent:

Yeah.

Laurent:

And so I took this writing, the original writing in the back of my mind and the conte.

Laurent:

The time in which it was written.

Laurent:

So did I enjoy it?

Laurent:

Yes, I thought it was really nicely done.

Laurent:

Talking about the whole setting, you know, obviously it's something you need or you ought to see on a stage.

Laurent:

I mean, like a musical.

Laurent:

Right.

Laurent:

And this is where I was a bit less convinced of what they tried to convey through a movie.

Laurent:

I think you should really see this as.

Laurent:

Yeah.

Marino:

As the musical.

Laurent:

As the musical.

Laurent:

Yeah.

Laurent:

Exactly how it's meant to be, I think, because at certain moments I thought it was too slow, even too much, you know, dialogue.

Laurent:

Some of us said, oh, there was too much singing for me.

Laurent:

It was not enough.

Laurent:

So it was not enough because it's a musical.

Laurent:

Was I convinced by the actors, performances at times, I mean, the witch itself.

Laurent:

Yes.

Laurent:

I thought she was amazing and she sang really well to my ears, better than Ariana Grande.

Laurent:

So.

Laurent:

Sorry.

Laurent:

Yeah, I mean, I preferred her, but it, for me, the momentum or the rhythm, let's say, of the movie was not always up to par.

Laurent:

At moments for me was too slow and then all of a sudden like the second half of the movie, so second part of the movie, then all of a sudden, you know, it picked up pace.

Laurent:

It picked up pace and I couldn't match it really with the first half.

Marino:

So the first half is very, very slow and then it picks up pace real fast.

Marino:

But I also think that it probably has to do with the fact that they split up the musical into two movies.

Marino:

So there's a second part coming out and that will be the rest of the musical.

Marino:

And yeah, that's why their pacing is probably a little bit off.

Laurent:

Yeah, yeah.

Laurent:

But I mean.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Will it pick up the interest of people to read the book?

Laurent:

I sure hope so.

Laurent:

Obviously people will pick up the book centered around this story, but around Wicked, about the Wicked Witch of the West.

Laurent:

But I, I have a sincere hope that people will make the link and read a bit further and see.

Laurent:

Okay, this is based on Frank Baum's book.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

That's where the true story.

Laurent:

And really it's not that a big book or a thick book.

Marino:

I mean, it's tiny.

Laurent:

I have it here in my hand and I think it's like 200.

Laurent:

Or not even.

Laurent:

It's not even 200 pages.

Marino:

Oh, damn.

Laurent:

It's, to be honest, at least in this publication, a little bit shy of 190 pages, I guess.

Laurent:

Hang on.

Laurent:

Yeah, about 190 pages.

Marino:

That's nothing.

Laurent:

Including some nice drawings.

Laurent:

I mean, you can read this in an afternoon, you know, or morning, so.

Laurent:

But I really recommend at least this book, the movie.

Laurent:

I.

Laurent:

I gave it a six, right?

Laurent:

A six out of ten.

Marino:

Yeah, six out of ten.

Laurent:

I gave it a six out of ten.

Laurent:

And Frank Baum's book, that's counting in Golden Dragons.

Laurent:

I give it a three, three and a half out of five.

Laurent:

So I really decent up to good.

Marino:

I would say with Wicked, it's more of like a feel good movie.

Marino:

If you just want to turn your brain off and relax.

Marino:

That's that type of movie.

Laurent:

Absolutely, I agree.

Laurent:

And it's the same with the original book.

Marino:

Yeah.

Laurent:

So, all right, so enough about Oz.

Laurent:

So do tell please.

Laurent:

All about Arcane.

Marino:

Okay, so before I dive into what arcane exactly is, where does arcane come from?

Laurent:

Good Question.

Marino:

Well, it comes from League of Legends.

Laurent:

Oh, like the League of Legends or.

Marino:

Okay, the game.

Laurent:

The game.

Marino:

Okay.

Marino:

Now, what is League of Legends?

Marino:

It's a free to play multiplayer online battle arena game or an mlba.

Marino:

So what are you supposed to do in this game?

Marino:

Well, you have two teams of five players, and they each have to try and destroy the nexus of the enemy, which is basically the base camp.

Laurent:

Okay, so it's really based on.

Laurent:

Or it finds its origin in the PC game.

Marino:

Yes, okay.

Marino:

Yes, yes.

Marino:

It's a PC game.

Marino:

And then every player chooses this unique character that are called Champions.

Marino:

To give you a few examples of champions in the game are vi, Caitlyn, Jinx.

Marino:

Now, these names may sound very familiar to some people because those are one of the few main characters in Arcane.

Marino:

So what is Arcane?

Marino:

Well, it follows a few champions of League of Legends.

Marino:

And how they became these champions?

Marino:

What were they before they were champions?

Laurent:

So the origins.

Marino:

Yeah, the origin story, basically.

Marino:

And how did this come to be?

Marino:

Well, riot, the production of League of Legends, they partnered with the Fortiche Productions, which is a French animation studio.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Yep.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And then they have worked on Arcane for like five years before they even announced it.

Marino:

Oh, it has been in the making before we even knew.

Marino:

For such a long time.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

think Arcane was announced in:

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

time, and then it released in:

Marino:

Okay, gotcha.

Marino:

And I wanted to talk about Arcane because it has finally come to an end.

Laurent:

Meaning they came full circle.

Marino:

They came full circle.

Marino:

There won't be a season three on Arcane, but they will make a new TV show on different characters.

Marino:

Okay, but that will be completely different.

Marino:

Not there will be links with Arcane.

Marino:

There have been hints that we will see some characters return, but it's like focused on different champions.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Yeah.

Laurent:

For the record, I only saw the first two episodes.

Laurent:

You don't recall, but I saw them with you.

Laurent:

Episode one and two.

Laurent:

That's it.

Laurent:

So that's all I have got.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

But please continue.

Marino:

Why is Arcane so great?

Marino:

Why do you have to watch it?

Marino:

First of all, because of the storytelling.

Marino:

The way that they tell this story to me is it's so beautiful.

Marino:

You have absolutely complex characters and you can constantly see their emotions.

Marino:

The way they portray.

Marino:

Like it's animated, but you see the emotions so well.

Marino:

Okay, that.

Marino:

That's something I usually have a problem with.

Laurent:

You mean in animation?

Marino:

In animations that you don't see the emotions portrayed all that well.

Marino:

But Arcane does such a beautiful job in this.

Laurent:

I do remember that.

Laurent:

Yeah.

Marino:

That the facial expressions, the body language, it's there.

Marino:

And the voice acting is completely on par with, like, the animations.

Laurent:

You mean the casting?

Marino:

Yes.

Marino:

Okay.

Marino:

The voices.

Marino:

It's amazing.

Laurent:

All right.

Marino:

All right.

Marino:

And since you said that you had a problem with this, it has great pacing.

Marino:

It has slow moments, it has fast moments, but it makes sense.

Marino:

Okay, so the pacing is really, really well.

Marino:

I've never had a problem with the pacing.

Marino:

I was never bored watching Arcane.

Marino:

They always, like, kept me in the story.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

So like I said, the animation is amazing.

Marino:

I love the art style.

Marino:

They also have so much attention to detail.

Marino:

I've seen people analyze character designs, and then, like, tiny, tiny details have an entire backstory.

Laurent:

I have a question, so hold that thought, because this is.

Laurent:

This is interesting.

Laurent:

I'm aware of that.

Laurent:

People are literally in the last.

Laurent:

What is it, five, 10 years, how fantasy has evolved, how it has grown, all the multiple facets and literature, but also whatever is animated or TV series, et cetera, et cetera, that people, as you said, are analyzing every detail.

Laurent:

Then I'm wondering how much pressure is this putting on existing writers, but also potentially new writers that want to create something original just from the bottom of their heart, but might be afraid of.

Laurent:

Oh, but shoot.

Laurent:

Over analyzing.

Marino:

To be honest, in Arcane, it is kind of fun to do it, because when people overanalyze it and they point out all the little details, it makes you can see even more connections.

Laurent:

Oh, you think they are connections?

Marino:

No, no, they are.

Marino:

Usually.

Marino:

It's also the people who have played League of Legends who have way more backstory, and then they can point out little details that they included, and then you can see more connections.

Marino:

And sometimes that makes the story a little bit more sad without even realizing it.

Marino:

It's amazing.

Laurent:

But Paris, from my understanding, and I mean, it's been a while since I've seen the first two episodes.

Laurent:

Just for the setting, the context.

Marino:

Yes.

Laurent:

Is there any link with our history?

Laurent:

So it's totally different.

Laurent:

What kind of historical background?

Marino:

Historical background.

Marino:

I don't think there's any inspiration from our history.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

But is it something?

Laurent:

Because I remember you will see a.

Marino:

Lot of problems that we are facing right now between Zaun and Piltover.

Marino:

So you have Piltover, which is this great, fantastic city with great inventions.

Marino:

It's very wealthy.

Laurent:

Steampunk.

Laurent:

Ish.

Marino:

Steampunk ish.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And then you have the Undercity or Zaun, who is really suffering.

Marino:

And Piltover is kind of ignoring this.

Marino:

And Zaun basically wants to be.

Marino:

Wants to rule on its own.

Marino:

He doesn't want to be independent on Piltover, but Piltover doesn't want this.

Marino:

It wants control over Zaun.

Marino:

So they're in this constant, constant conflict.

Marino:

And you keep seeing this conflict, especially because you are looking with both Piltover and Zaun, because there are characters who come from Zaun, characters that come from Piltover.

Marino:

And then you see the two views constantly and how this conflict keeps on happening.

Laurent:

Would it be fair to draw some parallels just for historical.

Marino:

Yes, you could.

Laurent:

From the 19th century, something like that?

Marino:

I think you could draw more recent parallels even.

Marino:

I think you could compare it to more recent, recent history.

Marino:

I wouldn't be able to instantly give you examples, but you could definitely see parallels.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Sorry.

Laurent:

So.

Laurent:

But you were on a roll.

Laurent:

So masterful storytelling and unparalleled animation quality.

Laurent:

That's where you were.

Laurent:

Do tell.

Marino:

So visually, it's an amazing art style.

Marino:

It's very unique.

Marino:

I've never seen that animation style before, and I was blown away.

Marino:

Like, the moment I saw was like, yes, that's amazing because it portrays the characters so well, but also their surroundings.

Marino:

It's very detailed, and it's there.

Laurent:

All right.

Marino:

It's a very aesthetically pleasing art style.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And since we were already talking about it, one of the things that I like so, so much is the world building and character building.

Marino:

For example, the conflict between Zaun and Piltover is so beautifully portrayed, but also the character building.

Marino:

And you can really see character growth throughout these two seasons.

Marino:

You can visibly see these characters change and how certain actions impact them.

Marino:

You can see that both physically but also mentally.

Marino:

Okay.

Marino:

So they're not a constant.

Marino:

These characters are, like, constantly changing.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

You can really see how they grow into their champion character.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

Like, there's a clear difference between, for example, VI the champion and vi, how she's in the beginning of Arcane season one.

Marino:

You can really see these differences.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

Okay.

Marino:

And also, one thing that I really appreciate about Arcane is that it isn't afraid to show mature themes.

Laurent:

Oh, okay.

Marino:

It.

Marino:

It really doesn't shy away from being, for example, political or showing violence.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

Or showing sexual stuff.

Marino:

This.

Marino:

You know, it's out there.

Marino:

It's really, really out there.

Marino:

You're going to see a lot of blood, a lot of violence.

Marino:

They don't lighten that.

Marino:

If it's a violent scene, you're gonna get Violent.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

It's gonna be explicit.

Marino:

It's gonna be very explicit.

Marino:

But it's not like.

Marino:

Oh, it is explicit because we want it to be explicit.

Laurent:

It's functional.

Marino:

It's functional.

Marino:

Exactly.

Marino:

Okay, so there's mature themes, but it's functional.

Marino:

Not just because they want it to be there.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Okay, fair enough.

Marino:

So.

Marino:

But also things like family trauma, for example.

Marino:

There's a lot of family trauma, and that isn't always violence.

Marino:

That can also be, like, mental abuse.

Laurent:

Sure.

Marino:

Or like dynamics between certain characters.

Marino:

For example, Jinx and Vi are sisters, but they're constantly in conflict with each other.

Marino:

And seeing that conflict constantly evolve is so amazing.

Laurent:

Okay, you recognize yourself with your sister?

Laurent:

I hope not.

Marino:

No, no, no.

Laurent:

Okay, good.

Marino:

Just checking.

Marino:

No, no, no.

Marino:

We have a little bit of a better bond than those two sisters.

Laurent:

All right.

Marino:

And then there's also a lot of literature surrounding.

Marino:

Not Arcane.

Marino:

I don't think Arcane has been out there long enough to have literature surrounding it, but League of Legends has.

Laurent:

Okay, so you mean there's not that many published books about Arcane.

Laurent:

That's what you mean.

Marino:

There's just not that I'm aware of.

Marino:

There aren't any books about arcane.

Marino:

Maybe like, books about production and stuff?

Laurent:

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Laurent:

But not the story ones, no.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

But on League of Legends, there is a lot of literature to start.

Marino:

You have the official novel, which is Ruination, a League of Legends novel by Anthony Reynolds.

Marino:

So it's set in Runeterra, which is a different part of the map.

Marino:

In League of Legends, it's still the same map.

Marino:

Yeah, it's still the same map, but.

Laurent:

You don't see this in the animation.

Marino:

Well, in Arcane, there is one, if I remember this correctly, all by heart.

Marino:

This is purely from memory.

Marino:

But there are two characters who come from Runeterra being Mel and her mother, Embessa.

Marino:

So you see, they constantly talk about Runeterra, and sometimes you see memories or flashbacks from Runeterra, but it's clearly not the main focus.

Marino:

But, like, sometimes you see, oh, this is Runeterra.

Marino:

Okay, but in the animations, the main focus is Zaun and Piltover, which is why new TV series will have different characters and then also a different world, like a different part of the map as focus.

Marino:

Okay, so Runeterra is a different part of the map, and in this novel, that is the main focus.

Marino:

Okay, so it's set in Runeterra, in the region of Camavort.

Marino:

That doesn't tell me anything.

Marino:

I don't remember hearing about that in arcane, I might be wrong.

Marino:

I'm terrible with names.

Marino:

Runeterra did ring a bell, but Camevore absolutely didn't.

Marino:

So the novel focuses on Kalista, which is a military general and the niece of King Viego.

Marino:

Those are also characters that are not mentioned in Arcane.

Marino:

These are, like, never heard of them, so no clue who they are.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And it explores the tragic events that led to the creation of the ruined king and the fall of the Shadow Isles.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

So a lot of lore that I do not know know anything about.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

Because I haven't.

Laurent:

So I take it you haven't read it.

Marino:

No, no, I have not read it.

Marino:

I kind of knew that League of Legends existed because of Arcane.

Marino:

It's like, oh, I absolutely love arcane.

Marino:

Where is this from?

Marino:

League of Legends?

Marino:

Oh, what is this?

Laurent:

Oh, that's usually it's a rabbit hole.

Marino:

You dive into, but there's more.

Marino:

There's so much more.

Marino:

Then there are comics and graphic novels.

Laurent:

Oh, dear.

Marino:

And Riot Games has partnered with Marvel Comics to make these.

Laurent:

Of course, they had to have a finger in there.

Marino:

So there are several League of Legends inspired series like Ash, Warmother, Lux, Zed, or Rise of the Sentinels.

Marino:

But.

Marino:

And then each graphic novel or comic is focused around different champions.

Laurent:

It's an endless cycle.

Marino:

It's an endless cycle.

Marino:

Then you also have the online lore, stories and universe, because like I said, each champion has a very large.

Marino:

Each champion has a backstory.

Marino:

And these short stories have, like, our little snippets from their backstory that are, like, fully written out.

Marino:

And you can just find all of them on their website, which we will also link just to give you a few.

Marino:

It's like Confessions of a Broken Blade or the Voice from the Void.

Marino:

And they're all little snippets.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

And so these snippets, these short stories, they're only available digitally for now?

Marino:

I think so, yes.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Okay, interesting.

Laurent:

Because if.

Laurent:

I mean, if they're venturing into, you know, working with Marvel, etcetera, I can imagine that beyond the comics that they're gonna want to publish, you know, novels.

Marino:

Yes.

Laurent:

Okay, interesting.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

You also have, like, short stories that we also see in the arcane itself.

Marino:

There is one short story called Progress Day, and we also see Progress Day and what that is about in Arcane.

Marino:

So that's also fun that you can see.

Marino:

These short stories are sometimes woven into arcane.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

Like I said, they did, they use a lot of the League of Legends lore and take so many details and put it into that series.

Marino:

It's insane.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And then also, obviously you have art books to.

Marino:

Obviously, obviously, obviously on all the illustrations and character designs, there's a lot of them like the art of League of Legends or the realm of Runeterra.

Marino:

So there's a lot of literature also surrounding League of Legends.

Laurent:

But the art books are physical.

Marino:

Yes, the art books are physical.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

The only thing that is digital only is the short stories that I am aware of.

Laurent:

Sure, yeah, fair enough.

Laurent:

Fair enough.

Marino:

The others are just physical.

Laurent:

Wow.

Laurent:

Okay.

Laurent:

Well that's a lot to take in.

Laurent:

And I would be amazed that, you know, no or little publications would follow.

Laurent:

I mean, with all the effort that they're putting into and have already done as you said and described.

Laurent:

I mean, I would be amazed or surprised that this would not be translated into physical novels.

Laurent:

I mean probably there is definitely the audience for that.

Laurent:

So.

Marino:

And Arcane is definitely like a perfect example of how like video game adaptations into like series or book adaptations into series.

Marino:

How well that can be made.

Laurent:

Absolutely.

Laurent:

And this is funny that you mentioned that because another evolution that I saw and I started gaming PC gaming or console gaming.

Laurent:

And I'm not a big gamer.

Laurent:

Absolutely not.

Laurent:

And I don't claim to be.

Laurent:

I mean I just discovered it like so many people of my generation with the Atari, with the Sega, with the Nintendo's and for me still PC gaming or console gaming, you had to have a kind of story.

Laurent:

But they were quite very simplistic.

Laurent:

Either it's puzzle or it's a shoot em up, you know, stuff like that.

Laurent:

And then you know, fast forward, you know, a decade or two and you really start to see the approach of developing the characters, developing the story and.

Laurent:

But now in, you know, in recent history, the recent years, when I look into that, every time we load up a game, even if it's Nintendo or PlayStation, I mean it usually starts now, nowadays with a whole story and even the videos, you know, it's movie quality and it's really in depth.

Marino:

And then an arcane will definitely raise the standards for TV shows when they adapt something.

Marino:

For sure.

Laurent:

Okay, well, again, I really have to.

Laurent:

Do you think about these writers that want to start?

Marino:

I mean, that's a lot of more and more intimidating.

Laurent:

Exactly.

Laurent:

And which nicely brings us to, I would say that the last segment of this episode.

Laurent:

you know, what's in store for:

Laurent:

I took the oath and hope I'm not the only one that we at least resist read each.

Laurent:

But I can only speak for myself, but at least read one book that we can cover for every episode of Rolling Into Fantasy.

Laurent:

And I think having that rhythm will help us discover a lot more without having to fall back into the comfort zone of your own library, but discovering more stuff, exchanging books like we've done on some occasions, which I really enjoyed.

Laurent:

really look forward to as of:

Laurent:

It's reaching out to upcoming or wannabe writers, you know, just fans who want to have their stories, their fantasy stories published, be it digital only or in paper, but with a little, I wouldn't say a twist.

Laurent:

But what I'm really interested in is the writers whose mother tongue isn't English.

Laurent:

Because a lot of really good books, even some gems, go unnoticed because they're not published in English.

Laurent:

And, you know, being or living in a very small country, but where language comes very easy for many people, you know, being Dutch, French, German and English, obviously, I'm really interested in looking up those writers that do write published, because they are published writers that do publish in Dutch or French or German.

Laurent:

And I'm really curious about their take on their audience.

Laurent:

What's their aspiration?

Laurent:

Do they want to be published later on through translations in other languages like English?

Laurent:

What do they see as really big hurdles?

Laurent:

And I think, I think we've mentioned it on several occasions now, that big expectation.

Laurent:

For me, it seems like a big burden, like very daunting to start even writing a book because the work that you will have finished will be dissected and scrutinized under a microscope.

Laurent:

And I think that on itself will be very intimidating for many writers, which it shouldn't be the fact that you want to write something as short or lengthy.

Laurent:

It's something that you have to do from the heart and it's only for you to judge.

Laurent:

I mean, that's my take.

Laurent:

But anyway, so that's something that we really want to include in our next year activities and I think also events.

Laurent:

We really want to be more present and cover more events and meet people even there.

Laurent:

Why not?

Laurent:

We'll see.

Marino:

Oh, boy.

Laurent:

And I think on a final note, this is something I covered already in in one of our previous episodes.

Laurent:

But there are some books that I really hope will see the light of day.

Laurent:

Obviously, the one is the Winds of Winter.

Laurent:

I really hope that Martin will finish this book once and for all.

Marino:

Keep dreaming, sweetheart.

Laurent:

But then again, there's some solace knowing that other books will be published like the Griffin King by Sara Olmer, the Devils, the new Joe Abercrombie, Faithbreaker, the final book in the epic fantasy trilogy that started with Godkiller.

Laurent:

I have you to thank for that.

Marino:

You're welcome.

Laurent:

And there's also one of my favorite authors.

Laurent:

There's no date yet for the book Three of Roots of Chaos by Samantha Shannon.

Laurent:

And also by her is the fifth installment of Bone Season.

Laurent:

That's for February.

Laurent:

But what are you looking forward to?

Marino:

Well, I haven't really looked into upcoming books that much.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

But like I said in a previous episode, I am looking forward to Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And usually I prefer seeing what books catch my attention when I want to.

Laurent:

You know, the COVID wise.

Laurent:

Really?

Marino:

No, no, no.

Marino:

Title.

Marino:

Okay, cover.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

And then the summary on the back.

Laurent:

Sure.

Laurent:

Okay.

Marino:

Those three elements, if they're good, then yes.

Laurent:

Because now is.

Laurent:

It's really, you know, if a book.

Marino:

Captures me like it needs to capture me.

Laurent:

Obviously.

Laurent:

Obviously.

Laurent:

But I think now is really the time because the festive period that we are in is usually a highlight for publishers.

Laurent:

You know, they put out a ton.

Laurent:

So I'm pretty certain that we'll have some new books lying under the tree.

Marino:

Under the Christmas tree.

Marino:

There are so many book like Presents under the tree.

Laurent:

Exactly.

Laurent:

So we'll make sure to cover that.

Laurent:

If it's fantasy, obviously.

Marino:

I mean, fantasy is the main genre that I like to read.

Marino:

So there's a high chance that there will be a lot of fantasy books under there.

Laurent:

Okay, excellent.

Laurent:

So I think that's more or less of a wrap.

Laurent:

We absolutely look forward to cover more books, more stories, and more events next year.

Laurent:

So do share your own and make sure to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Laurent:

But if you want to share something or even if you are an upcoming or want to be writer, just reach out.

Laurent:

We're going to do the same.

Laurent:

y best for a very fantastical:

Marino:

This concludes our episode.

Marino:

So until next time, stay enchanted, stay.

Laurent:

Curious, and keep the fantasy alive.

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About the Podcast

Rolling Into Fantasy
Where Fantasy Finds Its Voice
Welcome to "Rolling into Fantasy," a bi-weekly podcast where a father-daughter duo, both avid Fantasy enthusiasts spanning over more than 30 years of love for Fantasy, delve into the enchanting world of Fantasy. With an inter-generational approach, we explore Fantasy literature, games, pop culture, music, series & movies. Each episode connects different aspects of Fantasy, rolling seamlessly from one topic to another. Join us every fortnight on Thursdays as we discuss the origins of Fantasy, current news, and exciting things to come in the realm of Fantasy. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the genre, "Rolling into Fantasy" has something magical for everyone.

Get notified & don't miss an episode; subscribe to our list: https://tinyurl.com/35eakx6x !

About your hosts

Laurent Bettens

Profile picture for Laurent Bettens
At the age of 6, I took my first steps into the world of fantasy, specifically science fiction, when Star Wars made its debut on the big screen. From that moment, this universe forever shaped my love for fantasy. The surge of fantasy and adventure movies in the eighties only deepened my passion for the genre. However, my true love for fantasy stories ignited with the discovery of the English Fighting Fantasy gamebook series by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson, as well as the Lone Wolf series by Joe Dever.

With a strong interest in medieval history and literature, I have always been drawn to that era, which provides a bottomless source of inspiration for all types of fantasy stories and games. Now, several decades later, the fantasy genre has expanded into numerous sub-genres of literature, games, and merchandise, becoming a way of life for many.

I am fortunate to have been able to pass on my love for fantasy literature and games to my daughters and son. Together with my eldest daughter, Marie-Noor, we want to share our passion for fantasy with others and explore new horizons. This led to the idea of launching our co-hosted podcast, "Rolling Into Fantasy," where fantasy finds its voice. This will be an adventure of our own, and needless to say, we are both excited and a bit scared.

Reach out to us: Quest@rollingintofantasy.org

Marie-Noor Bettens

Profile picture for Marie-Noor Bettens
My journey into the world of fantasy began as a child with the Harry Potter series. The adventures of Harry and his friends at Hogwarts captivated my imagination, sparking a deep love for both reading and writing. This early fascination with fantasy was the push I needed to explore other fantasy literature.

As I grew older, my taste in fantasy evolved. I discovered the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and my father introduced me to Game of Thrones. These stories made it clear I have a preference for the medieval and epic fantasy subgenre.

In high school, I found another outlet for my love of fantasy through role-playing games and Dungeons & Dragons. This hobby quickly became one of my favourites, allowing me to actively participate in creating and exploring fantasy realms. The collaborative storytelling and endless possibilities of DnD have further fueled my passion for fantasy, making it an integral part of my life.