Solo Leveling
This is the best anime to drop since Blue Lock. But instead of tackling the most popular sport in the world soccer. Or football depending on where you’re from. Solo leveling is for the gamers and if you keep reading I will explain why. Now let me start by saying this. I have been known to have a type when it comes to anime. To keep it short and simple I watch a lot of Shonen.
Let’s start easy and take a look at what this anime is even about if you’re not familiar. In short Solo leveling is based in a modern world where monsters come from these random dungeons. That pops up through portals throughout the city. But because modern weaponry doesn’t work against any of the monsters. They need hunters like the main character in this story Sung Jin-Woo to fight against them.
From just that little bit of information right there. This sounds like your run-of-the-mill Shonen. But wait there’s more. Jin-Woo was known as the weakest hunter ever because of his low ranking. But after a mystery and epic second awakening, he gained a new power. In this world it's rare cause once you unlock your initial power there is no way to tangibly become stronger. You can only hone your technique or get lucky on drops you get. Sounds like a gamer’s paradise to me.
But there is still something missing. We have monsters, dungeons, and drops locked in. The only thing left out is the thing we desire to see in not only anime but in games is the level-up. That is where Jin-woo’s newfound power comes in. Through his second awakening which was a spectacle in itself, he now has the power to level up. In a world where there is a fixed amount of strength, he and he alone can get stronger. Hence the name of the anime.
This is what separates this anime from the rest. It’s the contrast of circumstance. He went from being the weakest in the squad to having the potential to become the strongest ever. Now gifts like this don’t come without cost and danger. Even though he has gotten stronger since his second awakening. He still lacks experience. But his ability to adapt and process information is what makes him special.
There’s more I could say about Jin-woo but there’s still so much more about this anime that has me excited. Such as the mega monster island that opened the first episode. And even the secondary storyline surrounding the different guilds. The balance of power seems to be shifting and Jin-woo is going to be at the center of it soon. This is world-building at its finest.
I also enjoy the drip feed method of establishing more of the world and the people in it. Because without it Jin-woo’s rise wouldn’t be nearly as interesting. Setting that initial limitation in the power system was genius. It reminds me of Black Clover’s power system cause both main characters break said system. I want to see the main character of the anime I’m watching battle against the odds. What's crazy is it's only the first season.
In closing this anime is special because behind each level-up there is a secret to be revealed. The possibilities feel endless with Solo Leveling which is why I gave it a 10/10 G-Files Score. If you’re a gamer you would love this anime and even if you’re not this anime still goes crazy. I mean this man Jin-woo is about to become a whole necromancer in season 2 just cause he can. What more could you ask for?
