Summary
- Jinwoo’s rapid progression from weakest to strongest hunter adds an element of tension and unpredictability.
- Despite concerns about his overwhelming power, Jinwoo’s battles remain engaging and intense.
- Solo Leveling’s risky choice to focus on an overpowered protagonist has paid off, captivating viewers.
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Solo Leveling has made a name for itself with its intense battles and impressive protagonist, but one thing has remained on many viewers’ minds as the story progresses: is Jinwoo too overpowered? Fans of the series, as well as those casting judgment from the sidelines, often voice this question.
Some cite this concern as precisely why they haven’t given the show a try at all. Could this underdog story be placing its hero’s pedestal too high too soon, or is Sung Jinwoo’s overwhelming strength exactly why so many people keep tuning in every week? With season two of Solo Leveling close to its end, now feels like an appropriate time to look into it.
How to Enjoy Solo Leveling
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Web Novel/Light Novel |
13 Volumes |
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Webtoon/Manhwa |
13 Volumes |
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Anime |
24 Episodes (Ongoing) |
While it’s not exactly revolutionary to make the main character the strongest in the lineup, Jinwoo stands out quite a bit. With his progression from zero to hero moving at a breakneck pace, he’s gone from the weakest E-rank hunter to quite possibly out-classing the S-ranks in two short seasons. His improvement isn’t even limited to his power and abilities. Not only does he get tougher with every level, but taller, and seemingly more attractive as well. It’s no exaggeration to say his transformation is nothing short of unbelievable.
After accepting the role of “player” at the end of episode two, Jinwoo is nearly unrecognizable by the fifth episode. With his skills and physique developing so quickly, it’s no surprise that some might be concerned. After all, how can the story continue to ramp up the intensity if its hero can one-shot every opponent without breaking a sweat?
Related
Solo Leveling: Will Sung Jinwoo Ever Meet His Father?
Sung Jinwoo’s father was introduced in the Solo Leveling Season 2, but will he ever meet Sung II-Hwan in the series? Here’s the answer.
Keeping Things Interesting
More Than Strength
Something Solo Leveling has done well since the beginning is ramp up the tension. From the massacre that occurs in the double-dungeon, to the battle on Jeju Island, viewers are consistently kept on the edge of their seats. No matter what level Jinwoo’s abilities are at, he has a habit of taking on foes that outclass him. His drive to get stronger for his comatose mother pushes him into battles that should very well be postponed until he is better prepared.
His nickname is “The Weakest Hunter of all Mankind”
Thanks to this, it’s not unreasonable to doubt his success. Every time he comes out victorious, it feels like a battle well-won, whether he does so with strength or wit. Even in situations where his success is all but guaranteed, Jinwoo’s desire to stay out of the spotlight adds an unexpected layer of challenge. The series’ creator, Chugong, does an impressive job of keeping things interesting, even with a protagonist strong enough to reasonably deflate the tension from any fight. That being said, with his original goal fulfilled in the twenty-first episode, where does Jinwoo have to go from here?
What Now?
In a tearful scene that would have been at home in the series finale, Jinwoo manages to do exactly what he set out to do. With his mother back to full health, what is there left for Jinwoo to work towards? Sure, he still needs a job, so it’s unlikely that he would give up hunting all together. However, without a lofty ambition to spur him forward, what need does the player have to keep boosting his strength? He could easily support his family without ever entering a dungeon ranking over B.
When the Jeju Island arc begins, Jinwoo seemingly has just such a thing in mind, choosing to opt out of the fray. The decision irked more than a few fans when Sung decided to leave things to the S-rank hunters he had just recently humbled. Despite the reception of this choice, it’s yet another example of created tension. Viewers can’t help but feel a sense of anxiety while watching the force of world-renowned hunters step forth for battle. Even when Jinwoo does finally make an appearance, there’s no question that the upcoming fight will be a close one.
Too Legit to Quit
In short, Sung Jinwoo is certainly powerful, over-powered, even. Somehow, despite that fact, watching him overcome one obstacle after the next never gets old. Solo Leveling feels like what would happen if the coolest character in your favorite story got to stay in the spotlight. Imagine Erza Scarlet as a protagonist, or perhaps even Satoru Gojo. That character whose existence serves to demonstrate the heights that power can reach; that’s Sung Jinwoo.
Putting someone like him front and center was a risky choice, but against the misgivings of some, that decision has paid off. Not that it’s a secret, with Solo Leveling reaching the coveted number one spot on Crunchyroll. The only thing left to do is continue watching to find out if Chugong is able to maintain this level of intensity. The readers of the manhwa seem to believe he does, after all.