Solo Leveling is the ultimate power fantasy. Based on Chugong’s web novel, which was later adapted into an acclaimed webtoon, the story takes place in a world where hunters wield supernatural abilities to battle dangerous beasts and protect humanity from extinction. Hunters are ranked by strength, but a video game-like interface known as the System lets our protagonist, Sung Jin-woo, climb the ranks and grow stronger at an astonishing pace.

Jin-woo starts out as a weak E-Rank hunter trapped in a seemingly endless struggle to survive. Before long, though, he becomes an unstoppable force. His progression feels steady and earned, and his efforts to uncover the source of his abilities take him through a series of unforgettable fights.

It’s easy to see why Solo Leveling has become so popular. The series is an ever-escalating power fantasy that stays flashy and fun, even when it puts spectacle ahead of depth. That doesn’t make the story any less enjoyable. When its protagonist is relatable and easy to root for, straightforward world-building and likable supporting characters can be more than enough — especially in an anime elevated by impressive animation.

Still, a story built around an overpowered protagonist who keeps leveling up can leave its other characters behind, or kill them off before they have a chance to make an impression. That isn’t necessarily a flaw: Solo Leveling is, after all, a story about Jin-woo’s solitary growth. But characters like Christopher Reed and Liu Zhigang had plenty of intriguing potential in the source material, only to be pushed to the sidelines.

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