Solo Leveling has given the fans one of the most famous and well-known new-gen anime main characters, Sung Jinwoo. Jinwoo grows from being a weak and timid boy to a man worthy of being called the strongest in the world, and the story that's woven around his adventure is what makes him one of the most loved anime protagonists.
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Jinwoo is flamboyant, nonchalant, and above all, he's tremendously strong. It is no surprise to see that his character resonates deeply with the fans, and he was even voted as 2025’s best main character. Despite that, Jinwoo’s character falls short on many ends, and some anime MCs, both old and new, are far better than Solo Leveling’s protagonist.
Jotaro Kujo
Jotaro Kujo is one of many amazing main characters that the Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure anime features. Jotaro Kujo, the main character of Part 3, Stardust Crusaders, is definitely the most iconic one of the bunch, becoming the face of the franchise as a whole.
Jotaro Kujo, just like Sung Jinwoo, has a cool and nonchalant personality, and they’re also both among the strongest of their worlds. However, Jotaro is, overall, a better main character than Jinwoo. This is much more apparent in Part 6 of Jojo with Jotaro’s amazing character growth after the birth of his daughter, Jolyne Kujo.
Frieren
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Solo Leveling are two series that were released around the same time, and blew up immediately in popularity. As such, fans can’t help but compare the two series, with many pitting Frieren and Jinwoo against one another.
While Jinwoo is all about the fights, Frieren does much more, giving the fans incredible battles, but also some amazing character moments. Frieren’s journey is far more captivating than Jinwoo’s.
Monkey D. Luffy
When it comes to iconic anime main characters, Monkey D. Luffy is one that immediately comes to mind. Luffy is the protagonist of the best-selling manga in the world, One Piece. One Piece doesn’t have the best anime adaptation, and yet, Luffy still stands as one of the most popular anime characters of all time.
While Jinwoo relies on cool moments, Luffy goes the complete opposite route. Luffy’s powers are all about his imagination and having fun, and yet, fans can't get enough of him.
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki has shaped a whole generation of anime fans over the run of his amazing anime series, Naruto. He is definitely one of the most famous and recognizable anime characters ever, and it's quite easy to see why.
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Naruto's character is about grit and never giving up. He's the perfect representation of the underdog trope and he turns his biggest weaknesses into his advantage. He also has some of the best fights in anime. His battle against Pain easily surpasses any Solo Leveling battle.
Maomao
Maomao is a new-gen main character, and her series, The Apothecary Diaries, has been blowing up all around the world, especially in Japan. Maomao’s series doesn’t really revolve around battles, as opposed to most other series currently popular.
Instead, Maomao appeals to fans through her wits and personality. Maomao is an absolutely incredible main character that keeps fans coming back for more, and she doesn’t need cool fights to make herself interesting.
Son Goku
Solo Leveling’s Sung Jinwoo is far from being the most popular battle anime MC, and that title would easily go to Son Goku, the main character of the revolutionary series, Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball has become the single most iconic anime series, and it’s largely thanks to Goku.
Goku is recognizable all around the world, and he has garnered this fame by showcasing some of the most legendary anime battles ever. There isn’t a single Jinwoo fight that can compete with Goku’s peak.
Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, is the main character of the most popular superhero anime there is — My Hero Academia. Fans have come to love this endearing crybaby who is quite easily the greatest and kindest hero of all, saving everyone around him with a smile on his face despite carrying big burdens.
My Hero Academia season 8 is currently airing, and it has once again shown just how much better Deku is compared to Jinwoo. Deku’s character doesn’t revolve around his battles. Deku isn’t scared to show weakness and then overcome it, and that's what makes him special.