Solo Leveling: The Rising Phenomenon in Web Novels

The second season of **Solo Leveling**, a South Korean manhwa turned anime by the renowned Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, is already underway. This captivating series follows the journey of hunters who navigate through portals to combat formidable 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, **Solo Leveling** depicts a world where mysterious gates unleash monsters impervious to conventional weapons. Only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, can combat these creatures, with ranks ranging from the lowest E-rank to the elite S-rank. Dungeons, too, are similarly categorized.

Our protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, starts as an E-rank hunter, struggling to navigate even regular dungeons. A critical turning point comes when his team is trapped, and Jin-woo sacrifices himself to save others. This act of selflessness grants him a unique ability: the power to level up and increase his rank, setting him on a path where his life mirrors a game, complete with a futuristic interface and quest menus.

Image: ensigame.com

Why has the anime become so popular?

**Solo Leveling** has captured audiences for several reasons. Firstly, its origin as a beloved manhwa meant A-1 Pictures had the task of faithfully adapting the source material, which they achieved by drawing on their experience with successful adaptations like **Kaguya-sama: Love is War**, **Sword Art Online**, and **Erased**.

The anime delivers a relentless action-packed narrative, keeping viewers engaged with continuous challenges for the protagonist. The plot remains straightforward, avoiding complex world-building that might alienate viewers. Instead, essential information is conveyed through other characters, maintaining focus on the main storyline. A-1 Pictures also excels in creating an immersive atmosphere, using visual techniques like darkening the screen during tense moments to highlight key elements.

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 is compelling. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his team, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, showcases his selflessness. Rewarded with the ability to enhance his skills, Jin-woo's path is fraught with challenges and mistakes, such as when he's punished for skipping training. His dedication to improving through hard work resonates with viewers, who appreciate characters that earn their powers.

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 fans who were previously unfamiliar with the manhwa.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Despite its popularity, **Solo Leveling** has faced criticism. Some argue the plot is clichéd, with abrupt transitions between action and calm moments. Critics also point out that the story glorifies the protagonist excessively, potentially portraying Jin-woo as a Mary Sue or an author-insert. The rapid evolution of Jin-woo from underdog to powerhouse can overshadow other characters, who often lack depth and development.

Additionally, fans of the original manhwa have noted that the anime's pacing feels rushed compared to the source material, which had a more gradual reveal of the world and its dynamics.

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 definitely worth your time. The first season is binge-worthy for those who enjoy this genre. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't hook you within the first couple of episodes, it might not be the right fit for you, and you may want to reconsider watching the second season or exploring the related open-world gacha game.

Image: ensigame.com