I’m new to the world of Solo Leveling, but it’s already become one of my favorite anime series. I’ve watched the entire first season in just a couple of days. The show takes its cues from role-playing games (RPGs), complete with ability points, stats, loot drops, and puzzles to solve – all essential mechanics if you’re an RPG fan. Even though I’m not an anime expert and typically watch series years after everyone else, Solo Leveling recently popped up in Google’s trending searches, coinciding with the start of Season 2. That kind of buzz usually belongs to major celebrity news or worldwide events, so it speaks volumes about this show’s popularity. In fact, the first episode of Season 2 has broken the Crunchyroll record of likes that first season’s premiere set.
Story vs. Fights: My Take on the IGN Critique
IGN once wrote that there isn’t “much substance to Solo Leveling beyond its thrilling fights.” I definitely disagree. Yes, the battles are a central part of the series, but there’s much more beneath the surface. Solo Leveling explores themes like bullying, self-confidence, and personal growth, all through the lens of a world where some humans are suddenly awakened with unique powers. The main character, Sung Jinwoo, is famously labeled “the weakest of all hunters,” and his journey reveals why he continues to fight despite overwhelming odds. If you only watch for the fight sequences, of course that’s what you’ll focus on – but if you look deeper, you’ll find a character-driven story about overcoming limitations and discovering one’s true potential.
Artwork and Animation
The animation in Solo Leveling is eye-catching and vibrant, filled with meticulous detail and bold colors. The effects, especially in battle scenes, crank up the intensity and give each confrontation a larger-than-life feel. In general, the show’s quality matches (and sometimes exceeds) the beautiful artwork of the original webtoon. It’s easy to see that the anime team put serious effort into capturing that same visual flair the source material is known for.
Music
While the original Japanese intro song sounds better to me than the dubbed version, the rest of the soundtrack is phenomenal. Intense battle scenes are heightened by dramatic orchestral scores that fit perfectly, while quieter character moments are supported by soft, emotive tracks. The contrast helps underline the tension of the action sequences and the poignancy of Jinwoo’s struggles.
From Webtoon to Anime
For those who might not know, Solo Leveling is based on a popular webtoon, which in turn was adapted from a novel by Chu-Gong. I’ve read bits of the webtoon, and I can see why it serves as such a strong source for the show – the panels are already dynamic and visually impressive. However, the webtoon often breezes through plot points and character development. That’s where the anime truly shines, expanding on the cast’s interactions and growth to paint a more complete picture of why they fight and how they grow.
Background: Gates and Hunters
In this universe, “Gates” appeared about a decade ago, linking our world to one overrun by monsters. At the same time, certain individuals awakened with powers, becoming “hunters” tasked with eliminating the monsters. Hunters are ranked from E to S based on their power level (S being the strongest and E being the weakest), and once you’re placed in a rank, it’s assumed you can never move up. Corporate-like guilds recruit the strongest hunters, rewarding them for clearing dangerous dungeons and bringing safety (and profit) to society.
Episode 1 Recap
Setting the Stage
Episode 1 immerses us in a modern world turned upside down by mysterious Gates and monstrous threats. The episode introduces the concept of hunters and their rankings, along with the existence of large guilds that function much like powerful corporations.
Meet Sung Jinwoo
Sung Jinwoo is the show’s protagonist and is infamously known as “the weakest hunter.” He’s an E-ranked hunter who barely survives most of his missions. Even in the simplest raids, he often ends up barely alive, saved repeatedly by his friend Lee Joohee – a B-ranked healer who genuinely cares about his well-being. Other hunters belittle him for his weakness, which only fuels his lack of self-confidence.
A Risky Dungeon Raid
We learn how Jinwoo is lured into a supposed D-rank dungeon because he’s desperate for money. Despite the dangers, he believes having Joohee at his side might be enough to keep him alive. After the team clears the initial section, they discover something unsettling: it’s a double dungeon. Despite the high risk, the group votes to press forward.
Trapped Among Statues
Deeper in, they find themselves surrounded by imposing statues with a menacing aura. The door slams shut behind them, and a hunter’s attempt to flee ends in a brutal instant. The shock and horror leave everyone feeling that they’ve just stepped into something way beyond their control. It’s the perfect cliffhanger to keep you coming back for more.
Final Thoughts
From the get-go, Solo Leveling makes a statement: it’s not just about cool fights (though there are plenty). Themes of camaraderie, betrayal, personal growth, and perseverance are woven into every episode. Combined with striking visuals and epic music, Solo Leveling is shaping up to be a remarkable journey – one that’s well worth the hype it’s been getting.
If you haven’t started watching yet, Episode 1 sets the stage with enough tension and intrigue to hook newcomers. If you’re a long-time fan of the webtoon or novel, you’ll enjoy seeing all the details fleshed out in fully-animated glory. Either way, Solo Leveling deserves its place in the spotlight. See my review of Solo Leveling episode 2 to find out what’s next for Sung Jinwoo.