The second season of Solo Leveling has emerged as a standout installment in recent anime offerings, introducing numerous alterations compared to its original manhwa. This adaptation is marked by an accelerated pace that some viewers appreciate, while others critique the rapid omission of significant events. Despite its swift narrative, the show successfully captivates its audience, primarily due to the dynamic flow of its plot.
Many of the changes made in the adaptation could have enriched the anime experience significantly. The Solo Leveling anime aims to convert around 200 chapters from the manhwa into roughly four seasons. The studio behind its production, A-1 Pictures, potentially has enough material for six to seven seasons, which raises questions about their decision to omit crucial details as the series progresses.
10 Jinwoo and His Shadows Have a Closer Connection in the Manhwa
Jinwoo’s Shadows Lack Personality in the Anime
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCsrEkO3I7ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCsrEkO3I7o
One notable disappointment in the anime adaptation is the diminished relationship between Jinwoo and his Shadows. These Shadows represent a compelling element of Jinwoo’s overall strength in the series. In the anime, they come across as emotionless tools, executing commands without any personality or depth. In contrast, the manhwa portrays Jinwoo engaging with his Shadows on a personal level, fostering their individuality through non-verbal communication like gestures and expressions.
This adjustment, while understandable given the anime’s pacing, sacrifices meaningful interactions that would enrich the character dynamics. A more deliberate pace could have allowed for a deeper exploration of these relationships.
9 The Anime Dedicates an Entire Episode to Jinwoo’s Mom
The Manhwa Didn’t Spend as Much Time on Their Emotional Reunion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al0uBj_Le6chttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al0uBj_Le6c
In the early stages of Solo Leveling, the anime diverges significantly from its source material. In the manhwa, Jinwoo’s growth as a Hunter lacks a specific goal, as he undertakes missions primarily to support his family financially. However, the anime introduces the Elixir of Life early in the story, providing Jinwoo with a clear objective that makes his journey more coherent and relatable.
One of the most touching moments in the anime—a reunited family scene—necessary diverges from the action-centered narrative, as the manhwa reveals little about this emotional reunion. Nonetheless, the anime’s dedication of an entire episode to explore Jinwoo’s relationship with his mother adds a layer of depth that many viewers find rewarding.
8 Jinwoo Isn’t as Dark in the Anime
The Manhwa Depicts Jinwoo as a Darker Character Than the Anime Does
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYGmdIGqUXshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYGmdIGqUXs
Another significant alteration is the portrayal of Jinwoo’s character. In the anime, his darker tendencies are revised considerably. For instance, his vigilante actions, which include a grim approach to justice in the manhwa, are greatly toned down. During certain arcs, such as his confrontation with Kim Chul, the anime opts for less brutality and more restraint compared to the comic.
This modification alters Jinwoo’s character complexity, yet it also reflects an attempt to cater to a wider audience by downplaying darker narratives.
7 The Japanese Hunters Are Much More Evil in the Manhwa
The Anime Makes Only the Japanese Chairman Seem Evil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXxO3ICZAJAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXxO3ICZAJA
The dynamic during the Fourth Jeju Island Raid showcases a crucial discrepancy. In the manhwa, the Japanese Hunters are depicted as antagonistic and unsympathetic. During preliminary contests, their attitude towards the Korean Hunters depicts a clear antagonism, enriching the narrative tension. However, the anime veils this animosity, leading to a lack of emotional investment in their eventual fates.
6 There Aren’t Any National Level Hunters in the Anime
Thomas Andre and Liu Zhigang Aren’t Given the Special Title in Season 2
Remarkably, one peculiar alteration in the Solo Leveling anime is the omission of references to National Level Hunters. Although characters like Thomas Andre and Liu Zhigang appear, their prestigious titles aren’t acknowledged, reducing their significance within the storyline. This raises questions about narrative coherence since their ranks and powers are foundational elements in Jinwoo’s interactions and his characterization.
5 Jinwoo Doesn’t Try to Add the Ant Queen to His Army in the Anime
The Manhwa Gives a Cool Reason for Not Adding Her to His Shadow Army
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ginb-ifhuOchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ginb-ifhuOc
Jinwoo’s ability to recruit Shadows is an essential part of his journey and a source of excitement for fans. However, the anime disregards his attempt to recruit the Ant Queen after defeating her king, eliminating an opportunity to explore the consequences of such a decision further. In the manhwa, thematic elements justify the decision, explaining that the queen’s powers would not translate well as a Shadow.
4 Jinwoo Acts Like Batman Before Jeju Island in the Anime
In the Manhwa, He’s Just Walking Around Before He Shadow Exchanges
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoVYF42TB2Qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoVYF42TB2Q
Arguably the most anticipated moment in Solo Leveling is Jinwoo’s emergence on Jeju Island. The anime presents him dramatically poised atop a building, reminiscent of iconic superheroes. This alteration from the manhwa, where he casually walks through a park, adds an unnecessary cinematic flair that distracts from the underlying tension of his decision to engage in battle.
3 Goto Ryuji Fears Sung Jinwoo
The Anime Skipped Goto Ryuji Sensing Jinwoo’s Powers Entirely
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6LNR8dLZo0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6LNR8dLZo0
The anime adaptation fails to capture the pivotal moment of Goto Ryuji realizing Jinwoo’s immense power. In the manhwa, Goto experiences genuine fear when facing Jinwoo, marking a significant character transformation. This weighty moment is skipped in the show, which detracts from the overall tension leading up to their confrontation.
2 There’s Almost No Comedy in the Solo Leveling Anime
The Manhwa Is Filled with Hilarious Moments
While the action in Solo Leveling has garnered attention, the manhwa is equally renowned for its comedic moments. These lighter instances add depth to the narrative and serve to balance the often intense plots. Jinwoo’s Shadows, rich with personality, often provide comic relief through their interactions. The omission of humor in the anime adaptation restricts its emotional range, missing out on what made the original work resonate so well with audiences.
1 The Fights in the Solo Leveling Anime Are Much Longer
The Manhwa Rarely Shows Jinwoo Struggle in a Fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrHTT2IEKpEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrHTT2IEKpE
The battles in Solo Leveling are a highlight of the series, and their representation in the anime is notably longer than in the manhwa. While the webtoon’s Jinwoo typically dominates his adversaries with ease, the anime injects a new sense of challenge, showcasing his tactical skills and resilience. This extension of fight sequences not only enhances the suspense but also allows for character development, making the narrative more engaging for viewers.