Solo Leveling: Ragnarok – A Better Protagonist Than Jinwoo?

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Without a doubt, the second season of “Solo Leveling” was a huge hit and left fans eagerly anticipating Season 3. Fortunately, those craving more of this series can find solace in the highly acclaimed spin-off manhwa, “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok.” Much like the continuation of “Boruto,” this sequel focuses on Jinwoo’s son, Sung Suho. However, unlike many sequels, “Solo Leveling’s” new addition might even surpass the original for a single compelling reason.

In comparison to the original “Solo Leveling” series, the spinoff titled “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok” seems to excel particularly in the development and portrayal of its protagonist. Despite being only 40+ chapters into the story, it has already made a significant impression on readers due to its skillful blend of elements that make for an outstanding sequel. The main character, Suho, stands out as more complex and well-crafted than Jinwoo from the original series. He is given greater depth, his character arc is more engaging, and he possesses cooler powers and abilities that set him apart.

Let’s Face It, Sung Jinwoo Isn’t the Best-Written Character

While Solo Leveling is undeniably captivating, it’s worth considering that Jinwoo, as the protagonist, may not have the depth some fans expect. As the narrative unfolds, this shallowness becomes increasingly apparent, though it seems to be present from the story’s onset. Essentially, Jinwoo appears to possess the personality of a flat piece of cardboard. In the early stages of the tale, he doesn’t seem genuinely motivated to grow stronger. The Demon Castle and the Elixir of Life, which are key factors in his development, are only introduced later on.

Although Jinwoo shows affection for many individuals such as his family, Jinho, and Hae-in, his personality remains largely undescribed, encompassing aspects like his moral compass, peculiarities, and unique traits. To be precise, fans seldom witness Jinwoo displaying profound emotions, with the exception of when his mother emerges from the Eternal Slumber. Apart from overcoming the initial shock of the Double Dungeon ordeal, Jinwoo’s character development in the series is primarily limited to increasing his physical strength rather than undergoing a significant emotional arc.

In this rephrased version, I’ve attempted to maintain the original meaning while using simpler language: Instead of grappling with significant moral quandaries, actions like taking another life or transforming humans into shadow soldiers are easily set aside by Jinwoo. This lack of emotional depth makes Jinwoo feel more like a character for the audience to insert themselves into rather than an intriguing protagonist that develops throughout the series and becomes gradually known and understood by fans.

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok’s Suho Is a Better Protagonist Than Jinwoo

Despite being perceived as a cash-grab attempt to ride on the wave of popularity from the initial “Solo Leveling” series, “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok” instead introduces an original protagonist, offering readers a fresh take on the story. This authenticity permeates throughout the entirety of “Ragnarok”, enriching and refining the world and rules established in the original series while providing satisfying answers to long-standing questions, all while retaining the charm that made “Solo Leveling” so beloved.

In the story “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok,” Suho’s adventure initially mirrors Jinwoo’s with numerous witty nods and allusions. However, the narrative purposefully sets Suho on a distinct path that diverges from Jinwoo’s. Remarkably, this unique trajectory is a significant aspect of Suho’s character development in the first season of the manhwa. Intriguingly, at the story’s outset, Suho aims to emulate Jinwoo, striving to become the next Shadow Monarch without fully understanding why or if that ambition truly resonates with him. Consequently, Suho’s character arc turns out to be more engaging due to this complex journey.

Additionally, while Suho shares several talents with Jinwoo, he employs them distinctively, leaning less on shadow powers compared to Jinwoo and favoring Ruler’s Authority instead. Not only does Suho exhibit an unusual fighting style, but he also utilizes his shadow abilities in more imaginative manners than Jinwoo. Furthermore, Ragnarok bestows upon Suho unique powers, such as the capacity to amalgamate with the heirs of other Monarchs, resulting in extraordinary transformations.

In essence, it’s Suho’s unique character that sets him apart as a superior protagonist. Compared to Jinwoo, Suho’s character is richer and more distinct. What drives Suho is his strong desire to find his mother and vanquish the Itarim’s Apostle, aiming for family reunification. His personality traits include a natural curiosity, moments of overconfidence, and a knack for teasing Beru about his weakness. He is also characterized by an unyielding enthusiasm towards training and never backs down, even when faced with grueling training routines that leave him injured. The upcoming seasons of “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok” promise to further develop Suho’s journey and reveal more about this fascinating character.

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is available to read on Tapas.

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2025-04-23 00:15