The 2024 anime season is buzzing with exciting releases, but one series has already emerged as the frontrunner for the title of biggest anime of the year – Solo Leveling. Based on the South Korean web novel by Chugong, Solo Leveling has taken the anime community by storm. Here are the reasons why Solo Leveling stands out and why it’s a must-have for both experienced anime enthusiasts and newcomers:
Smart evolution of MMORPG and dungeon crawler concept:
Solo leveling breathes new life into familiar MMORPG and dungeon crawler tropes. While other series stick to clichés, solo leveling surprises and subverts expectations.
Outstanding English Dubs and International Presentations:
Solo leveling not only caters to the needs of its built-in fans but also expands its audience globally. The English dub features top-notch performances under the leadership of ADR director Caitlin Glass. Additionally, Crunchyroll goes the extra mile by offering dubs in multiple languages besides English.
Powerful musical score by Hiroyuki Sawano:
Adding to the storytelling experience, Hiroyuki Sawano, famous for his work on series like Kill la Kill and Attack on Titan, provides a catchy musical score for solo leveling. The opening theme, “Levels”, a collaboration with Tomorrow X Together, sets the perfect tone for the series.
Stunning visuals and animation from A-1 Pictures:
A-1 Pictures, a powerhouse in the animation industry, does justice to the source material of Solo Leveling. Thanks to the talented team led by director Shunsuke Nakashige, cinematographer Masataka Ikegami, and art director Yasuhiro Okumura, the premiere features fluid visuals.
Really scary villains and true murderers:
Unlike typical fantasy-action anime, solo leveling introduces truly frightening villains. The premiere features horrifying statue gatekeepers engaging in intense and mature violence. The series doesn’t shy away from establishing the dark and dangerous nature of Sung Jinwoo’s world.
13 sections of the story to read:
A common problem for new anime series is the lack of source material to sustain the storytelling. However, solo leveling consists of 13 volumes and an additional side story, providing enough material for a strong and well-paced narrative.
The courage to establish a cast of compelling characters:
Solo leveling makes a bold move by establishing a diverse cast of characters early on, only to eliminate the majority and leave Sung Jinwoo as the unexpected protagonist. This decision not only surprises the audience but also sets the tone for an unpredictable and rule-breaking fantasy-action series.
Strong, Smart and Resourceful Dalit Hero:
Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of Solo Leveling, challenges the norm by becoming a talented and resourceful underdog. As an E-ranked Hunter, he relies on intelligence, ingenuity, and inspiration rather than mere strength. The premiere has established Jinwoo as a character the audience cares about.
Affordable and effective world-building:
Solo Leveling handles world-building expertly, avoiding information overload and trusting the audience to figure out complex details over time. The premiere strikes a balance between action, mystery, and intrigue without burdening the audience with unnecessary rules.
It serves as a perfect gateway into the world of South Korean storytelling. With millions of readers before anime release, Solo Leveling introduces viewers to a rich and captivating universe of manhwa, web novels, and webtoons. Solo Leveling, the highly anticipated anime adaptation, has not only met but exceeded expectations. With its smart storytelling, exceptional production quality, and a protagonist who challenges conventions, it has all the makings of the greatest anime of 2024.
