Solo Leveling: A Rising Phenomenon in Gaming Culture

The second season of Solo Leveling is already underway, captivating fans with its thrilling continuation of the story. This South Korean manhwa, now adapted into an anime by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, follows the journey of hunters who navigate through 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 suddenly appear, unleashing monsters that conventional weapons cannot 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. When his team becomes trapped, Jin-woo's self-sacrifice in a desperate attempt to save his comrades earns him a unique reward: the ability to level up. This transforms his life into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface and various quests, allowing him to grow stronger over time.

Image: ensigame.com

Why has the anime become so popular?

The popularity of Solo Leveling can be attributed to three main factors. Firstly, the anime is a faithful adaptation of the beloved manhwa, a task that A-1 Pictures has successfully accomplished with other renowned series like Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Sword Art Online, Erased, and Your Lie in April. The studio has managed to maintain a continuous, action-packed narrative that keeps viewers engaged without overwhelming them with complex plotlines or extensive world-building.

Secondly, the character of Sung Jin-woo himself plays a significant role in the anime's appeal. Starting as an underdog with the nickname "The Worst Weapon of Humanity," Jin-woo's journey from self-sacrifice to gaining the ability to enhance his skills resonates with audiences. His dedication to training and his realistic portrayal as someone who earns his powers through hard work and perseverance make him a compelling protagonist.

Image: ensigame.com

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's transformation from an E-rank hunter to a formidable force is not just about gaining power; it's about his willingness to sacrifice for others and his commitment to improving himself. His journey is relatable and inspiring, as he faces challenges and learns from his mistakes, such as when he is punished for skipping training and forced to run from monsters in the desert.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The marketing strategy for Solo Leveling was highly effective, with the memorable statue of God becoming a viral sensation. Its toothy grin sparked curiosity and interest among those unfamiliar with the manhwa, drawing them into the series.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Despite its popularity, Solo Leveling has faced criticism for its clichéd plot and the abrupt transitions between action and calm scenes. Some critics argue that the story glorifies the protagonist excessively, portraying Jin-woo as an author-insert or Mary Sue character. Additionally, the supporting characters are often seen as underdeveloped, serving primarily as background to Jin-woo's journey.

Original manhwa readers have also expressed dissatisfaction with the anime's pacing, feeling that it does not adapt the source material effectively for the screen.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely. If you enjoy action-packed anime with a focus on the protagonist's journey, Solo Leveling is definitely worth watching. The first season offers a binge-worthy experience for fans of this genre. However, if Jin-woo's story does not captivate you within the first two episodes, it might not be the right fit for you, and you may want to consider skipping the second season or the related open-world gacha game.