Solo Leveling is one of the most popular web novels and manhwas of all time, captivating readers with its intense battles, overpowered protagonist, and thrilling progression. However, some fans feel that it is overhyped due to its predictable storyline, lack of character depth, and reliance on common power fantasy tropes. In this blog, we will explore why Solo Leveling might not live up to the immense hype surrounding it.
The Predictable Storyline
One of the main criticisms of Solo Leveling is its predictable plot. From the moment Sung Jin-Woo gains his powers, the story follows a repetitive pattern:
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Jin-Woo encounters an overwhelming enemy.
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He struggles initially but quickly overcomes the challenge.
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He levels up and gains new, seemingly invincible abilities.
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Repeat.
This formula, while exciting at first, becomes monotonous as readers can almost always predict the outcome of fights. The absence of real tension makes it difficult to feel invested in Jin-Woo’s journey, as there is never any doubt that he will win.
Lack of Depth in Side Characters
Another issue is the lack of character development outside of Jin-Woo. While he gets an extensive power-up arc, most of the supporting cast remains one-dimensional. Characters such as Cha Hae-In and Baek Yoon-Ho have interesting premises but receive minimal development. Instead of exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and struggles, the story focuses almost entirely on Jin-Woo’s strength and battles.
Overuse of Power Fantasy Tropes
Solo Leveling thrives on power fantasy elements, which can be both a strength and a weakness. While it’s fun to watch Jin-Woo go from weak to overpowered, the lack of real stakes diminishes the impact of his journey. Unlike other series where protagonists face meaningful consequences, Solo Leveling rarely challenges Jin-Woo in a way that feels genuine. He never truly loses, and there is no serious threat to his dominance.
The Ragnarok Arc and Jin-Woo’s Disappearance
One of the biggest talking points among fans is Sung Jin-Woo’s disappearance during Ragnarok. This event, which occurs near the conclusion of the story, has sparked many discussions. Here’s what happened:
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The Final Battle Against the Monarchs: As the ultimate showdown between the Rulers and Monarchs escalates, Jin-Woo stands as humanity’s last hope. His powers, having reached an unimaginable level, allow him to stand against the greatest threats to existence.
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The Temporal Reset: To prevent the destruction of the world, Jin-Woo makes the ultimate decision. Using the Cup of Reincarnation, he resets time, erasing the catastrophic events from history and ensuring a peaceful world where no one remembers the tragedies that unfolded.
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His Self-Imposed Isolation: Since the new timeline no longer required a Shadow Monarch, Jin-Woo chose to exist outside of time, essentially disappearing from the world. He sacrifices his presence so that others can live without fear of the war between Rulers and Monarchs.
The Impact of His Disappearance
While this conclusion was meant to be emotional and profound, some fans felt it was an unsatisfying resolution. By removing himself from the equation, Jin-Woo erases much of the story’s impact. While it ties up loose ends, it also eliminates the stakes that made the final battle meaningful.