The Phenomenon of Solo Leveling Explained

The second season of **Solo Leveling** is already underway, captivating fans with its intense narrative and dynamic action. This South Korean manhwa, now an anime brought to life by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, delves into the world of hunters who navigate portals to battle formidable enemies.

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 unleash monsters that conventional weapons can't 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 filled with monsters are similarly categorized.

The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, starts as an E-rank hunter, struggling to clear even the most basic dungeons. After a near-fatal incident where he sacrifices himself to save his trapped group, Jin-woo is granted a unique ability to level up, becoming the only person capable of changing his rank. His life transforms into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface and various quests, as he embarks on a journey to become stronger.

Image: ensigame.com

Why has the anime become so popular?

**Solo Leveling** has captured a wide audience for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the anime is a faithful adaptation of the beloved manhwa, a task A-1 Pictures has excelled at, having previously adapted renowned series like **Kaguya-sama: Love is War**, **Sword Art Online**, and **Erased**. The studio successfully maintains the continuous action and straightforward storytelling that fans adored in the source material, ensuring that the plot remains accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages.

The anime's visual style also enhances its appeal, with strategic use of lighting to heighten tension during action sequences and create a lighter atmosphere during calmer moments.

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 for his team, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, showcases his selflessness. The System rewards this act by granting him the ability to enhance his skills, but Jin-woo's path is not without challenges. His mistakes, such as neglecting training and facing the consequences, add realism and relatability to his character. His dedication to earning his powers through hard work rather than innate talent is a refreshing narrative that fans appreciate.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The iconic statue of God, with its memorable toothy grin, became a viral sensation, sparking curiosity and drawing in new viewers who were previously unfamiliar with the manhwa.

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 abrupt. Critics argue that the series overly glorifies Jin-woo, portraying him as a near-perfect protagonist, which can make him seem like an author-insert or Mary Sue character. Additionally, secondary characters often lack depth and development, serving primarily as background to Jin-woo's journey.

Original manhwa readers also critique the anime's pacing, feeling that it doesn't adapt the source material's slower build-up effectively for the screen.

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. The first season offers a binge-worthy experience. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't hook you within the first couple of episodes, you might want to explore other series. The second season and the related open-world gacha game are also worth considering if you find yourself invested in Jin-woo's world.