What's the phenomenon of Solo Leveling?

The second season of the anime adaptation of the popular South Korean manhwa, *Solo Leveling*, is already captivating audiences. This action-packed series, brought to life by A-1 Pictures, plunges viewers into a world where portals to other dimensions unleash hordes of monsters upon Earth. Conventional weapons prove useless against these creatures, leaving humanity's fate in the hands of a select few: hunters.

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?

The anime unfolds in an alternate reality where monstrous creatures emerge from randomly appearing gates. These gates present a significant threat, as conventional weaponry proves ineffective. Only a select group of individuals, known as hunters, possess the ability to combat and eliminate these creatures. These hunters are ranked, from the weakest E-rank to the strongest S-rank, a system that also categorizes the dangerous dungeons teeming with monsters.

Sung Jin-woo, our protagonist, is a low-ranked hunter, barely capable of clearing even basic dungeons. A fateful mission leaves his team trapped, and Jin-woo's selfless act of sacrifice earns him an extraordinary reward: the ability to level up, unlike any other hunter. This newfound power transforms his life, introducing a game-like interface with quests and leveling systems, setting him on a path to become incredibly strong, though not without considerable effort.

Why has the anime become so popular?

*Solo Leveling*'s popularity stems from several factors. Firstly, the manhwa enjoyed immense success, making the anime adaptation a highly anticipated event. A-1 Pictures, known for their successful adaptations of popular manga and light novels (such as *Kaguya-sama: Love is War*, *Sword Art Online*, *Erased*, and *Your Lie in April*), faithfully recreated the source material's action-packed, continuous fight sequences. The narrative avoids overly complex plotlines and world-building, making it accessible to a wide audience while maintaining a focus on the main storyline. The studio masterfully created an immersive atmosphere, using light and shadow to enhance the tension and excitement of the scenes.

The second reason for its popularity is Jin-woo himself

Jin-woo's journey from an underdog, nicknamed "The Weakest Hunter," to a formidable powerhouse resonates with viewers. His initial selflessness in sacrificing himself to save his team, despite his financial responsibilities, establishes his character. He's not a flawless hero; he makes mistakes, like skipping training and facing the consequences. His hard work and dedication to leveling up, earning his power through sweat and struggle, make him relatable and admirable. This contrasts with many protagonists who are born with inherent abilities, making Jin-woo's journey all the more compelling.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The memorable "God Statue," with its distinctive toothy grin, became a viral meme, piquing the curiosity of many who hadn't encountered the manhwa, thus significantly boosting the anime's visibility and popularity.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Some criticisms center on the somewhat clichéd plot and the abrupt shifts between action and calmer moments. The overly grandiose portrayal of Jin-woo and his accomplishments, leading some to view him as a Mary Sue character, is another point of contention. The rapid transformation from underdog to powerful hunter is starkly contrasted with the underdeveloped supporting characters who lack depth and significant growth. Furthermore, some manhwa readers find the anime's pacing, while improved from the source material, still feels somewhat abrupt and lacking in smooth transitions.

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely, if you enjoy action-packed anime with a focus on the main character's journey and less emphasis on complex character development. The first season is highly bingeable. However, if Jin-woo's story doesn't immediately grab your attention within the first couple of episodes, you might find the series less engaging. The same could be said for the second season and the related open-world gacha game.