With Solo Leveling receiving an anime adaptation, fans can expect Sung Jinwoo to become a popular topic in power-scaling discussions alongside other well-known shounen protagonists. Son Goku, the legendary warrior and central figure in shounen genre, always finds himself at the heart of hypothetical anime battles.
His defining trait is his unwavering determination, ensuring he rises stronger after every defeat. In a way, Goku could even be considered a “level-up” character himself. However, those familiar with the Solo Leveling light novel understand that Jinwoo shares a similar resilience, constantly growing in strength.
The Shadow Monarch meets the Saiyan warrior in an epic showdown (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Sung Jinwoo, the Second Shadow Monarch
By the final moments of Solo Leveling, Jinwoo has ascended to god-like status. While his journey begins as the weakest hunter, it doesn’t take long for him to steadily increase in strength—an upward progression that never truly stops.
His skill set is nothing short of astonishing. Alongside his superhuman strength, speed, and reflexes, Jinwoo’s most impressive abilities stem from the System, which grants him the power to continuously grow stronger after each battle he wins.
Beyond this, he wields an extraordinary talent—commanding the souls of his defeated enemies as formidable Shadows, bound to his service. His power accumulation led to several transformations, the most remarkable of which was his mastery of regeneration—even to the extent of returning from death.
This development reached its peak when he became the second reincarnation of the Shadow Monarch, inheriting the abilities of both a Monarch and a Ruler due to the unique nature of the Shadow Monarch’s skills.
Additionally, Jinwoo possesses immunity to erasure, meaning even beings as powerful as the Rulers cannot destroy him. Toward the end of Solo Leveling, he acquires Acausality, a power that allows him to exist beyond the confines of time itself.
With abilities on this scale, he stands as the most powerful defender of Earth within his series. But does he measure up against the strongest warrior of the Dragon Ball universe?
Son Goku, the Face of Shounen Anime
There is an ongoing debate among anime fans regarding whether Goku is the most powerful anime character ever, and there are solid reasons to support this claim. From his numerous Super Saiyan transformations to the astonishing power of Ultra Instinct, Goku’s strength has continued to evolve.
This ensures he remains a dominant force in Dragon Ball. Even before unlocking his divine abilities, his Saiyan heritage placed him far above any being on Earth, rendering him impervious to conventional weaponry.
From the weakest hunter to an unstoppable force, can Jinwoo rival Goku (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)While he possesses superhuman strength and speed, these traits have long taken a backseat to the overwhelming power he harnesses through Ki. Goku’s control over Ki is nothing short of masterful, allowing him to push his already formidable abilities to divine levels.
His signature Kamehameha attack showcases immense versatility, seamlessly integrating into various techniques. His most advanced transformation to date is Mastered Ultra Instinct, a form fueled by Divine Ki.
At this stage, Goku operates on the same level as Angels, with his consciousness projecting outward to fight independently—an ability widely considered the peak of divine combat mastery. His status as a god-like entity is indisputable. But when pitted against Jinwoo, does Goku still come out on top?
Who Holds the Upper Hand? Jinwoo or Goku?
For those deeply familiar with anime power-scaling, the outcome of this battle might not come as a shock—Goku would likely claim victory. While Jinwoo possesses impressive abilities, the Saiyan warrior has several advantages in his favor.
His combat speed, attack potency, and destructive power far surpass those of the Shadow Monarch. On top of that, his vast battle experience gives him a tactical edge. The strength of Goku’s Mastered Ultra Instinct cannot be understated.
Not only does it grant him a connection to divine forces, but it also makes him resistant to magical attacks. Jinwoo’s strategic intellect and regeneration ability certainly make him a formidable adversary, but Goku has taken down literal gods before.
Overcoming Jinwoo would be a monumental task, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility. The deciding factor in this clash is Goku’s unparalleled perseverance. He has faced death multiple times, yet each time, he finds a way to return—stronger than before.
Fighting is his nature, the real reason for his existence. Even if Jinwoo manages to land what should be a finishing blow, Goku would undoubtedly rise again and see the battle through to the end.
Jinwoo might deliver an intense challenge, but against the most iconic warrior in anime history, the Shadow Monarch would fall.