Review of Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow
Solo Leveling, some might say, the quintessential of power fantasy. It might be basic and a bit cliché, but it sure is entertaining. If you’re looking for an anime to watch for the action with strong MC who solos everything, this is probably what you want to watch. Cool fight scenes and pretty good animation, everything you could ever ask for in an action power fantasy anime. Story 7/10: While the story might not have done anything extraordinary (yet), it does the world building quite well. Would love to see what the story has to offer in future seasons (If season 3 gets announced). Most of theseason is just Sung Jin-Woo stepping up at the direst moments, which gets somewhat repetitive. Still, the fight scenes are as entertaining as ever.
Characters 8/10:
Solo Leveling does have an interesting cast and design. In terms of writing and depth, there is a lack of character depth in characters other than our main MC, Sung Jin-Woo. Some characters might be introduced. Later, after their arc ends, they just become irrelevant. (From what I’ve heard, the Manhwa explores characters and the world better). Only a couple of characters are focused on in the show.
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Development 6/10:
Compared to season 1, Jin-Woo’s character doesn’t go through a drastic change. What I like about Jin-Woo is at least they didn’t write the MC as a cold person who lacks emotion. In season 2, Jin-Woo is the guy who emits main character energy —even the cast admits it— and saves everyone in the process. That is just who he is.
Atmosphere 9/10:
The atmosphere in the show is quite good. Part of it can be contributed by the OST, which is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano. The atmosphere adds to the scenes: in emotional scenes, you feel with the characters; in intense scenes, you can feel the stakes, how dire the situation is.
Storytelling 9/10:
The story knows that you are here for “Actions and Fight Scenes”, and it gives you just that. Each arc is quite short, but quite well-paced, not too rushed or dragged out. Every single moment in the series has something to do with the story, rarely a filler/ unnecessary scene. A lot of people love to talk about the cliffhanger in the show, which is devious. It makes you want to watch the next episode immediately, hooking you into the series.
Animation 10/10:
A-1 standard, as expected, adapted the anime quite well. Fight scenes are better animated than season 1. Not really nitpicking the animation quality that much.
Personal Enjoyment 8/10:
As mentioned earlier, the show is entertaining, but I would love to see characters other than Jin-Woo. I feel like if more depth could be added to those characters, exploring these characters might add to the story, making us want to see them on screen. If you’re watching it solely for the fight then this is definitely the show you want to watch.