The second season of *Solo Leveling* is already underway, captivating audiences worldwide. This South Korean manhwa, now adapted into an anime by the Japanese studio A-1 Pictures, dives into the thrilling world of hunters who navigate portals to combat fearsome 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?

*Solo Leveling* unfolds in an alternate Earth where mysterious gates emerge, unleashing hordes of monsters impervious to conventional weaponry. Only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, possess the ability to combat these creatures. These hunters are categorized from the lowest E-rank to the elite S-rank, with dungeons similarly ranked based on the threat level of their inhabitants.

The protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, starts as an E-rank hunter, barely able to navigate even the simplest dungeons. Trapped with his team in a perilous situation, Jin-woo's selfless act of sacrificing himself to save others earns him a unique gift: the ability to level up. This transforms his life into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface and quest menus, propelling him on a journey to become stronger.

Image: ensigame.com

Why has the anime become so popular?

*Solo Leveling* owes its popularity to several key factors. Firstly, the original manhwa had a dedicated fanbase, and A-1 Pictures' adaptation stayed true to the source material, much like their successful adaptations of *Kaguya-sama: Love is War*, *Sword Art Online*, and others. The anime delivers a relentless action-packed narrative, simplifying complex plot elements and focusing on the hero's journey, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The studio's visual storytelling enhances the viewing experience, with strategic use of lighting and color to heighten tension during battles and create a carefree atmosphere in calmer scenes.

Image: ensigame.com

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's journey from an underdog, mockingly called "The Worst Weapon of Humanity," to a formidable force is a compelling narrative. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his team, despite his financial responsibilities to his family, showcases his selflessness. The System rewards this by granting him the ability to enhance his skills, but Jin-woo's path is not without its challenges. His mistakes, like neglecting training and facing the consequences, make him relatable and admired for his hard-earned growth.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The iconic statue of God, with its memorable toothy grin, became a viral sensation, sparking curiosity and drawing new fans to the series.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Despite its popularity, *Solo Leveling* faces criticism for its reliance on clichéd plot elements and the abrupt transitions between action and calm. Some viewers find the portrayal of Jin-woo's journey overly grandiose, likening him to an author-insert or Mary Sue character. Critics also note that secondary characters lack depth and development, appearing more as background figures to Jin-woo's story.

Original manhwa readers express disappointment with the anime's pacing, feeling it mirrors the source too closely without adapting to the anime format effectively.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely. If you relish non-stop action with a focus on the main hero's journey, *Solo Leveling* is a binge-worthy watch. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't hook you within the first couple of episodes, it might not be the series for you. The second season and related content like the open-world gacha game may also not hold your interest if the initial episodes don't captivate you.