Solo Levelinghas been one of the most highly-talked-about anime in a while. The anime’s second season came to an end last month, and fans are eagerly waiting for its sequel. While Solo Leveling has seen a great amount of success, a section of its fans is also displeased with the changes made in the anime.
Solo Levelingis an adaptation of its popular manhwa series, which was loved greatly prior to the anime’s release. Since its release, the anime has been making minor changes, but towards the end of Season 2, the changes felt unacceptable to some fans.
The Solo Leveling Anime Changes
Jin-Woo is Molded Into a Typical Hero
The biggest recurring complaint by fans has been regarding the main character, Sung Jin-Woo. Major aspects of Jin-Woo, like his strength, actions, and desires, remain the same. But little changes were made to his character often. In the Manhwa,after his fight with Kang Tae-Shik, Jin-Woo found one of the prisoners alive.
As a way to torture the sinful prisoner, he offered the prisoner to a horde of goblins that ate him alive. The anime skipped this scene, which consequently also skipped the moral grayness of Jin-Woo’s character.
Cha Hae-In’s Increased Screen Time Altered the Plot
In the manhwa, Cha Hae-In does not appear until Chapter 65. But the anime decided to introduce her as early as Episode 1, and additional minor scenes were added that helped fans familiarize themselves with this beloved character. This majorly impacted the ending scene of Season 2, Episode 12. After defeating the Ant King, Jin-Woo rushed to help Hae-In andeven used the Elixir of Life to save her life.
At this point in the story, Hae-In is still mostly a stranger to Jin-Woo, and the thought of using the precious potion on her did not even occur in the Manhwa. That being said, in the anime, Hae-In’s presence was more prominent, and also the anime’s version of Jin-Woo is more caring towards the people around him, hence explaining the addition.
Other Characters Also Lighten Jin-Woo’s Character
In Season 2’s final episode, Jin-Woo resurrected Min Byung-Gyu as a shadow to save Cha Hae-In’s life. The anime portrayed this scene more heroically. Jin-Woo was requested by Byung-Gyu’s soul to be resurrected so he could heal Hae-In. But in the manhwa, Byung-Gyu’s soul refused to be resurrected multiple times because itconsidered it to be immoral.
He was eventually forced by Jin-Woo to be resurrected. Though this minor difference did not change the outcome of the events, it did omit Jin-Woo’s willingness to ignore what’s moral if the situation arises.
Maybe it’s not working because he feels strongly opposed to becoming a shadow soldier.
I guess he thinks it’s immoral to turn a human being into one.
But I have to save the person who is still alive.
- Jin-Woo, Chapter 104, Solo Leveling Manhwa
Why Do Fans Dislike These Changes?
For many fans, these changes are a big deal because they directly influence Jin-Woo’s character. Jin-Woo, without a doubt, is the hero of the story, butthe frequent questions about his moralityare what make him a cooler and realistic protagonist.
The anime has tried to portray in a more light-hearted manner, which can be loved by a larger part of the audience. While the moral grayness around his character still exists in the anime, it is not as deep as in the manhwa.
It is impossible for any anime to adapt its source material perfectly. While some fans are bothered by the changes, the anime’s popularity suggests that a larger portion of fans seem to enjoy it. Though unannounced, fans are already looking to the next season.
