The Allure of Solo Leveling

The Allure of Solo Leveling

Inter-dimensional gates and monsters, what’s a weak hunter to do? Solo Leveling, written by Chugong, is a South Korean web novel that’s been adapted into a popular manhwa and anime. Thanks to a wonderfully written narrative, compelling protagonist, and stunning visuals (manhwa and anime), this fantasy action story offers a unique blend of escapism and relatable themes that have captivated audiences worldwide. Me included.

The series follows Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter in a world, where humans with magical abilities fight monstrous creatures pouring out of inter-dimensional gates. His journey from the ridiculed “Weakest Hunter” to a being of immense power and influence is the crux of the story, and it’s in this transformation that the series builds its strength.

So, basically, Jinwoo and his journey to hell and back is the story. And yes, I know, it's a trope we've all seen in manga and manhwa a gazillion times--well, maybe not that many times, but you get my point. Don't get me wrong I love the epic battles and the magic/ability/hero system, the budding romance, and I also like the urban contemporary setting. But what really hooked me, is Jinwoo and the huge shift his personality takes. He started out as this introverted bullied but kind guy, then he transforms into this god like (spoilers) intimidating figure, and the further he goes, the heftier the price he pays. The more power he obtains the less he can sympathize/relate with those around him. Now, I admit, I haven't read the entire manhwa series yet. So I'm not sure how it ends, but I just hope he doesn't lose his humanity entirely, because that, would ruin everything.

Anyway, back to the plot. His need to climb the hero hierarchy is not driven by a desire for power or fame, but by a need to save his mother and prove his worth. These underlying factors add depth, but also explain his actions and allow the reader to connect with him on an emotional level. Another part to this story is the Hunter Association; tasked with managing hunters and raiding dungeons, they often prioritize profits and political maneuvering over the well-being of their members. This corruption provides an interesting contrast to Jinwoo’s commitment and his principles, further highlighting his moral compass and solidifying his role as the compelling MC.

In conclusion, I think, Solo Leveling’s appeal stems from a combination of visual presentation and likeable theme, but more importantly its' engaging characters. And I emphasis this. Yes, plot is significant but if your characters are flat with no backstory and they can't draw people into the world you've created, you're dead in the water. So, in my opinion, this series transcends the typical fantasy action tropes by focusing more on the protagonist’s personal journey as he learns to adapt to his powers. And I believe due to that very reason, Solo Leveling has created a standard, that other stories within the same genre will have to reach in order to survive.

In recent years, I’ve noticed a huge upsurge in exceptionally good anime, manga and manhwa. And this is an awesome thing. According to the online communities and forums, the fans aren’t satisfied with the old poorly executed tropes, mediocre animation, questionable voice acting, and bad adaptions from book to anime. And, heaven forbid, cutting off a series before it’s supposed to end. The audience, me included, craves a well-planned and well-executed production. Of course, plot progression, art style, the characters and settings will always be debated, because appeal is subjective, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Or the proverbial, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” However, from what I’m seeing, gone are the days of slipshod production and bad editing. I’m an author and trust me, your reader notices when you make a mistake, and if there are too many, they will call you on it. So, my only hope in all this, is that A-1 Productions, a subsidiary of Aniplex, will continue beyond season three and finish the Solo Leveling series in its entirety, keeping true to the story, and that other studios will learn by example.

D.G. Pearse