Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Power-fantasy series is a perfect way to shut off your mind and just enjoy adrenaline-inducing fights. Seeing a character go from absolutely nothing to everything is gratifying beyond measure, and that isSolo Levelingin a nutshell. Even a simple concept like that can work wonders when executed well. Sung Jinwoo’s journey inSolo Levelingwas gradual and not something he got as a blessing.
He worked hard to achieve his power, which made his journey more enjoyable for fans. However, there’s more to the appeal ofSolo Levelingand many such stories that famous mangaka and animation producer Atsushi Kaneko delved into during an interview.
Atsushi Kaneko onSolo Leveling’s Popularity
When people think about the success ofSolo Leveling, they often think of the glorious art style seen in the manhwa or the overpowered protagonist. While these aspects have definitely contributed to the overall popularity of the series.
Atsushi Kaneko shared what he believed works for the most popular anime-manga series, during aninterview with NME. It’s essentially escapism and how fictional stories facilitate it. Kaneko put this entire concept and his experience with it into simple words.
I wanted to escape reality… When I couldn’t speak to the girl that I liked or when I couldn’t win over classmates… I wanted some kind of sanctuary or place that I could escape into – and that was a game or manga for me.
Kaneko’s words would resonate with many fans who found solace in the power-fantasy setting ofSolo Leveling. Unlike the real world which has various factors holding back a person’s growth, Sung Jinwoo’s journey only depended on how far he was willing to go. He could turn his power into anything as long as he pushed himself without giving up.
A-1 Studios Cannot Afford to Waste Solo Leveling’s Most Underused Character After the Manhwa Reduced Her to a Love Interest
Seeing him achieve things through sheer hard work probably validated the feelings of many fans. They could live this power-fantasy through Jinwoo’s perspective and sometimes, that is enough. Having a glorious break where everything works out is sometimes all one needs to battle the difficulties of complex daily life.
This is not only true forSolo Levelingbut all fictional stories to some extent. However, it’s the same thing that fans tend to overlook as they delve into critical analysis of shows that purely exist for entertainment.
Fans Usually Overlook What Kaneko Appreciated
As Kaneko pointed out, it’s the joy or the few moments of bliss you experience through someone else’s journey that attracts fans to fantasy worlds. Sometimes, it’s the sole reason why fans like stories that might not be narratively as strong. Earlier, anime and manga used to be a niche interest that felt personal to fans because of the obscurity. But as they have become mainstream, the discourse surrounding them has shifted to become more serious.
The Solo Leveling Anime Needs to Step Away from the Original Manhwa to Fix a Major Problem that Haunted Every Fan
Fans are constantly trying to judge series on the basis of how good the characters are or how solid the narrative is. One plothole and shoot, you’re no good! Many fans fail to realize that sometimes all one needs is the few moments of bliss. If a fictional series succeeds in providing those moments, fans would probably love it and share that love with the community.
And, when someone does that, instead of judging them for their bad taste, one can simply reminisce about their own guilty pleasure, and things would fall into place. And the internet being the colossal world that is, you’ll find fans who both support your guilty pleasures and question you for them, and both don’t matter as long you enjoy a Sung Jinwoo leveling up as if it’s your own journey.
Solo Leveling Animeis available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Laveena Joshi
Anime Writer
Articles Published :925
Laveena is an anime content writer at FandomWire. Having written more than 800 articles, she’s an expert in mainstream shonen series, ranging from the bizarre world of JoJo’s to the expansive worldbuilding of One Piece.With her formal education in Journalism and Mass Communication, she explores entertainment journalism through the lens of anime and manga, from mainstream and classic titles to niche and obscure ones.
More from Laveena Joshi
10 Shonen Anime That Treat Their Female Characters Right
‘My Hero Academia’ Releases Trailer for the Final Season and Studio Bones Is Not Holding Back
10 Anime That Never Got the Sequel Season They Deserve
Recommended
Severance Season 3: Why Isn’t Ben Stiller Directing? Details Inside
Timo Tjahjanto Shades Keanu Reeves Film: Why is Nobody 2 Not a Desperate John Wick Ripoff?
Why Is Sharon Stone Dissing Basic Instinct Reboot Despite Years of Clout? Details Inside
Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep Circling Same Role In Cameron Crowe’s Next Big Bet: Reports
What Did Justin Baldoni Say to Isabela Ferrer? Alarming Revelation in Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
solo levelingSolo Leveling anime
