The second season of **Solo Leveling**, an anime adapted from a South Korean manhwa by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, is already underway. This thrilling series follows the journey of hunters who can traverse through portals to combat monstrous 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 Earth, **Solo Leveling** unfolds in a world where gates to other dimensions suddenly emerge, unleashing terrifying monsters. Traditional weapons prove ineffective against these creatures, leaving only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, capable of battling them. These hunters are ranked from E to S, with the protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, starting at the lowest E-rank. Struggling to clear even basic dungeons, Jin-woo's life takes a dramatic turn when he sacrifices himself to save his trapped team. In return, he is granted the unique ability to level up, transforming his life into a game-like experience complete with quests and a futuristic interface.
Image: ensigame.com
Why has the anime become so popular?
**Solo Leveling**'s popularity can be attributed to three main factors. First, the anime stays true to the beloved manhwa, a task A-1 Pictures has mastered with previous adaptations like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Sword Art Online. The adaptation maintains a continuous, action-packed narrative, devoid of overly complex plots, making it accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages. The studio's ability to create an immersive atmosphere, using visual cues like darkening the screen during tense moments, enhances the viewing experience.
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 resonates deeply with viewers. His willingness to sacrifice himself despite his family's dependence on him showcases his selflessness. Rewarded with the ability to level up, Jin-woo's path is fraught with challenges and mistakes, such as skipping training and facing consequences. His dedication to improving through hard work and perseverance makes his character arc compelling and relatable.
Finally, the marketing played a big role
The iconic statue of God, with its memorable toothy grin, became a viral sensation, sparking curiosity and interest among 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 for its clichéd plot and sudden shifts between action and calm moments. Some viewers feel the story glorifies Jin-woo excessively, portraying him as an author-insert or a Mary Sue. Additionally, the supporting characters lack depth and development, often appearing as mere background figures to Jin-woo's journey. Manhwa readers also criticize the anime's pacing, which they feel should be adapted differently to avoid feeling like a direct translation from the source material.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Is it worth watching?
Absolutely. **Solo Leveling** is a must-watch for fans of high-octane action with a focus on the protagonist's journey. If the first two episodes capture your interest, you'll find the series highly binge-worthy. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't resonate with you early on, it might be best to explore other series. The second season and the related open-world gacha game are also worth considering for those who enjoy the narrative and gameplay elements.
