Summary
- Excessive exposition of fundamental game mechanics hampers the pacing of the anime.
- The adaptation rearranges narrative elements to delve into deeper themes and enhance subplots.
- Early introduction of major plot points and focus on side characters enriches the storyline in the Solo Leveling anime.
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- Exposition Challenges
- Deeper Thematic Exploration in the Anime
- The Importance of Jeju Island
- Enhanced Roles for Side Characters
- Less Emphasis on Gore
- New Easter Eggs and References
- Where’s the Humor?
- The Notable Change: Sung Jinwoo
The Solo Leveling anime adaptation has emerged as a standout among anime adaptations of the 2020s, further cementing its status as a premier adaptation of a manhwa/WEBTOON. The recent release of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- has seen surging popularity on Crunchyroll, surpassing its predecessor in viewership and acclaim.
Now that the second season has concluded, it’s essential to explore some of the significant deviations the Solo Leveling anime has made when compared to the original webcomic, which is in itself an adaptation of the webnovel. So, how does the adaptation by A-1 Pictures differ from the masterpiece illustrated by DUBU and REDICE Studio?
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Exposition Challenges
The Flaw of Season 1
The accessibility of basic game mechanics is one of the factors contributing to the popularity of Solo Leveling in the anime and manga industry. While not all viewers may identify as gamers, the assumption persists that audiences have some familiarity with RPG mechanics. However, unlike the webcomic, the Solo Leveling anime falters in its early episodes by over-explaining essential concepts such as the Hunter economy, Raids and Raid Parties, Gates, and Hunter Rankings—elements that many viewers are likely aware of.
This critique does not imply that the anime should have assumed its audience’s understanding entirely; rather, it highlights the lack of confidence shown in the viewers by reiterating these mechanics at the cost of engaging narrative moments. The manhwa succeeded in seamlessly integrating exposition within the flow of the storyline and Jinwoo’s introspective thoughts, making them feel organic. Conversely, the anime’s repetitive exposition disrupts the pacing, particularly in its early phases, potentially detracting from the overall storytelling experience.
Deeper Thematic Exploration in the Anime
Rearranging for Sub-Story Depth
Building on the previously discussed exposition challenges, some narrative alterations may serve the purpose of a deeper thematic dive. Notably, the anime adapts the response of Japan’s S-Rank Hunter Ryuji Goto to Jinwoo’s remarkable abilities, utilizing it to draw comparisons between Jinwoo and the Ant King during Goto’s climactic moments. Such parallels are absent from the manhwa, where the characters’ internal reflections provide richer context and detail. Season 2 of Solo Leveling significantly improves this aspect by focusing less on exposition and more on the development of intricate subplots that can be appreciated through closer analysis.
The adaptation also emphasizes Jinwoo’s struggle with his sense of humanity, portraying fights that were relatively easy for him in the manhwa with greater tension in the anime. For example, the scene where he summons Byung-Gu to rescue Cha Hae In evolves in the adaptation, as Byung-Gu actively calls for Jinwoo’s assistance, adding emotional weight and moral complexity to Jinwoo’s character development.
The Importance of Jeju Island
Beginning with Jeju Island
An intriguing choice made by the Solo Leveling anime is the early introduction of the Jeju Island arc, which is framed as pivotal to the unfolding story. This raid stands as one of the most critical arcs, and the anime prudently prioritizes its buildup. The initial season concludes with a tantalizing hint toward the Jeju Island Raid Arc, featuring a winged ant—an ominous foreshadowing of the evolution of formidable magical beasts that would confront the Hunters during the joint operation by Japan and Korea.
Enhanced Roles for Side Characters
Spotlight on Cha Hae In
The anime adaptation showcases a notable affection for Cha Hae In, Sung Jinwoo’s eventual love interest. While she appears in the manhwa, the anime positions her significantly earlier and prominently within the narrative, developing her character more fully in anticipation of her relationship with Jinwoo—an aspect that feels less fleshed-out in the printed original. By doing so, the anime seeks to bolster her significance, lending greater emotional weight to her character arc.
Season 1’s eighth episode is a prime example of the anime’s enhanced portrayal of side characters compared to the manhwa, dedicating valuable screen time to individuals other than the protagonist. Viewers gain insight into Jinho’s brother and backstories of characters like Lee Joohee and Song Chiyul, exploring their decision to return to combat following the trauma of the Cartenon Temple incident. Notably, even Kim Sangshik, who was a minor presence in the manhwa, receives additional character development, which adds emotional impact to his fate.
Less Emphasis on Gore
Balancing Fantasy and Darkness
A notable aspect of Solo Leveling’s second season is the reduction of graphic violence compared to the manhwa. While the anime does present moments of intense violence—such as the detailed representation of Jinwoo’s death—there exists a more pronounced level of brutality in the original webcomic. This shift can be attributed to the constraints of television programming, where content receives tighter scrutiny than what would generally be acceptable in a webcomic format.
New Easter Eggs and References
Continuing Manhwa Traditions
The Solo Leveling manhwa is recognized for its playful references to contemporary fantasy and video game culture, and the anime continues this tradition with numerous pop culture nods. For instance, the colossal spider encountered by Jinwoo in Solo Leveling episode 6 has distinct markings reminiscent of Venom from Spider-Man comics. Moreover, during a confrontation with Kang Taeshik in episode 9, Jinwoo’s warm-up mimics Goku’s iconic pose from the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie, which aired shortly before the episode premiered.
Additionally, the anime reintroduces Easter eggs reminiscent of the first season’s conclusion, echoing themes and symbolism that indicate future developments in the narrative, keeping fans engaged and eager for what’s to come.
Where’s the Humor?
A Lack of Humor in the Anime
While the Solo Leveling anime makes commendable efforts to improve character depth and pacing, it carries a more serious tone compared to the manhwa. The latter successfully incorporates humor and whimsical moments amidst its more intense sequences, thus enhancing the overall enjoyment factor. These comedic relief moments lend personality to Jinwoo and the narrative as a whole, creating a more dynamic storytelling experience.
For instance, during the Ant King arc in the manhwa, Jinwoo interacts humorously with Tusk, with exchanges that illustrate a light-hearted dimension to the character. Unfortunately, the anime seems to omit these humorous moments in favor of a streamlined plot, resulting in a less engaging experience at times.
The Notable Change: Sung Jinwoo
Increased Struggles for the Protagonist
Perhaps the most significant alteration within the anime concerns the development of Sung Jinwoo’s character. Unlike the manhwa, where he is quick to adapt to the darker realities imposed by the System, the anime version depicts him wrestling more profoundly with his diminishing humanity. A pivotal scene occurs when he confronts the malice of other Hunters, who utilize him as bait for personal gain. This traumatic encounter traumatizes Jinwoo, forcing him to confront the moral implications of taking lives, which he processes with a gravity not present in the original comic.
In contrast to the flippant attitude exhibited by manhwa Jinwoo after massacre, the anime version shows his internal strife and moral questioning, painting a more complex portrait of the character. The anime aspires to delve deeper into Jinwoo’s psychological battleground and foster a skepticism towards the System, effectively setting it apart from the manhwa’s portrayal, where he is more willing to exploit the mechanics for personal gain. This shift also highlights the ongoing critique regarding how OP (overpowered) Jinwoo is, as his struggles in the anime enhance the stakes in ways not as pronounced in the source material.
Solo Leveling is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.