Solo Leveling Dominates Web Novel Scene

The second season is already underway.

Solo Leveling, a South Korean manhwa adapted into an anime by Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, follows hunters who can traverse portals to eliminate monstrous threats.

Table of Content

• What is the anime about?
• Why has the anime become so popular?
• Why does the anime receive criticism?
• Is it worth watching?

What is the anime about?

The story unfolds in an alternate Earth where mysterious portals suddenly unleash monsters immune to conventional weapons. Only specially gifted individuals called hunters can combat these creatures, ranked from weakest E-rank to formidable S-rank.

Dungeons teeming with monsters follow the same ranking system. Our protagonist Sung Jin-woo, initially bearing the lowest E-rank, struggles in basic dungeons. When his team becomes trapped, Jin-woo's self-sacrificial act earns him a unique gaming-like system that allows him to progressively grow stronger - making him the only hunter capable of increasing his own rank.

Why has the anime become so popular?

Three key factors contributed to its success:

The anime faithfully adapts the beloved manhwa source material. Studio A-1 Pictures (known for Sword Art Online and Kaguya-sama) maintains relentless action sequences while keeping the narrative accessible. Clever visual storytelling uses lighting shifts to heighten tension during critical moments.

The protagonist's compelling journey

Sung Jin-woo begins as humanity's weakest hunter, mocked as "The Worst Weapon." His initial self-sacrifice triggers gradual power growth through genuine effort - contrasting typical overpowered protagonists. Viewers appreciate watching his skills develop through perseverance rather than innate talent.

Effective marketing campaign

The distinctive grinning statue of God became viral meme material, piquing curiosity among new audiences unfamiliar with the source material.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Detractors highlight:

• Formulaic storytelling with abrupt tonal shifts
• The protagonist's rapid power escalation
• Underdeveloped supporting cast
• Static adaptation resembling moving comic panels

These critiques hold weight for viewers prioritizing deep character arcs or narrative complexity over pure action.

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely - if you enjoy action-focused stories with RPG progression systems. The first two episodes effectively establish whether the series will appeal to your tastes. Those craving nuanced character development may prefer other titles.