By Vika
Solo Leveling Manhwa, written by Chugong and illustrated by Gi Si-Ryeong and Jang Su-Rak
To some extent, the manga (or more accurately, manhwa, since it is a Korean work) Solo Leveling gained popularity thanks to its artwork and well-thought-out plot.
The story revolves around an E-rank hunter named Sung Jinwoo, who ventures into dungeons to earn a living and support his family. However, his life takes a drastic turn when a mysterious “system” appears, granting him the ability to level up and become stronger. Over time, his strength grows so powerful that soon… I think it’s clear how the story will develop. The protagonist was a complete underdog, but he gets stronger and stronger each time. Since it’s a shounen, there’s an analogy to the well-known work One Punch Man. However, while One Punch Man features overwhelming strength that defeats all enemies instantly, Solo Leveling shows character progression, with each new opponent posing a challenge that forces the hero to grow even stronger.
The story has many plot twists awaiting the protagonist, but it is his determination that provides the drive to increase his level and power.
This manhwa initially impressed me with its artwork. Every battle, every image in the chapters is so perfectly drawn that you can endlessly enjoy it. The fights are illustrated with top-tier mastery, giving off a sense of excitement, even though these are static images. Solo Leveling has undoubtedly become a cult classic, having already achieved great popularity and success with an anime adaptation. I am waiting for the season 2 release in 2025!