What's the phenomenon of Solo Leveling?

Solo Leveling Anime: A Deep Dive into its Popularity and Criticisms

The anime adaptation of the South Korean manhwa, Solo Leveling, produced by A-1 Pictures, has captivated audiences with its action-packed storyline of hunters battling monsters from interdimensional portals. The second season is now airing.

What is Solo Leveling About?

The series unfolds on an Earth where portals release monstrous creatures, vulnerable only to a select group of "hunters" ranked from E to S-class. Sung Jin-woo, a low-ranked hunter, sacrifices himself to save his team, gaining the unique ability to level up, transforming his life into a game-like experience. He progresses from an underdog to an unparalleled powerhouse.

Image: ensigame.com

Why is Solo Leveling So Popular?

Solo Leveling's success stems from several factors:

1. Faithful Adaptation: A-1 Pictures, renowned for adapting popular manga and light novels (e.g., Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online), delivered a close adaptation of the beloved manhwa, maintaining its core appeal. The action is continuous and engaging, avoiding overly complex plotlines, making it accessible to a broad audience. The studio masterfully crafted the atmosphere, using lighting to emphasize tension and create a dynamic viewing experience.

Image: ensigame.com

2. Relatable Protagonist: Jin-woo's journey from "The Worst Weapon of Humanity" to a formidable hunter resonates with viewers. His selflessness, mistakes, and dedication to improving his skills through hard work make him a compelling and relatable character. His earned abilities, unlike many born with inherent powers, foster audience appreciation.

3. Effective Marketing: The memorable "God" statue, frequently appearing in memes, generated significant curiosity and drew in viewers unfamiliar with the manhwa.

Criticisms of Solo Leveling:

Despite its popularity, Solo Leveling faces criticism:

1. Clichéd Plot and Pacing: Some viewers find the plot formulaic, with abrupt shifts between action and calmer moments. Jin-woo's rapid evolution from underdog to powerful hunter is seen by some as unrealistic or even a "Mary Sue" archetype. The supporting characters often lack depth.

Image: ensigame.com

2. Adaptation Issues: Manhwa readers criticize the anime's adaptation of pacing, arguing that the dynamic shifts, effective in the manhwa's episodic structure, feel jarring in the anime format.

Image: ensigame.com

Is Solo Leveling Worth Watching?

Absolutely, if you enjoy action-heavy anime with a less developed supporting cast. The first season provides a binge-worthy experience. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't grab you within the first couple of episodes, continuing with the series, its second season, or even the related gacha game might not be worthwhile.