1. Introduction
If you’ve been anywhere near the anime community lately, you’ve definitely heard about Solo Leveling. It’s that one show that people have been non-stop hyping up for years. And now that Season 1 is finally here, the big question is: Did it actually live up to expectations?
Fans of the manhwa (Korean webtoon) have been waiting since 2018 for this adaptation. And with A-1 Pictures handling the animation, the expectations were sky-high.
So, is Solo Leveling the next big anime, or is it just another overrated power fantasy? Let’s break it down.
2. What Is Solo Leveling About?
Imagine a world where random dungeons appear, and inside them, terrifying monsters roam. To fight these monsters, some humans awaken special powers and become hunters.
Jinwoo Sung, the main character, is the weakest hunter alive. Seriously, he’s so bad that he’s known as the “World’s Weakest Hunter.” Every time he enters a dungeon, he barely survives. That is, until one life-changing event happens, and suddenly, he gains a system that lets him level up—something no other hunter can do.
From that moment on, Jinwoo goes from being the weakest to the strongest—but not without some serious challenges along the way.
3. Why Was Everyone So Hyped for This Anime?
The hype for Solo Leveling wasn’t just about the story—it was about how insanely good the manhwa was. The artwork, the pacing, the fights—everything about the original webtoon felt perfect for an anime adaptation.
Here’s why fans were so excited:
✔ The Power Fantasy – Watching a weak character become ridiculously overpowered? Always satisfying.
✔ Non-Stop Action – There’s barely any filler. Almost every chapter is either a fight or a power-up.
✔ The Art Style – The webtoon had stunning visuals, and fans wanted to see if the anime could match it.
✔ A-1 Pictures – The same studio behind Sword Art Online and 86—so expectations were high.
But does the anime actually do justice to the manhwa? Let’s find out.
4. Storyline Breakdown (Without Major Spoilers)
Season 1 of Solo Leveling mainly covers Jinwoo’s transformation from weak to overpowered. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Episode 1-3: The Awakening
- Jinwoo and his team enter a Double Dungeon (basically a death trap).
- He gets chosen by the System and gains the ability to level up.
- He starts training and realizes he can become stronger without limits.
Episode 4-8: Training Arc & First Real Battles
- Jinwoo starts accepting tougher dungeons.
- He fights monsters alone and keeps getting stronger.
- Introduced to his first real threats—including demon bosses and high-ranked hunters.
Episode 9-12: Overpowered Mode Activated
- Jinwoo’s powers evolve to ridiculous levels.
- He unlocks Shadow Extraction, a skill that lets him raise dead enemies as his soldiers.
- Final battle of the season? Let’s just say he completely dominates.
5. Jinwoo Sung – The Weakest Hunter to the Strongest
Jinwoo’s journey is what makes this anime so satisfying. He starts as a joke but quickly becomes a force of nature.
Why Is Jinwoo So Overpowered?
- Unlike other hunters, he can level up infinitely.
- He gains insanely rare skills that make him almost unbeatable.
- His Shadow Army (undead minions) makes him a literal one-man army.
One thing that sets Jinwoo apart from other OP protagonists is that he works for his strength. He doesn’t just get power handed to him—he has to train, fight, and struggle to get to the top.
6. Animation & Soundtrack – Did A-1 Pictures Deliver?
Animation Quality
When A-1 Pictures was announced as the studio, people were nervous. But honestly? They nailed it.
✔ Fluid animation – Every fight feels smooth, with detailed movements.
✔ Dark & intense visuals – The shading and lighting fit the story’s vibe perfectly.
✔ Character designs are accurate – Jinwoo looks exactly like his manhwa version.
Soundtrack & Voice Acting
The background music? Absolutely epic. Especially during fight scenes—the orchestral themes add so much hype.
And Jinwoo’s Japanese VA (Taito Ban)? Perfect casting. He captures the transformation from weak to badass really well.
7. Best Fight Scenes in Season 1
- Jinwoo vs. The Temple Guardians (Episode 2-3) – The first time we see how brutal the world of Solo Leveling can be.
- Jinwoo vs. The High Orcs (Episode 6-7) – His first true test as a solo fighter.
- Jinwoo vs. The Demon King (Episode 10-11) – Pure OP madness.
These fights prove that Solo Leveling is not just another generic power fantasy.
8. Criticism & Weak Points
No anime is perfect, and Solo Leveling has some flaws:
- Side characters are underdeveloped – Most of the focus is on Jinwoo, and others feel kinda forgettable.
- Pacing is super fast – Some moments in the manhwa had more build-up, but the anime speeds through them.
- Jinwoo is too overpowered? – Some people feel like there’s no real challenge for him after a certain point.
9. Will There Be a Solo Leveling Season 2?
YES. The anime only covered the first half of the manhwa, so there’s still a LOT more story left.
Season 2 will introduce:
- Stronger enemies – The Monarchs, who are actually a huge threat.
- Jinwoo’s full potential – He hasn’t even reached his peak yet.
- More intense battles – If you thought Season 1 was crazy, just wait.
Most likely, Season 2 will drop sometime in 2025.
10. Final Thoughts – Is Solo Leveling Worth Watching?
✔ If you love overpowered protagonists, this is a must-watch.
✔ If you want non-stop action and hype moments, you won’t be disappointed.
✔ If you prefer deep, emotional storytelling, this might not be for you.
At the end of the day, Solo Leveling delivers exactly what fans wanted—pure action, stunning animation, and an OP main character that’s fun to watch.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely.