The Conclusion of Solo Leveling: Competent Yet Rushed
Enhancing the Impact of Jinwoo’s Battle in the Dimensional Rift
The events in the series culminated in a way that felt somewhat trivial. Jinwoo’s lack of emotional complexity and remorse regarding the loss of his father and Go Gunhee left fans questioning whether he might not have been better off returning to his family and Cha Hae-In, instead of enduring 27 grueling years in combat. Although the battle between Jinwoo and Antares was undeniably epic, the absence of detailed depictions of Jinwoo’s struggle in the dimensional rift contributed to a feeling of anticlimax for many readers.
This rapid pacing amplified what fans viewed as a significant flaw in Solo Leveling: Jinwoo’s overwhelming power diminished the inherent tension of conflicts. His divine abilities enabled him to resolve situations without any real consequences. However, if the anime adaptation emphasizes the gravity of the war within the dimensional rift—possibly showing a succinct montage of Jinwoo’s sacrifices over the years—it could convey a compelling narrative that frames his regression as a noble sacrifice for the greater good.
Understanding Jinwoo’s Regression in the Anime
The Epilogue Highlights the Significance of Jinwoo’s Decision
Many readers overlook the fact that even with Jinwoo’s victory over Antares, humanity suffered devastating losses. Significant casualties occurred after the Giant’s break, including the destruction of cities in Japan and brutal devastation in Canada, not to mention Jinwoo’s personal losses of both his father and Chairman Gunhee. The trauma endured by his sister Jinah, alongside the tragic fate of students caught in the school’s attack, adds layers of grief that can’t be dismissed. Although his emotional trauma may not have been prominently displayed, Jinwoo’s regression to an earlier stage in life is a crucial and believable narrative development.
From the outset, the narrative shows how the emergence of gates disrupts lives. Characters like Cha Hae In and Park Jongsoo represent those who sacrificed their dreams to become hunters, a realization underscored by the prevalence of the eternal slumber disease and the political instability that unfolded. Jinwoo’s regrets, such as his delayed arrival at the Jeju Raid and the Jinah school incident, further emphasize the societal implications of power.
Ultimately, reversing time was Jinwoo’s only viable option to cease the relentless cycle of conflict between rulers and monarchs and prevent the gates from reopening. This selfless choice demonstrates the weight of carrying such immense responsibility. When the anime adapts the manhwa’s epilogue and encompasses Jinwoo’s internal struggles leading to his regression, it effectively communicates the series’ core message about harnessing power for altruistic purposes, even at a personal cost.
Highlighting Secondary Characters in Solo Leveling’s Final Arc
The Underutilization of National Level Hunters in the Manhwa
As the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling aims to enhance the manhwa’s narrative, it also presents an opportunity to rectify the hurried pacing of the final arc. The first two seasons of the anime have successfully introduced original content; however, the closing segments of the story could benefit immensely from deeper character exploration, especially secondary figures.
For instance, the potential of characters like Liu Zhigang and Thomas Andre seemed underutilized in the manhwa. Liu, portrayed as a formidable hunter empowered by the Rulers, seldom experienced significant onscreen conflicts. Thomas Andre, similarly sidelined after his encounter with Jinwoo, left fans wanting for more. Other characters like Cristopher Reed also tasted defeat too quickly, and Siddharth Bachchan’s absence was a missed opportunity, albeit recently addressed in Solo Leveling Ragnarök.
While additional content might not appeal to all viewers, including individual champion displays during the climactic battle could showcase each hunter’s abilities and contribute to the world-building. Returning to the Kamish event, which made Thomas famous, would allow fans to witness the international dynamics, especially since Liu was dispatched alongside Thomas to provide aid in America.
Enhancing Character Relationships in Solo Leveling
Exploring Jinwoo’s Relationship with Cha Hae In
A prevalent critique of Solo Leveling is that the relationship between Sung Jinwoo and Cha Hae In feels somewhat artificial, primarily due to the limited interaction between them. Jinwoo’s feelings remain vague until the very last chapter of the manhwa, where he finally confesses his desire to be with her, leading to skepticism regarding his decision to remain on Earth. However, in the light novel, Jinwoo’s attraction to Cha Hae In is apparent from their initial meeting, and their shared moments are portrayed with greater romantic depth.
Additionally, the dynamic between Jinwoo’s sister Jinah and Jinho deserves more attention. In the epilogue, it’s revealed that Jinho seeks Jinwoo’s approval to propose to Jinah—a plot point that wasn’t previously indicated in the manhwa. This relationship has been further explored across different media, such as in the game Solo Leveling: ARISE, where an interaction is included showcasing Jinho saving Jinah, thereby igniting her interest in him.
Thus, the anime adaptation could greatly benefit from incorporating scenes that more fully develop these relationships, making them feel organic rather than rushed. Just as Naruto’s later film developed the relationship between Naruto and Hinata, Solo Leveling has the potential to captivate viewers by taking its time to delve into these character interactions in its final arc.