- Thread Author
- #1
Alright, I know everyone and their mother has been talking about Solo Leveling, especially since the anime adaptation finally dropped (and yes, A-1 Pictures absolutely delivered on the visuals, the music, the whole package!). But now that we've had some time to digest it, let's have an honest forum discussion.
We all know what's coming: ARISE.
The Shadow Army is the main attraction, and if Season 2 (or whatever they call the next cour) gives us the spectacle of that army fully formed with Beru leading the charge, it will break the internet. The sheer scale of those later fights needs to be maintained, and that's a huge budget risk for the studio.
What are your thoughts? Did the anime live up to the hype for the Manhwa readers, or did it feel rushed? And for the anime-onlies, is it the best power fantasy you've seen this year?
Discuss!
The Good: Why It's Been Hyped for Years
- Sung Jinwoo's Level-Up: This is the core of the show. Watching "The Weakest Hunter of All Mankind" (E-Rank, lol) actually get a literal game system and start grinding is just pure, uncut dopamine. The progression is the whole point, and they nail the feeling of earned strength. When he gets that new skill or his stats jump, I feel it in my soul.
- A-1 Pictures Went OFF: Seriously, the animation quality is ridiculous. The Double Dungeon arc? The statues? The tension was palpable, and the sheer detail in the character models and the fluid fight choreography is what this Manhwa deserved. And don't even get me started on the soundtrack—Hiroyuki Sawano is a god, full stop.
- The Power Fantasy Done Right: Look, we all love a good power fantasy, and Solo Leveling is the gold standard for many. It's satisfying to watch a character overcome impossible odds and become an absolute monster.
The Cold Truth: Where It Can Fall Short
- "Solo" Means... Solo: The biggest knock on the series is that the author takes the title way too literally. Once Jinwoo gets his power, every other character becomes completely irrelevant. S-Rank hunters? Guild Masters? Fodder. They are essentially just NPCs who exist to be amazed by Jinwoo's power. I wish side characters like Jinho or even Cha Hae-In got more agency before they just became part of the "Jinwoo fan club."
- Plot Simplicity: Let's be honest, the plot is straightforward: "Jinwoo is weak -> Jinwoo trains solo -> Jinwoo faces a bigger monster -> Jinwoo is strong -> Repeat." It’s not trying to be a complex narrative like Attack on Titan or Frieren. If you go in expecting groundbreaking world-building or deep political drama, you'll be disappointed. It’s an action spectacle, and that's okay!
The Big Question for Season 2: Will They Stick the Landing?
We all know what's coming: ARISE.
The Shadow Army is the main attraction, and if Season 2 (or whatever they call the next cour) gives us the spectacle of that army fully formed with Beru leading the charge, it will break the internet. The sheer scale of those later fights needs to be maintained, and that's a huge budget risk for the studio.
What are your thoughts? Did the anime live up to the hype for the Manhwa readers, or did it feel rushed? And for the anime-onlies, is it the best power fantasy you've seen this year?
Discuss!
