Similar to how Sung Jinwoo levels up in powers and abilities, the Solo Leveling anime breaks a new record with every episode. The second second of the anime is ongoing in full throttle and the popularity is continually rising. Considering the manhwa’s fanbase, the anime was bound to be successful, but surpassing titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man is an entirely different thing altogether.
It has been officially confirmed that Solo Leveling was Crunchyroll’s most-watched new release in 2024. So far, it has also been a highlight for the 2025 anime line-up. This makes one curious about the factors that make Solo Leveling so popular among fans. And, the answer is quite simple.
Solo Leveling is breaking records and it’s not surprising
Solo Leveling has won millions of hearts by assuming the top position in the manhwa world. With the massive popularity, the anime announcement was just a matter of time. The anime was first announced in 2022 and premiered on Crunchyroll in January 2024. Since then the anime has become the most-watched new release on the streaming platform, according to a gamebiz article.
As much as a pre-existing fan base helped Solo Leveling‘s popularity, the pressure was also quite intimidating. After all, messing up with such a popular project would lead to a massive backlash. However, Studio A-1 Pictures did its best on the animation front, surpassing the expectations fans had.
From the opening theme to the exciting fights, the anime was excellent throughout. So much so that it has taken over Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll. Despite the popularity and milestones, Solo Leveling often bears the brunt of criticism whenever a discussion turns to the plot. Many believe that the story is the weakest part of the entire anime, which is surprising as it’s also the most appealing factor.
The appeal of Solo Leveling lies in its simplicity
The stakes are always high in the Hunter world as every Dungeon Mission is a matter of life or death, while also being a means of survival for many. The world of Solo Leveling was interesting, but the focus hardly shifted from Jinwoo. The story prioritizes Jinwoo’s journey over everything else. Admittedly, the side characters and the world-building suffer as a result of that. Yet, the story fulfills its objective.
Solo Leveling appears to be a great action series and it ensures that fans experience every bit of the action and intensity. The story doesn’t try to overachieve or present itself as nuanced or a deep dive into a particular subject, yet we see how greed, fame, and limitless powers can misguide individuals. The anime offers everything it promises at a glance.
Simultaneously, it surpasses expectations at times by striking a perfect balance between predictability and surprises. The former contributes in creating a sense of comfort, while the latter adds to the thrill. The way in which it happens is how the basic premise is executed.
Jinwoo has immense power but is extremely responsible with it. We see it in how he manages his emotions, his personal relationships and continues to stay out of unnecessary trouble. A huge part of his motivation comes from his need to keep his loved ones safe. This is a generic but grounded reason that makes his story resonate with fans.
Solo Leveling is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
