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A wide grin spread across my face at this scene. It's all very intriguing, becoming almost a mystery in itself. You're left curious, eagerly awaiting explanations that are sure to take their time to unfold. They've added several moments, injected a bunch of scenes that didn't even exist in the novel. Let's delve into the final impressions of Solo Leveling, the story of humanity's weakest hunter who, after a certain event at the beginning of the story, undergoes a complete transformation in appearance and personality. Even his previous appearance and personality were resurfacing to haunt him in this episode.
There were some interesting fights, but what really caught my attention was the ending. It's what fans have been eagerly anticipating, and it did justice to the original material. In this video, I'll give an overview of what stood out to me in this episode, share some data that some may find interesting, such as how far they've gone in the manga and where I think they'll go in the announced second season, etc. And of course, I'll make some comparisons with the original material. There were some changes, whether additions or cuts, but nothing outrageous. Nevertheless, it's always interesting to discuss.
This episode kicks off with the protagonist trying to fend off a group of armors. Some noted that there wasn't this scene at the end of the previous episode, but it turned out quite well. His use of bloodlust is particularly attention-grabbing. Let's delve deeper into it.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 2
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Continuing from where we left off, while the anime might have missed out on certain scenes equivalent to the manga, it's not a big issue because they included other cool scenes.
The main scenes, the most important ones, were all there, and they even added an extra scene at the end of the fight that wasn't in the manga. Now, before someone brings up the novel, let me clarify: in comparison to the novel, the manga expands on the fights. The fights in the novel are much shorter, with the novel usually offering more background information or additional dialogue. However, in terms of action, the manga reigns supreme, and an anime adaptation usually enhances the fights even further. But let's get back to it.
The protagonist is fighting against the armors, and it seems like he's about to lose. Then, his past self appears, adding to his psychological turmoil in this desperate situation. His mental state is weakening as he faces despair. It's funny how his past self keeps pointing out the drastic changes he's undergone—how he's become more handsome and strong. He's struggling because he's already worn out from facing the Igris, and now he's confronted by an infinite number of guards. He managed to hold his ground initially, but he reaches a point where he can't keep up. He's pushed to his limits, and then some.
And then, he makes a mistake. He forgets to complete his daily quest, which results in him being punished by being transported to that alternate reality in the desert with the giant centipede. And that's exactly what happens. He's saved at the last moment by sheer luck—or as he puts it, a stroke of luck—and a little bit of coincidence.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 3
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His quick thinking saves him from certain death, as without it, he would've perished. The system managing him, the one that devised that entire challenge in the dungeon for him, wouldn't let him die. It's guiding him along a path that clearly serves its own interests, not necessarily the protagonist's. The system's influence becomes even more evident in this episode, as I'll discuss later. It's blatantly trying to manipulate him into making certain choices.
This complexity adds to the mystery, leaving us curious about when and how explanations will unfold. But it's going to take some time. Meanwhile, the protagonist uses his four-hour time limit in the alternate reality to drink some potions and face the copez. Now, they're nothing to him—his return showcases just how much stronger he's become since the beginning. Creatures that were once deadly to him are now easily defeated in multiples.
The anime embellishes these combat scenes with intricate choreography, a stark contrast to the static scenes in the manga. While the manga lacks the dynamic details of the fight, the anime shows him effortlessly dispatching multiple centipedes, fluid and well-executed. Some might miss the manga's iconic moments, like the protagonist's post-potion-drinking expression followed by the appearance of the centipedes. But the anime compensates with its fluid and captivating scenes that add a new dimension to the story.
There are trade-offs between the anime and manga—each has its strengths and weaknesses. It's worth experiencing both to fully appreciate the story. With the protagonist now regenerated and stronger than ever due to his level-up, the stage is set for even more thrilling developments.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 4
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With his body fully regenerated, the protagonist is now at full strength. For RPG enthusiasts, these aspects are particularly enjoyable as they represent new level advancements and skills. For instance, he gained the skill to pull back his weapon, initially acquired from fighting the Igris. Though he doesn't yet have a high enough level to utilize it fully, for now, it serves its purpose of retrieving weapons. It's quite handy—you shoot your weapon and retrieve it back. He returns to the fray, and this time, things seem much easier. He even has time to strategize and notice that it's the mages summoning the guards. There's a cool scene where he throws his daggers, which has become a famous poster and is depicted even on my screen. The manga also featured this iconic scene, and the anime version adds its own twist, though I still prefer the manga's version, especially the enhanced version used for this wallpaper scene.
The fight concludes with him using his telekinesis ability to dispatch the remaining mages. It's an interesting fight that wraps up better than in the manga. In the manga, instead of defeating the golem summoned by the mages, he goes after the mages first, which makes more sense. He takes out the mages and then deals with the golem, which becomes the climax of the battle. It's much more impactful than simply defeating the mages as depicted in the manga. They managed to give a more compelling ending that excites even more, especially with the accompanying music. Overall, it was a great addition that added depth to the scene.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 5
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The fight against the IGRIS was undeniably thrilling, but the battle that followed was more of an extra, a post-fight ordeal. However, they managed to infuse it with a vibe akin to a second climax within the anime, which I particularly enjoyed. The adaptation of the fight was well-done, with nothing to complain about honestly. Sure, there were a few scenes where the manga presented a more aesthetically pleasing panel, but the anime compensated with fluid scenes and a more impactful ending.
For instance, I appreciated the anime's decision to omit a certain part from the manga where the protagonist is stabbed from behind. It felt a bit forced, especially considering he seems unfazed afterward as he continues the fight without any apparent injury. In the anime version, they skipped this part entirely, maintaining a more logical and sensible progression of events.
Moving on, the protagonist receives his reward—a class evolution to necromancer. It's quite bizarre, and even he expresses his reluctance, thinking he doesn't want that. After all, necromancers use spells, manipulate the dead, and require intelligence points, which he lacks. However, the system persistently encourages him, emphasizing the rarity and potential benefits of the class. It's fascinating how the system seems to have its own agenda, blatantly guiding him towards a certain direction. When he finally accepts, a distinct aura surrounds him, indicating the acquisition of new abilities and enhanced mana.
This manipulation by the system adds another layer of intrigue to the story, highlighting its mysterious nature and the protagonist's complex relationship with it.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 6
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He evolves from a mere necromancer to a shadow monarch, a significant advancement fueled by his outstanding performance in combat. This elevates him to rank two necromancer—a remarkable achievement. What's truly intriguing is that the dark aura surrounding him, which has been hinted at in previous parts of the anime, now becomes more prominent. It gives the impression that he already possessed some necromantic abilities, albeit dormant, and the system compelled him to choose this class, unlocking those latent powers.
This aspect adds a layer of suspicion to the system's intentions, as hinted at by various clues throughout the story. I won't spoil anything major, but there are several hints you pick up on if you pay close attention. It all seems very suspicious.
Now, as a necromancer, he can summon the dead to form his army. It's an impressive display, especially when he summons back the soldiers in shadow form—a visually striking scene. However, the most iconic moment, eagerly anticipated by many, is when he attempts to summon back the IGRIS. Despite being thoroughly beaten by the creature, it somehow becomes his subordinate, a significant turning point in the story. It's baffling how he gains such dominance over a formidable foe, but it adds an exciting twist to the narrative.
Initially, his attempts to summon the IGRIS fail, highlighting the creature's overwhelming strength compared to his own. Yet, he persists, and on the third attempt, he succeeds, accompanied by a dramatic soundtrack that heightens the tension of the moment. It's a testament to his determination and growing power.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 7
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The animation of the IGRIS summoning was exceptional, especially in 2D. It surprised me—I initially expected it to be in 3D, but the use of 2D animation, with the cape billowing in the background, brought a big smile to my face. This scene alone justified the hype surrounding the IGRIS. It's clear why people are so fond of him; he's an original character who, despite being defeated in a previous episode, returns as a recurring figure in the series. As the protagonist's right-hand man, he plays a significant role and will continue to do so until the end of the story.
The fan base's admiration for the IGRIS is evident, especially considering his formidable fight in the previous episode. He commands respect, and now, as part of the protagonist's shadow army, he adds another layer of strength to their ranks. However, there are limitations to the protagonist's ability to summon creatures. While his mana determines the size of his army, there's a finite limit to how many he can control. Thus, he had to sacrifice some soldiers to make room for the IGRIS. As the protagonist's powers grow, so too will the strength of his shadow army, including the IGRIS, who undoubtedly have room to evolve further.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 8
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There was an intriguing development when he arrived at the ant island and encountered humanoid ants. These ants had evolved since their last encounter, transforming from giant insects into humanoid forms. While this development isn't as captivating, it adds to the evolving narrative.
Moreover, the protagonist's use of the "book technique" has been a consistent theme since the previous episode. This technique is akin to inserting a less exciting section into an otherwise engaging story. By interspersing these less thrilling moments among the more action-packed scenes, the pacing remains dynamic. For instance, rather than presenting a lengthy chapter solely focused on a villain, the story alternates between protagonist-centric chapters and brief villain introductions. This approach prevents potential boredom and ensures that viewers remain engaged.
However, this storytelling technique also has its drawbacks. While it prevents monotony, it may dilute the impact of significant events. By breaking up intense fight scenes with frequent pauses, some viewers may lose immersion in the narrative. Nevertheless, the strategic placement of these breaks helps maintain a balance between action and exposition.
In conclusion, while the use of intermittent pauses may affect the pacing, it ultimately contributes to the overall enjoyability of the series. As the protagonist's journey unfolds and new challenges arise, viewers can expect a dynamic narrative that keeps them eagerly anticipating each episode.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 9
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The frequent pauses during fights create a sense of tension interruption. You're fully engaged in the excitement of the battle, then suddenly, it cuts away. You're left hanging, waiting for the action to resume. This technique can be frustrating and disrupts the flow of the narrative. However, it's a common strategy used throughout the anime, including in the previous episode and this one.
While this pause-and-resume technique may have its drawbacks, it's a stylistic choice that the creators have embraced consistently. It's possible that it will continue into future seasons unless there's significant backlash from viewers. In that case, the creators might reconsider how they integrate these pauses into the story.
Despite the interruptions, there are still elements of intrigue and surprise. For example, the introduction of new characters and unexpected developments keeps the audience engaged. The balancing act between these interruptions and the main narrative adds depth to the storytelling.
Additionally, there has been some criticism regarding the soundtrack composed by Sawano, known for his work on "Attack on Titan," "Kill la Kill," and other notable series. While some find the music in Solo Leveling to be lacking compared to his previous works, it still surpasses the average quality expected in anime soundtracks. The music effectively complements the action and adds to the overall enjoyment of the series.
In conclusion, despite its flaws, Solo Leveling continues to deliver an engaging and entertaining experience for viewers. The strategic use of pauses, alongside compelling storytelling and a well-crafted soundtrack, ensures that audiences remain invested in the series.
For those interested, the soundtrack is available on Spotify for further exploration and enjoyment.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 10
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There was a certain expectation surrounding the scene of the Shadow Invocation, particularly the "Awaken" moment, which became famous in the original and among the fan base. I thought they would make it more epic, but it turned out to be a rather subdued scene. I was even expecting a heavy soundtrack to accompany it and enhance the excitement, but it felt somewhat lacking in energy. The scene didn't have much of a standout feature, except for the moment involving Igris, where they decided to add something extra.
For example, as I was exploring the official soundtrack of Solo Leveling, I found some tracks that they didn't use. The director, who is relatively new to directing action anime alone, did a decent job for his first work. He's not a genius like the director of "Free," whose first work was fantastic in every aspect, but he did a good job. His use of the soundtrack was also spot-on. So, overall, there's not much to criticize about him. For a newcomer handling an action anime solo, he did exceptionally well. Comparing him to other directors who have been in the industry for a while and have been delivering mediocre work, this director stands above the average. Hopefully, he'll continue to improve in the next seasons.
Solo Leveling Episode Analysis: Part 11
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The adaptation of "Solo Leveling" from its original source material has been commendable, as I mentioned before. They amplified the excitement of the fights, particularly with battles that weren't as captivating in the manga. The Cerberus and Shadow battles received significant enhancements. Even the Igris fight, which was quite short in the original, was extended in the manga and further expanded in the anime, creating several memorable moments. Overall, it was an excellent adaptation, with the Igris fight being the standout episode for me.
The animation was fluid, and the choreography was well-executed. While not everything was perfect, with some frames from the manga still surpassing the anime in terms of art quality, the overall adaptation was above average. The direction of the anime was superior to most, with plenty of fluid animation during the fights.
However, some fans are clamoring for perfection, as seen in the first trailer. Personally, my expectations were exceeded, and I found the adaptation to be excellent. There were a few minor issues here and there, but overall, it was well done.
Regarding the addition of extra scenes, it's a bit debatable. Initially, I found it intriguing, especially the introduction of characters who would only appear much later in the original story. However, they may have overdone it a bit, to the extent of dedicating an entire episode to original scenes.
Part 12 of 15:
So, they went a bit too far with adding extra scenes. They wanted to conclude this specific part after the Igris fight, but they couldn't do it with just 12 episodes because there wasn't enough material. They extended the fights, which some found a bit rushed. If you're following the original novel, I'm telling you, because they added several scenes that didn't exist in the novel, even in the anime, and they even reached Chapter 45 of the manga. If you want to continue with the manga, you can start from Chapter 46. But if you watch the manga, you'll see that it wasn't rushed at all; in fact, they added a lot of extra content. So, I quite liked the adaptation. Hopefully, they'll improve on a few points. As I mentioned, this director's first action work turned out well, so maybe he'll improve even more now.
It's good that the second season has been announced. There were rumors before, but some people were confused because the initial rumor was that there were around 20 episodes of Solo Leveling being produced. They were going to release 12 for this first part, then have a few months' break before the other part, part two, with another two or three episodes. So, they announced it as the second season. The second season isn't something beyond these 20-something episodes because they just called part two the second season. This happens because many anime series have more than one season planned, and they call them the first and second seasons. Some call them part one and part two, which usually confuses most people. The point is, the second season they announced will consist of another 12 episodes, but there's no release date yet. It might still be announced later this year. There are rumors... (Continued)
Part 13 of 15:
... It's possible, but nothing is guaranteed about that. However, it was already planned to make the second season. There were even rumors of six seasons planned, which doesn't make much sense unless they're really going to invent a lot of filler content. Because in this season, they used 45 chapters, but they filled it with extras. If you take all the extras they added and combine them, it would only make two episodes of extras. So, if they had followed the manga closely and extended the fights, it would have been around 10 episodes without rushing. So, if they hadn't added so many extras, they could have gone up to around chapter 50 or something like that. With another season, they could easily reach up to chapter 110, which is the end of part one of the manga.
Some people think they will try to adapt more of the approximately 45 chapters in the next season. Then they could finish around chapter 90 or something like that. There are some interesting things there; it would look good, but they are doing so much on the Ant Island, and the climax of the Ant Island comes right after. You can't put that as the third season because it would be at the beginning of the season, unless they really invent a lot. If they take the Ant arc and double its size by adding a bunch of extra fights and scenes, my goodness, half the season will pass without seeing the protagonist because he won't appear in those scenes. They'll just put the other characters there that you usually don't care much about. It might give them more development, but it would be half of the season filled with that. So, if they really divide this season into three parts, it's a bit risky because of that. It would be too much filler to fill just 12 episodes with that ant arc. So, six seasons are possible if they put in a lot of filler, a lot of extra content. But if they don't, then the normal thing would be...
**Part 14 of 15:**
With four to five seasons, the next season would go up to chapter 110, finishing at the Ant Island arc. To be more precise, it would adapt 65 chapters, but they only adapted 45 this season. That's right, but there are a bunch of extras. If it weren't for all those extras, they could have adapted up to 60 chapters without any problem. So, if the next season doesn't have more extras because even many of these characters who appeared a lot now will start to appear from the next season onwards, as they do in the original, then there's no need for all these extras anymore. So, if they stop adding extra content, they can easily adapt 12 episodes up to chapter 110. If they continue to fill it with extras, then they have another plan; they will extend some arcs or create an original arc, I don't know what they'll do. But it would be strange if the Solo Leveling season were too much. It's just a rumor to keep in mind because even the source that leaked it is suspicious. It's a Korean website, which is even strange for them to leak this, but still, it's something for you to find strange and not take it literally. It could be speculation, a plan they had, but they might not execute it. Some are speculating that they want to adapt a continuation, which is Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, but the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok novel has just started. It makes no sense for them to want to adapt it already. There's a season planned for something that has just started as new. So, these seasons of speculation and rumor would really only be for Solo Leveling to reach 200 chapters. The second part of the manga is more rushed than the first because the artist got sick and wanted to finish it faster. He still added extras compared to the first.
**Final:**
But about the fights from the novel, it's worth mentioning that, although they skipped some fights and such, there are some things that they can include in the anime if they follow the novel. Because I don't know if you noticed, but they are following the manga, the manga panels. They follow the manga that was more popular. So they follow the manga. Many people got obsessed with, "Oh no, the original novel." Yes, this applies to Japanese light novels when the novel is the original in Japan. In the Japanese adaptation to an anime, they follow the novel. But for the Korean adaptation, they seem to be following the manga. They even might take a look at something from the novel here and there, but they use the manga as their basis. They use the manga designs as their basis, they use the manga panels as their basis, they use the manga fights as their basis. They modify something here and there, amplify something or another, but I haven't seen anything to suggest that they are following the novel more than the manga. So if they are going to change this after the second season, which theoretically could end at the first part of the manga up to chapter 110, and from a third season onwards, where there would be a lot of things there that they had to rush a bit, they would follow the novel more, it's possible. But for now, their basis is the manga. The novel is an extra that they might take a look at something here and there, but they're not really concerned about it. I think this first season made that pretty clear. But, well, folks, that's it. I liked the adaptation. It wasn't perfect, I think could have been better, but overall, they did a good job and even exceeded my expectations in some episodes. Well, comment on what you thought, and let's now await the second season. As soon as they release an official date, I'll definitely make a post commenting on it for you. And that's it.
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