The second season of Solo Leveling is already underway, captivating fans with its thrilling continuation of the beloved South Korean manhwa, now adapted into an anime by the renowned Japanese studio A-1 Pictures. The series follows the journey of hunters who can navigate through portals and battle formidable enemies, offering a gripping narrative that has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
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 unfolds in 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. These hunters are ranked from the lowest E-rank to the highest S-rank, and dungeons are similarly categorized. The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, starts as an E-rank hunter, struggling to clear even the most basic dungeons. When his team faces a life-threatening situation, Jin-woo's self-sacrifice earns him a unique reward: the ability to level up. This newfound power transforms his life into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface and various quests, enabling him to grow stronger and change his rank, a feat no other hunter can achieve.
Image: ensigame.com
Why has the anime become so popular?
The popularity of Solo Leveling can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the anime's foundation as a beloved manhwa provided A-1 Pictures with a solid blueprint to follow. The studio, known for successful adaptations like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online, Erased, and Your Lie in April, managed to maintain the essence of the source material while delivering a continuous action-packed experience. The narrative is straightforward, avoiding overly complex plotlines, and essential information is conveyed through other characters, keeping the focus on the main storyline. A-1 Pictures also excels in creating an immersive atmosphere, using visual techniques like darkening the screen during intense moments to highlight crucial elements and brightening it during lighter scenes to evoke a carefree 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" due to his initial lack of combat skills, to a formidable hunter is a compelling narrative arc. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his team, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, showcases his selflessness. This act earns him the System's favor, granting him the ability to enhance his skills. Unlike many protagonists, Jin-woo's growth is earned through hard work and perseverance, as seen when he faces punishment for skipping training. His dedication resonates with viewers who appreciate characters that earn their powers through effort rather than innate talent.
Finally, the marketing played a big role
The marketing campaign for Solo Leveling was exceptionally effective, with the memorable statue of God becoming a viral sensation. Its toothy grin sparked curiosity among those unfamiliar with the manhwa, drawing new fans to the series.
Why does the anime receive criticism?
Despite its popularity, Solo Leveling has faced criticism on several fronts. Some argue that the plot relies heavily on clichés and suffers from abrupt transitions between action and calm moments. Critics also point out that the story portrays Jin-woo in an overly grandiose light, suggesting he may be an author-insert or Mary Sue character. His rapid transformation from underdog to powerhouse contrasts with the less developed secondary characters, who often lack depth and significant growth. Additionally, fans of the original manhwa have criticized the anime's pacing, feeling that it does not adequately adapt the source material's slower, more deliberate storytelling.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Is it worth watching?
Absolutely. If you're a fan of high-octane action and are less concerned with the development of secondary characters, the first season of Solo Leveling is highly binge-worthy. However, if Jin-woo's story fails to captivate you within the first two episodes, it might not be worth continuing with the series, including the second season or the open-world gacha game based on it.
