What is Solo Leveling? An Introduction to the Anime and Manhwa

Solo Leveling is one of the most influential and beloved works to emerge from South Korea, capturing the hearts of fantasy and action fans alike. Originally released as a web novel written by Chugong in 2016, the story quickly gained traction, leading to its adaptation as a manhwa in 2018, illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (DUBU). More recently, Solo Leveling reached new heights of popularity with its anime adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures, which premiered in early 2024 to great acclaim.

The captivating plot, which blends epic battles, intense character development, and a richly detailed universe, has captivated fans worldwide. With translations into multiple languages and an active community of followers, Solo Leveling has transcended cultural barriers, solidifying its position as a global phenomenon that celebrates the growing popularity of manhwa and web novels on the international stage.

Solo Leveling Origins

Web Novel

Solo Leveling began as a web novel written by Chugong and initially published on the KakaoPage platform on July 25, 2016. The work quickly gained attention for its innovative plot and captivating characters, garnering a loyal readership. The narrative follows Sung Jin-woo, a low-level hunter who gains the unique ability to strengthen himself without limits after surviving a deadly event known as a double dungeon.

The story concluded in 2018, spanning a total of 14 volumes and 270 chapters. Subsequently, D&C Media acquired the publication rights, releasing the complete series under the Papyrus label on November 4, 2016. The web novel solidified Chugong's reputation as one of South Korea's leading fantasy authors and paved the way for the work's international success.

Manhwa

The web novel's success led to its adaptation into a manhwa (webtoon) format in 2018. The illustration was handled by Jang Sung-rak, known by the pseudonym DUBU, who brought the world of Solo Leveling to life with his vibrant and dynamic art style. The adaptation was published on the same platform, KakaoPage, allowing both old and new fans to explore the story in a visual and interactive manner.

The manhwa faithfully followed the narrative of the web novel, expanding its popularity by reaching international readers through unofficial translations and partnerships with webtoon reading platforms like Tapas. The series concluded in December 2021, after 179 chapters, solidifying its place as one of the most influential webtoons of the decade. DUBU's work was widely praised, and his legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Main Plot

The world of Solo Leveling is one where mysterious portals, known as "gates," appear, connecting Earth to dimensions inhabited by monstrous creatures. To prevent these threats from devastating humanity, hunters emerge, individuals with special abilities awakened after the initial event known as "The Great Catastrophe." These hunters are classified by power levels, ranging from the weakest to the rare and powerful S-rank hunters.

Sung Jin-woo, the protagonist, is initially known as the "weakest hunter in the world." As an E-rank hunter, he faces extreme difficulties even in the simplest missions, risking his life to support his family after his father's disappearance and his mother's serious illness. During a raid on a seemingly low-level dungeon, Jin-woo and his party discover a double dungeon—a deadly trap filled with challenges beyond their capabilities.

Although nearly everyone perishes, Jin-woo manages to survive and is chosen by a mysterious "System" that transforms him into a player capable of evolving by completing quests and defeating enemies. This system offers Jin-woo the opportunity to train and acquire powers exponentially, setting him apart from other hunters who remain stagnant at their levels.

As time passes, Jin-woo sheds his identity as the weakest hunter and ascends to become one of the most powerful beings in the world. He becomes the "Shadow Monarch," an invincible leader with the ability to resurrect fallen monsters and allies as shadow soldiers to fight by his side. His journey leads him to confront cosmic forces, including the Governors and Monarchs, entities that vie for control of Earth's destiny.

The story is a blend of intense action, emotional revelations, and ethical dilemmas. Jin-woo’s evolution, from a scorned young man to a feared and respected hero, is a central theme of the narrative. His commitment to protecting his family and friends, even when facing divine adversaries, highlights the human heart of his epic journey. In the end, Sung Jin-woo establishes himself as a symbol of resilience, strength, and sacrifice, making his transformation into the "Shadow Monarch" one of the most memorable in the world of manhwa.

Main Characters

Sung Jin-woo

Sung Jin-woo, the protagonist of Solo Leveling, is initially known as the "weakest hunter in the world". His journey is marked by an extraordinary transformation after surviving a double dungeon, where he acquires the ability to "level up" through a mysterious system. This ability allows Jin-woo to grow in strength and power without limits, completing quests and defeating monsters, which leads him to ascend from a simple hunter to an unparalleled figure of power, the "Shadow Monarch". His primary ability is to resurrect and control the dead, creating an army of shadow soldiers, making him nearly invincible. Throughout the series, his evolution is not only physical but also emotional, as he struggles to protect his family and stay true to his principles while facing increasingly powerful adversaries.

Yoo Jin-ho

Yoo Jin-ho is one of Solo Leveling's most loyal characters, a friend and partner to Jin-woo from the very beginning of his rise. Initially, Jin-ho is a D-rank hunter with a great sense of camaraderie and respect for Jin-woo, whom he considers a kind of mentor. His loyalty to Jin-woo is unwavering, and he eventually becomes the vice-president of Jin-woo's Guild, called the "Shadow Association". Yoo Jin-ho is characterized by his determination, courage, and his constant willingness to support Jin-woo, even in the most dangerous situations.

Cha Hae-in

Cha Hae-in is the sole S-rank hunter in Korea, an exceptionally strong and skilled woman. She is one of the most important figures in Jin-woo's life, not only for her combat prowess but also for the bond they share. Their relationship begins as a friendly one, but over time, she becomes a key figure in both his personal and professional life. She is one of Jin-woo's primary allies and, simultaneously, the romantic interest of the story. Her strength and dedication to the mission make her one of the most respected and admired hunters.

Other Key Characters

• Go Gun-hee: The President of the Hunters Association, playing a significant role in the politics of the Solo Leveling world. He is an S-rank hunter and serves as a mentor to Jin-woo during his rise to power.

• Monarchs and Rulers: They are the powerful and enigmatic entities that represent cosmic and divine forces. They are the enemies that Jin-woo must confront on his journey, each with their own unique powers and intentions, creating the greatest challenges for the protagonist throughout the story.

Anime Adaptation

Announcement and Production

The announcement of Solo Leveling's anime adaptation generated tremendous excitement among fans, particularly regarding the transition from manhwa to animated format. The studio responsible for bringing the anime to life was the renowned A-1 Pictures, known for successful productions such as Sword Art Online and Aniplex. The choice of A-1 Pictures generated great optimism, given the studio's history of high-quality animation and scripts.

The official announcement was made in 2022, promising an adaptation faithful to the source material while incorporating new visual and pacing elements for an anime format. Production was a significant challenge due to the rich detail and complexity of the action sequences, but the animation team and producers ensured that the animation followed the epic and dynamic tone of the manhwa. Shunsuke Nakashige was announced as the director and Hiroyuki Sawano as the composer, promising an intense and immersive anime experience.

First Season

The first season of Solo Leveling premiered in January 2024, covering the initial arcs of the story, including the pivotal moment when Sung Jin-woo gains his abilities through the mysterious System and begins his journey to become the "Shadow Monarch". The season effectively adapts the fast-paced nature of the web novel and manhwa, balancing intense action sequences with emotional moments and character development.

The reception from critics and fans was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the high-quality animation, especially in battle sequences and moments when Jin-woo uses his ability to revive the dead. A-1 Pictures' production was commended for its fidelity to the source material, with a strong focus on the aesthetics and visual impact of the grander scenes. Additionally, Sawano's music was very well received, helping to intensify the climactic moments. However, some critics pointed out that the adaptation could have allocated more time to the development of certain supporting characters.

Second Season

The second season of Solo Leveling, titled "Arise from the Shadow," premiered in January 2025, continuing Sung Jin-woo's epic journey. The season delves deeper into his ascension as the "Shadow Monarch," facing even greater challenges as the balance between worlds begins to crumble. Jin-woo must now confront more powerful enemies and grapple with the consequences of his growing strength, making difficult and complex choices.

The animation maintained the impressive quality of the first season, with even more intense and detailed action sequences. The battles against the Governors and Monarchs are depicted with a visual grandeur that reflects the magnitude of the threats faced by Jin-woo. The aesthetics and sound effects were also praised, with Hiroyuki Sawano's soundtrack continuing to provide the necessary dramatic tension for the most impactful moments.

Critics have highlighted the emotional depth that the second season brought to the characters, especially Jin-woo's relationships with his allies, such as Yoo Jin-ho and Cha Hae-in. At the same time, the series maintains its fast pace, with the protagonist facing ever-greater dangers and maturing in his decisions, becoming a more complex leader. The season also introduced new characters and explored previously unseen aspects of the Solo Leveling universe, expanding the series' mythology in exciting ways.

Fans are thrilled with the direction of the second season, which is exceeding expectations in terms of fidelity to the manhwa and the expansion of the narrative. The sequel is already considered one of the most anticipated of the year, maintaining the growing hype around the series.

Differences between Manhwa and Anime

The adaptation of Solo Leveling from manhwa to anime presents several differences that impact the narrative, character development, and artistic style. While the adaptation maintains the essence of the story, some changes are inevitable due to the characteristics of the two formats.

Plot Changes

One of the primary differences lies in the pacing and depth with which certain events are approached. The manhwa has the freedom to delve into details and explore subplots, whereas the anime, due to time constraints, must condense or omit some of these parts. Additionally, the adaptation may add or modify scenes to increase visual impact or to better suit the animated format, such as more detailed action sequences or a more dramatic approach in certain moments.

Character Development

While main characters like Sung Jin-woo, Yoo Jin-ho, and Cha Hae-in are well-represented in the anime, the manhwa allows for a deeper exploration of their motivations and personal histories. The anime, on the other hand, focuses on maintaining the pace and action of the narrative, which can limit the emotional depth of certain supporting characters, leaving them with a more superficial development.

Art Style

The manhwa's art style is detailed and expressive, with an emphasis on emotions and the nuances of action sequences. The anime adaptation, on the other hand, adapts this style with fluid combat sequences, using special effects to enhance the battles, but may sacrifice some of the manhwa's visual details to ensure smooth and dynamic action.

These changes impact the fans' reception, with some appreciating the anime's more intense action, while others miss the depth and original visual style of the manhwa.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Solo Leveling has become a global cultural phenomenon, transcending the borders of South Korea to achieve international success. Its popularity extends beyond the manhwa and anime, encompassing various other formats such as games and dramas. The manhwa has captivated a massive fanbase worldwide, being translated into multiple languages and attracting readers from diverse cultures, resulting in a strong presence on social media, discussion forums, and streaming platforms.

The 2024 anime adaptation further solidified the series as a pop culture icon, introducing Solo Leveling to a new generation of fans. Beyond the manhwa and anime, the franchise has expanded into various formats such as games and merchandise. The manhwa has garnered a massive global fanbase, translated into multiple languages, and inspired countless fans and creators. Jin-woo's journey, his rise, and his epic battles continue to resonate with fans, inspiring other works within and beyond the manhwa and anime universe.

The untimely death of Jang Sung-rak (DUBU), the illustrator of Solo Leveling, in 2022, deeply saddened the fan community. DUBU was responsible for the unique visual style and impressive battle scenes that characterized the manhwa. His death not only had an emotional impact on fans but also caused great sorrow within the manhwa and anime industry. His contribution to the work remains immortalized, and his absence is felt by both fans and creators who admired his work. DUBU's legacy lives on in the pages of the manhwa and in the anime adaptation.

Conclusion

Solo Leveling has solidified its position as one of the greatest works of contemporary fiction, transcending various media and captivating a global audience. From its origins as a web novel to its successful adaptation as a manhwa and anime, Sung Jin-woo's journey has resonated with fans due to its exciting action, character development, and a captivating plot that blends fantasy and adventure with personal dilemmas. The transition to anime has introduced new dimensions to the story, increasing its popularity and exposing the original material to new audiences.

Solo Leveling has had an undeniable cultural impact, influencing the manhwa, anime, and gaming industries. The untimely passing of DUBU, the manhwa's illustrator, left a void in the community, but his legacy continues to live on in the work he helped create. The future of Solo Leveling looks bright, with new projects underway and a growing fanbase, ensuring its place as a major pop culture success.

Read Also: The Story Behind Solo Leveling: Origin and Creation