5 Things Solo Leveling Season 2 Did Well (And 5 Things It Didn’t)

Enthusiasts of manhwa (Korean comics) were thrilled when A-1 Pictures announced that Solo Leveling would be adapted into an anime. Subsequently, when the series premiered in 2024, it was a hit across numerous charts, with its first season receiving widespread acclaim. Not only did diehard fans appreciate it, but even those who follow anime alone praised its intriguing storyline, crisp animation, and fast-paced action sequences. As the first season came to an end, viewers were already anticipating the release of the second season, eager to watch the main character evolve into a necromancer.

In the second season of the popular series “Solo Leveling“, anticipation ran high due to predictions of exceptional action scenes and long-awaited fights from the comic book adaptation. True to form, the season delivered on its promise as enemies became more formidable, leading to increasingly intense combat and animation. Nevertheless, the production wasn’t without flaws. Some viewers felt that the story progressed too quickly, while others lamented a perceived lack of focus on the supporting characters. Here’s an examination of what worked for “Solo Leveling” Season 2 and where it fell short.

1) Stunning Animation and Visuals (Did Well)

In the first season of Solo Leveling, while it stood well on its own, some action sequences felt somewhat restricted and rigid, except for certain notable instances. However, these issues were significantly improved in Season 2, resulting in a visually stunning display. The compact dungeons from Season 1 were swapped out for expansive areas designed for more extensive combat, which was fitting given Jinwoo’s frequent use of his shadow army in battles throughout the season.

Consequently, the second season of “Solo Leveling” provided some of the most exciting and eagerly awaited battles in the series thus far. It was a delight to witness Jinwoo’s battles against Baruka, Kargalgan, the High Orc Shaman, and Beru, his recent recruit. Each fight was captivating and offered distinct visual elements as well.

2) Rushed Pacing (Did Not Do Well)

Despite the massive success of the second season of Solo Leveling, numerous manga enthusiasts felt that the narrative moved too swiftly. The animation studio compressed approximately 65 chapters into just 13 episodes, leading to this perception. Furthermore, some viewers noted that certain battles were abruptly concluded in the anime, presumably to maintain a brisk pace.

In the comic book (manhwa), Jinwoo’s fight with Baruka was significantly more comprehensive. The battles involving Kargalgan and the Jeju Island arc seemed to require more focus, in comparison. The rapid pace of events resulted in underdeveloped character arcs, particularly for secondary characters.

3) Broader Narrative and Storytelling (Did Well)

In Season 1, viewers saw Jinwoo’s journey through his training process, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of the System and advanced in levels. However, Season 2 delved deeper into the intricate backstory of ‘Solo Leveling’. An unexpected glitch in the dungeon boss occurred when Jinwoo enquired about the System, hinting at something far beyond a typical game.

In addition, we encountered creatures that seemed intelligent and could talk, rather than mindless brutes. Meanwhile, political squabbles among the hunters were another intriguing aspect throughout the series. This created a more compelling storyline within the world of Solo Leveling, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next season.

4) Neglected Side Characters (Did Not Do Well)

It’s clear that Jinwoo had a lot of screen time in this series. Unfortunately, other significant characters such as Jinho, Hunters Cha and Baek, even Jinwoo’s sister Jinah, didn’t receive the focus they should have. While these characters displayed substantial growth in the graphic novel, their development in the anime was not given proper attention. Instead of being fully fleshed out supporting characters vital for the storyline, they often felt like mere set pieces or background figures.

5) Wait-worthy Cliffhangers (Did Well)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about Solo Leveling season 2! The writers masterfully used suspenseful cliffhangers to keep us hooked and eager for more. Each week, as a new episode concluded on a nail-biting note, we found ourselves counting down the days for the next installment. This strategic approach effectively boosted viewership and left us on the edge of our seats!

Picture this scenario: Envision a situation where the very adversary intended for defeat, invites its assailants into its lair, and that’s where the story leaves us hanging. Or consider another instance, when Jinwoo, stealthily investigating, is caught red-handed by Hunter Cha – the suspense in these two moments was masterfully crafted, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

6) Specific Details From the Manhwa (Did Not Do Well)

In the second season of “Solo Leveling”, although it generally follows the source material well, there were moments omitted that left fans disappointed. For instance, the conversation between Hwang Dongsoo and Sung Ilhwan was extended in the manhwa but shorter in the anime. Furthermore, a full conversation between Jinho and his elder brother took place at their grandfather’s funeral, which was significant as we don’t often see much interaction between them – something many viewers felt was essential to understand their relationship better.

It’s fortunate that the anime didn’t undergo significant alterations compared to the comic. However, certain elements were crucial for the growth of secondary characters, and their exclusion could potentially impact the essential character development.

7) Epic Soundtrack (Did Well)

You might remember the incredible music by Hiroyuki Sawano from Attack on Titan. Just as expected, he brought that same musical magic to Solo Leveling too. The soundtrack for Shadowborn, which appeared in episodes 13 and 18 of season 2, was truly a remarkable work of art.

During each battle and significant scene, individual music pieces played, with ARIA and DARK ARIA standing out particularly. The scene where Beru blossoms was wonderfully brought to life by HØWL. While one might anticipate an action-packed soundtrack in an anime like Solo Leveling, it was surprising yet delightful how impactful the soft music was during sad moments, such as when Jinwoo’s mother eventually regained consciousness. Overall, Sawano once again demonstrated his talent, leaving fans astounded.

8) Watered Down Emotional Moments (Did Not Do Well)

In a show like Solo Leveling, which is primarily action-packed and focuses on power fantasies, it’s uncommon to find deeply emotional scenes. Nevertheless, it would have been nice if a few such scenes had made it into the adaptation. Fans felt that these emotional moments could have been more impactful if they were given more time and attention in the anime, instead of feeling rushed.

Initially, Jinwoo’s mother waking up was expected to be a deeply emotional and heart-rending moment, given that Jinwoo had put in tremendous effort just to help his mother recover. Despite his low status as an E-hunter, he worked tirelessly to accumulate small amounts of money. However, contrary to expectations, the impact of seeing his mother wake up healthy was not as profound as it seemed in the comic. Unfortunately, it fell short of its intended emotional resonance.

9) Faithful Adaptation to the Manhwa (Did Well)

Fanbase members are often curious if an animation studio’s new adaptation will remain true to the original manga or comic book, such as “Solo Leveling” season 2, which excelled in this area by closely following the manhwa’s narrative. So far, the anime’s plot has been remarkably loyal to the source material.

Fans were thrilled that all significant storylines were handled with reverence, and the studio successfully delivered on the action scenes. For instance, the fights against Baruka and Kargalgan serve as notable examples. Additionally, the portrayal of Jinwoo’s mother emerging from her Eternal Sleep was spot-on accurate. In fact, many viewers have gone so far as to claim that this is one of the top anime adaptations, making for a considerable accomplishment.

10) Jinwoo Leveled Up Too Fast (Did Not Do Well)

In simpler terms, the series “Solo Leveling” rapidly advanced Jinwoo’s character development in Season 2, making him seem nearly invincible as the Necromancer. Fans commented that this rapid progression led to predictable conflicts and didn’t fully capture the struggles that Jinwoo experienced.

In the realm of “Solo Leveling,” it’s not just an issue specific to the anime, but rather a common pitfall in power fantasy narratives when they reach their climax. As we anticipate Season 3, things are certainly promising to become more intriguing, yet at this moment, it’s hard to conceive of an adversary formidable enough for Jinwoo, given his current progression. This leaves fans who aren’t privy to the future developments feeling that he is overpowered, thereby diminishing the excitement and suspense characteristic of a gripping action story.

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2025-08-22 19:45