WhenSolo Levelingfirst exploded in popularity, it seemed like an unstoppable force in the anime and webtoon world. Adapted from the hit South Korean web novel and manhwa, the series gained international attention almost instantly, selling out merchandise, dominating streaming charts, and sparking nonstop fan discussions. For many, it became the ultimate power fantasy.
But once the initial hype settles, it becomes clear thatSolo Levelingmight not be the flawless masterpiece its most devoted fans claim. Underneath the flashy animation and thrilling fight scenes lies a story riddled with familiar tropes, shallow characters, and missed opportunities. Here are seven reasons whySolo Leveling, despite its widespread love, is severely overrated.
7There Is No Real World-Building in Solo Leveling
One of the biggest disappointments withSolo Levelingis its lack of meaningful world-building. The series drops viewers into a setting where portals, monsters, and hunters are a given, but it rarely explores the deeper history or mechanics of this universe. Important questions about the origin of gates or the political landscape are brushed aside in favor of quick action.
Other great fantasy or isekai stories thrive because they make the world feel alive beyond the protagonist’s journey. InSolo Leveling, the world feels more like a backdrop than a living, breathing setting. Without consistent cultural, economic, or historical context, the stakes feel less immersive, and the conflicts lose some of their weight.
6Solo Leveling Uses the Same Overused Isekai Formula
Even thoughSolo Levelingis technically not a traditional isekaiwhere the protagonist is transported to another world, it borrows heavily from that formula. Sung Jinwoo starts as a weak, underestimated hero who dies and then revives, gaining an overpowered ability that allows him to crush enemies effortlessly. It is a setup seen in dozens of other series.
This reliance on a familiar structure makes the plot predictable. Instead of subverting expectations or adding fresh twists,Solo Levelingleans into the same beats fans have seen before, with a powerless start, rapid leveling, boss battles, and an ever-growing list of abilities. While this can be fun, it leaves little room for real narrative surprise.
5Solo Leveling’s Popularity Is Carried by Its Fight Scenes and Hype
It is undeniable thatSolo Levelinglooks amazing, especially in the anime adaptation. The fluid animation, striking visual effects, and intense music create adrenaline-pumping battle sequences. However, these moments often distract from the fact that the story itself lacks depth and variety. Without the spectacle, the narrative feels far less compelling.
When a show’s main draw is its hype factor, it can mask narrative shortcomings for only so long. Many fans admit they keep watching primarily for the next jaw-dropping fight rather than the unfolding plot. In that sense,Solo Levelingrisks becoming more style than substance, which limits its long-term rewatch value.
4Solo Leveing is “Edgy” Without Being Truly Dark
Solo Levelingoften presents itself with an intense, dark tone in a series full of dramatic lighting, brooding character shots, and grim monologues abound. But when it comes to actually engaging with dark, mature themes, the series rarely delivers anything substantial. The “edginess” feels more like an aesthetic choice than a narrative one, as Jinwoo wins every battle with little to no personal losses or desperate moments.
Truly dark stories explore moral dilemmas, emotional trauma, or ethical ambiguity. WhileSolo Levelinghints at these ideas, it mostly avoids digging deep into them. Instead, it keeps things surface-level, focusing on revenge and power fantasies without examining the personal cost. This makes its darkness feel more performative than impactful, which is something that makesSolo Levelingfeel slightly cheesy at times.
3The Supporting Cast of Solo Leveling Is Underdeveloped and Irrelevant
A strong supporting cast can elevate any shōnen series, but inSolo Leveling, side characters often feel like afterthoughts. Many Hunters are introduced with unique designs or abilities, only to fade into the background after serving a small purpose in the plot. Their personalities and motivations are rarely fleshed out, and even the S-Rank Hunters on the Jeju Island raid are only give one episode to explore their fighting, with no personal character development shown.
This lack of investment in the supporting characters hurts the story’s emotional depth. When allies face danger or major events occur, it is hard to feel genuine concern because viewers and fans barely know them. Instead of building relationships that could rival other iconic shōnen ensembles,Solo Levelingkeeps its spotlight firmly on Jinwoo, to the detriment of its own world.
2Sung Jinwoo Is a Flat and Underdeveloped Character
Sung Jinwoo starts with an interesting premise, as the weakest hunter in the world suddenly gains a mysterious “system” that allows him to level up like a video game character. Unfortunately, after his transformation, his character arc stagnates. He becomes overwhelmingly powerful quickly, removing much of the tension from battles, and making the story feel repetitive and predictable.
Beyond his rise in strength, Jinwoo’s personality remains largely static. He is stoic, calm, and occasionally ruthless, but rarely challenged in ways that force genuine growth. Without vulnerabilities or evolving motivations, he risks feeling like an action figure rather than a fully realized protagonist, especially compared to other complex shōnen leads like Tanjiro fromDemon Slayeror Yuji fromJujutsu Kaisen.
1Solo Leveling Did Not Deserve Anime of the Year, or Best Character of the Year
TheSolo Levelinganime winning “Anime of the Year” and Jinwoo taking “Best Main Character of the Year” sparked heated debates. While the show’s animation and action choreography are undeniably impressive, its overall narrative and character depth did not match other contenders that offered more innovative storytelling and thematic richness, likeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s EndorThe Apothecary Diaries.
Award recognition should reflect more than hype. Many fans argue thatSolo Leveling’swins were more a result of its massive online followingthan its actual quality. While it is fine for a popular series to win fan-voted categories, labeling it the year’s best risks overshadowing shows that pushed boundaries or offered more layered experiences.
