“Solo Leveling” Rises to the Top of the Anime Industry
“Solo Leveling” has firmly established itself as a leading title in the anime industry, continuously achieving success as an adaptation of light novels that do not originate from Japan. However, while fans are eagerly awaiting news about “Solo Leveling Season 3,” another outstanding light novel from China, “The Lord of Mysteries,” is gaining traction and may soon capture the attention of anime enthusiasts.
Nonetheless, before its official release, “The Lord of Mysteries” is facing a significant challenge that could potentially overshadow “Solo Leveling” in the international market.
“The Lord of Mysteries” Could Surpass All Anime by 2025, But There’s a Catch
“The Lord of Mysteries” is a highly acclaimed isekai web novel, and its animated adaptation is expected to be one of the most exciting series coming in the summer of 2025. The narrative has garnered international attention due to its well-developed characters and a robust power system that has been intricately crafted within its universe. This presents significant potential for the donghua adaptation, ensuring the series gains widespread recognition globally. However, the only thing that may hinder “The Lord of Mysteries” from reaching high acclaim is not the quality of the story or animation but rather its accessibility.
Despite a vibrant marketing campaign promoting the series, there has yet to be any announcement regarding licensing for international streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll or Netflix. Currently, “The Lord of Mysteries” has only been confirmed for release on Tencent’s platform, which primarily caters to Chinese audiences, unlike BiliBili, which has a broader international reach. This lack of international access could leave “The Lord of Mysteries” struggling to find a foothold among Western audiences.
“Lord of Mysteries” Needs to Follow in the Footsteps of Other Donghua Like “To Be Hero X”
Moreover, unlike popular donghua such as “Link Click” or “To Be Hero X,” it remains unclear whether “Lord of the Mysteries” will have an English or Japanese dubbed version. Previously, there was a slight indication about the potential for an English version from the author of “Lord of Mysteries,” Cuttlefish, which has left many fans hopeful for multiple dubbed versions as the author continues to focus on the original text.
However, it is also possible that an English dubbed version may emerge sooner for “The Lord of Mysteries.” Recently, the donghua “All-Devouring Whale: Homecoming,” which gained notoriety for its similarities to Pokémon, confirmed its Japanese dubbed version for release in July, just two months after its initial launch. Therefore, even if “Lord of Mysteries” does not have an immediate release, the enthusiasm from fans could help secure international licensing for the series later, typically a common occurrence for many anime.
“Lord of Mysteries” Has More Potential to Replace “Solo Leveling”
The appeal of “Solo Leveling” is undeniable. While its captivating battles, well-designed main character, and stunning animation have contributed to its success, the series also faces criticism for its lack of depth in character development and world-building.
In contrast, “Lord of Mysteries” with its light novel demonstrates considerable potential in crafting intricate narratives and outstanding character interactions. Furthermore, the animation showcased in trailers, featuring exhilarating battles and breathtaking visuals, has already captured the audience’s attention even before its release.
Despite having a different narrative focus, “Lord of Mysteries” shares several thematic elements with “Solo Leveling,” such as the protagonist’s steady rise to god-like power, character growth, and epic battles, all while maintaining high-quality storytelling and continuously engaging plots over time. However, “Lord of Mysteries” also leans more towards the unique Victorian mystery style, presenting an elaborate setting and aesthetics that create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere with its dark color palette and intriguing secrets that leave viewers spellbound.
Although “Lord of Mysteries” might face some initial hurdles, particularly in focusing on world-building, there is no doubt that once it gets underway, this series is poised to rapidly develop into an unforgettable viewing experience.
Source: Screenrant
