What's the phenomenon of Solo Leveling?

The second season of the Solo Leveling anime is here! This adaptation of the popular South Korean manhwa, brought to life by A-1 Pictures, plunges viewers into a world where portals spew forth monsters, and only special individuals—hunters—can combat them. The hunters are ranked, from the lowly E-rank to the elite S-rank, mirroring the difficulty of the monster-infested dungeons they face.

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?

Our story unfolds on an Earth invaded by monstrous creatures emerging from randomly appearing gates. Conventional weapons are useless; only hunters possess the power to vanquish these threats. Sung Jin-woo, a low-ranked E-rank hunter, struggles to even clear basic dungeons. A near-fatal encounter, however, changes everything. Sacrificing himself to save his team, Jin-woo gains an extraordinary ability: the power to level up, becoming the only person capable of improving his rank. This newfound power transforms his life, introducing a game-like interface with quests and leveling menus, propelling him on a path to unimaginable strength.

Why has the anime become so popular?

Solo Leveling’s success boils down to several key factors. Firstly, its source material was already a beloved manhwa, simplifying A-1 Pictures’ task of faithful adaptation. The studio, known for its work on titles like Kaguya-sama: Love is War and Sword Art Online, expertly translated the manhwa’s action-packed narrative to the screen. The anime maintains a consistently engaging pace, focusing on Jin-woo's relentless battles and challenges, avoiding overly complex plotlines or world-building that might alienate viewers. The studio cleverly utilizes lighting and shadow to enhance the immersive atmosphere, shifting between bright, carefree scenes and tense, darkened moments of combat.

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo begins as a complete underdog, even dubbed "The Weakest Hunter." His willingness to sacrifice himself for his team, despite his financial responsibilities, highlights his selflessness. He’s not a flawless hero; he makes mistakes, like skipping training, resulting in humorous yet impactful consequences. His journey is one of hard work and dedication, earning his power through sweat and struggle, a relatable and appealing aspect for viewers.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The memorable "God" statue, frequently appearing in memes, piqued the curiosity of many, drawing attention to the series even beyond its existing fanbase.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Some criticisms center on the somewhat clichéd plot and the abrupt shifts between action and calmer moments. The rapid evolution of Jin-woo from underdog to powerhouse, coupled with the relatively underdeveloped supporting characters, has led to accusations of a "Mary Sue" protagonist. While the pacing works in the manhwa's static format, the anime's adaptation hasn't always successfully translated this into a dynamic viewing experience. Furthermore, some manhwa readers feel the anime lacks the nuance present in the original source material.

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely! If you crave non-stop action with a focus on the protagonist’s journey, the first season is highly binge-worthy. However, if Jin-woo’s story doesn't grab you within the first couple of episodes, you might find the rest of the season, the second season, and even the related open-world gacha game less engaging.