Solo Leveling Episode 14 Review: A-1 Pictures Has Cracked the Code of Perfecting Manhwa Adaptations

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I have readSolo Leveling’sManhwa far too many times and when I say that the anime adaptation had me gasping, take my word for it. The first season had basically been setting up for what the actual story is about and if you’re confused about Baruka’s peculiar glitch, you have no idea what’s coming. The episode was not only fun to watch but the absolute aura exhibited by Sung Jinwoo is what many would drop their hats over.

Solo Leveling

He is a man who knows his strength but he is also a man who knows the limits of that strength. Whether it is pertaining to the depleting mana or simply facing foes that are significantly stronger than him, he handles it all with a certain charm. There were subtle changes throughout the episode that made the payout so much more worth it, especially with Baruka and Sung Jinwoo’s fight.

Solo Leveling is not holding back this season

I have always criticizedSolo Leveling’smanhwa for the many ways in which it lacks. From certain scenes and underdeveloped characters to the ending itself. The anime is not one to ignore those flaws either. Instead, it takes those imperfections and transforms them into this masterpiece of a project that has rightfully been turning heads. While some would call it an overrated anime, they clearly watched this episode. My only issue was with how the anime cut out Jinwoo summoning the ice bears and Tank, depriving fans of another extraordinary moment.

My big complaint from the previous season had been the lack of humor and boy did they listen. It is one thing to admit something is wrong and another to act on it. A-1 Pictures did the latter, listening to the biggest demand fans had in bringing back the comedic side of the manhwa into the anime. It adds more to their personality even as shadow soldiers. Iron celebrating his win against Baruka was so cute, I’m glad they kept it in.

Solo Leveling

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This season only has two episodes so far and I have no issues with how well it is proving its run. The anime-original scenes work in favor of the story, fixing some pacing issues and contributing to character traits such as Baruka’s invitation for Sung Jinwoo and Igris to join Iron in their fight. Another was Song Yi’s look, making her attraction to the protagonist more obvious and subtle at the same time. It acts more like a child’s infatuation to a stronger individual rather than actual attraction.

The meaning of a cool character

If I were to start praising the fight sequence, I don’t think I’d be able to stop. I had been very critical aboutSolo Levelingin the past but this season is actively proving me wrong. The entire fight between Baruka, Sung Jinwoo, Iron, and Igris had me holding my breath even though I knew the outcome by heart. Its execution was smooth, the animation unsurprisingly impressive, and the characters themselves stood out.

As an action anime, it is understandable that the primary focus should be on scenes like these but making those very characters secondary is why the manhwa was never my favorite. However, I cannot say the same for the anime. It was shown in multiple instances in this very episode that Jinwoo’s strength doesn’t come from his shadow soldiers alone. He is a skilled fighter, capable of taking on someone as strong as Baruka and his ice elves in a single slash.

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I had honestly forgotten just how cool of a character he was until I watched this episode and I would be lying if I said I don’t want to see more of that. I often find myself skipping anime openings no matter how good they are but, for some reason, I cannot. The entire episode he was just a character showing off his strength and having fun despite the threat standing before him. There is a certain way to do overpowered characters and this is whySolo Leveling’sprotagonist stands out so much.

The interaction between Baek Yoon-Ho and Hwang Dongsoo was also beautifully done. The tension of witnessing a fight between two S-Rank Hunters could be felt throughout the scene and my favorite character Woo Jin-Chul thankfully came to save the day. If the anime continues to keep up this pace, I’m afraid I might explode with happiness.

Solo Leveling

Rating: 9/10

Solo Levelingis available to watch on Crunchyroll.