Based on the Korean webnovel from author Chugong and artist Dubu, Solo Leveling is an anime released by A-1 Pictures. It is directed by Shunsuke Nakashige and Noboru Kimura handles the scripts. The first season consisted of twelve episodes.

In a world where extradimensional dungeons break into the world, hunters are sent to take them out. Sung Jin-woo (Aleks Le) is considered the least powerful hunter in South Korea. After a “double dungeon” event, he is abandoned by his group and is seemingly killed by the boss, but not before something called “The System” invites him to join. He wakes up in the hospital, seemingly fine with his sister Sung Jin-ah (Rebecca Wang) concerned for him. He soon learns that he can level up, unlike his fellow hunters. This gives him an advantage, but this leads to betrayal as he grows in power.

First of all, I love the opening song “Rise” by composer Hiroyuki Sawano and the TXT band. It is spot-on and works perfectly for the series.

Secondly, Aleks Le is amazing as Jinwoo. No offense to the Japanese or Korean voice actor, but I truly thought that Le performed so incredibly well as the character. He nailed both his humble origins and his increased strength. It is a shame he got so much pushback, but I thought he handled it well.

With this in mind, the show is excellent. I do think the manwha is better, but this anime does a smashing good job of adapting it. A-1 Pictures, known for Fairy Tail and Sword Art Online, put their best foot forward with the animation. They do an excellent job on that level and the level of plot.

It covers the first saga, which is Jinwoo getting accepted by the System before he discovers his new power. It was compelling, fun, and addictive. It is a shame that it bombed in Japan, but fortunately, it has already been renewed for a second season. I look forward to it and future story arcs.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Bloody violence, Minor foul language

This review is based on the dub by Crunchyroll.

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