Why Solo Leveling Is Just a Mid Anime (At Least For Now)

It’s flashy, hyped-up, and visually stunning—but does Solo Leveling truly deliver?

For years, anime fans have eagerly awaited the adaptation of Solo Leveling, one of the most beloved manhwas around. Its arrival promised high-octane action, sleek animation, and a story designed for maximum power fantasy appeal. Now that it’s finally here, the buzz has quieted down significantly, leaving viewers with a nagging question: Is Solo Leveling actually good, or is it just mid?

Here’s why this anime isn’t exactly living up to the towering expectations.

Generic Storytelling (We’ve Seen This Before)

At its core, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, a weak hunter who suddenly gains an RPG-like system that allows him to rapidly power up. On paper, it’s a fun premise. But watching it unfold feels oddly familiar—almost predictable. Jinwoo’s journey doesn’t offer many surprises or twists, sticking strictly to a formula we’ve experienced countless times before.

Without fresh takes or meaningful narrative stakes, the show struggles to stand out from other anime tackling similar setups, such as That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime or even Arifureta. It leaves viewers craving something more inventive.

All Style, Little Substance

Let’s give credit where it’s due: the visuals are undeniably impressive. A-1 Pictures has poured serious effort into crafting eye-catching action sequences filled with dynamic movement and vibrant special effects. But once the flashy battles end, the cracks start to show.

Dialogue frequently feels wooden, pacing noticeably slows in quieter moments, and there’s rarely much emotional payoff between high-stakes battles. The show leans too heavily on spectacle, neglecting deeper character interactions or meaningful world-building. It’s visually satisfying in bursts but disappointingly hollow overall.

Sung Jinwoo: Powerful Yet Bland

Jinwoo ticks all the boxes of a badass protagonist—he’s calm, confident, and stylishly unstoppable. However, his near-total lack of vulnerability or personal struggle makes it hard to genuinely care about him. Early episodes show promise, but as Jinwoo rapidly evolves into an unbeatable hero, he loses much-needed depth.

Characters like Yuji Itadori (Jujutsu Kaisen) or Denji (Chainsaw Man) work because their immense strength comes paired with relatable humanity. Jinwoo, meanwhile, feels more like an invincible video game avatar—cool to watch but emotionally distant and static.

The Supporting Cast Is Forgettable

Aside from Jinwoo, the rest of the cast barely registers. Characters such as Jinho and the various hunter guild members rarely rise beyond background decoration, seemingly existing only to propel Jinwoo’s journey forward. The lack of engaging relationships or meaningful subplots makes these secondary characters easily forgettable.

For an anime relying heavily on community, guild dynamics, and rivalries, this is a glaring weakness. Without well-rounded supporting characters, it’s difficult to invest emotionally or care about the stakes.

The Power Scaling Dilemma

Jinwoo’s rise from weakling to powerhouse occurs so quickly that it undermines any sense of real danger or suspense. Battles soon become predictable showcases for Jinwoo’s unstoppable growth rather than genuine challenges or moments of tension. After a while, the excitement fades, replaced by repetitive scenes of effortless victories.

Good power fantasies typically balance overwhelming strength with clever strategy or genuine risks. Solo Leveling hasn’t found that balance yet, making Jinwoo’s progression feel less like growth and more like a predetermined outcome.

Final Thoughts

While Solo Leveling offers visually thrilling fights and sleek animation, the lack of compelling storytelling, meaningful character development, and balanced power dynamics keeps it firmly in “mid” territory. It’s entertaining enough to binge on a weekend but not groundbreaking enough to linger in your thoughts afterward.