Solo Leveling's Story: Good, Bad, or Average?

Mar 26, 8:10 PM

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Jun 2024

I think we can all agree that Solo Leveling has some great animation, choreography, and character designs. However, I personally feel like it's lacking in the 'story' department. Don't get me wrong, I love the intense fight scenes, crisp animation, and badass Sung Jin-woo moments..... but I'd be lying if I said I like everything about the show.

To me, it feels as if the story is an afterthought. It's fairly rinse and repeat at this point, with Sung being in practically no danger. I'm getting One Punch Man feels and I wish there were more stakes in the show. I've purposefully avoided as many spoilers as I can, but I'm aware of the larger scale events that have already occurred in the Manhwa.

As it stands, Sung basically follows this formula: 1) Watch people get the sh*t beat out of them, 2) Make a badass entrance long after he should have, 3) Swiftly defeat the enemy who stomped everyone else.

Now, if there was an overarching story, with something we could actively see being progressed, I wouldn't have an issue with it. But at this time, in the show, all we know is that Sung was chosen (for some reason) by the "system," which grants him the ability to grow immeasurably strong. We have had some hints with the characters glitching out (Tusk and Esil), but that just reinforces that there is a system.

Speaking of other characters, the other S ranks do not feel anything like S ranks. They don't even really have backstories, so I can't get very invested in them.

Overall, I think the story is average (at this moment). When the "system" is being mentioned, Sung's father is on screen, or Jeju is mentioned, I feel the most drawn to the show. Actually, my favorite part was when he resurrected his mother - since that was his entire goal of becoming a hunter.

Like I said earlier, the fight scenes are amazing, and this is probably the most thrilling action anime I've seen in a long time. But that's what I'd categorize Solo Leveling as - an action anime with minimal story (yet.... hopefully).

P.S. I rated the show an 8/10, and thoroughly enjoy it for what it is - just have a discrepancy with it.

SteeJansMar 27, 10:30 AM

Mar 26, 8:23 PM

Bolona07

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Jul 2023

331

“I rated the show 8/10” and has it favorited
Also has Frieren S2 favorited? 😭

Mar 26, 8:31 PM

Cielord

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Jan 2021

2073

Just write a review at this point.

Mar 26, 8:33 PM

TheLastCrusaders

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Nov 2020

123

When I went into solo leveling, I never expected masterful writing. I haven't read the Manwha, but from what I had heard, it was just a fun action series with gorgeous art similar to demon slayer. The show really delivers on my expectations and, if anything, exceeded them. A1 pictures really delivered on the visual spectacle and even thought the characters besides sung jinwoo are non-existent and there isn't much of a plot it's exhilarating to watch. And even though solo leveling can be comparable to a lot of other shows with op main characters,just with better art, what I think makes it so much more appealing is sung jinwoo isn't like all the other mc who can't have basic interactions with females or always do the right thing like tanjiro, which I loath in anime. Not every show needs masterful writing like aot,vinland ect or great characters like re zero, mushoku ect It just needs to deliver really well on the aspect it's focused on and solo leveling definitely delivers on its action. At the end of the day, I think that's all it needs to do to be enjoyable.

Mar 26, 8:39 PM

uncrustedreviews

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Jun 2022

Bolona07 said:
“I rated the show 8/10” and has it favorited
Also has Frieren S2 favorited? 😭

bro what’s up with being an asshole for no reason…? people like you are why it’s harder for people to get into anime. i know you’re just fun to be around. all this guy ever did was just give his opinion on a show he enjoys. whatever i guess

Mar 26, 8:58 PM

Phantom_Siren652

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Aug 2022

1688

It’s a simple story but I think it’s done well and simple doesn’t mean bad.

Mar 26, 9:39 PM

AryanAvhad_98

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Dec 2022

A Solid 8/10 for great storyline and characters
story is getting better and I think in the end of season 2 there will be some cliffhanger that will force me to read the manhwa .Even at this moment I haven't tried to read manhwa but I'm sure I'm going to after this season

AryanAvhad_98Mar 29, 10:59 AM

Mar 26, 11:34 PM

ej_exe

Offline

Feb 2023

i feel like it does somewhat match SAO, HxH and a couple other animes in a sense, but that does not mean it is a bad thing. I've honestly enjoyed how things are going so far in the show but I do wonder what the main goal of the storyline is. What is the end goal he is aiming for? what is the main plot of the story? is it getting back to that shrine once more from the double dungeon? it was never fully made clear but 100% im going to keep watching.

Mar 26, 11:37 PM

Piromysl

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Jul 2015

12735

Story is average. That's it. Nothing groundbreaking, not any glaring issues.

Mar 26, 11:37 PM

#10

Safuan12616

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May 2022

147

Average. It's lacking depth & development.

Mar 27, 12:16 AM

#11

YamiLoon

Offline

Aug 2024

199

it's good, not that good but good

Mar 27, 12:28 AM

#12

SweatyFingers

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Jul 2023

546

simple story with good power system and nothing bad

Mar 27, 12:35 AM

#13

xZabuzax

Offline

Nov 2016

3719

It's good, nothing groundbreaking. The story or characters don't need to be deep or philosophical or anything; they just need to be entertaining.

Solo Leveling is doing a great job, and it has great animation too.

Mar 27, 12:55 AM

#14

Zarutaku

Online

Sep 2016

14165

So far the story seems average, hopefully it gets better later.

Otherwise your summary of the show seems fairly accurate.

Mar 27, 1:49 AM

#15

KarnGod

Offline

Nov 2019

SteeJans said:
I think we can all agree that Solo Leveling has some great animation, choreography, and character designs. However, I personally feel like it's lacking in the 'story' department. Don't get me wrong, I love the intense fight scenes, crisp animation, and badass Sung Jin-woo moments..... but I'd be lying if I said I like everything about the show.

To me, it feels as if the story is an afterthought. It's fairly rinse and repeat at this point, with Sung being in practically no danger. I'm getting One Punch Man feels and I wish there were more stakes in the show. I've purposefully avoided as many spoilers as I can, but I'm aware of the larger scale events that have already occurred in the Manhwa.

As it stands, Sung basically follows this formula: 1) Watch people get the sh*t beat out of them, 2) Make a badass entrance long after he should have, 3) Swiftly defeat the enemy who stomped everyone else.

Now, if there was an overarching story, with something we could actively see being progressed, I wouldn't have an issue with it. But at this time, in the show, all we know is that Sung was chosen (for some reason) by the "system," which grants him the ability to grow immeasurably strong. We have had some hints with the characters glitching out (Tusk and Esil), but that just reinforces that there is a system.

Speaking of other characters, the other S ranks do not feel anything like S ranks. They don't even really have backstories, so I can't get very invested in them.

Overall, I think the story is average (at this moment). When the "system" is being mentioned, Sung's father is on screen, or Jeju is mentioned, I feel the most drawn to the show. Actually, my favorite part was when he resurrected his mother - since that was his entire goal of becoming a hunter.

Like I said earlier, the fight scenes are amazing, and this is probably the most thrilling action anime I've seen in a long time. But that's what I'd categorize Solo Leveling as - an action anime with minimal story (yet.... hopefully).

P.S. I rated the show an 8/10, and thoroughly enjoy it - just have a slight discrepancy with it.

I mostly agree with your statement, but I do feel like the plot itself isn't what drives the narrative in this story. The character development and writing is what really elevates the change for me, as to how the characters react to Sung, the events that occur, and vice versa.

I also love how the show demonstrates its capability to make us interested in certain characters by giving us sufficient information about them in such little time. Of course, design and their power play a role, but only to the degree that it flows into their overall character.
I would assume that most of us, at the very least I for my part do, like Joohee. Not for her power or because she's the basic love interest of the protagonist, but because she was written to be very empathetic and human. Though she is given very little screen time and is written out of the story quite fast, I enjoyed her journey and the subtle depiction of PTSD with it.

Mar 27, 2:09 AM

#16

Mdraj6996

Offline

Nov 2020

414

It's average IMHO. Not exceptional but enjoyable

Mar 27, 2:20 AM

#17

Damuzen

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Sep 2017

3177

I enjoy Solo Leveling only for the animation, OST and choreography
For me it's the typical popcorn anime
Storywise it's just painfully average, same thing for the characters (especially Jin-Woo)

Profile | Anime List | Manga List | Interest Stacks

Mar 27, 2:52 AM

#18

SteeJans

Offline

Jun 2024

Surprised most people seem to agree with me.

And for those that are calling out my rating, and that I have Frieren rated so highly, I have a different scale for different anime.

Frieren was an anime that’s main pull was its story and character progression. Solo Leveling is an action anime. For an action anime, it’s damn amazing.

Just trying to voice an opinion and see what others think. No hate for the show here.

Mar 27, 2:56 AM

#19

Memore

Offline

Feb 2021

7853

It is good although not ideal, I like it!

Mar 27, 3:44 AM

#20

Shibaroo

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May 2022

for me story is a 7/10 it doesn't really expand any of the characters besides the MC.

Mar 27, 3:52 AM

#21

Saimatsu_Fan

Offline

Sep 2021

1181

the story is average

the actual issue is the cast

Mar 27, 5:16 AM

#22

Anon222

Offline

Mar 2025

Have a look at the review section.

This anime has a 51% positive review rate. (103 sample size).

For a fair comparison, Apothecary dairies (which has the same MAL score and similar review count).
Has a 72% positive review rate (123 sample size).

Heck, S1 is at 41% positive. Go see any other review rating on the other anime on the top anime list. This is not a fluke.

This anime looks worse the more you actually sit down and think about it. Hence the difference between review ratings and mindless non-review ratings (Likely tons of bots too).
The fact that the non-review ratings are even higher than S1 (Despite being worse) is really telling.
It's a decent enough fidget-spinner tier entertainment source. Like a Ubisoft game or a Michael Bay film.
But an utter insult to actual high effort anime that scored similarly.

There ARE anime that are animated well without sacrificing everything else, you know? (Plot, characters, world building, power system, literally everything).
Like One Punch Man for example. Which is ironically a parody of slob like this.

This is the opposite of a must-watch. You won't miss anything if you didn't watch because they are tons of anime like this out there.
And some of them are even well written.
You literally see zero references or memes or anything for this online because it's just so generic and unmemorable.

Mar 27, 5:54 AM

#23

vextaaw

Offline

Jun 2019

Good call from you pointing it out👏👏
Even in the Manhwa, the pacing is too quick, and the story maintains a linear pattern - which you observed.
Great to see that there are some people left who care about the quality of the story. Too many "ooga booga" kind of fans nowadays :)

Mar 27, 5:56 AM

#24

vextaaw

Offline

Jun 2019

Zarutaku said:
So far the story seems average, hopefully it gets better later.

Otherwise your summary of the show seems fairly accurate.

man... are you in for a shocker LOL

Mar 27, 6:46 AM

#25

damnit_tomioka

Offline

Oct 2023

see, from my perspective, it's good. that's all, i don't care about anything else but definitely not the greatest or even one of the bests.. it's just an anime which is quite good if you love fights with a simple story to back things up. I haven't read the manhwa or anything.

Mar 27, 7:24 AM

#26

Fazerlin

Offline

Nov 2021

The story is mid. The anime is carried by animation and weirdly by aura moments if you want to call it that way. Still I'm enjoying the show, but it lacks depth in every way.

Mar 27, 7:54 AM

#27

BlightYT

Offline

Dec 2024

Its average. Could be better but I will still watch it

Mar 27, 9:42 AM

#28

Unknown_Guy100

Online

Nov 2024

142

Story is interesting in start, becomes average but still not unbearable, but then they suddenly increase the scale of world building and other characters get a bit more attention...and I loved the LN ending. Then I started reading sl Ragnarok and honestly it was insanely good...in terms of writing...

Why are the ratings so low.....is it that bad.... because personally I am enjoying the show....it's fun... Action is good and all but I love the charecter interactions...

Mar 27, 9:58 AM

#29

ywax_

Offline

Feb 2022

Honestly, Solo Leveling has an alright storyline pretty basic if you ask me, it also has that videogame concept which isn't really original but still with the fights it balances out being an average yet entertaining show. I enjoyed s1 of SL and gave it a 9/10, after that I read the manhwa, finished it, and thought it was great. But when s2 came out it was underwhelming to say the least and I don't know why. The first season was much better for me, so I'd give s2 a 7/10 unfortunately.
Also, I don't care about the animation of a show UNLESS its really good or really bad, Solo Leveling has inconsistent animation imo.

Being generous,
Overall solid 8/10
(I don't really give high ratings to shows that are packed with too much action and have a weak storyline)

Mar 27, 10:22 AM

#30

Natedog22

Offline

Apr 2023

I’d say it’s somewhere between bad and average. It’s just very generic and unoriginal. The show is hard carried by its action sequences

Mar 27, 10:24 AM

#31

LostSpectre

Online

Jan 2013

6538

Great. But, only if you're not looking for the show to be something it isn't.

If you reply back to me and I never respond, I lost interest and don't care. Sorry about that.

Mar 27, 12:00 PM

#32

Stanleyliam1990

Offline

Oct 2020

story is a solid 4/10 but thats not the reason people watch the show. its all about the a super op character who has good fights. its story is overrated by far but the fights are what grip us into watching this show and wanting more. Simple show for simple minds and we all can't stop watching lmao 😆

Mar 27, 1:23 PM

#33

Krispy76

Offline

Feb 2022

I would say that the anime was made for people who have read either the LN, or the manga... it's the only explanation to why they have glossed over the bigger picture in the back ground... they hint at it but it's not explained well... I am one of those who owns both the LN's and the mangas, and will probably buy the anime box set when they're done simply because they did a great job at bringing one of my favorites to life... also in the LN and in the manga, his last fight (ep12) was not as easy as it looked in the anime... neither was his fight vs igris... if you enjoy the show, take the time to read one of the other medians... it's worth it...
except the end... avoid the end... just stop reading before the cup... the end ticked me off... I won't spoil it since it looks like they are planning on doing the full story...

Mar 27, 4:15 PM

#34

mariox7777

Offline

Aug 2012

141

The story structure isn't unique, but what sets it apart from other anime is how the story is told. I did not think much of season 1 as I get tired of the "level up" stuff. He is powerful, but he struggles in the big fights. Yea, it is cheesy that he survives the poison by getting a new skill, but I can overlook some things like that.

I love that he isn't an OP idiot, or OP and wins every battle with ease like many anime. Hard for me to describe what exactly I really enjoy about Solo Leveling season 2, but I really enjoy watching it enough to give it a 10/10.

Mar 27, 4:41 PM

#35

Kreshre

Offline

Mar 2019

329

it's really good but there is one upcoming that could surpass it which is orv solo leveling is a 9 out of 10 orv so far is 9.8 or just 10

Mar 27, 7:54 PM

#36

XenaAxel

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Jul 2024

Solo leveling started good then became average (my opinion)

Mar 27, 9:29 PM

#37

Simplyy_rosan

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Sep 2024

AryanAvhad_98 said:
A Solid 9/10 for great storyline and characters
story is getting better and I think in the end of season 2 there will be some cliffhanger that will force me to read the manhwa .Even at this moment I haven't tried to read manhwa but I'm sure I'm going to after this season

Great what?💀🤡
As a One Piece anime, ORV, and TBATE fan, the solo leveling story is below average.

Mar 27, 9:30 PM

#38

GallowglassVT

Offline

Apr 2023

Honestly, pretty average from what I've seen of the anime, but I don't hold that against it since, while it had the potential to be something deeper, it's not trying to be much beyond a power fantasy, albeit one that's not nearly as blatant about it as a lot of the other stuff currently clogging up the market.

Mar 27, 9:54 PM

#39

AryanAvhad_98

Offline

Dec 2022

Reply to Simplyy_rosan

Great what?💀🤡
As a One Piece anime, ORV, and TBATE fan, the solo leveling story is below average.

@Simplyy_rosan dumba** that's my personal opinion😂 as a one piece fan and not even adding it to your favourites🤡

AryanAvhad_98Mar 27, 9:58 PM

Mar 27, 10:49 PM

#40

DGemu

Offline

Nov 2013

2145

Pretty bad, but no ones watching for that. Its a manhwa man. They are mostly mid - bad in story, but great in art.

Mar 28, 2:25 AM

#41

Ridzaxster

Offline

Oct 2021

618

Story: Mid 8/10
Animation & Action : Great 9/10

Mar 28, 3:33 AM

#42

UTMAN

Offline

May 2008

471

Up until Jeju I would say consistently 8/10.

During Jeju it falls like 3/10. The story has serious issues in that arc. We'll see after if it can re-bounce or just digs itself even deeper.

Mar 28, 3:48 AM

#43

dusk1k

Offline

Jan 2017

The story is mediocre and we can tell because we have direct comparisons to juxtapose the portrayal of similar concepts. Beneath the flashy effects something meretricious in essence yields nothing memorable

Mar 28, 6:08 AM

#44

artfxl

Offline

Mar 2024

imo the main issue is that they arent even trying to make the story deeper, like 99% of the show is just glazing sungjinwoo and fights the pacing is imo 2 fast should have been 24 eps

Artfxl

Mar 28, 6:27 AM

#45

RyBreadMAL

Offline

Sep 2022

Bad story. So generic it’s almost unique

Mar 28, 7:48 AM

#46

diasluah_

Offline

Aug 2023

The game is working well for other hunters' back stories, origins, and with new hunters from other countries as well, and all their connections to Jinwoo. I thought they would use the anime as an opportunity to use it and correct the path of the story, but they're doing just the bare minimum

Mar 28, 10:25 AM

#47

Yusukethegoat

Offline

Feb 2024

The story is just ok and that's fine. It does what it needs to do and it does it well. It's the same as revenge plots, they are simple and we all know what will happen but that doesn't necessarily mean the plot is bad. I also wouldn't say that it is not interesting because they do explore the mystery of the world and why the mc has his abilities.

Mar 28, 8:36 PM

#48

Leon888

Offline

Dec 2017

1882

Reply to TheLastCrusaders

@TheLastCrusaders Great characters like Mushoku? But if Mushoku's characters are complete garbage. Also you said a lot of bullshit about the graphics, it doesn't even come close to more polished products like demon slayer or jujutsu kaisen ☠️

Mar 28, 8:37 PM

#49

Leon888

Offline

Dec 2017

1882

Reply to Phantom_Siren652

It’s a simple story but I think it’s done well and simple doesn’t mean bad.

@Phantom_Siren652 It's not a well-made story, in the end there are more questions than answers and this is serious if we consider that the plot is banal

Mar 28, 8:38 PM

#50

Leon888

Offline

Dec 2017

1882

Reply to AryanAvhad_98

@AryanAvhad_98 9/10? Seriously? What kind of plot would Jinwoo beat up everyone? What kind of awesome characters would it have that all look like bots? People really don't have a shred of intelligence in evaluating things ☠️

See All Discussions

Poll: » Which season of Solo Leveling do you prefer? MillerEvans2001 - 2 hours ago	15	by Unknown_Guy100 »» 2 minutes ago
» What's there to dislike about the story? removed-user - Mar 18	49	by wownine_ »» 2 hours ago
Poll: » Ore dake Level Up na Ken Season 2: Arise from the Shadow Episode 8 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) Stark700 - Feb 22	322	by Furittzu »» 2 hours ago
» Solo Leveling is trash ( 1 2 3 4 ) FlashKnightAnime - Mar 23	163	by wownine_ »» 2 hours ago
» How far are we in the story after season 2? Blue_Maroon - Mar 29	11	by Abraham800 »» 4 hours ago

Solo Leveling's Story: Good, Bad, or Average?

More topics from this board

Poll: » Which season of Solo Leveling do you prefer?

» What's there to dislike about the story?

Poll: » Ore dake Level Up na Ken Season 2: Arise from the Shadow Episode 8 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page )

» Solo Leveling is trash ( 1 2 3 4 )

» How far are we in the story after season 2?

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