Why Solo Leveling is Overhyped: A Critical Analysis

Solo Leveling has taken the anime and manhwa world

by storm, with a massive fanbase and widespread acclaim. However, as with any popular series, there are reasons why some believe it is overhyped. While it offers an exciting power fantasy and stunning artwork, Solo Leveling is not without its flaws. In this blog, we will analyze why Solo Leveling may not live up to the immense hype surrounding it.

1. Predictable Power Fantasy Tropes

Solo Leveling follows a classic power fantasy formula where the protagonist, Jinwoo, starts as weak but rapidly ascends to god-like strength. While this trope can be enjoyable, it lacks the depth and complexity seen in other series. Unlike nuanced characters who struggle, fail, and grow through hardship, Jinwoo’s journey is mostly about gaining overwhelming power effortlessly.

2. Lack of Meaningful Character Development

One of the biggest criticisms of Solo Leveling is its lack of strong character development. Jinwoo, the protagonist, starts as a weak and timid hunter but quickly transforms into an unstoppable force. However, beyond his power increase, his personality doesn’t change significantly. Unlike other protagonists in well-written stories who undergo emotional and psychological development, Jinwoo remains mostly the same, making it difficult for audiences to relate to or feel invested in him beyond his strength.

3. Weak Supporting Cast

A great story is often defined by its supporting characters, but Solo Leveling’s side characters tend to be underdeveloped. Most of them serve as mere spectators who exist to react to Jinwoo’s power rather than having meaningful arcs of their own. Compared to series like One Piece, Attack on Titan, or My Hero Academia, where secondary characters have depth and agency, Solo Leveling’s supporting cast feels forgettable and one-dimensional.

4. Overuse of Repetitive Plot Elements

Solo Leveling tends to repeat the same formulaic structure throughout its story:

• Jinwoo faces an enemy.

• The enemy underestimates him.

• He overpowers them effortlessly.

• The world is shocked by his strength.

While this format is thrilling at first, it quickly becomes predictable and loses its impact. Unlike series that constantly evolve their storytelling, Solo Leveling sticks to a rigid formula, making later chapters feel repetitive.

5. Lack of a Strong Antagonist

A well-written antagonist can elevate a story, but Solo Leveling struggles in this department. The enemies Jinwoo faces are either faceless monsters or overconfident humans who serve as stepping stones for his growth. Unlike iconic villains such as Madara Uchiha (Naruto), Aizen (Bleach), or Johan Liebert (Monster), Solo Leveling’s antagonists lack the depth, motivations, and presence to be truly memorable.

6. Minimal World-Building

Many successful fantasy stories thrive on expansive world-building that immerses the audience in their universe. Solo Leveling, however, provides only surface-level world-building. While the idea of gates, hunters, and dungeons is interesting, it isn’t deeply explored or expanded upon in meaningful ways. The story primarily focuses on Jinwoo’s strength rather than exploring the intricacies of its world.

7. Reliance on Visuals Over Storytelling

One of Solo Leveling’s strongest aspects is its stunning artwork. The detailed character designs, intense fight scenes, and dynamic paneling elevate the reading experience. However, some argue that the series relies too heavily on visuals rather than strong storytelling. While great artwork enhances a story, it shouldn’t be a substitute for depth and compelling narratives.

8. Overhyped by the Fandom

The Solo Leveling fanbase is incredibly passionate, which is both a strength and a weakness. While enthusiasm is great, the over-the-top praise often leads to unrealistic expectations for newcomers. Many fans claim it’s the “greatest manhwa ever,” which can set up new readers for disappointment when they realize it follows a familiar power fantasy structure.

9. Lack of Emotional Stakes

Great stories have emotional depth—moments that make readers laugh, cry, or feel deeply connected to the characters. Solo Leveling, however, prioritizes action over emotional storytelling. While it has some touching moments, they are few and far between, making it difficult to form a strong emotional connection to the narrative.

10. Comparison to Other Series

When compared to other legendary series, Solo Leveling struggles to hold up in terms of depth and storytelling. Series like Berserk, Vinland Saga, and Fullmetal Alchemist offer rich narratives, complex characters, and intricate themes. Solo Leveling, while entertaining, lacks the same depth and often feels like a “fast food” experience—fun in the moment but not as satisfying in the long run.

Conclusion: Enjoyable but Overhyped

Solo Leveling is an exciting and visually stunning series that delivers an enjoyable power fantasy experience. However, its flaws—such as predictable storytelling, weak character development, and lack of depth—make it fall short of being a masterpiece. While it’s a fun read, the hype surrounding it often exaggerates its actual quality. For fans of action-packed stories, Solo Leveling is a great choice, but those looking for deep narratives and character development may find it lacking.