The Rise of Solo Leveling: A Phenomenon Explained

The second season of Solo Leveling, a South Korean manhwa adapted into an anime by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, is already underway. This captivating series follows the journey of hunters who can traverse portals and battle formidable enemies within.

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 viewers to a world where mysterious gates suddenly appear, unleashing monstrous beings. Traditional weapons prove ineffective against these creatures, and only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, possess the power to combat them. These hunters are ranked from the lowest E-rank to the highest S-rank, a classification system that also applies to the dungeons filled with these monsters.

The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, begins his journey as an E-rank hunter, struggling to clear even the most basic dungeons. Trapped with his team in a perilous situation, Jin-woo sacrifices himself to save others, an act that earns him a unique reward: the ability to level up. This transforms his life into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface featuring quests and leveling menus. As Jin-woo grows stronger, his journey becomes a testament to perseverance and growth.

Why has the anime become so popular?

The popularity of Solo Leveling can be attributed to three main factors. First, the anime closely adapts the beloved manhwa, a task A-1 Pictures has excelled at with other series like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online, Erased, and Your Lie in April. The studio successfully delivers a continuous action-packed narrative, keeping the plot straightforward and engaging for viewers of all ages. The anime's atmosphere is further enhanced through visual storytelling, with darker tones during tense scenes and brighter hues in lighter moments.

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's character arc resonates deeply with audiences. Starting as an underdog dubbed "The Worst Weapon of Humanity" due to his initial lack of combat prowess, he demonstrates remarkable selflessness by sacrificing himself for his team's survival, despite his financial responsibilities to his family. This act earns him the System's favor, granting him the ability to enhance his skills. Unlike typical protagonists, Jin-woo's journey is marked by hard work and dedication, as he learns to value each unit of experience gained through his efforts. His diligence and growth make his story compelling and relatable.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The marketing strategy, particularly the iconic statue of God with its memorable toothy grin, significantly boosted the anime's visibility. This image became a viral sensation, drawing in viewers curious about the series and contributing to its widespread popularity.

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 the protagonist, potentially portraying Jin-woo as an author-insert or Mary Sue character. His rapid transformation from an underdog to a powerful figure contrasts with the underdeveloped supporting cast, who often serve merely as background to Jin-woo's journey. Additionally, fans of the original manhwa feel the anime's pacing could be better adapted to enhance the viewing experience.

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely. Solo Leveling is a must-watch for fans of action-packed anime with a focus on the protagonist's journey. If the first two episodes capture your interest, the series is likely to keep you engaged through its thrilling narrative. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't resonate with you early on, you might not find the subsequent seasons or related games compelling.