The second season of Solo Leveling, an anime adaptation by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures of the popular South Korean manhwa, is already underway. This series follows the journey of hunters who navigate through portals to combat otherworldly foes.

Table of Contents

• 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 can't harm. Only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, have the power to combat these creatures. These hunters are ranked from the lowest E-rank to the highest S-rank, and dungeons are similarly categorized.

The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, begins as an E-rank hunter, struggling even with regular dungeons. Trapped with his team in a dungeon, Jin-woo's self-sacrifice in an attempt to save his comrades earns him a unique ability: the power to level up. This marks the beginning of his transformation, as he gains a futuristic interface that guides his progress through quests and leveling menus, propelling him on a path to becoming stronger.

Image: ensigame.com

Why has the anime become so popular?

The popularity of Solo Leveling can be attributed to three key factors. Firstly, the anime is a faithful adaptation of the beloved manhwa, a task A-1 Pictures has accomplished successfully with other well-known series like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online, Erased, and Your Lie in April. The studio has managed to capture the continuous action and straightforward plot of the source material, making it accessible to a broad audience.

The visual style enhances the viewing experience, with darker tones used during intense scenes to focus attention on critical elements, and brighter scenes to convey a lighter atmosphere.

Image: ensigame.com

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's journey from an underdog, nicknamed "The Worst Weapon of Humanity," to a formidable hunter is compelling. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his team, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, showcases his selflessness. This earns him the System's favor, allowing him to enhance his skills through hard work and dedication. Jin-woo's realistic struggles and growth make him a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The iconic statue of God, with its memorable toothy grin, became a viral sensation, sparking interest among those unfamiliar with the manhwa and drawing them into the series.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Despite its popularity, Solo Leveling has faced criticism. Some viewers find the plot clichéd and the transitions between action and calm scenes jarring. Critics argue that the portrayal of Jin-woo as a near-perfect hero borders on the unrealistic, suggesting he might be an author-insert or Mary Sue character. Additionally, secondary characters often lack depth and development, serving primarily as background to Jin-woo's journey.

Manhwa readers also criticize the anime's pacing, feeling it does not adapt the source material's slower, more deliberate storytelling effectively.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely. If you're drawn to high-octane action with a focus on the protagonist's journey, Solo Leveling is definitely worth your time. However, if the initial episodes don't hook you, you might want to explore other series, as the focus remains tightly on Jin-woo's development throughout the series and its extensions into other media like the second season and the open-world gacha game.