Solo Leveling has surged in popularity, partly due to its recent arrival, but the excitement surrounding the series is built to last.
The anime not only meets the high expectations set before its debut but exceeds them through exceptional storytelling, immersive world-building, and well-crafted character arcs.
A-1 Pictures spared no effort in delivering top-tier animation, adding to the reasons why Solo Leveling has quickly become the standout title of the Winter 2024 anime season.
A-1 Pictures delivers a visually breathtaking adaptation of the beloved manhwa (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Anticipation Was Justified by the Final Product
Before it even entered the minds of anime enthusiasts in 2020, Solo Leveling had already amassed a devoted manhwa readership.
The industry saw a wave of manhwa adaptations starting with Tower of God in April 2020, followed by The God of High School and Noblesse. Given the success of these adaptations, expectations were high for Solo Leveling, which had even greater popularity and influence.
The hype continued to build from late 2020 all the way until the anime’s debut in 2024, and the final product delivered exactly what fans had hoped for.
A-1 Pictures Brought the Manhwa’s Artwork to Life
A-1 Pictures played a crucial role in translating Solo Leveling into a visually striking anime. The manhwa’s detailed and colored illustrations set an incredibly high bar, but rather than struggling to meet expectations, the studio pushed the limits of animation quality.
The fluidity of action sequences is particularly impressive, as seen in Sung Jin-Woo’s intense confrontation with the King of the Swamp in episode 4. Even smaller moments, such as Cha Hae-In swiftly stopping a purse snatcher in episode 1, showcase a level of finesse that leaves no room for criticism.
Changes in Language and Setting Sparked Debate
When A-1 Pictures revealed that Solo Leveling’s anime adaptation would not only be dubbed in Japanese but would also feature localization changes, a wave of controversy followed.
The alterations included modifying Korean names to Japanese and relocating the story’s setting from Seoul to Tokyo, which immediately sparked backlash from fans. Given the complex history between Japan and Korea, this decision stirred debate on an international scale.
Additionally, Solo Leveling’s account is deeply intertwined with Korean cultural identity, leading to concerns that the adaptation would stray too far from the original. Fortunately, these changes were only applied to the Japanese release, but the discussion surrounding the topic continues.
Solo Leveling Had the Perfect Seasonal Lineup for Success
While Solo Leveling earned its place as one of the most anticipated anime of Winter 2024 on its own merits, the broader seasonal lineup also contributed to its dominance. The lack of direct competitors allowed the series to capture the attention of a vast audience.
Though the season included returning titles such as Mashle’s second season, Tsukimichi’s second season, and Classroom of the Elite’s third season, Solo Leveling stood out as the most enticing new addition for many viewers.
A Unique Approach to Gaming Elements in Anime
Solo Leveling introduces an approach to RPG mechanics that has not been seen in Japanese anime adaptations.
The series incorporates gaming elements in a way that differs from traditional isekai stories like Sword Art Online or Overlord, where characters find themselves trapped inside a game.
Instead, Solo Leveling follows a protagonist who is granted access to a game-like system within his existing world, allowing for exponential growth in a setting where others remain stagnant. Sung Jin-Woo’s journey of advancement is one of the defining aspects that has fueled the anime’s rising popularity.
Defying Expectations with the Protagonist’s Early Death
Solo Leveling subverts the modern trope of plot armor, where protagonists rarely face life-threatening consequences early on. While older series like Yu Yu Hakusho successfully executed the concept of a hero dying near the beginning,
Solo Leveling takes this idea in an entirely new direction. Instead of focusing on the boundary between life and death, the anime examines a form of metaphorical rebirth.
The initial episodes paint a grim picture of Jin-Woo’s overwhelming weakness as he and his team are trapped in a dungeon filled with deadly statues. Just as he reaches the brink of death, a mysterious system intervenes, offering him a second chance. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a transformation that audiences won’t want to miss.
Connecting Fans of the Manhwa and Web Novel
The Solo Leveling franchise has steadily grown its influence since the release of its web novel in 2016. The overwhelming success of the novel led to a manhwa adaptation in 2018, which further cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.
By the time anime adaptations of manhwa became more common, Solo Leveling had already cultivated a massive following. The anime effectively bridges the gap between web novel readers, manhwa enthusiasts, and newcomers, ensuring that all audiences can engage with the story.
A Realistic and Immersive Urban Fantasy Setting
Solo Leveling excels at blending fantasy elements with a believable urban environment. The existence of gates, monsters, and hunters is seamlessly integrated into everyday life, making the world feel both fantastical and grounded.
The anime references real-life locations, such as Jeju Island in the prologue of episode 1 and Hapjeong Station, where Jin-Woo enters an instant dungeon in episode 4. These details not only enhance immersion but also provide opportunities for political intrigue and future world-building developments.
Hidden Details and Early Character Appearances Reward Longtime Fans
With Solo Leveling’s anime adaptation arriving after both the web novel and manhwa, maintaining freshness while staying faithful to the source material posed a challenge for A-1 Pictures.
The studio addressed this by incorporating subtle Easter eggs, foreshadowing key events, and introducing certain characters earlier than expected. Episode 1 features brief appearances by Cha Hae-In and President Go of the Hunter’s Association, exciting longtime fans while also establishing context for new viewers.
These well-placed moments add depth to the story and take advantage of the animation medium’s storytelling capabilities.
The anime stays true to its roots despite international localization changes (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)Sung Jin-Woo Embodies the Ultimate Protagonist Archetype
Sung Jin-Woo serves as the driving force behind Solo Leveling’s appeal, embodying multiple protagonist traits in a way that few characters have managed before.
Beginning as the weakest hunter, he appears utterly powerless with no hope of improvement. However, upon receiving access to a game-like system that allows him to grow stronger, he quickly becomes an underdog who must keep his progress hidden.
Eventually, he fits into the mold of an overpowered protagonist, but in a way that sets him apart from others in the genre.
Additionally, Solo Leveling includes a clever nod to One-Punch Man, adding an extra layer of appeal. Jin-Woo’s daily quest requires him to complete 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run—the exact routine Saitama claims to have used to gain his immense strength.
This homage invites audiences to imagine how One-Punch Man’s training arc might have unfurled in Solo Leveling’s game-based system. Jin-Woo’s compelling character evolution plays a major role in propelling the anime to the top of this season’s rankings.