Alright, folks—let’s talk about the anime that’s been blowing up everyone’s watchlists since January 2024. Solo Leveling has finally made the leap from manhwa phenomenon to animated sensation, and boy oh boy, was it worth the wait! After years of fans begging for an adaptation, A-1 Pictures delivered something that’s got the anime community buzzing like crazy. But does it live up to the insane hype? I’ve binged the entire first season, and I’m ready to break it all down—the good, the bad, and the absolutely jaw-dropping.
The Genesis of a Gaming-Inspired Masterpiece
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s rewind a bit. Solo Leveling started life as a web novel by Chugong back in 2016, then transformed into a wildly popular manhwa illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (aka DUBU, who sadly passed away in 2022). The series exploded in popularity around 2018-2019, becoming one of the most-read Korean webcomics globally.
The premise? In a world where mysterious gates connect our reality to monster-filled dungeons, certain humans awaken as “hunters” with supernatural abilities. Our protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, is the definition of rock bottom—the world’s weakest hunter, nicknamed “the E-rank hunter” (basically the laughingstock of the hunter community). That is, until a near-death experience in a double dungeon grants him a unique system that allows him to—you guessed it—level up solo, unlike any other hunter.
It’s like someone took the most satisfying elements of RPGs, dungeon-crawling video games, and shonen anime, then blended them into one addictive cocktail. And that’s exactly why fans have been foaming at the mouth waiting for this adaptation.
Animation That Makes Your Jaw Hit the Floor
Let’s get real for a second—A-1 Pictures absolutely knocked it out of the park with the animation quality. From the very first episode, you can tell they weren’t messing around. The fight scenes are RIDICULOUS. Not just good—they’re “pause the show and rewatch that sequence three times” good.
Remember that first major fight with the boss in the double dungeon? The way the lighting effects played across Jinwoo’s desperate struggle, the fluidity of movement, and that heart-stopping moment when everything goes quiet before the “System” awakens? Pure cinema. I literally spilled my drink watching that scene unfold.
The character designs stay faithful to DUBU’s artwork while adding that special something that makes great anime adaptations shine. Jinwoo’s transformation from scrawny, terrified E-ranker to the stone-cold, badass hunter we see by season’s end is portrayed with such subtle attention to detail—his posture changes, his eyes grow sharper, even the way he walks evolves throughout the episodes.
But the real MVPs are the shadow soldiers. The way they materialize—that inky black substance that forms and reforms—is mesmerizing. Igris, in particular, looks absolutely magnificent in motion. That moment when Jinwoo first summons him against the ice elves? Chef’s kiss. I rewatched that scene at least five times.
Sound Design That Elevates Every Moment
The soundtrack deserves its own standing ovation. Composed by Hiroyuki Sawano (of Attack on Titan fame) and Kohta Yamamoto, the music perfectly captures both the desperate situations and triumphant moments. That main theme that plays during Jinwoo’s power-ups? It’s been stuck in my head for weeks!
Sound effects don’t get enough credit in anime reviews, but Solo Leveling uses them masterfully. The distinctive notification sound of the System, the bone-chilling roars of high-level monsters, the satisfying “swoosh” when Jinwoo extracts shadows—all of it creates an immersive audio experience that complements the visual feast.
Voice acting? Top-tier across the board. Taito Ban absolutely nails Jinwoo’s character development, from his initial frightened whispers to his confident, sometimes menacing tone as he grows in power. Genta Nakamura as Chae Hae-in brings warmth to her limited screentime, while Hiroki Touchi makes Chairman Go Gunhee feel appropriately authoritative and mysterious.
Pacing: The Double-Edged Sword
If there’s one area where opinions might split, it’s the pacing. The first season covers roughly 50-ish chapters of the manhwa in 12 episodes, which means some content got condensed or rearranged. For manhwa readers, this might feel rushed in places—especially the job change quest and some of the dungeon raids.
Personally, I think they struck a decent balance. The early episodes take their time establishing Jinwoo’s desperate situation and the brutal reality of being a low-rank hunter. Episode 3, where Jinwoo decides to hide his growing powers and strategically plans his advancement, is particularly well-paced, giving us those satisfying moments of realization without dragging things out.
That said, the middle episodes covering the Cartenon Temple raid felt a bit compressed. Some of the strategic elements and character interactions from the manhwa got trimmed, which is understandable but slightly disappointing for die-hard fans who wanted to see every detail animated.
The final arc with the Red Gate incident, however? Absolute perfection in terms of pacing. The build-up, the reveal of Jinwoo’s true capabilities to other hunters, and that epic final battle—all given the time and attention they deserved.
Character Development: The Heart of Solo Leveling
What makes Solo Leveling more than just a power fantasy is its character work, and the anime captures this beautifully. Jinwoo’s journey isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about finding purpose in a world that had written him off.
The early episodes do an excellent job showing why Jinwoo continues hunting despite being so weak—his sick mother, his sister’s education, and the crushing medical bills. That scene where he counts his pathetic earnings after nearly dying? Heartbreaking stuff. It grounds the fantasy elements in very real stakes.
As Jinwoo gains power, the show explores how this changes him—sometimes in concerning ways. His growing coldness, his calculating nature, the way he views other hunters and monsters as potential “resources”—the anime doesn’t shy away from showing how power changes a person. There’s this brilliant subtle moment in episode 8 where Jinwoo catches his reflection after a particularly brutal fight and barely recognizes himself. No dialogue needed—just masterful visual storytelling.
The supporting cast gets less development by nature of the story’s focus, but they still shine in their moments. Yoo Jinho’s evolution from cowardly rich kid to loyal friend provides some necessary humanity. The brief glimpses into other hunters’ lives—like the high-ranker who lost his arm or Chae Hae-in’s struggle with her guild’s politics—add depth to the world.
Worldbuilding: Creating a Believable Fantasy
One aspect where the anime truly excels is in establishing its world. The “awakened” system of hunters feels grounded despite its fantastical elements. The socioeconomic implications are touched upon brilliantly—how hunters are celebrities, how the dungeon economy works, the politics between nations regarding gate management.
The hierarchy of hunter ranks (E through S) creates immediate stakes and understanding. When we see an A-rank hunter struggling, we KNOW things are serious. The guild system, the Hunter Association, the different national approaches to the gate phenomenon—all of it feels thought-out and logical.
The dungeons themselves are diverse and imaginative. From the claustrophobic early dungeons to the expansive Cartenon Temple with its unique architecture, each location has a distinct feel. The rules governing dungeons—time limits, boss mechanics, hidden rooms—all feel like they could be part of an actual game world, which adds to the immersion.
Adaptation Choices: Changes from Page to Screen
Any adaptation requires changes, and Solo Leveling made some interesting ones. For the most part, these changes work in the anime’s favor.
The most noticeable change is the nationalities of characters. In the original manhwa, there’s a more explicit Korean vs. Japanese dynamic, with some political undertones. The anime wisely sidesteps potential controversy by making the setting more generically “global” without specific national tensions.
Some character backstories get compressed or told in different orders, but the essential elements remain. The anime also adds small original scenes that enhance character moments—like an extended sequence showing Jinwoo training in the empty apartment complex, or more detailed flashbacks to his father’s disappearance.
One significant improvement is how the anime handles exposition. The manhwa sometimes relies on text-heavy explanations of game mechanics. The anime transforms these into visually engaging sequences—like when Jinwoo discovers new skills, we see them visualized in training montages rather than just reading stat screens.
Themes: More Than Just Leveling Up
Beneath the power fantasy lies some surprisingly thoughtful themes, which the anime handles with unexpected nuance.
The most obvious is the exploration of what people do with power once they obtain it. Jinwoo starts with the purest motivations—protecting his family—but as his abilities grow, so does his ambition and ruthlessness. The series doesn’t judge this evolution but presents it as a natural progression.
There’s also a running theme about the value of human life in this new world order. Low-rank hunters are treated as disposable, sent into dangerous situations with minimal support. The system literally assigns numeric values to people. Jinwoo’s journey forces viewers to question this callous approach to human worth.
The relationship between hunters and the public creates interesting societal commentary. Hunters are both celebrated and feared, existing in a privileged class while bearing tremendous responsibility. Episodes 6 and 7 particularly explore this dynamic during the job change quest in the public park.
Perhaps most interestingly, there’s an underlying theme about the nature of authority. The System that empowers Jinwoo is mysterious, seemingly all-powerful, yet operates on rigid rules. The Hunter Association, government agencies, and powerful guilds all represent different forms of authority that Jinwoo must navigate, subvert, or challenge as he grows stronger.
The Standout Episodes That Define Season 1
While the entire season maintains high quality, certain episodes stand as the definitive high points:
Episode 1: “I’m Used to It” – The perfect introduction to this world and Jinwoo’s desperate situation. The double dungeon sequence sets the tone brilliantly, and that final scene where the System activates gives me goosebumps every time.
Episode 4: “Hunter Guildmaster” – This episode showcases Jinwoo’s growing tactical intelligence as he takes on enemies far stronger than himself. The fight choreography here is some of the best in the entire season.
Episode 7: “Knight Killer” – The entire sequence in the job change quest dungeon is breathtaking. Watching Jinwoo systematically dismantle the knight statues, culminating in that incredible Igris battle—peak anime right there.
Episode 10: “Don’t Touch My Family” – The emotional core of the season. Jinwoo’s fury when his sister is endangered reveals both how far he’s come and how his humanity remains intact despite his growing power.
Episode 12: “I Alone Level Up” – The perfect season finale that delivers on every promise the show made. That final battle sequence is animation at its finest, and the epilogue sets up season 2 with just the right amount of mystery.
Flaws: Yes, They Exist
No show is perfect, not even one as polished as Solo Leveling. In the interest of a balanced review, let’s acknowledge some weaknesses:
The female characters get significantly less development than their male counterparts. Chae Hae-in, despite being hyped as one of the strongest hunters, gets limited screentime and development. Jinwoo’s sister Jin-ah and his mother primarily exist as motivation for his actions rather than fully realized characters.
Some of the game mechanics can feel inconsistent. The rules governing how shadows can be extracted, the seemingly arbitrary cooldown times on abilities, and the way the System chooses to intervene sometimes feels more plot-convenient than logically consistent.
The show occasionally falls into standard power fantasy tropes—particularly in how secondary characters react with shock and awe to Jinwoo’s abilities. These reaction shots, while satisfying, become repetitive by the later episodes.
The villains in Season 1 are somewhat underdeveloped. Most dungeon bosses are just obstacles rather than characters, and the human antagonists like the Hwang Dongsoo are introduced too late to have significant impact in this season.
Cultural Impact: A New Anime Phenomenon
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Solo Leveling has become a cultural phenomenon since its January 2024 premiere. The show consistently trended on social media platforms with each new episode, spawned countless memes, and dominated anime discussion forums.
The “arise” moment has become instantly iconic, with fans recreating the scene in fanart, cosplay, and even dance trends on TikTok. Merchandise has been flying off shelves, with Igris figures particularly hard to find due to demand.
What’s most interesting is how Solo Leveling has brought new viewers to anime. The gaming-inspired progression system has attracted gamers who might not typically watch anime, while the high production values have drawn in casual viewers curious about the hype.
For the Korean manhwa industry, this successful adaptation represents a potential watershed moment. While Japanese manga has long been the dominant source material for anime adaptations, Solo Leveling‘s success could open the door for more Korean properties to receive high-budget anime treatments.
How Solo Leveling Compares to Other Power Fantasy Anime
Solo Leveling enters a crowded field of power fantasy anime, so how does it stack up against its peers?
Compared to isekai shows like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime or Overlord, Solo Leveling benefits from not needing to explain an entirely new world—the familiar modern setting with fantastical elements creates immediate accessibility.
Unlike My Hero Academia or Jujutsu Kaisen, where protagonists start with some innate talent or special ability, Jinwoo’s journey from absolute weakest to overpowered creates a more dramatic character arc. This complete transformation is more satisfying than watching already-gifted protagonists refine their existing powers.
The gaming elements put it in conversation with shows like Sword Art Online or .hack, but Solo Leveling integrates these mechanics more seamlessly into its narrative. The System feels like a natural part of the world rather than just a gimmick.
What truly sets Solo Leveling apart is its visual presentation. While many power fantasy anime have impressive moments, few maintain the consistent quality and distinctive visual style across entire episodes that Solo Leveling achieves.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Season 2
While A-1 Pictures hasn’t officially announced Season 2 at the time of writing, the commercial success and that cliffhanger ending make it almost certainly a matter of “when” not “if.”
Without venturing into spoiler territory for manhwa readers, Season 2 will likely explore:
- The mysterious connection between Jinwoo’s father’s disappearance and the System
- The international ramifications as news of Jinwoo’s abilities spreads
- The true nature of gates and why they appeared
- The brewing conflict with higher powers hinted at in the season finale
Based on the pacing of Season 1, we can expect Season 2 to cover the next major arcs of the manhwa, potentially including the Jeju Island raid that manhwa readers know is a pivotal moment in the story.
Final Verdict: A New Standard for Action Anime
After spending countless hours analyzing every aspect of Solo Leveling Season 1, my verdict is clear: this is a landmark achievement in action anime that sets a new standard for adaptations of webcomics and manhwa.
Is it perfect? No. Does it occasionally fall into genre tropes? Sure. But what it does exceptionally well—the animation, the character journey, the satisfying progression, the sheer spectacle—it does better than almost anything else in recent memory.
For fans of the source material, this adaptation honors DUBU’s artwork while bringing new dimensions through movement, sound, and voice acting. For newcomers, it offers an accessible entry point into a compelling fantasy world with a protagonist whose journey feels earned and meaningful.
Solo Leveling Season 1 earns a solid 9/10 from me. It delivers on its promises, exceeds expectations in production quality, and leaves viewers desperately wanting more. In a medium often criticized for poor adaptations of beloved source material, Solo Leveling stands as proof that with the right studio, budget, and creative vision, an adaptation can not only match but sometimes enhance what made the original special.
Whether you’re a longtime manhwa fan or someone who just heard the buzz, Solo Leveling deserves your attention. Just be prepared to join the rest of us in the agonizing wait for Season 2 once you’ve been hooked by Jinwoo’s journey.
After all, in this world of hunters and monsters, we’re all just trying to level up.