Solo Leveling (also known as Ore dake Level Up na Ken) is an anime adaptation of the highly acclaimed manhwa (Korean comics) that first made its entry in 2016. This Korean web novel has accumulated a massive following, becoming the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the year.
What’s beneath the hype?
This site is all about stories; let’s explore the essence beneath the hype from a story point of view.
Typically, hype stems from a breakthrough or novelty, and these words are usually linked to the story’s concept.
Concept: The central idea dealt with in the story isn’t unique or unheard of. It is a frequently tried and tested conception, heavily inspired by an RPG, with a plot similar to any other video game-based anime. However, the lack of uniqueness doesn’t take away its charm, as there is a genuine audience for this particular subgenre.
Character Design: Popular stories are renowned for their character design, yet the opening season of this anime falls short in this area. Aside from the protagonist, the characters suffer the fate of any other regular action fantasy anime, missing the distinguishing striking qualities.
Premise: The storyline adheres to a usual progression fantasy premise, a type of fantasy where the character levels up or improves over time. While there are some interesting additions to the premise, overall, it fits into the mold of anime belonging to this specific genre.
What separates Solo Leveling despite common qualities?
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- Execution
The anime hovers over the anticipation stage, making it a surefire hit for viewers’ engagement. Solo Leveling capitalizes on the undiscovered hero trope, captivating the audience with anticipation for the grand entrance or reveal of the main character. It’s one of the common yet effective tropes for high anticipation, making it a perfect choice for such a concept.
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- Scale
Having to compete for attention against the trending genre of action fantasy or to stand out from the other MMORPG anime (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game anime), the show has to deliver on the less delivered in this category, the scale. Solo Leveling weaves an expansive tapestry of scaling from the very beginning of the season; the size of the world, the array of characters, glimpses of different points of view of other characters and potential subplots ahead, completes the formula for a commercial hit show, like the other trending action anime of recent years.
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- Tone
The darker the tone, the more serious the events and the more thrilling the experience. Unlike countless other fantasy anime that play on just humorous and light-hearted tone, Solo Leveling takes the other approach infusing the storyline with darker elements whether it may be violence, the seriousness of the circumstances or the inclination to the dark side of the protagonist. All of these layers the story with suspense and deliver the high-octane scenes.
As Jin-woo unlocks skills in the anime, these above skill sets, separate the anime from the rest in sheer entertainment value.
Is Solo Leveling Overhyped?
The story is in its build-up stage, laying the groundwork for a future payoff. Given the nature of the storyline, the show is at its most riveting phase, making it deserving of the hype. But, such an approach to storytelling, comes with a steep price, if not planned proficiently. Once this build-up stage reaches its end, with the full reveal, the story’s excitement value can likely plummet.
Average viewer rating across platforms.
Is it your must story?
It’s a must-watch for those who seek progression fantasy stories, especially RPG-based anime and also for the audience of the action genre, but are newcomers to this particular subgenre.
And for all the others it’s a hit or a miss, depending on their receptiveness.