The Solo Leveling anime has become a global hit, but fans of the original manhwa (Korean webtoon) argue it doesn’t fully capture the depth of Sung Jinwoo, the main character. While the animation by A-1 Pictures is praised for its action scenes, some critical aspects of Jinwoo’s personality and growth are left out or simplified .
Why the Anime Falls Short in Showing Jinwoo’s True Struggles
In the manhwa, Jinwoo’s journey from the weakest E-rank hunter to an overpowered fighter is more than just flashy battles. His early struggles, like working multiple jobs to support his sick mother and sister, show his selflessness. The anime speeds through these moments, making his growth feel less earned .
“The manhwa makes you feel Jinwoo’s pain. The anime skips too much, so new fans won’t understand why he’s so determined.” – A fan on social media.
The anime also cuts small but important scenes, like Jinwoo’s interactions with his family and fellow hunters. These moments build his personality, showing his kindness and leadership before he gains power. Without them, his character feels flatter.
Differences in Power Progression and Emotional Impact
The manhwa spends more time on Jinwoo’s training and near-death experiences. His first major power-up in the Double Dungeon arc feels like a desperate survival move, not just a cool moment. The anime makes it look smoother, losing the raw emotion of the original .
Another key difference is how the anime handles Jinwoo’s loneliness. In the manhwa, his isolation grows as he becomes stronger, making his later choices more meaningful. The anime hints at this but doesn’t explore it deeply enough.
Animation vs. Story Depth: What Fans Are Saying
While A-1 Pictures delivers stunning fights with Sony’s Mocopi motion capture, some fans feel the story suffers. The manhwa’s detailed artwork adds tension and emotion that the anime’s faster pacing can’t match .
“The fights are amazing, but Jinwoo’s inner thoughts are missing. The manhwa shows his doubts and fears—the anime just shows him winning.” – A Reddit user.
Some fans suggest reading the manhwa first, then watching the anime for the action. Others hope future seasons will slow down and include more character moments.
Key Details the Anime Leaves Out
- Jinwoo’s financial struggles (barely shown in the anime).
- His bond with his sister (reduced to a few short scenes).
- The mental toll of leveling up (simplified in the anime).
- Early teamwork with other hunters (cut for pacing).
The soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan) is a highlight, but even great music can’t replace missing story depth .
Will Future Seasons Fix This Problem?
The anime’s success means more seasons are likely. Fans hope the next arcs will include more of Jinwoo’s personal struggles, not just action. For now, many recommend the manhwa for the full experience.
Also Read: Byeon Woo Seok Faces Backlash From K-Netizens Over Solo Leveling Live-Action Casting
Credits: CraveFX
