The second season of Solo Leveling, a South Korean manhwa turned anime by Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, is now in full swing. The series revolves around hunters who can navigate through portals to battle fearsome 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 reality of Earth, Solo Leveling introduces viewers to a world where mysterious gates unleash hordes of monsters. Traditional weapons prove ineffective against these creatures, leaving only a select group of individuals known as hunters capable of combating them. These hunters are ranked from the lowest E-rank to the highest S-rank, with dungeons similarly categorized.
The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, begins his journey as an E-rank hunter, struggling even with regular dungeons. After a near-fatal incident where his team is trapped, Jin-woo's willingness to sacrifice himself earns him a unique ability to level up. This transforms his life into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface displaying quests and leveling menus, propelling him on a path to become stronger.
Image: ensigame.com
Why has the anime become so popular?
The popularity of Solo Leveling can be attributed to three main factors. Firstly, its origins as a beloved manhwa set high expectations for A-1 Pictures, which successfully adapted the series while staying true to the source material. The studio's previous successes with adaptations like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online, and Erased underscore their expertise.
The anime maintains a relentless pace, focusing on continuous action and straightforward storytelling, making it accessible to a wide audience. The visual style enhances this experience, darkening the screen during intense moments to focus on crucial elements, while brighter scenes convey a lighter mood.
Image: ensigame.com
The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself
Jin-woo's journey from an underdog, dubbed "The Worst Weapon of Humanity," to a formidable hunter captures viewers' hearts. His self-sacrifice during a life-threatening dungeon trap, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, resonates deeply. Rewarded with the ability to enhance his skills, Jin-woo's realistic portrayal as a flawed yet determined hero makes his growth compelling. His dedication to training and the effort he puts into each level gained endears him to fans, who appreciate characters who earn their powers through hard work.
Finally, the marketing played a big role
The iconic statue of God, with its distinctive toothy grin, became a viral sensation, drawing curiosity and interest from those unfamiliar with the manhwa. This effective marketing strategy significantly boosted the anime's visibility and appeal.
Why does the anime receive criticism?
Despite its popularity, Solo Leveling faces criticism on several fronts. Critics point out the clichéd plot and jarring transitions between action and calm scenes, suggesting the hero's portrayal is overly grandiose. Some view Jin-woo as an author-insert or Mary Sue, rapidly evolving into a near-invincible character while other characters remain underdeveloped.
Original manhwa readers also express dissatisfaction with the anime's pacing, feeling it retains too much of the source material's slower pace, which can feel static in an animated format.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Is it worth watching?
Absolutely. If you're a fan of action-packed series with a focus on the protagonist's journey, Solo Leveling is a must-watch. The first season offers a thrilling experience, though viewers who require deep character development beyond the main hero might find other series more fulfilling. If Jin-woo's story doesn't grab you within the first couple of episodes, the series might not be your cup of tea, including its second season and related game.
