The anticipation for the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling was at a fever pitch. The immensely popular South Korean web novel and webcomic (manhwa) captivated millions with its tale of Sung Jinwoo, a weak hunter trapped in a world where monstrous dungeons and powerful beings suddenly appeared. Through sheer grit and a mysterious system that allows him to grow stronger, Jinwoo ascends the ranks of hunters, facing impossible odds and unlocking hidden powers.
The manhwa’s breathtaking art was a major draw, setting a new standard for webcomics. The dynamic action sequences, stunning character designs, and richly detailed environments became legendary, inspiring countless artists and readers alike. Fans could hardly wait to see it all brought to life on screen.
Solo Leveling episode 7.5 has received the worst rating of any anime episode on Crunchyroll pic.twitter.com/4p7Ct8WdjS
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) March 4, 2024
Sadly, the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling fails to live up to the hype, becoming one of the biggest disappointments in anime for 2024. Currently, the anime stands at a dismal 5.8 on major critic rating sites, a far cry from the enthusiastic scores its source material received.
Let’s explore why this ambitious project fell short.
The Lost Magic of the Art
One of the main complaints is that the magic of the manhwa’s art is lost in translation. While the anime retains the general character designs and setting, the execution lacks the same sense of awe and dynamism. The action sequences, once overflowing with kinetic energy, feel stiff and uninspired. The detailed environments seem flat and lifeless compared to their comic counterparts.
The manhwa had a unique way of paneling and framing scenes to heighten tension and excitement. The use of perspective, shadow, and visual metaphors added layers to the storytelling that are sadly missing from the anime. This has lead to a common criticism that the anime looks generic and unremarkable.
Saw this review about solo levelingon quora. kind of harsh but I agree with a lot of it. What do you guys think?
byu/Zamamirokusoyaro insololeveling
Rushed Pacing and Flat Characters
The source material took its time in establishing Jinwoo’s early struggles, emphasizing his vulnerability and determination that made his later power escalation so satisfying. The anime rushes through this character development phase, reducing Jinwoo to another overpowered anime protagonist. This creates a crucial disconnect with viewers, as we don’t feel invested in his journey.
Similarly, the supporting cast, which includes fascinating and complex hunters in the manhwa, feel like cardboard cutouts in the anime. Their unique personalities and motivations are glossed over, making them forgettable sidekicks rather than compelling characters in their own right.
Missed Opportunities for World building
Solo Leveling features a fascinating premise with the appearance of dungeons, gates, and the emergence of hunters. The manhwa carefully established the rules and politics of this new world, giving readers a sense of how society adapted to these changes. The anime rushes past much of this world building, leaving viewers with questions and a lack of understanding about the context of the story. This turns intriguing ideas into shallow plot devices.
Overreliance on Shōnen Tropes
While the manhwa subverted some power fantasy and shōnen tropes, the anime leans wholeheartedly into them. Jinwoo’s rapid power growth lacks the satisfying struggle it had before. He becomes an unstoppable force too quickly, removing much of the tension from his battles.
Clichéd dialogue, overly simplistic character motivations, and a predictable narrative further contribute to the feeling of Solo Leveling settling into the ‘just another anime’ category. This might be tolerable in other shows, but with the beloved source material, it feels like a huge misstep.
Legacy of Solo Leveling(Manhwa)
Despite the anime’s shortcomings, the legacy of the original Solo Leveling manhwa remains untouched. Its innovative art, captivating plot, and memorable characters still resonate with fans around the world. It’s a testament to the power of the webcomic format and the talent of its creators. For many, it is the definitive Solo Leveling experience.
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