After the conclusion of season 2, while the audience is eagerly awaiting the next installment, some dedicated fans of the manhwa have expressed their disappointment with the changes made in the anime adaptation.
Solo Leveling remains a highly popular manhwa that was beloved even before its anime adaptation. Although the anime has made efforts to stay true to the original storyline, several minor changes, particularly in the finale of season 2, have left some fans feeling uneasy.
Key Changes in the Anime Solo Leveling
Sung Jinwoo Becomes a True Hero
The most significant arc revolves around the main character, Sung Jinwoo. While his core traits like strength, determination, and desires remain intact, the changes in his personality introduced a notable difference. In the manhwa, after the battle with Kang Tae-Shik, Jinwoo discovers a surviving shadow. To grow stronger in this realm, he makes a pact with a hidden goblin. This scene was omitted in the anime, which alters the “gray” dynamic in Jinwoo’s character development.
Cha Hae-In’s Introduction Alters the Narrative
Cha Hae-In, who first appears in chapter 65 of the manhwa, is introduced much earlier in the anime, starting from the very first episode. This early introduction helps audiences familiarize themselves with this beloved character sooner. This change significantly influences the conclusion of episode 12 of season 2. After defeating the Ant King, Jinwoo and his party assist Hae-In and even use a Life Potion to save her.
At this point in the manhwa, Hae-In is still quite distant from Jinwoo, and her willingness to utilize a rare item for Jinwoo’s benefit is not present. The anime enhances Hae-In’s appearances and develops a scenario where Jinwoo shows interest in those around him to justify this change.
Other Characters Contribute to Jinwoo’s “Humanization”
In the final episode of season 2, Jinwoo sacrifices Min Byung-Gyu as a shadow soldier to save Cha Hae-In. The anime portrays this scene in a more “heroic” light. Byung-Gyu’s spirit ultimately responds to Jinwoo’s request to resurrect for Hae-In. However, in the manhwa, Byung-Gyu’s spirit had previously resisted resurrection multiple times, believing that it was an immoral act, and finally, he was compelled by Jinwoo. Despite these differences, the essence of Jinwoo’s readiness to tackle challenges remains intact, highlighting his growth as a character.
Why Do Fans Feel Disappointed?
For many fans of the manhwa, these changes represent a significant shift as they directly affect Jinwoo’s character development. He is certainly the protagonist of the story, but the questions surrounding his character’s depth and moral complexity make him a more compelling figure. The anime has tried to portray Jinwoo in a “brighter” light, which may attract a larger audience. However, while the “gray” aspects of his character remain in the anime, they lack the depth present in the manhwa.
Transforming a beloved manhwa into an anime while staying true to its original essence is always a challenging task. Although some fans feel disheartened by these changes, the popularity of the anime suggests that a significant portion of the audience is still enjoying it and eagerly awaiting the next season.
Source: Gamerant
