Anime fans have embraced Solo Leveling’s adaptation as one of the biggest hits in recent times. The animation flows smoothly, the voice acting brings excitement, and the visuals are breathtaking, successfully bringing the webtoon to life.
But as expected with most adaptations, the anime introduces some creative changes. While some of these adjustments enhance the storytelling, a few might not sit well with die-hard fans of the original manhwa.
Several aspects of Solo Leveling’s anime have been altered from the webtoon, mostly to make it more appealing to those watching without prior knowledge of the source material.
Changes from the webtoon spark debate among die-hard Solo Leveling followers (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)These changes include adjustments to character introductions and modifications to emotional scenes. While some of these tweaks are hardly noticeable, others stand out clearly. This balance creates both advantages and drawbacks within the adaptation.
10. The Anime Gives Side Characters More Screen Time Early On
Solo Leveling’s Anime Shines a Brighter Light on Important Supporting Characters
A major improvement in the anime is how it introduces key side characters much earlier than in the webtoon. Characters such as Choi Jongin and Go Gunhee make their appearances sooner, which allows the audience to connect with them earlier in the story.
Unlike in the webtoon where they appear later, the anime takes time to flesh them out from the beginning. This makes them more impactful as the story progresses, particularly for those unfamiliar with the source material.
Another example is Kang Taeshik, who in the manhwa arrives at a later stage. The anime brings him in by episode three, showing him visiting Jinwoo at the hospital. This subtle move strengthens the story by allowing viewers to form an emotional connection with him much earlier.
9. Jinwoo’s Growth Feels More Natural in the Anime
His Struggles with Humanity Are More Pronounced
Jinwoo’s transformation is central to both the manhwa and anime, but the latter puts more focus on the psychological impact of his evolution.
Unlike the webtoon, where his increasing strength sometimes overshadows his human side, the anime takes a more delicate approach in portraying his internal conflicts.
A noticeable difference is how Jinwoo reacts to taking human lives. The anime captures his inner turmoil more vividly, adding a layer of emotion that makes him feel more real.
While some fans may miss the darker, more ruthless version of Jinwoo from the webtoon, the anime’s approach makes him more relatable.
8. The Anime’s Voice Actors Give the Characters More Depth
Performances That Make Jinwoo and Others Feel Alive
One clear advantage of the anime adaptation is how voice acting brings the characters to life. Through their performances, the emotions in the story become even more intense.
Aleks Le’s portrayal of Jinwoo stands out, especially during moments of doubt and reflection. The subtle changes in his voice add emotional weight that the webtoon couldn’t fully capture.
The Japanese voice acting also delivers a strong impact, with Taito Ban’s version of Jinwoo carrying a deep sense of urgency. Additionally, some lines were rewritten for the anime, making them feel more natural in English, which further improves the viewing experience.
7. Characters Get Fresh Outfits and Redesigned Looks
New Attire Adds More Depth to Familiar Faces
The anime makes slight adjustments to character designs, giving fans a fresh take on their favorite hunters. These changes allow for more variety in their appearances, adding a sense of realism. Cha Haein, for instance, is shown in casual and workout outfits, something that was rarely explored in the webtoon.
Though some of these design choices might seem like fan service, they help in making the characters feel like real individuals beyond their roles as hunters. The new looks give them more personality and make them more relatable.
6. The Anime Includes Hidden Details for Webtoon Fans
Easter Eggs That Reward Longtime Readers
For fans who have read the webtoon, the anime includes small hidden details that serve as fun nods to the original. One such moment appears in the first episode, where Han Songyi is briefly visible in the background at the Hunter’s Association.
Similarly, Kim Chul and Min Byunggu make short appearances early on, much to the delight of dedicated fans. The opening theme also contains subtle clues about future events.
For example, season two’s introduction hints at Esil, an important character, setting up future developments. These additions show that the creators are paying attention to the webtoon’s legacy and making efforts to engage longtime fans.
5. Sung Il Hwan Comes Off as More Threatening in the Anime
His Presence Feels More Menacing Compared to the Webtoon
Sung Il Hwan maintains an air of mystery in both the webtoon and anime, but the adaptation presents him in a more dangerous light. His confrontation with Hwan Dongsoo is more direct in the anime, making him appear even more intimidating.
A key scene from the webtoon, where hints about Dongsoo’s transformation into a shadow soldier are given, was left out in the anime.
This change likely serves to build suspense, but it also removes a major piece of foreshadowing that webtoon fans might have expected. The anime focuses more on his raw power, heightening the tension for later events.
4. Some Key Scenes About Sung Il Hwan Are Missing
The Anime Keeps His Background More Mysterious
Certain scenes that provide more insight into Sung Il Hwan’s character have been left out in the anime. For instance, in the webtoon, a crucial moment shows the Deputy Director of the American Bureau questioning Il Hwan’s true motives after he rescues civilians. This was omitted from the adaptation.
By skipping such details, the anime preserves an air of mystery around Il Hwan, but it also withholds key information about his complex nature. This decision seems aimed at keeping audiences guessing, but it does take away some depth from the character’s storyline.
3. The Anime Removes Early Hints About the Strongest Hunters
Keeping the Most Powerful Fighters Under Wraps
Due to pacing choices, some foreshadowing about future powerful hunters has been left out. In the webtoon, Chairman Go Gunhee teases the idea of “SS” or “SSS” Rank hunters, hinting at levels of power beyond S-Rank. This detail is missing from the anime.
Perhaps this is being saved for a later reveal, but it does reduce the early excitement about the power structure within Solo Leveling.
For fans eager to see the introduction of National Level Hunters, the absence of this foreshadowing might feel like a missed opportunity.
2. The Anime Tones Down S-Rank Hunters’ Power Differences
Adjustments to How Strength Gaps Are Depicted
Another change in the anime is how it presents the strength disparities among S-Rank hunters. In the webtoon, Jinwoo realizes early on that not all S-Rank hunters are equal—some are far stronger than others. This key observation is not emphasized in the anime.
This could be a pacing decision, but it takes away a critical part of world-building that highlights Jinwoo’s journey. Without this distinction, the anticipation for future battles against stronger opponents is somewhat lessened.
1. The Jeju Island Arc Receives Some Outstanding Adjustments
Changes in How the Storyline Is Introduced
Solo Leveling’s anime has altered the way the Jeju Island arc is introduced. Unlike the webtoon, which looks into the political and cultural factors behind the raid, the anime avoids mentioning specific countries.
This might be to steer clear of potential controversy linked to certain characters’ nationalities in the webtoon. While this prevents unnecessary debates, it also reduces the depth of the world-building.
Fans who looked forward to the geopolitical aspects of the Jeju Island raid might find the adaptation lacking in this regard, as it downplays the international conflicts surrounding the event.