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Solo Leveling has become our latest anime fixation, and it’s fascinating to discover that its origins lie in a manhwa. Granted, if you’re a regular reader of We Got This Covered, this might be old news, but indulge me for a moment.
For enthusiasts of popular shonen manga like Naruto or Bleach, or any of the manhwa featured on this list, Solo Leveling is bound to captivate your interest. The narrative revolves around Sung Jinwoo, initially a feeble hunter in a world where hunters navigate perilous dungeons to protect humanity. Following a harrowing dungeon encounter, Jinwoo receives an opportunity to ascend in power and claim the title of the mightiest hunter.
The allure of an underdog story is strong, and Solo Leveling delivers spectacularly on this front. As the anime unfolds, avid fans might be tempted to delve into the manhwa to get ahead in the storyline.
Although the anime made its debut in 2023, the Solo Leveling manhwa concluded in 2021, encompassing a three-year, 179-chapter journey for Jinwoo. While some may opt to wait for the anime, others might be compelled to devour the entire manhwa first. However, a word of caution: the ending has stirred controversy among fans.
As for the conclusion of Solo Leveling, Jinwoo’s journey climaxes with a face-off against Antares, the Monarch of Destruction. Backed by his shadow army, Jinwoo engages in a fierce battle but stands on the brink of defeat. Antares proposes a deal, yet Jinwoo, seeing through the deception, resumes the fight. The final blow is struck by Jinwoo, wielding his father’s dagger and experiencing a narratively satisfying moment with exceptional artwork.
However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. The battle doesn’t conclude as the Rulers intervene, swiftly defeating Antares. Some fans perceive this as a deus ex machina, undermining Jinwoo’s development up to that point.
In the aftermath, Jinwoo uses the Cup of Reincarnation to resurrect his father and lost friends, confronting the Monarchs once more (albeit off-screen). While Jinwoo saves humanity and the Rulers without enduring permanent losses, he finds himself in a world where nobody remembers him or even acknowledges the concept of hunters.
The ending divides opinions. Some find it unsatisfying, deeming Jinwoo’s entire journey rendered pointless after his time-travel intervention. On the contrary, others argue that the ending aligns with the essence of “Solo” Leveling, reflecting Jinwoo’s character and his inclination to accomplish everything independently. The series invites viewers to form their own conclusions, presenting compelling arguments on both sides. It’s worth giving it a try to decide where you stand on the matter.