The second season of Solo Leveling is already underway, and this South Korean manhwa, now an anime adapted by Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The series follows the adventures of hunters who navigate through portals to combat enemies.
Table of Content
- What is the anime about?
- Why has the anime become so popular?
- The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself
- Finally, the marketing played a big role
- Why does the anime receive criticism?
- Is it worth watching?
What is the anime about?
Set in an alternate version of Earth, Solo Leveling introduces a world where mysterious gates suddenly appear, unleashing monsters that conventional weapons cannot harm. Only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, possess the ability to combat these creatures. Hunters are ranked from the lowest E-rank to the highest S-rank, with dungeons filled with monsters also categorized similarly.
The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, begins as an E-rank hunter struggling to clear even the most basic dungeons. After a dire situation where his group becomes trapped, Jin-woo, recognizing his own limitations, sacrifices himself for the greater good. This act of bravery rewards him with a unique ability to level up, setting him apart as the only person capable of changing his rank. As Jin-woo grows stronger, his life begins to mirror a video game, complete with a futuristic interface displaying quests and leveling menus.
Image: ensigame.com
Why has the anime become so popular?
The popularity of Solo Leveling can be attributed to three key factors. First, the anime faithfully adapts the beloved manhwa, staying true to the source material. A-1 Pictures, known for successful adaptations like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online, and Erased, ensures a seamless transition from page to screen. The continuous action and straightforward plot make it accessible to viewers of all ages, with necessary information delivered through other characters, maintaining focus on the main storyline.
The studio also excels in creating an immersive atmosphere, using lighting to enhance the tension during critical scenes while portraying everyday moments with a bright, carefree feel.
Image: ensigame.com
The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself
Jin-woo's journey from underdog to powerhouse resonates with audiences. Initially dubbed "The Worst Weapon of Humanity" due to his lack of combat skills, Jin-woo's selflessness shines when he sacrifices himself for his trapped group, despite his family's financial dependence on him. Rewarded with the ability to enhance his skills, Jin-woo's path is not without its trials. His dedication to training after a harsh punishment underscores his commitment to growth, a quality that viewers find relatable and inspiring.
Finally, the marketing played a big role
The iconic statue of God, with its memorable toothy grin, became a viral sensation, sparking curiosity among those unfamiliar with the manhwa and drawing them into the series.
Why does the anime receive criticism?
Despite its popularity, Solo Leveling faces criticism for its reliance on clichéd plots and abrupt shifts between action and calm moments. Some argue that the portrayal of Jin-woo as a rapidly evolving hero borders on the grandiose, potentially making him seem like an author-insert or Mary Sue. Additionally, other characters often lack depth, serving more as background figures rather than fully developed individuals.
Original manhwa readers also express concerns about the anime's pacing, which they feel should have been adjusted to better suit the medium and avoid feeling like a direct page-to-screen translation.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Is it worth watching?
Absolutely. If you're a fan of high-octane action with a focus on the protagonist's journey, Solo Leveling is definitely worth your time. However, if the story of Jin-woo doesn't hook you within the first two episodes, it might not be the series for you. This also applies to considering whether to continue with the second season or explore the related open-world gacha game.
