Mel Medarda is a main character in Arcane. She’s central to the plot, romantically connected to Jayce, and one of the most politically powerful figures in Piltover. She’s also a dark-skinned Black woman, the only one in a major role across the League of Legends television universe. And yet, she continues to be treated as if she’s a side character—both by official media and large parts of the fandom.

ALT: a close up of a woman 's face with gold and black paint