| Other title | Only I Level Up |
|---|---|
| Species | Action, Fantasy |
| Project | Dubu (Redice Studio) |
| Script | Chugong |
| Volumes | 15 (including side stories) |
| Chapters |
|
| Run | 4/3/18 – 29/12/21 (main story) |
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling started as a webnovel on the Korean KakaoPage platform. Then it became his cover in webcomic/manhwa and are now, justified, one of the most famous manwha worldwide.
The difference from the other manwha of its kind
His theme revolves around the classic recipe of Dungeon manwha, where the main character learns that he can level-up through the various missions the system gives him.
But what does Solo Leveling do so different and separate from the rest of Dungeon manwhas? Firstly, to say that in this world there are the «Hunters», people who gained unique powers with the appearance of dungeons. The main character, Sung Jinwoo, is initially the weakest hunter or, as they call him «The weakest Hunter of all time».
The series manages, in a very nice way, to show us Sung Jinwoo's journey as a man who faces many challenges and has a desire to change for the better. Being a Dungeon manwha, it is reasonable to have strong data from RPG games such as missions, menu system and items storage space, as well as the type of each hunter.
A few words about history
Jinwoo, being weak, tries in every way as a hunter to earn money, to support his sister, but also his mother, who is in hospital, as he has contracted a deadly illness that put her in a coma. One day, his decision to explore a double dungeon hidden within a low-degree dungeon, leads him to a fatal injury.
Just before his end comes, his courageous behavior leads to the emergence of a mysterious window. On the verge of death, Jinwoo decides to accept «invitation» The window and then everything changes. He can now make a level-up while his system assigns various missions through the window.
The evolution of character
Jinwoo gradually changes and grows stronger over time. Manwha shows us the various situations he has to deal with, the management of his powers and the way he matures. The development of his character brings out the feeling of self-improvement at various levels. You always expect to see the other characters' reaction to his change.
Wonderful Plan with impressive action scenes
Of the very strong elements of the series is the wonderful design with excellent coloring. Personally, coloring is one of my favorites in what manwha I have read. Intense shadows and colors that match the atmosphere. The action scenes are impressive with fine battles because of the detail of design and movement.
Publications around the world
Solo Leveling finished in 2021 with 179 chapters, while in 2023 21 additional chapters were released as side stories. Since then it has been released in various languages as a manwha form with a sales record in countries such as Korea and Japan.
In English so far 13 volumes have been released in physical form which I collect and read. The first three I read were almost single-handed, while the rest quite quickly in different times due to obligations. Excellent edition with very nice racks and luxury paper.
In our country it is released in Greek by the Anubis publications. It should be noted that volumes are divided into two relative to the English version, with the price of each volume reaching almost 15 euros.
Anime
This successful manwha has also anime series equally popular since January 2024. The premiere of the second season was held last January, and was better at all points (animation, music) than the first. However, I enjoy the anime more after reading the manwha.
Fun fact!
Solo Leveling emerged «Anime of the YeaR» The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025, winning the title against powerful opponents such as Dandadan, Frieden: Beyond Journey’s End and Kaiju No. 8.
General considerations
In conclusion, the plot may be somewhat formal, but it puts you in the hole reading chapter on chapter without realizing it. You're happy with the development of the main character and you want to see how the story is going to turn out. There is a mystery around the system and the dungeons, as increasingly strange events take place. Overall the series offers the maximum of its kind and I think fans will love it.
