What's the phenomenon of Solo Leveling?

The second season of the anime adaptation of the popular South Korean manhwa, Solo Leveling, is already captivating audiences. Produced by A-1 Pictures, this anime plunges viewers into a world where portals to other dimensions unleash monstrous creatures upon Earth. Conventional weapons prove useless against these threats, leaving humanity reliant on a select group of Hunters, ranked from E to S-class, to combat the invading forces.

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?

The story unfolds in an alternate Earth where these dimensional gates unleash hordes of monsters. Only Hunters possess the ability to harm and kill these creatures. These Hunters are ranked, from the weakest E-rank to the powerful S-rank. Dungeons, teeming with monsters, are similarly ranked. Sung Jin-woo, our protagonist, begins as a low-ranked Hunter, struggling to even clear basic dungeons. A near-fatal encounter leads to an unexpected transformation, granting him unique abilities to level up, setting him on a path of extraordinary power.

This newfound ability makes him the only Hunter capable of personally increasing his rank. His life takes on a game-like quality, complete with a futuristic interface displaying quests and leveling menus. His journey to become stronger is not instantaneous, but a gradual, hard-earned process.

Why has the anime become so popular?

Solo Leveling's popularity stems from several factors. Firstly, its successful adaptation of the beloved manhwa. A-1 Pictures, known for their work on titles like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Sword Art Online, stayed remarkably faithful to the source material. The anime delivers a consistently action-packed experience, filled with thrilling battles and challenges, without overwhelming viewers with complex plotlines or world-building. The narrative unfolds smoothly, providing necessary information organically through interactions, keeping the focus on the main storyline.

The studio masterfully crafts an immersive atmosphere, using lighting and shadow to enhance the intensity of key moments. Brighter scenes contrast with the darker, more suspenseful ones, creating a dynamic viewing experience.

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's initial portrayal as an underdog, even earning the moniker "The Weakest Hunter," is key to his appeal. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his team, despite his financial responsibilities, showcases his selfless nature. This act earns him the System's reward, but he's not a flawless hero; he makes mistakes and faces consequences, like being punished for neglecting training. His journey is one of dedication and hard work, earning his power through sweat and determination, a relatable aspect that resonates with viewers.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The memorable "statue of God" image, frequently appearing in memes, generated significant curiosity among those unfamiliar with the manhwa, significantly boosting the anime's visibility.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Some criticisms center on the clichéd plot and abrupt shifts between action and calm moments. The portrayal of Jin-woo's rapid progression from underdog to powerful warrior, alongside the relatively underdeveloped supporting characters, has also drawn criticism, with some viewing Jin-woo as a Mary Sue character. This lack of character depth might deter viewers seeking more nuanced character development.

Another point of contention arises from comparisons to the manhwa. The pacing, while suitable for the manhwa format, is sometimes perceived as jarring in the anime adaptation.

Is it worth watching?

For viewers who enjoy action-packed anime with a focus on the protagonist's journey, and less emphasis on extensive character development, Solo Leveling's first season offers a highly enjoyable binge-watching experience. However, if the story doesn't grab your attention within the first couple of episodes, it might not be worth investing further time into the series, its second season, or the related gacha game.