Solo Leveling has quickly become one of the most revered anime adaptations of a Manhwa series, and its success story is nothing short of remarkable, even surprising its own creators. The series delivers on all fronts, from its sheer entertainment value to action-packed scenes and a compelling protagonist, Sung Jinwoo. Solo Leveling’s impact was further solidified at the Crunchyroll Awards, where it claimed major honors: Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Main Character for Jinwoo, among others.
Solo Leveling may not yet rival the cultural dominance of Dragon Ball or One Piece, but a potential Season 3 could change that. Producer Atsushi Kaneko himself acknowledged that while the series hasn’t reached the same level of global popularity as Dragon Ball or Naruto, a potential third season could possibly be the breakthrough. As for international recognition, Solo Leveling has emerged as a phenomenon due to many factors.
The Popularity Of Solo Leveling And Sung Jinwoo
Solo Leveling is celebrated for its fluid and dynamic animation that has vividly brought Jinwoo’s journey to life. The character’s story struck a chord with audiences worldwide, far beyond what anyone could have ever anticipated. And now, thanks to the massive critical recognition bestowed upon it at Crunchyroll, Jinwoo’s name is written in the annals of history. Beyond its dazzling animation and acclaim, Solo Leveling became a hit because Jinwoo’s story resonated deeply with audiences. As a compelling underdog who started as the weakest hunter and rose to become the strongest, his journey was worth following. Jinwoo’s backstory, struggles, determination, zeal, and growing confidence were all central to Solo Leveling’s global appeal. More than that, the series celebrated Jinwoo’s triumph and grit, delivering a cathartic payoff that left viewers exhilarated.
Solo Leveling’s dark yet aspirational tone proves just how big an impact positive storytelling has on audiences. By perfectly balancing the classic underdog arc with Jinwoo’s triumph, it had viewers invested in the story from day one. Jinwoo wasn’t just handed power; he worked for it. He battled numerous odds at every step, and in the end, his dominance felt less of a gift but more a labor of love. With its sweep at the Crunchyroll Awards, Solo Leveling demonstrated just how much potential Manhwa characters hold on the global stage. The success of Solo Leveling is a positive sign for the future of Manhwa and its characters as a whole. Beyond Jinwoo, there exists another character that easily rivals his complexity and equally deserves love and attention.
Sung Jinwoo Has A Competitor
While there is no denying that Solo Leveling has redefined the Manhwa-anime symbiosis, it's time for the spotlight to shift away from Jinwoo and shine on someone else. Another protagonist rivals Jinwoo’s depth, complexity, and allure, and like him, he is worthy of captivating global audiences. He is a multifaceted Manhwa character and arguably even more capable than Jinwoo. Jinwoo’s true competitor is none other than Jin Muwon, the protagonist of what is commonly known as the best Murim Manhwa, The Legend of the Northern Blade. This Manhwa carries a darker tone, packed with tense life-and-death struggles. What makes it fascinating is that while The Legend of the Northern Blade thrives on stellar martial arts, Muwon holds his own in that department, ensuring he doesn’t lag behind Jinwoo when it comes to combat brilliance.
Additionally, Solo Leveling isn’t on the same level as The Legend of the Northern Blade because the latter adopts a far more multidimensional approach to storytelling. Its intricate worldbuilding, layered narrative, and characterization create an incredibly interesting setting, within which a character like Muwon lives and thrives. This makes him a true force majeure, shaped and strengthened by the very world around him.
Meet Jin Muwon From The Legend of the Northern Blade
The Legend of the Northern Blade is a gripping Murim saga, written by Woo-Gak and illustrated by Hae-Min. Set in the aftermath of the Northern Heavenly Sect’s downfall engineered by the Martial Arts Alliance’s betrayal, the story of Muwon begins with tragedy. His father, and the sect’s leader, Jin Kwan-Ho, is falsely accused of conspiring with the enemy, and takes his own life. He leaves behind a legacy shrouded in disgrace, and a son, Muwon, who is destined to rise from the ruins.
For years, Muwon is forced to live under constant surveillance, forbidden to learn and practice the craft of his ancestors. His chance for freedom comes when a surprise attack from the sinister Silent Night creates chaos and gives him an opportunity to escape. Escaping to the mountains, he begins to train to avenge his father and reclaim his family and sect’s honor.
Right from the start, it is clear that Muwon’s story is much more than just a personal struggle, and his world is far more complex. With so many foes and factions at play, The Legend of the Northern Blade is much more than becoming the strongest hunter like Jinwoo from Solo Leveling, but outsmarting the evil factions, outwitting the tyrants, and enemies. It is a world steeped in politicking, where people are constantly at each other’s throats, and is ruled by bloodthirsty tyrants.
The Legend of the Northern Blade Goes Beyond The Protagonist’s Personal Struggle
The Legend of the Northern Blade is regarded as one of the best martial arts Manhwa. Unlike Solo Leveling, the story isn’t straightforward, but instead unfolds gradually. The intricate relationships, especially between foes, make it all the more compelling. And while Muwon, like Jinwoo, ultimately prevails against his enemies, the world he lives in is far more expansive than Jinwoo’s. While both protagonists become incredibly powerful and celebrated figures in their respective worlds, the key themes of the two Manhwa vary significantly.
The Legend of the Northern Blade is a worthwhile read because it takes a multidimensional approach, set within a richly fleshed-out world of politics, confrontations, and conspiracies. Therefore, if adapted well, The Legend of the Northern Blade has the potential to surpass Solo Leveling.
Solo Leveling And The Flaws Within Sung Jinwoo’s Character
It cannot be denied that Jinwoo's character remains underdeveloped, while Muwon’s tale is richly marinated in his losses and learnings. Jinwoo’s popularity mostly rests on his cool demeanor, but Muwon's appeal comes from his emotional depth, toil, labor, and the growth he experiences once he escapes into the mountains. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders gracefully, and his growth is both external and internal.
Muwon endures emotional trauma, and the story forces him to mature both as a fighter and as a person. Jinwoo’s struggles are primarily external. Jinwoo is an unstoppable protagonist who wins his fights in style, but Muwon accepts the burden of his being to restore his father’s legacy. Jinwoo is the ultimate power fantasy protagonist, but Muwon’s story reaches far beyond. Beyond Jinwoo, the secondary characters of Solo Leveling also remain underdeveloped, though they are marinated in a brilliant script. That being said, there’s ample room for Jinwoo and them to shine in the coming future.
Solo Leveling Was A Breakthrough, But Is Season 3 Happening?
Solo Leveling currently has two seasons, with 12 episodes in the first and 13 in the second. This combined 25-episode count can be streamed on Crunchyroll. As Solo Leveling’s popularity continues to soar, so does the anticipation of Season 3. There is a lot of speculation surrounding the series’ future, with fans awaiting an official update.
Given the success of the first two seasons, many expected a swift Season 3 confirmation. Instead, delays have left the fate of the series uncertain. While a third installment is anticipated and even expected to surpass the quality of the first two, for now, diving into the Manhwa route to know more about Jinwoo remains a decent option.
Here’s hoping the Solo Leveling Season 3 announcement arrives soon. For now, all eyes are on it.
Solo Leveling
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- 2024 - 2025-00-00
A-1 Pictures' Solo Leveling is an anime based on Chugong's popular web novel. Set in an unforgiving fantasy world where hunters explore dungeons filled with monsters, the vulnerable Sung Jinwoo gains a significant power boost after he is picked to be a solo player by the System.
