A Promising Beginning: Solo Leveling Episode 1 Review

The premiere of Solo Leveling Episode 1 on January 7 was met with great anticipation, considering the reputation of the source material. The anime faces numerous challenges in order to live up to the expectations set by the manhwa, and the first episode was its initial trial.

Despite having a beloved script, a well-regarded studio, and a talented staff, the anime must overcome controversy surrounding its Japanese origins and story that may not sit well with Japanese audiences.

The first episode of Solo Leveling is not enough to form a complete judgment on the overall production and the validity of the fans' concerns. However, we can assess the production quality and directorial choices made in this adaptation of the story. Essentially, this review of Solo Leveling Episode 1 aims to determine if the anime achieved the same impact as the webtoon's first chapter.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinion of the author.

Solo Leveling Episode 1 review: Animation, action, and music - the good parts

Let's start by discussing the high potential of this episode. Solo Leveling, despite not fitting perfectly into the Shonen category, is primarily a battle series. Its main focus is on action, particularly supernatural and fantastical action.

The art of Webtoon has taken the action to a new level. A-1 Pictures, a well-known anime studio, acknowledged that using colored artwork as the foundation helped them bring Solo Leveling to life on screen. The result was a smooth, detailed, and vibrant animation in Solo Leveling Episode 1.

On the other hand, the lack of action scenes in the first episode did not fully represent what viewers could expect. However, the original anime scenes featuring Jong-In and Yoon-Ho hinted at impressive battle animation to come. Although the background score didn't have many chances to stand out, the buzz around the music was mainly due to the theme songs, particularly the opening. It's widely known that the popular K-pop band TOMORROW X TOGETHER performed the opening song "LEvel," which was released as a standalone single. Despite this, Solo Leveling Episode 1 had a cold opening and didn't include the typical opening montage.

Solo Leveling Episode 1 review: Character and plot introductions - too much too soon

Joo-Hee and Jin-Woo as seen in Solo Leveling Episode 1 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

After discussing the positives, we need to address the downside of the episode. Many fans were disappointed with the pacing, which, although not slow, seemed chaotic and unpolished. The amount of information provided may have been overwhelming for a pilot episode.

The cliffhanger ending lacked impact because it resembled the beginnings of many battle-shonen series currently. The episode did not provide a clear entry point to the series and protagonist Sung Jin-Woo did not connect with the audience. This was partly because the anime introduced too many major characters in the first episode.

Baek Yoon-Ho and Choi Jong-In, who make their debut in chapters 47 and 62 of the webtoon, were the initial characters to be introduced. They served as the anime's way of presenting the Hunters to the audience, showcasing their formidable prowess. Following closely after, Go Gun-Hee, Woo Jin-Chul, Min Byung-Gyu, Yoo Jin-Ho, Han Song-Yi, and Cha Hae-in were all sequentially introduced.

Choi Jong-In in Solo Leveling Episode 1 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The novel and Webtoon don't feature any of these characters in their first 10 chapters. The large cast takes the focus away from Jin-Woo, leading to a lack of urgency when the ending hints at his impending doom. The frequent shifts between settings only add to the feeling of chaos in the episode. It would have been better to stick to the original timeline and adapt the first 5 or 6 chapters, which have strong ending points, instead of just chapters 1-3.

Solo Leveling Episode 1 Review: Understanding the controversial choices

The fragmented nature of Sung Jin-Woo's character prevents us from fully grasping the complexity of his persona and grasping the essence of this world. Instead of a coherent and balanced exploration, we are presented with a haphazardly assembled collage of numerous characters engaging in various activities, none of whom leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Yoon-Ho and Byung-Gyu in Solo Leveling Episode 1 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

However, it is important to consider why this production decision was made. Solo Leveling originally started as a novel and was later adapted into a webtoon. Both of these formats operated on the same principle: ending each chapter in a way that captivates the reader and leaves them eager for the next installment.

The novel started out with moderate popularity but gained momentum as it was serialized. The Webtoon, when it began serialization in 2018, capitalized on the buzz generated by the novel. However, it was the visual aspect that set it apart, and the stunning art of the Webtoon transformed a moderately popular series into an overnight sensation.

Readers returned to the novel for Chugong’s writing and to the Webtoon for Dubu’s visualization, both of which offered surprises. The anime, on the other hand, lacked the element of surprise. The audience already knew the story, characters, and visuals. The anime had to rely on sound and movement to captivate viewers.

Cha Hae-In makes her debut in Solo Leveling Episode 1 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The opening scenes featuring Jong-In and Yoon-Ho provide a taste of the thrilling action that awaits viewers. Their intense battles are sure to impress, while Cha Hae-In's captivating appearance is bound to attract a devoted fan base. Additionally, it's worth noting that the main characters may be voiced by up-and-coming actors, but the side characters are portrayed by seasoned veterans.

Reina Ueda voices Hae-In, Daisuke Hirakawa voices Jong-In, Makoto Furukawa voices Jin-Chul, and Junya Enoki voices Byung-Gyu in Solo Leveling Episode 1. These well-known industry names bring their talent to the anime, using kinetic and auditory elements to tell the story. However, while existing fans of the source material may see the potential, new viewers may not feel invested in the story after the first episode. This could result in some viewers not returning for episode 2.

Final thoughts

The setting of Solo Leveling episode 1 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The first episode of Solo Leveling failed to meet the high expectations set by fans of the webtoon or novel, as it seemed to prioritize individual elements over the overall story. However, it was still a well-produced episode that provided a glimpse of what's to come. Prior screenings of the first two episodes indicated that they should be considered as a unit. The second episode is expected to adapt chapters 4-7/8, potentially addressing pacing and characterization concerns.

As expected, the studio made significant changes to the names and locations in the locally broadcasted Japanese version. However, the international version, including the Japanese dub, remains faithful to its source. If there have been any adjustments to the script to accommodate the anime’s country of origin, they are not readily apparent.

Preview of Solo Leveling Episode 2 (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The Blue-Ray includes 12 episodes of the anime, and there is ongoing debate about whether the first season will consist of 2 cours. Considering the popularity and episode count, a total of 23-25 episodes split into two cours seems the most logical choice for production. Solo Leveling Episode 2 is set to premiere on January 14 at 12 AM JST, and I am hopeful that it will confirm my belief that this anime has the potential to be a true masterpiece.

For more information, visit: [Related Links]

Complete list of Solo Leveling voice actors

Solo Leveling episode 2 release details

Solo Leveling final chapter

Solo Leveling Spin-off details

Solo Leveling release schedule

Editor's P/S

As an avid fan of the Solo Leveling webtoon, I approached the anime adaptation with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The first episode left me with a sense of cautious optimism. While the animation, action sequences, and music lived up to my expectations, I couldn't help but feel that the pacing was a bit too rushed. The introduction of numerous characters and plot points in a single episode felt overwhelming, leaving little room for emotional connection or character development.

Despite these concerns, I am willing to give the anime a chance to prove itself. The potential for greatness is certainly there, and I believe that with some adjustments to the pacing and storytelling, Solo Leveling has the potential to become a truly exceptional anime series. I eagerly await future episodes to see if it can overcome its initial shortcomings and deliver the epic adventure that fans of the webtoon have been longing for.