Solo Leveling: The Rising Phenomenon in Web Novels

The second season of **Solo Leveling**, the South Korean manhwa turned anime by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, is already underway. This gripping series follows the journey of hunters who traverse portals to combat formidable enemies, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action and character development.

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 reality, **Solo Leveling** unfolds on a version of Earth where mysterious gates suddenly appear, unleashing monsters impervious to conventional weaponry. 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, a classification that also applies to the dungeons they explore.

The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, initially holds the lowest rank and struggles to clear even regular dungeons. A pivotal moment occurs when his group becomes trapped, and Jin-woo, recognizing his perceived inadequacy, sacrifices himself to aid his comrades. This selfless act earns him a unique reward: the ability to level up, making him the only individual capable of changing his personal rank.

As Jin-woo progresses, his life begins to mirror a video game, with a futuristic interface guiding his quests and leveling. This transformation marks the beginning of his journey to become stronger, though not without its challenges.

Why has the anime become so popular?

**Solo Leveling** has captured a massive audience for several compelling reasons. First, its origin as a beloved manhwa provided a solid foundation for A-1 Pictures, which adeptly adapted the source material to maintain its essence. The studio, known for successful adaptations like **Kaguya-sama: Love is War** and **Sword Art Online**, has recreated the continuous action and straightforward storytelling that made the manhwa popular.

The anime avoids complex plotlines and focuses on a clear, engaging narrative, with essential world-building explained through other characters. This approach keeps viewers of all ages engaged. Additionally, A-1 Pictures enhances the viewing experience with dynamic visual techniques, such as darkening the screen during tense moments to highlight key scenes, and brightening it during normal times to convey a sense of normalcy.

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's journey from an underdog, dubbed "The Worst Weapon of Humanity," to a formidable hunter resonates with viewers. His initial willingness to sacrifice himself for his trapped group, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, showcases his selflessness. Rewarded with the ability to enhance his skills, Jin-woo's growth is marked by hard work and perseverance.

Unlike many protagonists who are born with their powers, Jin-woo earns his abilities through dedication and effort, which is particularly appealing to audiences. His commitment to training and the consequences of neglecting it, such as being forced to run from monsters, highlight his human side and make his journey relatable and inspiring.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The anime's marketing, particularly the memorable statue of God with its toothy grin, became a viral sensation. This image not only captured the attention of existing fans but also piqued the curiosity of those unfamiliar with the manhwa, contributing significantly to the anime's popularity.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Despite its popularity, **Solo Leveling** has faced criticism for its clichéd plot and the stark contrast between its action scenes and quieter moments. Some critics argue that the story glorifies the hero excessively, portraying Jin-woo as an author-insert or Mary Sue character who evolves too quickly from an underdog to a killing machine.

Additionally, the supporting characters are often seen as underdeveloped, lacking depth beyond their initial traits. This focus on the main hero's journey at the expense of other characters' development has been a point of contention. Original manhwa readers have also criticized the anime's pacing, feeling it does not adapt the source material's slower pace effectively for the screen.

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely. If you're drawn to high-octane action with a focus on the main protagonist's journey, **Solo Leveling** is a must-watch. The first season offers a binge-worthy experience for those who enjoy this style. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't grab you within the first two episodes, it might not be worth continuing with the series, its second season, or even the related open-world gacha game.