Solo Leveling: Why It’s More Than Just a Power Fantasy

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If you’re not isolated from the pop culture scene, you’ve likely come across the captivating series, Solo Leveling, which started as a manhwa, then became a manga, and now an anime. Its action-packed sequences and stunning animation have left viewers in awe. However, while praises abound for its dynamic style, the second season has sparked some controversy since it ended last Saturday. Many critics point out the issue of power scaling or, more specifically, power spiking, in which the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, seems to rapidly surpass other characters in strength. Despite this, Jinwoo retains a semblance of relatability due to his recurring human moments; even with all the world’s power, one cannot save everyone (not just yet).

Major spoilers ahead for Season 2 of Solo Leveling.

When it comes to characters who are incredibly powerful and seemingly invincible, there’s no shortage of them. Characters like Goku and Saitama come to mind. The series they appear in often lack tension because their protagonists are so powerful. However, these series still have their appeal. For instance, “Dragon Ball” keeps fans hooked with the promise of the next big power-up, while “One-Punch Man” offers a satirical twist on the power fantasy. In contrast, “Solo Leveling” presents an untouchable hero who remains grounded in his human qualities, making it a potential new era’s power fantasy. Jinwoo starts off as a lowly E-Rank hunter, doing menial jobs like backup and cleanup to get by, but suddenly finds himself with S-Rank level powers.

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Sung Jinwoo’s Heart of Gold Still Lies Beneath the Power Fantasy

At the core of its immense strength lies a heart filled with kindness, which is what keeps this power-driven tale moving forward. In the first half of Season 2, we journey alongside Jinwoo as he tirelessly strives to boost his power and rank within the system, reaching levels that outshine even the most formidable adversaries. With an expanding army at his command and immense power, Jinwoo never forgets his grounded reality – a mother lying in a coma whom he believes can be revived with the Elixir of Life, an object he must earn by conquering the Demon Castle dungeon. As he progresses through his abilities, Jinwoo remains steadfast in his efforts to amass enough wealth for his sister’s care and to bring himself closer to healing his mother.

Jinwoo’s recurring themes that prevent this power fantasy from becoming excessive are evident in his interactions with less experienced hunters following his promotion to S-Rank, his reluctance to embrace the lavish lifestyle associated with being an S-Rank hunter, and his strong commitment to aiding those who genuinely need it. Two notable highlights of this season in terms of animation and power escalation are Jinwoo’s battles against Baran and Beru, respectively. The Demon King and the Ant King symbolized unique challenges that Jinwoo had to confront, and both fights showcased his humble characteristics before and after the encounters.

Prior to engaging in a showdown with the Demon King Baran, Jinwoo needs to acquire a key that unlocks access to Baran’s floor within the dungeon first. It’s essential to remember that despite his increasing power and effortless progress through these levels, his primary objective holds altruistic intentions. While navigating the dungeon, Jinwoo encounters Esil, a demon girl whom he spares and who later proves instrumental in his battle against Baran. The scene that reveals Jinwoo’s tender side is when he manages to rescue his mother. As an audience, we have witnessed Jinwoo transform into a completely different character. He has undergone physical changes and harnessed incredible power, but upon reuniting with his mother, he cries tears of joy, and she immediately recognizes him. This touching scene showcases that the humble, heroic side of Jinwoo still resides within this relentless beast.

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The Hero’s Choices Still Matter

The immense power one possesses can only protect or revive so many when foreseeing the future is impossible, as demonstrated by the Jeju Island Raid incident and Jinwoo’s initial decision to abstain from joining the high-ranked hunters on their expedition. Upon his arrival, we observe Jinwoo effortlessly overpowering the formidable Ant King and healing most of the injured S-Rank hunters. Yet, it’s crucial to note that by the time he arrived, eight S-Rank hunters had already perished, and one was critically ill, leaving Jinwoo with limited options for saving her life. In a flash of genius, Jinwoo manages to resurrect Min Byung-Gyu as a means to heal Cha Hae-In, and later lets go of his control over Min upon the request of another hunter.

If you’re looking for an anime with unpredictable battles where the outcome is uncertain until the very end, then “Solo Leveling” might not be your cup of tea. However, if you’re open to a power fantasy that manages to keep its protagonist relatable despite his immense power, then “Solo Leveling” could potentially become the next great power fantasy of our time. In other words, the protagonist possesses extraordinary strength, but he hasn’t lost the human qualities that make him appealing and down-to-earth.

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2025-04-02 03:10