The second season of **Solo Leveling** is already underway, continuing the gripping narrative of this South Korean manhwa now transformed into an anime by the renowned Japanese studio A-1 Pictures. This series delves into the world of hunters who navigate through portals to combat formidable 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?

Set in an alternate version of Earth, **Solo Leveling** introduces a world where gates suddenly materialize, unleashing hordes of monsters. Conventional weapons prove ineffective against these creatures, leaving the battle to a select group of individuals known as hunters. These hunters are ranked from the lowest E-rank to the elite S-rank, with dungeons filled with monsters similarly categorized.

Our protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, begins his journey at the bottom of the hierarchy with an E-rank. Struggling to even clear a regular dungeon, Jin-woo's life takes a dramatic turn when he and his group become trapped. In a selfless act, Jin-woo sacrifices himself, earning a unique reward: the ability to level up. This power transforms his life into a game-like experience, complete with a futuristic interface and leveling menus, propelling him on a path to become stronger.

Image: ensigame.com

Why has the anime become so popular?

**Solo Leveling**'s popularity can be attributed to three main factors. Firstly, its source material, the manhwa, was already a beloved series, setting high expectations for the anime adaptation. A-1 Pictures, with a proven track record of successfully adapting works like *Kaguya-sama: Love is War*, *Sword Art Online*, and *Erased*, stayed true to the original, delivering a continuous action-packed experience.

The anime's straightforward narrative, devoid of overly complex plotlines or world-building, keeps viewers engaged and focused on the main storyline. Information is seamlessly integrated through other characters, enhancing the viewer's understanding without overwhelming them. A-1 Pictures also excels in creating an immersive atmosphere, using visual techniques like darkening the screen during tense moments to highlight critical scenes, and brightening it to convey a sense of normalcy and calm.

Image: ensigame.com

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 deeply with audiences. His willingness to sacrifice himself for his group, despite his family's financial dependence on him, showcases his selflessness. Rewarded by the System with the ability to enhance his skills, Jin-woo's path is not without challenges. His mistakes, such as skipping training and facing the consequences, make him relatable. His dedication to improving through hard work and perseverance is a trait that viewers admire, as it contrasts with characters who are born with their powers.

Finally, the marketing played a big role

The marketing strategy, particularly the iconic statue of God with its memorable toothy grin, played a significant role in capturing the attention of both fans and newcomers. This image became a staple in meme culture, sparking curiosity and driving interest in the series.

Why does the anime receive criticism?

Despite its popularity, **Solo Leveling** has faced criticism. Some viewers point out the clichéd plot and the jarring transitions between action and calm moments. Critics argue that the series overly glorifies Jin-woo, portraying him as a near-perfect character, which some perceive as an author-insert or a Mary Sue. The rapid transformation of Jin-woo from an underdog to a powerful figure, coupled with the underdevelopment of secondary characters, has drawn ire from those seeking more depth and complexity in the cast.

Additionally, fans of the original manhwa have criticized the anime's pacing, feeling it closely mirrors the source material without adapting it effectively for the new medium.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Is it worth watching?

Absolutely. If you're a fan of action-packed series with a focus on the protagonist's journey, **Solo Leveling** is definitely worth your time. The first season offers a binge-worthy experience, especially if you enjoy narratives centered around a single hero's growth. However, if Jin-woo's story fails to captivate you within the first couple of episodes, you might want to explore other series. As for the ongoing second season and the open-world gacha game, they continue to expand on Jin-woo's world and adventures, offering more for fans to enjoy.