Solo Leveling and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba are perhaps two of the biggest hits of the anime industry in the last decade. Although focused on different themes, they have become popular because of their breathtaking fight sequences and captivating storytelling that keeps viewers engaged. Interestingly, the two stories approach character development in quite different ways.

While Solo Leveling is hyper-focused on its protagonist, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba refrains from centering solely on Tanjiro, allowing other characters to shine as well. But in spite of its radically different approach, Solo Leveling has carved its place in the hearts of anime fans in a short time. The misadventures of its overpowered protagonist are filled with awe-inspiring triumphs that fill the viewers with excitement and anticipation. But one-dimensional development, coupled with overpowered abilities, becomes a predictable flaw that Demon Slayer brilliantly avoids because of this one thing that its characters have.

Demon Slayer: Best Episode In Each Arc, Ranked

Demon Slayer is made up of iconic and memorable story arcs, and for each one, there is a single episode that stands above the rest.

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By Mirza Aaqib Beg

Emotional Bond and Camaraderie

Solo Leveling’s Hyper-Focus On Jinwoo Could Eventually Lead to Its Downfall

Demon Slayer characters share a deep emotional bond and camaraderie, while Solo Leveling fails in cultivating them.
Solo Leveling stands to gain by

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an emotionally charged story that relies heavily on the beauty of human connections and the sacrifices that it demands. The story begins with Tanjiro losing almost all his family to a horrifying attack that also leads to his sister turning into a demon. From the start, the viewers can feel the emotional tension of personal loss and the unwavering determination to go to any lengths to protect a loved one.

As the story progresses, Tanjiro and Nezuko’s bond becomes the key highlight that defines the protagonist. A brother’s immeasurable love for his sister is beautifully captured through their shared struggles and countless moments of selfless sacrifices. It makes their journey that much more heartfelt and inspiring.

demon slayer tanjiro crying hashira — Demon slayer tanjiro crying hashira

However, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is not only Tanjiro and Nezuko’s story. It also reveals and explores the emotional bonds that every character forms along the way. The story sheds light on the painful sacrifices and losses that other characters have endured and how it has shaped them into the people they have grown up to become. This is primarily why Demon Slayer fandom connects deeply with the diverse cast and different favorite characters.

Unfortunately, one cannot claim the same for Solo Leveling. Sung Jinwoo’s character development is the central theme of the series, and while there is nothing wrong with that, it takes away the chance of exploring other characters’ personal growth. The poor character development slowly makes the series quite predictable, with nothing unique to offer.

Interestingly, Demon Slayer characters also have a sense of camaraderie that Solo Leveling characters lack. Jinwoo is the one and only focus, which makes it impossible for the viewers to form a connection with the rest of the cast. In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the Demon Slayer Corps is driven by a collective philosophy, and they are willing to put their lives on the line for it. Their emotional drive, coupled with past trauma, makes every fight scene far more emotionally captivating.

Eventually, camaraderie and shared emotional bonds become the driving force of the story in Demon Slayer, while Solo Leveling’s hyper-focus on an overpowered protagonist limits the emotional range of the narrative. This is essentially the key difference between the two anime. While Solo Leveling is still entertaining, it has a long way to go to compete with Demon Slayer’s emotional depth and character richness.

Can Solo Leveling’s Storytelling Change in Season 3?

Solo Leveling has so far covered 108 chapters of the webtoon, until the Jeju Island arc. From here on, the story is expected to turn its focus to international politics and a global threat that will haunt humanity as a whole. The good news is that the anime will finally give Sung Il-Hwan, Hwang Dongsoo, Monarchs, and Thomas Andre some limelight. However, even in those moments, they will get outshone by Jinwoo.

Demon Slayer: 7 Best Episodes, Ranked

These are arguably the best Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba episodes so far.

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By Mirza Aaqib Beg

For the most part, the emotional depth that the story lacks until now might still feel lacking if the anime remains faithful to the webtoon. However, producers have already shown a desire to take their time in creating the upcoming season. While it is not a direct indication that they will take creative liberties and give other characters more screentime so viewers can connect with them, the anime stands to benefit immensely if they do.

Solo Leveling Season 3 has immense potential, and fans are eagerly waiting for it. Webtoon readers often criticize its one-dimensional story, and anime has already started receiving criticisms for the same, so it will be better in the long run if the anime experiments with the story and explores important characters in depth to create the emotional bond necessary to engage viewers.