Solo Leveling has ascended to the ranks of legendary anime and webtoon series, largely driven by the compelling narrative of Sung Jinwoo and his formidable Shadow Army. At the start of his journey, Jinwoo was characterized as the weakest Hunter in existence, but his acquisition of the ‘System’ abilities transformed him into one of the most powerful figures in the series. His impressive combat skills, swift agility, and strategic intellect are overshadowed—quite literally—by the immense power of his Shadows, particularly seven elite figures who define the upper echelon of his army.
7 Tank
The Leader Of The Ice Bears
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0VxyJwzLik
Among the most fascinating Shadows in Jinwoo’s ranks is Tank, renowned for his exceptional speed, strength, and unparalleled durability—aptly earning him the moniker “Tank.”Before his resurrection as one of Jinwoo’s foremost Shadows, Tank held the title of Alpha Ice Bear in the treacherous Red Gate, where Jinwoo’s team was ensnared. In this dire confrontation, Tank’s prowess starkly contrasted with that of Jinwoo’s initial soldiers, who were far outmatched.
This pivotal encounter was Jinwoo’s first real opportunity to deploy his Shadows strategically. At that stage, only Igris was a named Shadow, while others were mere B-Rank equivalents. Though Jinwoo’s nameless soldiers exhibited commendable combat capability, the Alpha Ice Bear was an insurmountable foe. Recognizing this, Jinwoo tasked Igris with the critical mission of eliminating the Alpha, which he accomplished successfully, thereby augmenting Jinwoo’s Shadow Army with Tank’s formidable strength. Since his induction, Tank has consistently led the charge in conflict, embodying an aggressive battlefield presence and formerly serving as Jinwoo’s combat mount until the advent of Kaisel.
6 Kaisel
The Former Battle Mount Of The Monarch Of White Flames
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Zd8gBZC-s
Kaisel stands out as Jinwoo’s inaugural named Shadow with the ability to fly. Initially known as Kaisellin, he served as the battle mount of Baran, the formidable Monarch of the White Flames and the terrifying final boss of the Demon Castle. Although Kaisellin was not developed to his full potential in life, his swift demise came at Jinwoo’s hand when he was easily defeated by Igris’ strike. Following this battle, Iron retrieved Kaisellin’s remains to empower Jinwoo’s Shadow Army.
Kaisel reveals his might during the Jeju Island Arc, with breathtaking displays of strength as he battles the Ant King and his minions, demonstrating his exceptional size and devastating breath attacks. In crowded battles, Kaisel proves to be an overwhelming force, solidifying his position as one of the strongest entities.
5 Iron
The Former A-Rank Hunter Kim Chul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYGmdIGqUXs
Iron is significant as Jinwoo’s first Shadow originating from a fellow Hunter, cementing his role as a vital and humorous component of the army. Once an A-Rank Hunter known as Kim Chul, he personified tank-like attributes while alive. Notably selfish, his choices during the Red Gate Arc revealed a darker aspect to his character, as he sacrificed weaker allies for self-preservation—only to meet his demise alone after subsequent betrayals.
Kim Chul attempted to take revenge on Jinwoo, falling into the latter’s strategic designs for inclusion within the Shadow Army. Regardless of the initial conflict, Iron emerges as one of the most formidable Shadows in Jinwoo’s ranks.
4 Min Byug-Gyu (Temporary)
The Only Shadow Jinwoo Has Ever Released
Min Byung-Gyu’s arc is perhaps the most poignant in the narrative of Solo Leveling. Once regarded as one of Korea’s elite S-Rank Hunters with unparalleled healing skills and formidable combat capabilities, his reputation came crashing down during the disastrous Third Jeju Island Raid. Tasked with combatting the Ant threat, he witnessed tragedy when his friend fell, prompting his initial retirement.
However, upon learning of a new raid opportunity, he re-entered the fray, demonstrating exceptional healing prowess that ultimately culminated in his demise at the hands of the Ant King. Remarkably, even in death, Min Byung-Gyu’s unwavering desire to aid his comrades led him to call upon Jinwoo to heal another. After Baek Yoonho implored Jinwoo to grant him peace, Min Byung-Gyu became the only Shadow Jinwoo has ever released.
3 Igris
Jinwoo’s First Major Test Of Strength
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvMnRTvvrW4
Igris is renowned as Sung Jinwoo’s initial named Shadow, a pivotal figure in the transformational phase of his journey as he rose from an E-Rank Hunter to a formidable force. During the first season’s climactic finale, Jinwoo undertook the perilous Job Change Quest Dungeon, overcoming a series of challenges that culminated in an epic duel with Blood-Red Commander Igris.
The confrontation showcased stunning animated sequences and raised the stakes dramatically, providing one of the most thrilling sequences in anime history. Ultimately victorious, Jinwoo imbued Igris with loyalty and command. Igris embodies a stoic demeanor, yet his unwavering ferocity during combat positions him as a crucial ally on the battlefield.
2 Tusk
Formerly Kargalgan—A Powerful High Orc Shaman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLKYFu_sMTM
Tusk ascended to the title of the strongest Shadow in Jinwoo’s army following his transformation from Kargalgan, a dominant high orc shaman and the final adversary of the Hunters Guild Gate. Kargalgan showcased exceptional prowess, effectively trapping Hunters with potent spells—eventually forcing them to confront Jinwoo’s burgeoning strength.
The climactic battle against Kargalgan exemplified the peak of Jinwoo’s abilities, marking a turning point in his journey. Upon his defeat, the high orc shaman was resurrected as Tusk, becoming an essential spellcaster in the army, fortified further by the Orb of Avarice obtained from another foe, Vulcan.
1 Beru
The Former Ant King And Boss Of An S-Rank Gate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrHTT2IEKpE
Beru not only holds the distinction of being Jinwoo’s most powerful Shadow by the end of season two, but he also ranks among the most formidable characters in the entire Solo Leveling universe. As the Ant King, Beru surpassed even the mightiest of S-Rank Hunters, effortlessly dispatching numerous adversaries, including members from both Korea and Japan’s elite forces.
If not for Jinwoo’s heroic intervention, Beru’s insurmountable strength would have left an indelible mark of devastation across both nations. Their subsequent battle stands as a remarkable highlight of anime, showcasing an array of battle dynamics and character transformations, but ultimately resulted in Jinwoo prevailing. His victory led Beru to become not only a pivotal member of Jinwoo’s Army but also the first Shadow capable of speech, achieving the esteemed General grade—a testament to his immense power.