Solo Leveling – Is the Hype Actually Worth It?
If you’re even slightly into anime and haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard about a certain anime called Solo Leveling. You know, the one with a main character who basically turned “Aura Farming” into a personality trait?
So here’s the big question: Is Solo Leveling actually a good anime or is it just another flashy, overhyped action show?
What is Solo Leveling About, Anyway?
For the uninitiated, Solo Leveling is adapted from a popular Korean web novel by Chugong, later turned into a manhwa (webtoon), and now an anime. It’s set in a world where mysterious gates open up to dungeons filled with monsters, and the only ones who can stop them are Hunters—people born with magical powers, ranked from E to S.
Once ranked, you’re stuck with it forever. No upgrades. No grinding your way to the top. That is—until Sung Jin-Woo, our protagonist, breaks the rules.
He starts off as the weakest E-rank hunter, barely surviving low-level dungeons just to pay hospital bills for his comatose mother and support his younger sister. But after a deadly double dungeon raid gone wrong, he’s chosen by a mysterious System that allows him to become a Player. From there, Jin-Woo begins leveling up, gaining strength with every monster he defeats and every quest he completes.
The Plot: Shallow or Simple Fun?
Critics of the show will tell you the story lacks depth. And honestly? They’re not entirely wrong—at least for now. The plot in season one and season two does feel familiar: overpowered protagonist, rapid progression, enemies that fall like dominoes.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no tension. Jin-Woo’s growth is layered. With each battle, he becomes more ruthless, more calculating. He’s not just getting stronger—he’s changing. And if you’ve read the manhwa, you know exactly where this is going: minor spoilers ahead—he’s destined to become the Shadow Monarch, one of the most powerful beings in existence.
Animation & Action – The Real Showstopper
Let’s talk about what truly sets Solo Leveling apart—the action sequences and animation.
From start to finish, the fights are crisp, dynamic, and downright addictive. This isn’t a show where you get two good fights and filler in between. Practically every episode delivers top-tier animation and choreography.
Highlights? The Igris fight at the end of Season 1 and the Beru battle in Season 2 are absolute masterclasses. These aren’t just fights—they’re cinematic events.
Sure, some manga fans nitpicked details like Goto’s fear of Jin-Woo not being shown with full intensity, which I kind of agree would have added more depth to his character. But let’s be real—A-1 Pictures has done a phenomenal job. Staying this true to the source material and keeping the animation quality consistent is no small feat.
Is It Overhyped? Or Is It Just… Cool?
Let’s get one thing straight: Solo Leveling may not be the next Attack on Titan in terms of deep lore or philosophical undertones—but it’s not trying to be.
It’s fun, fast-paced, and visually spectacular.
As anime fans, we sometimes get too caught up in defining what’s “peak fiction.” But remember why many of us fell in love with anime in the first place—the excitement and the sheer thrill of it all.
And Solo Leveling delivers that in spades. It’s not trying to be a slow-burn character drama. It’s here to blow your mind with epic fights, stylish animation, and a protagonist who evolves into an absolute force of nature.
The Bigger Picture – Plot Depth Is Coming
If you’re still unsure about the narrative weight, I’d say—just wait. As later seasons unfold, you’ll get deeper explanations about the System, the Monarchs, and why Jin-Woo was chosen. It ties everything together in a surprisingly satisfying way.
And one thing’s for sure—the action sequences are only going to get bigger. The scale of battles, the stakes, and Jin-Woo’s power-ups are just warming up.
He’s not just a hunter anymore—he’s a legend in the making. And yes, the “Aura Farmer” meme? Fully deserved.
Final Thoughts
Could Solo Leveling take home Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Awards?
Honestly? It wouldn’t be surprising.
The hype is real. The viewership numbers are massive. The fanbase is growing rapidly, and even skeptics can’t deny its sheer entertainment value.
Is it overhyped? Maybe a little.
Is the attention deserved? Absolutely.
On a personal note, though—I think Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End deserves that crown.
It’s quiet, emotional, beautifully paced, and emotionally resonant in ways Solo Leveling isn’t trying to be. (You can read my full thoughts on Frieren here)
Still, even if Frieren might be the more “artistic” pick, the impact Solo Leveling has had on the anime scene—and even beyond it in wider entertainment circles—is impossible to ignore.
Let’s Talk – What’s Your Take on Solo Leveling?
Do you think Solo Leveling is just another overpowered fantasy with flashy fights? Or do you believe it has the potential to become a new-gen classic?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
For more anime content, click here. And stream Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll.
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